Happy 67th Birthday to music legend Johnny Winter. An incredible artist whose music continues to inspire us. Here’s one of my favorite articles originally featured two years ago with updated tour info… Make sure you add your comments at the end of the post!

Flashback Summer 1969

I recall it well… I was helping The Big F, my brother’s friend/roadie, bring in the gear from last night’s gig… My brother was in his glory admiring his latest acquisition; a red 1964 Gibson SG standard. Then the boys, as they usually did on Saturday afternoons, started to rehearse. This time they were inspired by some tunes they heard on the latest Johnny Winter album…

I hung out for a while and then decided to go to the store for some soda. So I took my bike and starting making my way down the sidewalk… I remember thinking how cool it was that I could still hear them playing Mean Mistreater halfway down the block… I got distracted by my next door neighbor, who said something I didn’t quite hear as I cycled by. I glanced back momentarily to acknowledge her, and then as I turned around, I cycled right into a tree. If that didn’t suck, I fell off my bike and broke my arm.

My neighbor ran to my house and after ringing the doorbell several times, she managed to finally get The Big F’s attention. I still remember that crazed look of concern on his face as he ran down the street telling people to get out of his way. Without hesitation, he picked me up like I was a football. And proceeded to run into the house and let everyone know what happened… Off I went to the hospital. Yes, I guess I ended the rehearsal prematurely that day… Oh well, life is hard sometimes. No wonder I love the blues so much.

Present Time

Today over 40 years later, I reflect about this while recovering from my ridiculous dirt bike incident over a week ago… Reminiscing, I went downstairs into my home office/gym and found Johnny’s 1969 release… I started a mild walk on the treadmill, did some stretching and listened once again as I got swept away in one of my many reflective moments.

Johnny Winter

was born in February 23 1944. Playing clarinet at the age of 5, Winter made his first television appearance at 10 years old playing ukulele and singing on a local children’s show with his brother Edgar.

He first recorded with his band Johnny and the Jammers when he was 15 and released the single School Day Blues, which became a local hit. Winter was further inspired at the time by the live performances of classic blues artists like Muddy Waters, B.B. King and Bobby Bland.

After a string of ventures throughout the sixties, Winter released his first album on Sonobeat Records called The Progressive Blues Experiment in 1968. On 1969′s self titled LP, Johnny Winter found himself backed by blues stars such Willie Dixon and “Big” Walter Horton on harp. As well as bass player Tommy Shannon, who would later get recognized as backing Stevie Ray Vaughan in Double Trouble.

The accomplishments and inspiration Johnny Winter has garnered is enormous. His life long dream of playing with Muddy Waters became reality in 1977 when he produced Muddy’s album Hard Again. The following year, he continued that success with Muddy’s I’m Ready, and then one final time in 1980 on King Bee. Together Muddy Waters and Johnny Winter’s partnership produced a number of Grammy Awards.

Winter performed at Woodstock, was on the cover of the first issue of Guitar World in 1980, and in 1988 was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame. And if that ain’t cool enough, he even jammed with Jimi Hendrix.

“Like Bloomfield’s band and the Blues Project, Johnny Winter pulled blues classics, like ‘Mean Mistreater’ and ‘When You Got A Good Friend,’ back into the mainstream of rock music and forced rock guitarists once again to pay attention to their musical heritage and draw from it.” ~Gene Santoro

Listening to this album again sort of gave me the shivers. It certainly will go down as the soundtrack to some of my broken bones…. All kidding aside, I love this record. There are some albums that act like a time machine, and this one took me way back. It contains some of the most genuine and memorable blues that I recall then and now.

Johnny Winter On Tour

Here is a brief itinerary of his latest schedule. Times and dates are subject to change, so make sure you double check the Johnny Winter website for updated info:

FEBRUARY 2011

02/24/11 Regina, SK Casino Regina Show Lounge
02/25/11 Edmonton, AB Polish Hall
02/26/11 Calgary, AB Bowness Hall

MARCH 2011

03/04/11 New Haven, CT Toad’s Place
03/05/11 Pawtucket, RI The Met
03/10/11 Stanhope, NJ Stanhope House
03/24/11 Lincolinshire, IL Viper Alley
03/25/11 Flint, MI The Whiting
03/26/11 South Bend, IN Club Fever
03/28/11 Billings, MT Bones Brewing
03/29/11 Missoula, MT Wilma Theatre
03/30/11 Denver, CO Oriental Theater

