Famously recognized for his work as Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’s guitarist for over a decade, Ricky Byrd returns in 2025 with a new solo studio album, NYC Made. A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Byrd has spent much of his career recording, touring, or sharing the stage with everyone from The Who’s Roger Daltrey, Ringo Starr, and Smokey Robinson to many more. Also known for his work as a songwriter and producer, perhaps some of his most fulfilling work has come from his charity work that has helped many, including those struggling with addiction. A truly unique individual who takes nothing for granted, with NYC Made, he creates yet another exciting piece of music.
Released on March 28, 2025, through Wicked Cool Records (a label run by Steven Van Zandt), the album was completed at Parcheesi Studios and serves as a direct link to Mr. Byrd’s accomplished past and the influences that created such a vibrant and distinct Rock-n-Roll sound. Rightful in its nomenclature, NYC Made is a delightful and diverse glimpse into what made the rocker fall in love with music. From The Rolling Stones to Sam Cooke, the record operates almost as an autobiography for the industry titan, providing listeners a deep dive into the sounds that shaped those of Byrd’s that fans have fallen in love with.
Along with Co-Producer Bob Stander, Byrd assembled an all-star cohort of musical talent of the following industry greats: Jeff Kazee, keyboardist and accordionist (Asbury Jukes), Tony Montalbo (fiddle); drummers Steve Holley (Wings), Aaron Comess (Spin Doctors), and Thommy Price (Joan Jett & the Blackhearts), as well as The Uptown Horns, and the Ba Ba Blacksheep Singers. In addition, Steven Van Zandt (E-Street Band) co-produced “Transistor Radio Childhood,” “Stay Grateful,” and “Sweet Byrd of Youte” with Byrd and Bob Stander. Van Zandt also added his own instrumental talent to the track “Anna Lee,” which is a blissful tune that sounds like Sam Cooke and the E Street Band got together to pen a track for The Rolling Stones 1968 album Beggars Banquet.
Overall, NYC Made is more than just an album; it is a reflection of Ricky Byrd’s musical genealogy and his own saga from the neighborhoods of the Bronx and Queens to the Hall of Fame. Ranging from the Queen-derived “Glamdemic Blues” to the personal tale of “Sweet Byrd of Youte,” the record blankets countless genres and eras of sound that the whole collection operates as a breath-taking auditory kaleidoscope of the various genres and eras that fans desperately miss from the 1960s and 1970s. Songs such as “Then Along Comes You” harness a Soul and Gospel tone that is a direct descendant of industry icons such as Otis Redding.
Contrarily tracks like “Louanne” bring a different energy and spirit from Byrd’s memory bank, sprouting memories of the guitar-wheeling Chuck Berry and, perhaps even more prominently featured, elements of Little Richard. The song “Transistor RadioChildhood,” produced by Van Zandt, mirrors the emotions and creativity that the E Street Band provided ‘The Boss,’ and “RnRs Demise (Has Been Greatly Exaggerated)” proudly stands as almost as perfect an homage to the history of Rock-n-Roll as a fan could dream of; containing elements of The Who, The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, The Beach Boys and many more.
Producing a phenomenally impressive map of the genre, Byrd’s supreme dedication to his craft and knowledge of its history is obvious as soon as the first note strikes the eardrum. In the music business for fifty-plus years, Byrd remains steadfast in his commitment to delivering a raw and authentic Rock-n-Roll experience.
In other words, Byrd is not trying to recreate the ’60s/’70s. He rather reminds us that we should not only happily reminisce about what once was but also strive to develop and create new sounds centered around their unyielding influence. A testament to Ricky Byrd’s travels, experience, and talent, Cryptic Rock gives NYC Made 5 out of 5 stars.
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