Record Reviews

JOHNNY WINTER ~ AND COLUMBIA 472769 (Barcode: 5099747276927) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2001 3rd album, which was recorded by a new band Johnny WinterFind albums by this artist formed with ex-McCoysFind albums by this artist members, including the guitarist / singer / songwriter Rick DerringerFind albums by this artist, who was to be Winter’s associate for many years. The new quartet had a rockier sound, based on guitar and vocal duets. Still strongly rooted in the blues legacy, this is one of the strongest examples of early Southern Rock (see Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist). Derringer contributes some notable songs, which are rockier than the traditional Winter material and the bland of tunes works perfectly. Winter’s guitar pyrotechnics are of course the highlight time after time, but the entire album is just a superb trip down the memory lane, when everything just sounded right. Edgar WinterFind albums by this artist, Johnny’s brother and future band member helped with the excellent production. Just listen to the track “Nothing Left”, where Winter plays in similar fashion to Jimmy HendrixFind albums by this artist, in order to appreciate his guitar playing skills. As excellent as this album is, it was to be overshadowed by the bands live performances of some of these songs captured on the next album.

Updated: 18/01/2016Posted:

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

JOHNNY WINTER ~ AND / AND LIVE BGO 610 (Barcode: 5017261206107) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1970 - 1971 Released: 2004 3rd album, which was recorded by a new band AndFind albums by this artist Johnny WinterFind albums by this artist formed with ex-McCoysFind albums by this artist members, including the guitarist / singer / songwriter Rick DerringerFind albums by this artist, who was to be Winter’s associate for many years. The new quartet had a rockier sound, based on guitar and vocal duets. Still strongly rooted in the blues legacy, this is one of the strongest examples of early Southern Rock (see Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist). Derringer contributes some notable songs, which are rockier than the traditional Winter material and the bland of tunes works perfectly. Winter’s guitar pyrotechnics are of course the highlight time after time, but the entire album is just a superb trip down the memory lane, when everything just sounded right. Edgar WinterFind albums by this artist, Johnny’s brother and future band member helped with the excellent production. Just listen to the track “Nothing Left”, where Winter plays in similar fashion to Jimmy HendrixFind albums by this artist, in order to appreciate his guitar playing skills. As excellent as this album is, it was to be overshadowed by the bands live performances of some of these songs captured on the next album. 4th album and a natural follow up to its predecessor, the studio album with Winter’s group And. Recorded during two concerts (Fillmore East in NY and Pirate’s World in Florida) this is one of rock’s greatest live albums with levels of energy and superb performances rarely captured on record. Winter and Derringer exchange guitar licks and vocals and the rhythm section drives the show like there’s no tomorrow. Just listen to their version of "Jumpin’ Jack Flash", which makes the Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist sound like kindergarten kids, to understand the level of musicianship involved. Some other Rock And Roll classics get a similar treatment and of course a fair share of great blues numbers are included. This electrifying concert is a classic example of what rock sounded like at its peak and sounds every bit as good today as it did then. I hope the entire concerts get a release sometime in the future, but in the meantime this is not to be missed. Essentail stuff!

Updated: 01/06/2018Posted:

CD 2 Slipcase Essential Recommend To A Friend

JOHNNY WINTER ~ JOHNNY WINTER COLUMBIA 511230 (Barcode: 5099751123026) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1969 Released: 1997 1st album (although Johnny WinterFind albums by this artist did record several albums on small labels before his ColumbiaFind albums on this label cotract, most impressive of which is the 1967 The Progressive Blues ExperimentFind albums with this title on Imperial, this is considered his first major release) by one of the best ever Blues guitarist, the Texan Johnny Winter. This was Winter’s first release on Columbia, which was to be his label for many years and where he was to achieve international acclaim as one of the great pioneers of the Blues / Rock electric revolution. The album presents Winter in a basic trio format, which works splendidly for him of course, considering the magnificent power he displays both as a guitarist and a vocalist. Additional musicians are featured on several tracks, including his brother Edgar WinterFind albums by this artist, who was later to join his group on keyboards, and some excellent horn players. The Blues legend Willie DixonFind albums by this artist plays bass on one track. The album includes a great mixture of Winter’s originals and classic Blues standards, all done with incredible vigor and potency, with heartbreaking guitar solos that are a steal. This album and its successor (Second WinterFind albums with this title) are some of the absolutely best White Blues albums ever recorded. A must for any Blues lover!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend