Guitar whisperer Richard Durrant brings Latin feel to Literature Festival

The maverick musician will bring the flavour of South America to the festival at the Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Swindon on Monday, May 9, from 8pm, mixing storytelling and music, telling tales of his journey from Brighton, to the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal College of Music in London and finally to Paraguay.

Richard lost his heart to the country in 2011 when touring Paraguay, and during this successful tour launched his first album in his Paraguayan trilogy: The Number 26 Bus to Paraguay. This album is still the only collection of Augustine Barrios’ guitar works to be launched in Paraguay by a foreign artist.

Richard, who is known for performing in bare feet, played with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, but he could also be found busking in the London Underground, playing Bob Dylan tunes, or playing tiny village halls, or rock concerts.

Last year Richard set out on his second Bach On A Bicycle tour, riding up and down the highways and byways of the UK, performing at various venues and carrying his instruments, light show, amps and equipment on his bike. He raises cash for The Big C charity based in Norwich and the Cyclists Defence Fund.

He says this is pay back for his huge carbon footprint caused by the fact he performs all over the world.

Richard produced The Secret of Life by The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain and is something of a uke expert. He also plays tenor guitar and various other instruments as well as composing his own pieces of music.

Despite his musical education in London and a debut recital at the prestigious Purcell Rooms, Richard refuses to use the C word - classical. Instead he ploughs his own musical furrow exploring electro acoustic music, improvisation, multi media and contemporary folk.

He was born in Brighton and has been inducted into the town's Walk of Fame, where he has his own interactive paving slab!

Tickets to see Richard in Swindon are £9 and £8 from 01793 524481. - Flicky Harrison