Music Review: Johnny Winter at the Mahaiwe
 Left to right: Vito Liuzzi (drums), Johnny Winter (guitar/vocals), Paul Nelson (guitar), Scott Spray (bass |
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.
It had been nearly four years since I saw Johnny Winter perform live. That was the first time for me, back on that hot summer night in Arlington.
Last Friday night at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center was like stepping into an alternate universe. The weather was the exact opposite and so was the performer. I did enjoy seeing Johnny for the first time but I had nothing to compare it to ... now I do.
Winter was just coming off hip surgery and a longtime drug addiction and needed help to get on the stage. I am glad to report that he is doing so much better these days. He has gained more than 30 pounds, makes his way out the stage on his own, and is playing and singing like a man 20 years his junior.
Before and after the show, I had the privilege of speaking with Johnny thanks to his manager and guitar player Paul Nelson. Paul does everything from managing the band and tours to playing and recording with Johnny; anything you can think of, Paul is right there for Johnny making sure everything is handled properly.
Prior to the show, Johnny was in his zone and not very talkative; it was like his pre-game mental workout. After the show, he was bright-eyed and open to conversation. He explained that he was quite ill four years ago and was on anti-depressants that made him sick. He commented in a funny way, "I was on Klonapin, they worked, and I wasn't depressed, but it made me real sick."
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Paul Nelson Intro Jam
Hideaway
Sugar Coated Love
Boogie Real Low
Miss Anne
Blackjack
Tore Down-Vito vocals
Lone Wolf
Red House
Johnny Guitar
It's All Over Now
(Encore)
Mojo Boogie
Highway 61
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| Links |
| Winter Web site |
The Mahaiwe reminded me of the Colonial in Pittsfield, but just a bit smaller. It is a beautiful facility, and it ought to be after investing $9 million into it for renovations. There is a massive intricate marble or concrete carving that goes around the stage, creating an old-fashioned picture frame for the performing artist to step into. With very simple and colorful lighting for a backdrop, it made a pleasant treat for the eyes.
The band — which also included Vito Liuzzi (drums) and Scott Spray (bass) — introduced Johnny in grand fashion. Everyone came out and then started into a free-form jam, lead by Paul, who is quite a six-string slinger in his own right. After around 5 minutes of high-energy instrumental blues-rock, Johnny came out and sat down on his stool and the festivities began.
Johnny's voice is strong and his playing sounds as fresh and inspired as it ever has. Some highlights of the night were "Blackjack," a smokin' number that prompted hoots and hollers from the audience.
Although the audience was appreciative of the band's efforts they certainly were not your typical blues crowd; in fact, they were subdued in comparison to what I have witnessed in the past. That did not matter, as the Johnny Winter Band proved to be worth the price of admission from start to finish.
Other highlights of the evening included the Hendrix song "Red House," which was smoldering hot. Winter did it justice and I know Jimi is smiling somewhere right now.
Another performance that was exemplary and one that everyone acknowledged immediately was perhaps Johnny’s most widely known song, "Highway 61," which ended up being part of the encore. I also have to mention the one song Liuzzi provided the lead vocals for, "Tore Down" — it was a rousing number filled with soul and sweat, a real blues classic done well.
This was a very special night and one I will never forget. Thanks for coming back to music, your legacy, Johnny, continues to grow with every performance and album you release.
Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck of Adams offers up his best-listening bets as a regular contributor to iBerkshires. For more reviews, www.muzikreviews.com.
