Ricky Brown

Born: 22nd May 1945, Chopwell, County Durham, UK.

UK Blues and Rhythm & Blues bassist, who's surname often appears as the alias 'Fenson' - created from guitar names 'FENder' & 'GibSON'.

After being demobbed February 6th, 1960, the drummer Carlo Little was looking up old friends in the Cannibal Pot coffee bar in Sudbury's Harrow Road, where Little was introduced to David Sutch. The two got on well and decided to form a rhythm & blues group. They met 16 year-old guitarist Bernie Watson, who introduced them to 15 year-old bass guitarist Ricky Brown (aka Fenson/Fensen) who, in turn, introduced them to 16 year-old keyboard-player Nicky Hopkins. The group met up for a first practice in the rear hall of the Sudbury Swan pub, where it was decided that the excentric and long-haired Sutch would become their singer. Three months later the new group had perfected enough songs for an act. Thus, Screaming Lord Sutch & The Savages was born.

In January 1963, the band was augmented by singer Long John Baldry and a trio of backing vocalists, The Velvettes. During this period Brown was also guesting as a bassist with John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers. In June 1963, Brown left Cyril Davies to join Lord Sutch again.

In November 1964, Brown joined Brian Auger & The Trinity. After 2 single releases they were joined by Long John Baldry on vocals. In April 1965, the group evolved into a new band, The Steampacket. Recordings made in December 1965 were not released but, after Rod Stewart's subsequent mainstream success, the recordings were released in 1973. The Steampacket disbanded in April 1966.

Brown joined Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames for a short time, replacing Colin Green (and working with a future Hendrix drummer). However, most of The Steampacket remained to become the nucleus of a new band, Brian Auger - Julie Driscoll & The Trinity, which Brown re-joined. In March 1967 Brown left to join Georgie Fame again.

In the latter part of Brown's career he appeared with Carlo Little again in Carlo Little All Stars, working alongside Ronnie Wood's elder brother Arthur 'Art' Wood