Recorded after the breakup of the Band in 1977, Danko's debut featured guest shots from Eric Clapton, Ron Wood, Doug Sahm, Tim Drummond, and Gerry Beckley. Even with all the extra firepower, it's an uneven effort at best with "Java Blues," "Shake It," and "Brainwash" being particular standouts. ~ Cub Koda, All Music Guide
Robbie Robertson (Guitar), Doug Sahm (Guitar), Doug Sahm (Horn Arrangements), Ron Wood (Guitar), Blondie Chaplin (Bass), Blondie Chaplin (Guitar), Blondie Chaplin (Vocals (Background)), Rick Danko (Bass), Rick Danko (Guitar), Rick Danko (Producer), Rick Danko (Main Performer), Rick Danko (Horn Arrangements), Jim Price (Horn), Jim Atkinson (Guitar), Gerry Beckley (Guitar (Acoustic)), Gerry Beckley (Guitar), Gerry Beckley (Vocals), Gerry Beckley (Vocals (Background)), Lewis Bustos (Horn), Eric Clapton (Guitar), Terry Danko (Drums), Michael DeTemple (Guitar), Tim Drummond (Bass), Rob Fraboni (Percussion), Rob Fraboni (Tambourine), Rob Fraboni (Vocals (Background)), Rob Fraboni (Producer), Rob Fraboni (Vibraslap), Rob Fraboni (Horn Arrangements), James Gordon (Organ), James Gordon (Horn), Levon Helm (Vocals), Levon Helm (Harmony Vocals), Garth Hudson (Accordion), Tom Knox (Mixing), Joe Lala (Percussion), Ken Lauber (Piano), Richard Manuel (Keyboards), Richard Manuel (Fender Rhodes), Charles McBurney (Horn), Rocky Morales (Horn), Wayne Neuendorf (Vocals), Wayne Neuendorf (Vocals (Background)), Wayne Neuendorf (Assistant Engineer), Wayne Neuendorf (Mixing), David Paich (Keyboards), David Paich (Moog Synthesizer), Walt Richmond (Piano), Alan Robinson (Liner Notes), Denny Seiwell (Drums), George Weber (Organ), Jeremy Zatkin (Engineer), Allen Zentz (Mastering), Tim Kramer (Mixing), Frank Laffitte (Photography), Frank Laffitte (Cover Photo), Kenny Weber (Organ), Jim Gordon (Horn), Jim Gordon (Keyboards)
Rick Danko was the former lead singer for the 1960s and 1970s rock group the Band. Danko's main contribution to film was his performance in the final concert of the Band in 1976, which was put on film by a young Martin Scorsese. Titled The Last Waltz, the film is regarded as one of the single best concert films ever made, thanks in large part to the diverse and iconic talent assembled for the performance. Danko died one day after his 56th birthday, in late 1999. ~ All Movie Guide
Rick Danko was the 1977 eponymous debut by the bassist and singer for The Band. Featuring ten tracks written by Danko usually in conjunction with lyricists Bobby Charles and Emmett Grogan, it was the first solo album by any member of the group, and is perhaps the most accessible to date.
Rick Danko is the only solo album by a member of The Band to feature each member of the group. Garth Hudson played accordion on "New Mexicoe", Robbie Robertson lead guitar on "Java Blues", Richard Manuel electric piano on "Shake It" and Levon Helm sings harmony vocal on the closing "Once Upon a Time". Danko handled bass, rhythm and lead guitars and vocals. Other guests included Eric Clapton (guitar on "New Mexicoe"), Ronnie Wood (guitar on "What a Town"), Beach Boy Blondie Chaplin (guitar and bass on various tracks) and Doug Sahm (guitar on various tracks).