APRIL 2011

04/01/11 Agoura Hills, CA Canyon Club
04/02/11 San Juan Capistrano, CA The Coach House
04/03/11 Redondo Beach, CA Brixton
04/04/11 Exeter, CA Orange Blossom Junction
04/07/11 Honolulu, HI Pipeline Cafe
04/08/11 Kahului, HI Maui Arts & Cultural Center
04/09/11 Honokaa, HI Honoka’s People’s Theatre
04/10/11 Lihue, HI Kauai Community College
04/13/11 Tokyo, Japan Zepp Tokyo
04/14/11 Tokyo, Japan Zepp Tokyo
04/15/11 Tokyo, Japan Zepp Tokyo

MAY 2011

05/04/11 Berlin, Germany Columbiaclub
05/05/11 Hamburg, Germany Fabrik Hamburg
05/06/11 Isernhagen, Germany Blues Garage
Appearing at “Rhythm & Blues Night”
05/07/11 Groningen, Netherlands De Oosterpoort
05/08/11 Saarbrucken, Germany Garage
05/09/11 Pratteln, Switzerland Z7
05/10/11 Herisau, Switzerland Casino
05/11/11 Ravensburg, Germany Oberschwabenhalle
05/13/11 Linz, Austria Posthof
05/14/11 Imst, Austria Glenthof
05/16/11 Vienna, Austria Porgy & Bess
05/17/11 Graz, Austria Orpheum
05/18/11 Ulm, Germany Ulmer Zelt
05/20/11 Worpswede, Germany Music Hall
05/21/11 Osnabruck, Germany Rosenhof
05/22/11 Wuppertal, Germany Die Boerse
05/23/11 Aschaffenburg, Germany Colos-Saal
05/27/11 Regensburg, Germany Zelt Festival
05/28/11 Freising, Germany Liutpoldhalle

OCTOBER 2011

Tue 10/11/11 Trail, BC Charles Bailey Theatre
Wed 10/12/11 Cranbrook, BC Key City Theatre
Thu 10/13/11 Red Deer, AB Red Deer Memorial Centre
Fri 10/14/11 Edmonton, AB Polish Hall
Sat 10/15/11 Calgary, AB Bowness Hall
Sun 10/16/11 Fort MacLeod, AB Empress Theatre
Mon 10/17/11 Lloydminster, AB Vic Juba Community Theatre
Wed 10/19/11 Saskatoon, SK Louis’
Thu 10/20/11 Brandon, MB Western Manitoba Centennial Aud.
Fri 10/21/11 Winnipeg, MB Pyramid Cabaret
Sat 10/22/11 Winnipeg, MB Pyramid Cabaret
Fri 11/04/11 Heerlen, Netherlands Parkstad Limburg Theaters

NOVEMBER 2011

Sat 11/05/11 Rosmalen, Netherlands Partycentrum De Kentering
Mon 11/07/11 Brest, France Salle Vauban
Tue 11/08/11 Caen, France Le Cargo
Wed 11/09/11 Compiegne, France Ziquodrome
Thu 11/10/11 Bourg En Gresse, France La Tannerie
Fri 11/11/11 La Ravoir, France Espace Jean Blanc
Sun 11/13/11 Seignosse, France Salle Des Bourdaines
Tue 11/15/11 Prague, Czech Republic Lucerna Music Bar
Wed 11/16/11 Stara Role, Czech Republic Lidovy Dum
Fri 11/18/11 Nuremberg, Germany Loewensaal
Sat 11/19/11 Winterbach, Germany Salierhalle

DECEMBER 2011

Thursday 12/01/11 – Monday 12/05/11
Miami, FL Royal Caribbean Cruise Line – “Liberty Of The Seas”

Thu 12/15/11 Stanhope, NJ Stanhope House
Fri 12/16/11 New Hope, PA New Hope Winery
Sun 12/18/11 New Britain, CT Trinity on Main
Fri 12/30/11 Fall River, MA Narrows Center For The Arts
Tue 01/03/12 New York, NY B.B. King Blues Club
Sat 01/07/12 Annapolis, MD Rams Head On Stage
Sun 01/08/12 Annapolis, MD Rams Head On Stage
Tue 01/10/12 New York, NY B.B. King Blues Club
Fri 01/13/12 Norfolk, CT Infinity Hall
Sat 01/14/12 Albany, NY Empire State Plaza Conv. Ctr.
Fri 01/20/12 New Haven, CT Toad’s Place
Sat 01/21/12 Plymouth, NH The Flying Monkey Movie House & Performance Center
Tue 01/24/12 New York, NY B.B. King Blues Club

During the Course of This Blog

I’ve featured some albums that were released in 1969. Johnny Winter’s self titled release came out almost 40 years ago to the date that I am writing this. If you’re unfamiliar I strongly suggest getting a copy of this. Sony Legacy re-issued this recording with five extra bonus tracks 5 years ago. It’s a great album for any fan old or new who wants a good dose of the blues from a true music legend. Just try not to hurt yourself when you listen.

