Among England's fiddlers, Ric Sanders ranks among the most versatile. Since the mid-'80s his primary commitment has centered on the British folk-rock he performs with Fairport Convention, yet he has demonstrated equal command across an array of other styles. Experimental rock marked his work with Stomu Yamash'ta and the Red Buddah Theater as well as Soft Machine, while traditional folk came through membership in the Albion Band and jazz surfaced in a trio completed by vocalist Vikki Clayton and drummer Fred Thelonious Baker. A self-taught player, Sanders drew initial inspiration from jazz-fusion trailblazers such as John McLaughlin, Miles Davis, Chick Corea, and Josef Zawinul; his approach received further shaping from jazz violinists including Jean-Luc Ponty, Stephane Grappelli, Stuff Smith, and Joe Venuti.
Sanders launched his professional career in 1973 as a member of Stomu Yamash'ta and the Red Buddah Theater, then sustained his exploration of progressive rock's outer edges alongside Soft Machine. The band's 1978 concert recording in Paris, Alive and Well, prominently featured his fiddling. With his standing established, he moved into greater visibility through the early-'80s ensemble Second Vision, whose lineup included guitarist John Ethridge, keyboardist Dave Bristow, and drummer Mickey Baker; the group's only release, First Steps, appeared in 1980. Sanders and Ethridge later sustained their partnership in the John Ethridge/Ric Sanders Band.
In 1981 Sanders established Morgreen Studios, where he chiefly captured folk recordings by artists such as Martin Simpson and June Tabor. His engagement with British folk deepened during a period with Ashley Hutching's Albion Band, whose roster already contained several musicians previously associated with Fairport Convention. When the decision was made for Fairport Convention to reconvene for the 1985 instrumental album Glady's Leap, bassist/vocalist Dave Pegg telephoned Sanders to inquire about his participation, and Sanders promptly agreed.
Fifteen years afterward he continues as a vital contributor to Fairport's shifting sound. Beyond the band, Sanders has pursued additional projects, among them the solo albums Whenever in 1984 and Neither Time Nor Distance in 1991. In 1995 he united once more with Clayton and Baker to document the live trio set Carried Away (Speaking Volumes).
