Rick Derringer
Rock And Roll Hoochie Koo - Live

Rick Zehringer (b. 1949, USA), known artistically as Rick Derringer, formed the McCoys (four albums to their name) which lasted from '65 to '68. Subsequently, he paired with Johnny Winter and collaborated with him until the early '70s. He made his debut in 1973 with "All American Boy" (Blue Sky) which contains his most famous song, "Rock And Roll Hoochie Koo". Over the years, he collaborated with many artists including Steely Dan, Todd Rundgren, Alice Cooper, and many others. In 1976, he formed Derringer with Rick and Danny Johnson on guitars, K. Aaronson on bass, and V. Appice on drums.

This live album consists of eleven tracks totaling about sixty minutes. The music played is a rather robust, aggressive, and captivating Rock Blues, full of guitar solos. The start is precisely entrusted to his best-known track. Rick immediately unveils his technical prowess on the guitar with a series of convincing, well-structured, and extremely enjoyable solos. This track is undeniably the highlight of this concert, although in my opinion, it isn't the most thrilling one. More relaxed is "Guitar And Woman". The rather intense ballad "Jump Jump Jump" is my favorite piece, with particularly inspired solos both in technique and composition. The guitar is accompanied by an especially "tasty" and refined piano. This is one of those songs that I never tire of hearing on my stereo system. If you don't believe me, I recommend you listen to it; it won't disappoint you, at least in my opinion. "On My Way Up" is also quite valid with a guitar that almost seems capable of "talking". The solos are rapid and decisive, certainly showcasing Rick's great solo capabilities. Charming and with "simple" melodies is "Right Place, Wrong Time" with excellent brass inserts (if my hearing doesn't deceive me). A little classic. The concert concludes with "Just Another Night" by (Hunter/Ronson). Even though I have to admit that this song, in my opinion, comes across slightly "dull", despite being well played.

I also preferred not to describe all the tracks, just to not take away from the enjoyment of listening to this live album, which nonetheless contains some surprises. The cover is decent, depicting Derringer with his medium cadmium red guitar (rating 3.5). The CD is produced and distributed by Disky Communications Europe B.V. In conclusion, this is definitely an excellent concert with an outstanding recording audio quality, set up in a way that highlights Derringer's guitar, therefore recommended to all fans of solo guitarists and this musical genre.