Fans all over the world are familiar with "Rockabilly Man", already a rockabilly classic and the theme song of rockabilly legend Ray Campi, it was also recorded by England's The Firebirds. Finally, it also appeared on the album "Big Red '57", by the "master" and writer himself: Rip Masters. Rip Masters' music is American Roots Music, a blend of country, rock and rockabilly that makes him a legitimate heir to such artists as Merle Haggard and Jerry Lee Lewis. Rip's music is down-home and down-to-earth like he is, foot-stompin' and barn-burnin' stuff that forces you to recall what music is all about.

A virtuoso of boogie-woogie piano, Rip found his musical calling early in his love of country music and old rock 'n' roll records. He started out as a singer, but became so accomplished on the keys that he was in demand as a session player, playing on many of the Rollin' Rock label's rockabilly records, including recordings by Gene Vincent, Ray Campi, Mac Curtis, Jack Cochran, and many others. He also recorded his first album "Rock That Rock!" for Rollin' Rock and continued to play live concerts. He toured the Far East, the West Coast, Texas and all over California, perfecting his performing skills. His second album, "The Cool And The Crazy", was released on Commando Records to enthusiastic reviews.

Rip has a "Don't Miss" stage show which highlights all aspects of his career: singing, playing and songwriting. He has recently played at the house of blues, Hollywood with Dwight Yoakum, Lincoln Center in New York with Billy Lee Riley, Ronnie Dawson, and The Sun Rhythm Section including Paul Burlison, and in Sweden, Germany, Ireland and England.

During the 90's Rip Masters released a country/rock album titled "Don't Tread On Me" on Rattler Records (Mouse Records UK) and made a video of "A Six-Pack, A Pizza And A Cheap Motel". His album "Big Red '57" (Rattler CD 426) has been occupying a good spot in my CD jukebox, and it has been one of my favorite rock 'n' roll albums since it was released in April 1999. This album features some boogie piano, a great version of "Rockabilly Man", and a whole lotta rock 'n' roll!!

Rip's latest release, "The Rock 'n' Roll Album" (Rattler CD 440) was released in 2001, another superb production with plenty of stompin' rock 'n' roll music, and some awesome rockabilly piano (try Rip's self-penned "Cat On The Keys" on for size!). The album also includes a marvellous rendition of Hank Snow's country classic "I'm Movin' On".

Hakan Durmer wrote for the Gefle Dagblad (Sweden) 2001:
It didn't take many minutes for Rip Masters, the first foreign star on the stage in Furuvik this weekend, to prove that it's no overstatement to compare him with names like Jerry Lee Lewis and Merle Haggard. Rhythmic, straight and pure, but with enormous sharpness in the details, the man who gave the world the classic "Rockabilly Man" started his set. A set which, as this writer predicted, went in the true spirit of rock. With his boogie-woogie piano Rip Masters really swings! Accompanied by his back-up trio, including the coolest standup bass player of the show, every note became sweet and tone-laden without any trace of bitterness. At the beginning of the set the audience was leaning back, as if waiting for the next act, but as Kevin Costner-lookalike Rip Masters furiously attacked guitar and keyboard, the whole audience finally understood what the wild and loud party crowd in front of the stage already knew... Rip is Rocking!!!

Contact information:
http://www.ripmasters.com
ripmasters@mindspring.com

Rattler Records
P.O. Box 9073
Torrance, California
90508, USA
Tel: +1-310-782-9323

Complied by The BlackCat, 2002