When You Were My Baby

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to When You Were My Baby by Rik Emmett from his 2016 album RES9! This track is a funky, Latino-infused gem that showcases Emmett’s knack for blending genres. In a review from Get Ready to ROCK!, the song is described as a “funky Latino infused highlight” where Emmett and his longtime collaborator Dave Dunlop swap Santana-style guitar flourishes, transforming a familiar relationship theme into a deep, infectious groove. The song’s vibrant energy reflects Emmett’s ability to stretch out musically with his core trio in RESolution9, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Fans on Amazon have praised the track as a standout, with one reviewer noting its bluesy rock charm as a reason RES9 ranks among their top albums. The song’s recording at MetalWorks Studios in Mississauga allowed Emmett to reconnect with his roots, adding a layer of authenticity to its soulful vibe.

Another tidbit about When You Were My Baby comes from the album’s collaborative spirit. While the track doesn’t feature guest stars like Alex Lifeson or James LaBrie, who appear elsewhere on RES9, it benefits from the tight chemistry of RESolution9’s lineup: Dave Dunlop on guitar, Steve Skingley on bass, and Paul DeLong on drums. In a 2016 interview with MyGlobalMind, Emmett shared that RES9 was a journey through his life, with songs like this one tying into the positivity of his earlier work from 30 years ago. He aimed to explore who he is and why he makes music, and the warm, welcoming vocals in When You Were My Baby invite listeners to relate to its emotional core. The song’s catchy lyrics and groove make it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic playlist, resonating with fans who dig its reflective yet upbeat vibe.

Rik Emmett’s journey to becoming a rock legend began in Toronto, where he was born Richard Gordon Emmett on July 10, 1953. As a kid, he was a golden boy, excelling in music, sports, and academics, as he shared in a 2013 Glide Magazine interview. By age five, his kindergarten teacher was raving about his artistic talents, and by grade five, he was singing in a citywide choir. His love for music deepened in his teens when he picked up the guitar, influenced by songwriters like James Taylor and Paul Simon, as well as progressive rock bands like King Crimson and Yes, according to Songfacts. In the mid-1970s, Emmett joined a progressive rock group called Act III, where he performed songs like The Blinding Light Show, later recorded with Triumph. When he left Act III to join Triumph, it marked the start of his rise to fame, though it led to Act III’s breakup, with other members forming Zon, per Wikipedia.

With Triumph, Emmett became a household name in Canada and beyond, blending hard rock, blues, and progressive elements. The band’s success in the late ’70s and ’80s came from hits like Lay It On The Line and Fight the Good Fight, fueled by Emmett’s versatile guitar work and high-pitched vocals, which drew comparisons to Rush’s Geddy Lee. He left Triumph in 1988 to pursue a solo career, releasing his debut album Absolutely in 1990, which spawned hits like When a Heart Breaks. Over the years, Emmett’s career has spanned rock, jazz, classical, and blues, earning him accolades like the 2005 Canadian Smooth Jazz Award for Guitarist of the Year. His memoir, Lay It On The Line, and recent instrumental project Ten Telecaster Tales, both available via his website, showcase his ongoing creativity despite health challenges like prostate cancer and arthritis, as noted in a 2024 MisplacedStraws interview.

Stay connected with Rik Emmett through his official website, where you can find updates on his music, books, and tour dates. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest news and behind-the-scenes content. Fans can also join the Rik Emmett Fans Facebook group to connect with other Zoo Freaks who love his music. For more on his Triumph days, check out the band’s official site or the Triumph Fans Facebook group, where diehards share stories and celebrate the Rock & Roll Machine. Keep spinning those records, Zoo Crew!