This post represents only a small portion of Winter’s work. It’s impossible to cover the rich history and his contribution to the music world in just one blog post. Perhaps you can add your comments and help fill in some of the many gaps… Is there any Johnny Winter moments that comes to mind for you? Will you be checking out any of the shows listed above?

The Blues Blogger

February 6, 2011

As my 15 year old son and I settled in to watch the Super Bowl last week, we were surrounded by an assortment of munchies on the table in front of us. Unfortunately I was feeling a little down, and my son was rather fretful about my demeanor. This was the Super Bowl and there was no reason to be bummed…

I told my son that earlier in the day I heard the news about the death of Gary Moore. He was one of my favorite guitar players and that was the reason I felt rather cheerless. “Dad you need to write something. It might make you feel better,” he replied. I knew he was right, but what would I say that could do proper justice to a player that so many others had long admired? Wincing with awe makes for difficult adjectives at times.

It took a week, but I soon realized I was never going to get the right words that would articulate my appreciation for Gary Moore. He will forever stand out as one of those musicians that had a unique blend of versatility, tone and technique. And he did it with immense emotion. I decided not to over-think things and just do my best to weave together a brief tribute to a man who provided so many years of listening pleasure.

The Super Bowl

was well underway now and Green Bay was looking strong. I caught a side glimpse of my son, and I thought to myself that I was approximately his current age when I first came across Gary Moore’s music.

Then I started to drift off into one of my reflective moments from the past…

Spring/Summer 1976

This was a memorable year for me. I was going to high school and I also worked at a record store on the weekends. I would also discover new aspects of life like driving a car, different styles of music, making new friends, I got more involved with recording gear, and of course there were girls.

One of the things I also enjoyed was vinyl album art. Those covers act like time capsules; capable of taking you back to memories of yesteryear. It was this fascination that introduced me to an LP called Strange New Flesh by Colosseum II. My initial introduction to Gary Moore was on this record. And it was some of those new fusion, progressive rock and jazz sounds that became a new source for memories that would eventually act as a link to my mid to late teenage years.

I would buy LP’s like Strange New Flesh, and when I got home, crank the volume on my stereo in my room; playing songs like “Darker Side of the Moog.” And in doing so, drive my father absolutely crazy!

(Now, if you had to pick a few songs that take you back to some of your mid-teenage years, do you know what they’d be?)

For me I can clearly name two and they were both released in 1976. One is “Fooled Around and Fell in Love,” by Elvin Bishop and the other would be “The Boys are Back in Town” by Thin Lizzy. These are two staples from a time that metaphorically provides the bridge I crossed leading me to paths beyond teenage innocence.

Gary Moore With Thin Lizzy 1978

Gary Moore Dublin 2008

Gary Moore

Born in Belfast Ireland on April 4th, 1952, he started playing music at the age of 8, and developed his style right handed despite being a lefty. He was influenced by the likes of Elvis Presley and The Beatles, and then later by musicians like Jimi Hendrix and John Mayall, which opened him up to the art of the blues.

Aspiring to become a musician, Moore moved to Dublin at 16 and joined Skid Row, along with Phil Lynott. In 1973 Moore would once again unite with Lynott but this time in the band Thin Lizzy.

Moore became the protégé of blues pioneer Peter Green, who he admired since the days of the Blues Breakers. He even obtained some of his guitars when Green quit the music scene. Many of Moore’s albums features Green’s famous sounding 1959 Gibson Les Paul, and attributed to his identifiable sound and voicing. It was Peter Green that helped mold the career of the young Moore, and his deep appreciation of Green can be heard on his album, “Blues for Greeny.”

He sustained a career that received the respect of all the major players, including the likes of blues man B.B. King and many others who Moore graced the stage with.

