During Billy Joel’s recording and touring peak from 1976’s “Turnstiles” through 1993’s “River Of Dreams,” Liberty DeVitto had the best view in the house as he vigorously held down the beat.

That remarkably fruitful but eventually rocky relationship is a major component of his new book, “Liberty: Life, Billy And The Pursuit Of Happiness,” which features a forward from none other than the “Piano Man” himself.

However, just because the legendary drummer finally mended fences and put his life story to print at the age of 70 doesn’t mean he’s hanging up those sticks anytime soon.

Instead, DeVitto’s back with singer/guitarist Michael Sackler-Berner and bassist Andy Attanasio in The Slim Kings, who continue their quest for reviving the golden age of rock and soul throughout “The King’s County Classic.”

The artist/author shared some quick takeaways with Chicago Concert Reviews on that very album, the autobiography, a prior supergroup known simply as Big People and a bit surrounding his longtime boss (who’s the subject of an ongoing salute from several firsthand collaborators in The Lords Of 52nd Street).

How do you feel The Slim Kings have grown from album to album, culminating in “The King’s County Classic”?

Liberty DeVitto: The Slim Kings have gotten better with each album, especially in the area of songwriting. The new album has some of our best writing, both musical and lyrics…All I can say is “Brooklyn, County Of Kings.” The album will be a classic.

What prompted the entirely analog approach to these sessions?

DeVitto: We love the old Motown [and] Stax recordings, and wanted to duplicate that sound. 

How did any members’ past work inform the current collection? 

DeVitto: Andy and Michael add the new blood. I am the old school veteran. All the records I did with Billy Joel were recorded analog. Songs were played from beginning to end. This was how The Slim Kings made this record. Producer Nick Movshon [Amy Winehouse, The Black Keys] is a big fan of old school R&B and was a tremendous asset in getting the sound we were looking for. Also, engineer Jens Jungkurth is brilliant with all the vintage equipment. Diamond Mine Studios is exclusively set up for that sound.  

What are your pinnacles from several decades of working with Billy Joel? 

DeVitto: Our trips to the Soviet Union in ‘86 and Cuba in ‘79. I documented it in my book, “Liberty: Life, Billy And The Pursuit Of Happiness.”

What do you hope fans will ultimately take away from reading your book?

DeVitto: It’s my journey of how I became one of the most successful drummers to play with one of the biggest solo artists in the world. I hope the people will take away that part of the journey can take you down a dark road. Sometimes that’s the only way to make it to your final destination. It’s also about two friends and forgiveness.

Describe the vibe when The Lords Of 52nd Street get together to revisit everyone’s days with the “Piano Man.”

DeVitto: It’s just like the days with Billy. The jokes and the camaraderie are a reminder of what is was like when we were together. 

How do you feel about your time in Big People? Were you able to accomplish all your goals? 

DeVitto: I loved the members of that band, [which included The Cars’ Benjamin Orr, .38 Special’s Jeff Carlisi, Ted Nugent collaborator Derek St. Holmes and Pat Travers]. When we lost Ben Orr, we slowly fell apart as far as a band, but we continued to be best of friends. 

What do you miss about Ben?

DeVitto: His playing of course, but mostly his friendship. He was a beautiful person inside and out. 

Throughout any period, what was a standout moment in Chicago?

DeVitto: One of my favorite times in Chicago was recording a record with the great Jim Peterik of the groups Survivor and The Ides Of March. We did it in his house. It was a great experience. Oh, and I love Chicago pizza! 

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For additional information on The Slim Kings and Liberty DeVitto, visit SlimKings.com and HudsonMusic.com.