I'm A Lucky Man

"Out On The Highway, Gonna Have Me Some Fun...."

Rock & Roll for the open highway is how David Thompson describes the music off the 2 CDs from the Redding, Calif. band 'RIDER'. With all songs written by David, the CD features the incredible instrumental and singing contributions from the cream of Redding's studio session players, all of whom are known locally for work in their own bands and on their own projects.

Classic rock icons like 'Deep Purple', 'Judas Priest' and 'Iron Maiden' set the standard for hardrock vocalists and this CD from 'Rider' features John West continuing the tradition of Ian Gillan and Glen Hughes of 'Deep Purple', Rob Halford of 'Judas Priest' and Bruce Dickinson of 'Iron Maiden'.

There is no question that John can rock! He is a stunning singer who has the ability to raise the hair on the back of your neck with his extraordinary range, muscular vocal power, great vibrato and especially his dramatic endings. But, he's equally at home singing songs that are more bluesy or have a stronger R&B feel or are of a pop ballad style. Yes, he WILL rock you, but, if you like power ballads he has the sensitivity and expressive phrasing to also melt your heart.

This is a CD , written by David Thompson, of 10 songs that range from hardrock and funk to R&B flavored ballads and romantic pop. With themes as diverse as everyday relationships and regrets to adventure mystery and science fiction to blues and out on the road, good time rock and roll this CD covers a wide range of interests, stories and emotions.


David continues to promote 'Rider' as an opening act for touring major name rock bands playing concerts in northern Calif. The first CD 'RIDER' got airplay 26 of 32 weeks (as of 6/27/97) on Z-ROCK, KRQR, 106.7 FM, Chico, CA. where they played all of the 12 tracks and one new song, "Call My Name!" The program, hosted by Dori Taylor and Johnny Kind, was called 'RAW CUTS" and was on 8 to 9PM, Sundays, playing only original north state music.

David Thompson

I truly hope that the public will enjoy the music on this CD. One of my continuing goals, in addition to promoting the album, is to keep submitting the songs that I write to TAXI and to publishers, (actually, to anybody who will listen), with the hope of placing some of the material with other artists to record. So far 2 songs, 'Lookin' For My Baby' and 'Keep My Lovin' Alive', have been forwarded and licensed to ABC's "All My Children" where they have been used 9 times in 8 episodes so my goal of getting this music out to the public is starting to be realized. There's still a lot of hard work to do and goals to work towards, but the odds are certainly better than the lottery and I think music is a lot more fun.

"I sincerely wish to thank all of you who helped bring my songs to life"