Pick of the Week: Johnny Winter
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It is hard to believe today that when Johnny Winter played at Woodstock, he and his brother Edgar were relatively unknown, along with Santana and a host of other soon-to-be legends. As in any profession, we all have to start somewhere and pay some dues. Winter has paid his dues in full and then some.
The self-titled "Johnny Winter" came out in 1969; Woodstock would follow to put everyone on notice that there was a new sheriff of the blues in town and that he was quick on the trigger. Many fans feel that Winter's first recording was some of his best work and, no doubt, it is some of the most pure ear-piercing electric blues you will ever hear.
It all comes to life on this limited-edition set where you can hear that first release along with some amazingly crisp and clear tracks gathered from Winter and his band's performance at Woodstock on Aug. 18, 1969.
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| Johnny Winter (Self Titled) |
Live at the Woodstock Music & Art Fair Aug. 18, 1969 |
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| 01. | I'm Yours And I'm Hers |
01. | Mama, Talk To Your Daughter | |
| 02. | Be Careful With A Fool | 02. | Leland Mississippi Blues |
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| 03. |
Dallas |
03. | Mean Town Blues | |
| 04. |
Mean Mistreater | 04. | You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now |
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| 05. |
Leland Mississippi Blues |
05. | I Can't Stand It | |
| 06. |
Good Morning Little School Girl | 06. | Tobacco Road | |
| 07. |
When You Got A Good Friend | 07. | Tell the Truth | |
| 08. |
I'll Drown In My Own Tears | 08. | Johnny B. Goode | |
| 09. |
Back Door Friend | |||
| Genre: Blues rock Label: Legacy Web site Amazon Link Source Link |
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I am very impressed with this set in its entirety and the first Winter studio recording is an eye opener for this longtime fan. They are both classic blues-rock performances that remain nearly unrivaled. If you want to hear some sick slide guitar check out "Mean Town Blues," it does not get any better. I also really appreciated how Johnny let Edgar step into the spotlight for a while to show off his versatility on the keyboards and sax on "I Can't Stand It."
You get a glimpse of another outstanding career that was emerging listening to the classic "Tobacco Road" featuring Edgar on vocals. Edgar would record this song on his debut "Entrance" in 1970. Winter introduces the song and mentions to the crowd that they have one album out. He says how he recently started working with Edgar and they don't have much material, and that the track was something they used to do as a jam song. And indeed it is, it showcases the Winter brothers' playing and singing right on key and a band that is rolling down the tracks letting nothing get in the way.
There is some spectacular guitar work throughout both CDs and must have for any blues-rock or Winter fan. Think you're a blues fan? You aren't if this is not in your collection.
Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck offers up weekly music picks for iBerkshires. Find more reviews at muzikreviews.com and contact at info@muzikreviews.com.
