Search - Rick Derringer :: Derringer

Succulent, Searing Six-Strings & Strong Songs--A Guitar Gem

hyjyljyj | Florida | 06/15/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The debut CD from Rick Derringer's power quartet Derringer is one of his finest all-around recordings, running the gamut from power pop to ballads to scorching rock & roll. The production values are consistently excellent, the guitars tasty where they need to be and blistering elsewhere. The raw, dry production of Loosen Up Your Grip is simply superb, and this track also features one of the best vocal tracks ever recorded by Rick Derringer. Stunning.The songwriting is very strong on this album; there's not really a weak song in the lot. The dual guitar interplay between Derringer and Danny Johnson is highlighted throughout, trading licks hot as molten lava on Sailor and the classic Beyond the Universe, still a favorite at all Rick Derringer gigs. Johnson's tendency to color outside the lines a bit, at times putting on the back burner the actual KEY a given song is being played in, makes his unusual style a perfect contrapunctal complement to Derringer's jaw-dropping virtuosity. Check out the blazing, smearing tag at the end of Sailor and the delicious flange effect that closes Beyond the Universe. Extremely tasty.This CD is a great addition for aficionados of guitar pyrotechnics, and a must have for any lovers of Rick Derringer's other music. *****hyjyljyj"

Derringer . . .the band . . .

trebe | 10/27/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Talented guitarist, Rick Derringer found early success with the McCoys, and later played in both Johnny and Edgar Winter's bands. He was also a session player for acts like Steely Dan and Todd Rungren. Going solo with his infectious brand of pop rock, the baby faced "All American Boy" scored big with the hit, Rock and Hoochie Koo. After several records as a solo artist, Rick Derringer took his music in a new direction. "Derringer" was a project, that he had very high hopes for. His new band featured some talented, young musicans, particularly guitarist Danny Johnson, and drummer Vinny Appice (younger brother of rock veteran, Carmine Appice). While the group's time together was destined to be short, they did produce some of the finest recorded music in Rick Derringer's long career.There is so much that is good about this album. Rick's upbeat, devil may care approach to music is evident in most of the tunes. Songs like Envy, and Let Me In, are prime examples. Songwriting punch is added by Cynthia Weil, who provides lyrics for about half the songs. But the overriding factor is the chemistry between Rick and Danny Johnson. The two combine to bring a "heavier" sound to Derringer's music. While admittedly a long way from Judas Priest, there is still lots of firepower in this twin guitar attack, as the two can be heard trading licks throughout the album. Their different styles mesh so well together. Songs like Beyond the Universe, Loosen Up Your Grip and Comes a Woman, have an edge, missing from Rick's previous solo efforts. There is much energy and emotion in the music, and lots of fine guitar work. Rick's also does a fine job with his vocals.Rick Derringer produced the album, and these songs are tight, and played at the same tempo they would be played live. Kenny Aaronson's bouncy bass is prominent in the mix, and young drummer Vinny Appice, shows the skills that would later be featured in bands like Dio and Black Sabbath. Danny Johnson's vocal talents are showcased on his song, Sailor, a tune that would become a favorite in the band's live show. Derringer's debut album contains some great American style hard rock, which unfortunately never found a large audience. A cohesive band, with long term success, was a dream that did not materialize. Johnson and Appice would split from the band to form the short-lived group, "Axis". Derringer the band, eventually faded away, and Rick Derringer returned to being a solo artist, and sometime sideman. For whatever reason, the "Derringer" recordings are not readily available, "Sweet Evil", the second album by this band, is even better, and has yet to be issued. Fans should not miss out on this one."

Derringer

Brad Douglas | San Jose, California United States | 03/01/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In my opinion this is one of the best guitar oriented albums ever put out. Rick Derringer is one of the biggest influences on rock guitar. This album has it all, from soft melodies to driving rock guitar. If you like guitars, this album is for you!! I think you'll love it!..."