In the late '70s, Richie Zito was one of the most sought-after session guitarists in Los Angeles. He lent his chops to Neil Sedaka, Yvonne Elliman, Eric Carmen, Art Garfunkel, Leo Sayer, Diana Ross, and Marc Tanner. At the start of the '80s, Zito hooked up with Elton John, soon began producing and writing for the Motels, and boasts an exhaustive resume including the Cult, White Lion, Eddie Money, Heart, and Bad English. Zito's panoramic and cosmic production on Cheap Trick's Lap of Luxury brought another dimension to rock records. Lap of Luxury also shot the band back into the public consciousness and delivered Trick's only number one, "The Flame." Zito's technical skill and superb musicianship is unquestionable. Like his guru Giorgio Moroder, Zito skirts with schmaltz but has also brought out the best in some of the biggest names in the music biz. ~ Doug Stone, All Music Guide
