Rick Vito – Slidemaster
MoMojo Records – 2026
12 tracks; 39 minutes
Veteran bluesman Rick Vito has released an enjoyable instrumental record showing off his prodigious slide guitar talents. The leadoff track “Vegas Jump” does just that. The guitar work hits you right in the kisser and the hand claps and drumming drive the song. It’s like going to church, but like, with whiskey. Seven of the songs are originals. There are several notable covers, including “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke and two from Peter Green, “Albatross” and “The Supernatural”. Vito has interpreted Green’s work extensively over his career. “Steal Away” by Jimmy Hughes is a slow shuffle where Vito lets the slide really cry. “The Danger Zone” has a film noir vibe. Who is that shadowy figure lurking behind the corner? “Red Hot Baby” would feel right at home in a Texas roadhouse. On “River of Blues”, Vito switches to the acoustic to take us to the Delta. The emotional final track “The Lord’s Prayer”, written by Albert Hay Malotte, sends us out of the pews with something to ponder.
Vito’s vintage guitar tone and overall playing are superb throughout. This is one of those records that you can listen to actively and appreciate the musicianship and nuances or, largely because there are no words, it can be played in the background to set a mood. Many of these songs are not in a hurry, more to be savored than to burn down the house. It’s a mix of new material and some of the best of previous releases. While widely hailed as one of the top slide players on the scene, Vito also plays bass, keys, and percussion on many of the tracks. Rick Reed, Lynn Williams, and Charles Johnson contribute drum work, while Charlie Harrison plays bass on four tracks, and a couple other musicians join on selected songs.
The GRAMMY Award-nominated Vito has had a long and successful career that include an iconic slide solo on Bob Seger’s “Like A Rock”, his work with Fleetwood Mac between 1987-1991, and as a long-time member of Bonnie Raitt’s band. He won the W.C. Handy Award for his song “It’s Two A.M.”, performed by Shemekia Copeland. His resume also includes studio work with John Prine, Roger McGuinn, John Mayall, Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, Jackson Browne, Boz Scaggs, and Maria Muldaur, to name a few. He has also released 12 solo albums between 1992 and Slidemaster this April. With this record, the lion in winter has made a wonderful contribution to the blues canon.
