In a Company of Fiddlers (2011)
What was it about a performance more than 50 years ago that launched the singing career of the great Margaret Calloway? How does a farm girl from rural Ontario manage to perform Handel's "Messiah" with such depth and authority that it becomes the standard by which all other renditions are measured?
In a Company of Fiddlers presents the reader with a rich tapestry of interwoven storylines involving music, architecture, social conventions and the price we pay to fit into the times and spaces in which we live.
Orphans of Winter (2006)
Finalist in the 2007 ReLit Awards for Novel
An inventive Canadian combination of mystery and fantasy, Orphans of Winter encompasses themes of hockey, religion and native spirituality. An unlikely hero embarks on a quest to uncover secrets of the past leading him from Toronto to Vancouver Island to Newfoundland.
"Rob Ritchie is a skilled writer with an ear for the rhythms of the language."
- Andrew Armitage, Owen Sound Sun Times
"Ritchie is a deft storyteller, delivering a barnburner tale ..."
- Chris Young, The Toronto Star
"Ritchie's literary style lures one in by its carefully crafted and sometimes trance-like prose, capturing the innermost feelings of the characters. The author's musical background manifests itself in the lyrical quality of his writing, even while working with an utterly tough and traditionally masculine subject. This I appreciate, for even those of us who aren't sports minded are quickly hooked by the sheer power of his prose... It's a book to read ... when you don't have to get up early, because you won't be able to put it down easily." - Patricia Adams Farmer, Novel Theology Forum
Five O’Clock Shadow (2004)
In July 2004, Rob released his first CD of original material. Five O'Clock Shadow is a ten-track CD that draws from Rob's own wry and colourful sensibilities. Accessing his wide-ranging stylistic palette, these songs open the door to some of the inner reflections of a keenly observant artist.
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"Rob has a keen eye for detail and walks through everyday life capturing moments of beauty and reality in his songs; all woven together with his unique piano accompaniment."
- Jim Marino, CFMU Hamilton ON
"Fans of Rob Ritchie's songwriting are certain to be both pleased and surprised by his new solo recording "5 O'clock Shadow". The subtle character sketches we have come to expect from Rob's work are there in spades, crisply rendered with an eye for telling detail. Musically, however, there are some unexpected twists and turns. Using piano and voice, with only a few supporting instruments, Rob creates a scintillating harmonic backdrop for his clever lyrics. 5 O'clock Shadow is a delight for ear and mind."
- Joe Grant, Founding member of Tanglefoot