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Review: Ricky Z. - The Long And Dusty Road

Ricky Z. - The Long And Dusty Road (Over Yonder Records)Ricky Z. – I’ve no idea what the ‘Z’ stands for – is a much-respected guitarist, composer and producer. In a career that has seen him working with artists as diverse as Micheal Bublé, Gloria Estefan and Lauryn Hill, he’s now taken the opportunity to record and release an album under his own mysterious name. Inspired by some of the great guitarists, such as Eric Clapton, Rory Gallagher and Freddie King, he’s crafted a record that is very much rooted in the blues tradition but it’s a contemporary version, which incorporates a host of associated styles, from funk to Cajun.
The respect in which an artist is held can often be judged by the company he keeps, and on “The Long And Dusty Road” Ricky is joined by several heavyweight musicians, including Bill Champlin, Lisa Kekaula (the BellRays) and keyboard whizz, Ed Roth. It’s not a particularly long album, just seven tracks long, but it feels just right. The different vocalists each bring something new and unique to the recording, and Ricky plays some wonderful blues guitar. There really isn’t an ounce of filler to be found, but if you’re looking for a couple of recommendations then first of all check out “No More”, the sort of slow burning blues rock that Roy Buchanan made his own, and features an inspired Bill Champlin vocal. For another perspective, try and hear the rockin’ “Back Where We Belong”. It chugs along in a fine fashion, and wouldn’t sound out of place on a classics radio station or one of those fancy TV advertised rock ‘n’ roll compilation box sets.http://www.rickyzonline.com/https://www.facebook.com/RickyZonline

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An Interview With Ricky Z.

Guitarist, composer, producer Ricky Z. has worked with a variety of artists including: Jessica Simpson, Lauryn Hill, Nick Lachey, Paulina Rubio, Wayne Henderson, Don Grusin, Ronnie Laws, Stix Hooper, Terry Bradford, Alejandro Sanz, Shaila Durcal, Joan Sebastian, John Novello, Juan Gabriel, Dawn Robinson (En Vogue), Manuel Quijano, Bernard Fowler, Jenny Rivera, Steve Lukather, Obi Bermudez, Micheal Buble', Kristine W., Herman Rarebell, Bobby Kimball, Jaci Velazquez, Los Trio, Cristian Castro, K-Ci, Chayanne, Carlos Ponce, Pepe' Aguilar, Composer Christopher Young, producers Humberto Gatica, Gustavo Farias, Kenny O'Brien as well as various T.V./radio commercials, television and movie scores/soundtracks (most recently NBC T.V. program "Scrubs" and a new Dennis Hopper film titled "Sleepwalking").

What more can we say? Epiphone's Kevin Sanderson recently chatted with this ultra-talented guitarist.

EPI: Tell us about the early part of your musical life and how you knew you were hooked.

RICKY Z: I've always loved music even as a young child. During my 11th summer my brother's best friend left an electric guitar at the house. With the guitar only having the top three strings, I managed to make sense of it to the point where I learned rather crude versions of Emerson, Lake, and Palmer songs. The following September I began taking lessons with a local teacher. The next year I landed my first gig. While in high school I began to work with a local country group consisting of older players (guys in their 20's and 30's) wherein I began to play clubs, playing Allman Brothers, Eagles, Linda Ronstadt tunes etc. It was all that I wanted to do; play guitar, go to school, and hang out with friends.

EPI: The list of artists you have played with is impressive. Any favorite or memorable moments that stand out?

RICKY Z: Of course, playing alongside Steve Lukather (who's been a hero of mine since those days in high school) and mostly being able to call him "friend" definitely stands out as a special life experience. I have been fortunate to know and play with many of my all-time heroes. People such as Lee Ritenour, Steve Lukather, Don Grusin, Michael Landau, Abe Laboriel Sr., Herman Rarebell, Ronnie Laws, Stix Hooper all have been very kind and supportive; just great people. Actually, to show up on the first Don Grusin date at the Jazz Bakery only to find out that I was subbing for Lee (who's name was advertised on the poster) was enough to absolutely floor me. Go figure that. Wow!

