Richard Wagner* – Richard Wagner

One half of the great guitar duo, Hunter & Wagner, Richard (Dick) Wagner came to prominence backing Lou Reed on the classic Rock n Roll Animal LP in 1974. Wagner shot himself in the foot with his first solo release by using his full name instead of his stage name, Dick Wagner. The resulting confusion relegated this album to the cut out bins as most people didn't make the association. It wasn't until the CD release in 2014 that someone finally decided to change the cover from RIchard Wagner to Dick Wagner and by that time, it was way too late. Too bad, too. This is a fine album with surprisingly strong material and some gritty vocals as well. Produced by Bob Ezrin, the tracks cover a variety of styles that show off Wagner's versatility. This is NOT a Lou Reed or Alice Cooper album but a fine debut in its own right. Noteworthy among the songs is Nightwork, a bluesy ballad about a fading star musician that starts off blue and lowdown and builds to a screaming soul/gospel finale with chicks and horns and Wagner's signature soloing at its best. Reminiscent of fellow Michiganer Bob Seger's Night Moves, 40+ years on, it still sounds great.