DERRINGER derringer 25AP191

Rick Derringer’s Hard Rock Evolution: Derringer ‘Derringer’ Japanese Promo (25AP 191)

This 1976 release represents the debut self-titled album from the band Derringer, a project led by the immensely talented guitarist Rick Derringer. Following his successful stints with The McCoys and the Edgar Winter Group, Derringer assembled a powerhouse lineup featuring bassist Kenny Aaronson and drummer Vinny Appice to pursue a more aggressive and technical hard rock direction. Released on the Blue Sky label and manufactured by CBS/Sony Inc. in Tokyo, this album is a prime example of the high-energy arena rock that defined the mid-1970s, showcasing Rick’s signature melodic guitar shredding and sharp songwriting.

Rare Promo Specifications and Seasonal Campaign

This specific copy is a highly collectible Promo Sample, identified by the promotional characters on the center labels. As a product of the initial first pressing, it is tied to the “Winter Family Campaign ’76,” a significant end-of-year marketing push by CBS/Sony Japan to highlight their top international rock artists. Collectors specifically look for these early runs, as they are typically sourced from the first generation of stampers, resulting in the crispest and most dynamic audio reproduction. The matrix numbers (A1/B2) confirm its status as an early manufacturing run from the Tokyo plant.

Original Packaging and Comprehensive Inclusions

The record is distinguished by its extensive supplemental materials, designed to offer Japanese fans a premium experience. It includes a comprehensive 4-page insert featuring detailed liner notes by Nobuyuki Yoshinari and full Japanese lyric translations by Hideaki Okada. The design of this insert cleverly mirrors the visual aesthetic of the original US inner sleeves, featuring photos, credits, and lyrics on the outer pages. Furthermore, the initial first pressing was notable for including a giant color poster, making this specific Japanese promo release the most complete and visually impressive version of the band’s debut.