EPI: Who were the guitarists or bands that influenced you the most early on and today?

RICKY Z: My favorite players from the start have been: Wes Montgomery, Jimmy Page, Rory Gallagher, Steve Howe, Jeff Beck, Peter Frampton, Keith Emerson, Albert King, Eric Clapton, Albert Lee, Larry Carlton, George Harrison, Lee Ritenour, Steve Lukather, Brian May, Mike Campbell, Freddie King, the list is ENDLESS! In recent times, I'm quite impressed with Joe Bonamassa, Derek Trucks, and I just love Joe Robinson; this really sweet kid from Australia that I met at the Frankfurt Musik Messe this year. He is just unstoppable on guitar. Not only is his technique limitless, but he is extremely musical, and is a great guy.

EPI: Tell us a little bit about Outlaw-X.

RICKY Z: Outlaw X is a Rock'n Roll, Rhythm and Blues band I'm in with Larry Kimpel (Bassist with Alanis Morrisette, Steve Perry, Anita Baker and musical director for Frankie Beverly and Maze), drummer Herman Matthews (Kenny Loggins, Tower of Power, Tom Jones), and keyboardist Bill Steinway (Jeffery Osbourne, Natalie Cole). After supporting a wide variety of artists we decided it was time for us to play "our" music; the kind of music that that speaks to our souls. Steeped in the grand traditions of both Chicago and Delta Blues, driven by the Rock'n Roll I so loved while growing up , with country chicken picking interlaced throughout and a deep R&B pocket provided by Larry and Herman, there's really no other music I love playing more. Our first CD "Out of the Box" is currently receiving airplay in Europe and the U.S. and is available on the web through WMGW Music Worldwide, at our website outlawxtheband.com and in numerous outlets around the country. Folks can also visit us at: myspace.com/outlawxtheband. We're currently finishing our second CD titled "Short Stack" and are booking dates both on the westcoast and southeast U.S. regions. People are really responding well to the music. It's gonna be a lot of fun!

EPI: With all of the live and studio gigging you do, do you still find time to practice?

RICKY Z: I'm currently in the spot where I try to get as much practice in as I can. Sometimes after playing all day in either sessions, rehearsals, or on the road, it gets rather laborious to think of practicing more guitar. But in those times, I need only stick in a Lynyrd Skynrd Live DVD from 1976 or listen to Joe Bonamassa, or Joe Robinson to remind myself of the reason for playing guitar in the first place. The 16 yr. old kid comes out in me again and I can't wait to pick up the guitar and learn something new. I can't help it...I love it that much!

EPI: Give us a little bit of info about your Epiphones and what you like about them.

RICKY Z: I currently own two Epiphones. The first is a 70's FT-150 acoustic which has such a full, rich tone and an incredible neck which is so comfortable to play. People really flip out when they hear this guitar's ring. My second Epi is a reissue Riviera which is quite a gem. This is the guitar I used on this last tour with Luke; it's quite sexy. The Riviera has a wide, open sound; that classic Rock'n Roll jelly yet it is equally at home with Jazz and R&B. One day I took it out on a Rock session and the following evening it went on a live Jazz trio gig with guitarist extraordinaire Dan Sawyer who mentioned how impressed he was with the sound.

EPI: Thanks for spending some time with us. Any final words of wisdom you want to offer to the beginning guitar player?

RICKY Z: In all my time playing, I can think of only two things to mention here. Remember why you started playing (aside from the girls, the fame and the girls) in the first place; it's because it's what we love to do. Never lose the joy of playing the guitar; through all the practicing and hard gigs that are bound to come your way. Every time you pick up that instrument, remain the kid in the sandbox, full of awe and inspiration and you will have won every single time. Secondly, be yourself. Although we tend to compare ourselves to others far too often and much to our dismay, remember that you are unique and that everyone has something to offer. Have a great time and ROCK IT HARD!