Originally finding fame with The McCoys and their hit, ‘Hang On Sloopy’, Rick Derringer worked with both Johnny and Edgar Winter, as well as Steely Dan, before going solo in 1973 for “All American Boy”. Co-produced with Bill Szymczyk, who would later produce the Eagles, “All American Boy” features guest appearances from Joe Walsh, Suzi Quatro and Edgar Winter, and features his best known hit, ‘Rock And Roll, Hoochie Koo’. The album also features ‘Hold’, a song co-written with a then relatively unknown Patti Smith.The bonus tracks include mono single versions of ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll, Hoochie Koo’ and ‘Teenage Love Affair’.
Produced by Rick himself, “Spring Fever” followed in 1975, and includes a revisit to the aforementioned ‘Hang On Sloopy’, as well as the Rufus Thomas classic, ‘Walkin’ The Dog’. The album includes guest appearances from Chick Corea on Moog, New York Doll David Johansen on electric harmonica, as well as both Johnny and Edgar Winter. Mono single versions of ‘Hang On Sloopy’ and ‘Don’t Ever Say Goodbye’ are included as bonus tracks.
Forsaking a strictly solo career to form the hard rocking “Derringer” band from 1976 -1978 , Rick returned to recording solo for “Guitars And Women” in 1979, co-produced by Todd Rundgren. Featuring drummer Myron Grombacher and guitarist Neil Geraldo, both from Pat Benatar’s band, the songs range from pure power pop, not surprising considering Todd Rundgren’s involvement, to near heavy metal with ‘It Must Be Love’ and ‘Need A Little Girl (Just Like You)’, written by Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen.
Rick saw in the 1980s with “Face To Face”, which completes this four CD set. Forming a strong writing partnership with bassists Donald Kisselbach, the album includes a cover of Neil Young’s classic ‘My My, Hey Hey (Out Of The Blue)’, and now includes a mono version ‘Let The Music Play’.
