Fast Johnny Ricker

Bio

From Kansas City, Fast Johnny Ricker is a blazing blues/rock guitarist and slide master, leading a melt-down trio. His style and original music have been described as experimental, combining elements of psychedelic rock with Texas blues and Delta blues traditions.

Fast Johnny has performed with or opened for:

FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS
BO DIDDLEY
GEORGE THOROGOOD
NICK LOWE
LEON RUSSELL
COREY STEVENS
CHUBBY CARRIER
STORYVILLE w/
DOUBLE TROUBLE

LONNIE BROOKS
TAB BENOIT
COCO MONTOYA
KENNY NEAL
JOANNA CONNOR
JOE LOUIS WALKER
TOMMY CASTRO

SONNY LANDRETH
COMMANDER CODY
CANNED HEAT
HADDEN SAYERS
KERI LEIGH
MOLLY HATCHET
THE BYRDS

Events and locations include:

Eureka Springs Blues Festival, AR
Blues & Jazz Festival, KCMO
Spirit Festival, KCMO
Spring Break, S. PADRE ISLAND TX
Mardi Gras Festival, ST. LOUIS MO
18th & Vine Heritage Fest, KCMO
Uptown Theater, KCMO
Liberty Hall, LAWRENCE KS
Outer Limits, NASHVILLE TN

The Grand Emporium, KCMO
Beaumont Club, KCMO
BB's Lawnside BBQ, KCMO
Zoo Bar, LINCOLN NE
Blues Saloon, ST.PAUL MN
Bub City, CHICAGO IL
City Blues, WICHITA KS
Universities of KS and MO

"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 your hair 'cos this band is hot. Take my word for it." - Steven 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." - 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, Nashnille, TN

{Like} Cubism and Picasso where form is exploded and then reassembld n a unique vision...creative power wielded like a welding torch, sparks flying everywhere...music storms out of his guitar. - KC 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 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