Rick Whitwood's is a story you may have heard before. It is a long, dusty road scattered with true stories, tall tales and a saddlebag full of near misses. Since 1988, his band and he have made a living playing the Western New York circuit of barrooms, beer gardens, roadhouses and gin mills. Many of those real life experiences have made their way into his wonderfully rootsy songs. In an area of New York far removed from the bright lights and big cities, Rick and his long time mates (Monty Case and Chris Dahill) have not only survived, but become one of the tightest, most revered and long standing bands around those parts. The odometer on the 1976 U-Haul may have turned over for the fourth time, but make no mistake, the engine still roars. A quick look at any map will tell you Wellsville, New York is a rural area littered with small towns and bleak economic prospects. Rick wears his uncompromising lineage like a badge, weaving stories into songs and songs into stories.
A generation removed from the tidal wave that came to be known as the British Invasion, Whitwood instead was more influenced by artists as diverse as Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash, Muddy Waters, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Allman Brothers Band and countless others. While playing as many as 100 dates a year, Whitwood performed with a band (Zoar), solo and moonlighted with a variety of other musical projects all while maintaining a regular job and raising a family. Releasing albums along the way with Zoar (S/T, Long Hard Road), as well as a solo artist (Desperate Hours) on his own label, Music Alley Records. He decided guitar was in his future the first time he heard "Sweet Home Alabama" on a 45 record borrowed without permission from his older brother. From the opening count, which can be faintly heard, to the signature riff and glorious solo, a lasting impact was made on the then 10 year old Whitwood. Good fortune has allowed Rick to make his living at a variety capacities in the music industry including being a Disc-Jockey, Program Director, Guitar instructor, Musician, Studio Engineer, Music Store Owner and Songwriter.
2026 will see the release of twelve Rick Whitwood original songs on a brand new album recorded with assistance from George Cretekos (engineering, co-producer, drums), and featuring contributions from many outstanding area musicians. With a working title of “Highland Avenue” the forthcoming release is planned to be available on compact disc, digital download and vinyl. While it would be nice to find a record label with more reach for this music, Whitwood will be content to release it regionally on Music Alley Records. Many of the songs have already found their sea legs having been performed live, while others wait for their maiden voyage. Well beyond the stage for hype and self-promotion, Whitwood promises only that these songs will be as real as the day long!