Fast Johnny Ricker set to rock Magoon’s tonight
The acts that Fast Johnny Ricker has played with or opened for read like a list of rock and blues royalty.
There’s the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Leon Russell, Bo Diddley, George Thorogood, Nick Lowe, The Byrds...
The list goes on and on.
And the blues/rock guitarist with the flying fingers is returning to St. Joseph tonight. Ricker and his band will be playing from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Magoon’s (Cover is $6. A Customer Appreciation Night will be held from 7 to 9 p.m.).
“He just has a rapport with the audience,” says Barry Woodhull, Magoon’s owner. “Everybody’s up on their feet the whole time.”
Not bad for a musician who started out on what he calls “the hotel circuit” when he was 5 years old.
“And I danced on top of a bass drum,” he laughs.
But a little British boy band got him off the drum and rocked his world.
“As soon as I heard the Beatles,” he says, “I switched to guitar.”
The Fab Four weren’t the only influences on Ricker. Guitar gods Eric Clapton (with Cream) and Jimi Hendrix also made an impact.
And with Kansas City’s rich blues and jazz history, you can bet that Ricker definitely credits that environment with helping shape his playing style. He says he’s jammed with the best and opened for some of the greats.
Asked to describe his style, perhaps the musician isn’t the best one to answer.
“It sounds like two to three guitars playing at once,” Woodhull says.
Performing up to 200 shows a year, Ricker suddenly dropped out of sight for several years. He worked full time for a trucking company (something he still does on a part-time basis) and learned to bring balance into his life.
But that guitar called him, and the performer rocked back on stage. Ricker says he and his band now perform about 50 shows a year and also are working on a new CD.
“We’re real excited about that,” he says.
Ricker says each show is a “one of a kind show.” There are few covers, a lot of original material and blazing fast guitar licks.
John, Paul, George and Ringo would be proud.
Hot licks
What: Fast Johnny Ricker
When: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. tonight
Where: Magoon’s, 632 S. Eighth St.
Cover: $6
Special: A Customer Appreciation Night will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight
Info: 232-3611
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