Rick Derringer

By Emily Burgess

Jun 17 2003

Free Ride, Rick Derringer’s most recent creative endeavor, is a smooth jazz album sure to surprise and entice the classic-rock fans of the ’60s rock group The McCoy’s, for which Derringer is more frequently recognized.

Commonly remembered for 1965’s anthemic “Hang on Sloopy,” Derringer’s latest single, “Hot & Cool,” confidently explores new melodious terrain and continues to ensure Derringer’s place in musical history.

Including such transformed tracks as “Frankenstein” and “Free Ride,” both number one Edgar Winter hits during the 1970s, Derringer’s latest album also includes three original tracks co-written with his wife, Brenda Hall. In addition, the album contains two ballads that feature Derringer’s lead vocals.

“I grew up listening to and playing jazz as a kid and a teenager and I’ve always wanted to make a jazz record. But I was typecast as a rock and roll guy so I never had the opportunity before,” Derringer explained recently.

As a former rock star and author of the 1974 vintage rock staple, “Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo,” Derringer’s latest rendition, titled “Jazzy Koo,” replaces intense strings with tranquil chords and soulful melodies.

While lyrics like “Rock-n-Roll, Hootchie Koo. Lawdy mama light my fuse,” may seem out of place alongside Kenny G and other smooth jazz stalwarts, radio stations across the country have enthusiastically welcomed Derringer into the realm of jazz music. Not too bad for a former rock star who previously toured with such acts as Aerosmith, Led Zepplin, Jimmy Hendrix and the Rolling Stones.

Once again, Derringer proves he can still light that fuse, albeit this time with a soulful twist.