Rick Vito "Blues Town"

When it comes to music I have pretty eclectic tastes. I enjoy everything from The Bravery to Mozart depending upon the mood I'm in. One artist that I greatly enjoy is Rick Vito.

I was first introduced to Rick and his music when he became a member of the band Fleetwood Mac in 1987. He toured with the band on their Tango in the Night promotional tour then went on to record new music with the band for both the 1988 Greatest Hits record and the 1990 Behind the Mask record. He was a valued member of the band for the Behind the Mask promotional tour before embarking on his own solo career in 1992. Fleetwood Mac fans were wrong in dismissing Rick Vito as being simply a "replacement for Lindsey Buckingham".

Since his first solo release, King of Hearts in 1992, Rick has released a total of eight solo records, including one greatest hits release and has had one solo DVD release, 2003's Rick Vito in Concert.

Rick's style of playing is influenced by the great old blues standards as well as a little bit of rock and roll and a little bit of country. He is a strong singer/songwriter and pens most of the music appearing on his solo releases.

Rick Vito's second solo album was originally supposed to include a song titled "Blues Town". As work progressed on the record, Blues Town eventually was put aside. Upon release, the album was titled Pink & Black and Blues Town was no where to be found. It did appear later on the 2003 release Band Box Boogie. However, the mix and overall style of the song was much different.

Now, thanks to Mr. Michael Killen, fans of Rick Vito and his music are finally able to hear the original mix of Blues Town. Mr. Killen has uploaded to YouTube a never-before-released music video for Blues Town that he and Rick Vito shot in the city of Nashville, Tennessee in 1996.

Not only do we get to hear the awesome original version of Blues Town but we get to see some of the many fantastic sights the city of Nashville has to offer. As you watch the video, you will see some landmarks that are world-famous including the Wildhorse Saloon and the "Batman Building" (yes, some locals really do call it that, it's really the AT&T Building).

In light of the struggles Nashville is currently dealing with, it's nice to see the city back in happier days.

So, set back and for the next three minutes and twenty-six seconds enjoy Ricks original version of Blues Town and a few sights around Music City.

Thank you, Michael Killen for sharing the video and thank you to Rick Vito for writing and performing this fantastic song!