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Item Description

Arise and Dig by Fast Johnny Ricker    Rock CD

Johnny Ricker is a blazing blues/rock guitarist and slide master, leading a melt-down power trio. His incendiary guitar style and uniquely original song writing have been described as experimental, combining elements of psychedelic rock with blues traditions.

In a featured review of the November issue of The Kansas City Blues News Magazine, reviewer El Dormido writes:
“Fast Johnny Ricker's new release, ‘Arise & Dig’ is more than great guitar music. It is a mythological pilgrimage of great depth and emotion. The words and music are unified into a whole by an overarching concept, the precise execution of which qualifies this release as a masterwork.”

The current band consists of Johnny Ricker on guitar and vocals, Gary Miller on drums, and the newest member of the band, Johnny’s son, Davis Ricker, age 17, on bass guitar.
Former bass player, J. Ashley Miller performed on, produced and engineered ‘Arise & Dig”.
All songs were written by Johnny and his wife, Delight Davis.

Johnny has performed with or opened for:

THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS, LEON RUSSELL, GEORGE THOROGOOD
JUNIOR BROWN, BO DIDDLEY, SON SEALS, NICK LOWE,
SONNY LANDRETH, STORYVILLE W/ DOUBLE TROUBLE,
COMMANDER CODY, CATE BROS, THE RED DEVILS, THE BYRDS, LONNIE BROOKS, KENNY NEAL, TOMMY CASTRO,
JOE LOUIS WALKER, COREY STEVENS, TAB BENOIT, COCO MONTOYA, MARK SELBY, and more.

Johnny has performed at festivals featuring such artists as:

BOB DYLAN, B.B. KING, JOE WALSH, LUTHER ALLISON,
JONNY LANG, ALBERT KING, ETTA JAMES, JAY McSHANN and many others.

Events and venues include:

Outer Limits, NASHVILL,TN,
ComstockRock Festival, NE,
Bub City, CHICAGO, IL,
Blues Saloon, ST. PAUL, MN,
Spring Break, S. PADRE ISLAND, TX,
Zoo Bar, LINCOLN, NE,
Mardi Gras Festival, ST. LOUIS, MO,
, Blues On Grand, DES MOINES, IA,
Eureka Springs Blues Festival, AR, K.C. Blues & Jazz Festival, KCMO
18th & Vine Heritage Festival, KCMO Mojo's, COLUMBIA, MO
Liberty Hall, LAWRENCE, KS Knuckleheads, KCMO
Grand Emporium, KCMO,
BB's Lawnside BBQ, KCMO,
Uptown Theater, KCMO,
Universities of Missouri and Kansas

Quotes:

“Johnny Ricker currently holds pride of place as the BEST ELECTRIC GUITAR IN THE MIDWEST and seems poised to try for the national title - soon come. Catch Fast Johnny before you have to see him in a stadium somewhere. Wear flame retardant in you hair ‘cos this band is hot. Take my word for it.” - Stephen Davis, former music editor, Rolling Stone Magazine, author of Hammer of the Gods and Bob Marley.

“You won’t be sitting long once Fast Johnny takes the stage. Led by fast and furious guitar ace Johnny Ricker, this trio will get you on your feet. Ricker’s prowess on slide and lap steel guitars has become legendary.” - The Kansas City Star


“...Fast Johnny Ricker drives Texas blues over the edge! This three piece band explodes with deep rooted, progressive talent that sends your soul flying. On a scale of 1 to 10, this is a ‘SHA-MOKIN’ 10!” - Music City BLUESLETTER, Nashville, TN

{Like} Cubism and Picasso where form is exploded and then reassembled in a unique vision...creative power wielded like a welding torch, sparks flying everywhere...music storms out of his guitar. - Kansas City Blues News

“...the grittiness of Jimmy Thackery, the raw power of Jimi Hendrix, and the depth of Stevie Ray. - Tulsa Blues Society News

“If you like your guitar sound big, this one’s for you.” - CD review, Blues Access Magazine

Best Local Blues Artist/Band. - Kansas City Pitch Music Poll

“This cat is wild. This cat is mean on a guitar. Whew, man, he’s sure got some fast fingers.” - Lonnie Brooks

”Put two black cats in a burlap bag and toss them in the Missouri River. Fast Johnny is what comes boiling up.” - Pat Horton, RED HOT RECORDS

Item Special Note

NOTE:  This item must be picked up at KKFI Studios or an additional shipping and handling fee will apply.