Gary Moore preferred to better his technique and expose his true self rather than enjoy commercial success. After a string of rock records, Moore returned to blues music with Still Got the Blues, with contributions from Albert King, Albert Collins and George Harrison. This was his most successful and critically acclaimed album. And is a must buy for any electric blues fan who likes their blues with an extra punch.

He continued his blues recordings until 1997, when he decided to experiment with contemporary dance beats on Dark Days in Paradise. With Back to the Blues, Moore return to his tried and tested blues format in 2001 and continued with this style on Power of the Blues (2004), Old New Ballads Blues (2006), Close As You Get (2007) and his last recording Bad For You Baby (2008).

The Football Game

got more interesting in the second half as we all know. And as I started to get more involved, it took my mind off some of the things that were on my mind. And by the end of the game I was feeling a little better. My son was right when he reminded me that writing, along with positive memories would be good medicine.

Moore’s ability to hold his own amongst such influential company as shown in these videos is a testament to his enormous talent and respectability. He will forever be missed, but his music will live on in the hearts and souls of the people he touched forever.

There are so many musical moments in Gary Moore’s career which are impossible to cover in just one blog post. Perhaps we can continue our thoughts by including them in the comment area below. What are some of your favorite songs performed by Gary Moore? Do you have any stories about Gary you’d like to share?

The Blues Blogger

“This record’s one of the things that’s held me together… Because when I woke up in the hospital from this incredibly big surgery, I held on to the idea that, hey man, you’ve got a record in the can!”~ Gregg Allman

Music Is a Healer

Throughout this blog’s journey one the central themes you’ll find in many of the articles is the healing power of music. It was while recovering from a heart attack in the fall of 2007 that I created The Blues Blogger as a therapeutic means to help through a difficult time. I reflected on aspects of my life; weaving online articles along with the music which surrounded the scenes I was reflecting upon. I discovered firsthand that through the sharing of each other’s life experiences, the blues had a way of generating positive energy. So when you hear a good thing, especially one that motivates you, I believe it’s important to share the information.

Low Country Blues

Last week when I heard Gregg Allman’s first solo release in fourteen years Low Country Blues, I was totally knocked out. I even made a quick comment on my Twitter and Facebook accounts mentioning how hooked I was. The songs, musicianship, production and back story moved me and forced me out of my shell.

Named for the coastal Georgia area Allman calls home, Low Country Blues acknowledges the blues titans that originally inspired Allman’s music as a solo performer and as a continued member of The Allman Brothers Band. The choice of tracks (all covers with the exception Just Another Rider) is heartfelt and extremely tasteful.

For the recording, producer T-Bone Burnett brought in extraordinary musicians, which include Jay Bellerose on drums, Dennis Crouch on upright bass, Doyle Bramhall II on guitar and Allman’s old friend Dr John on piano.

While listening to the wonderful selection of tunes, it was difficult to find the appropriate words for a review because my mind was viewing images and scenes, not prose. Right from the opening track “Floating Bridge,” a Sleepy John Estes treasure, you’re taken on a cool trip down a reflective blues entrenched path.

Along the way my visions were placed in more of a screenplay format. I drifted through old memories of blues masters, American history and the vibe surrounding the hardships and successes of an era too often forgotten.

Gregg Allman

As the record progresses we hear the Mel London tune “Little by Little” made popular by Junior Wells. Allman’s voice is robust and supple; showing a deep bond for the music he’s cherished for the past 50 years.

Some of my favorite songs that required several listens were “Tears, Tears, Tears,” “Blind Man,” “I Can’t be Satisfied” and the Allman and Haynes original “Just Another Rider.”

Gregg Allman and T-Bone Burnett’s choice of tunes are right on the money. The retrospective raw and earthy production with the horn sections add weight to the arrangements and capture the overall experience magnificently.

Here’s a complete list of all the tracks:

1. Floating Bridge – Sleepy John Estes
2. Little by Little – Junior Wells
3. Devil Got my Woman- Skip James
4. I Can’t Be Satisfied – Muddy Waters
5. Blind Man – Bobby Bland
6. Just Another Rider – Gregg Allman & Warren Haynes
7. Please Accept My Love – B.B. King & Sam Ling
8. I Believe I’ll Go Back Home – John Lee Hooker
9. Tears, Tears, Tears – Amos Milburn
10. My Love Is Your Love – Magic Sam
11. Checking On My Baby – Otis Rush
12. Rolling Stone – New Arrangement by Gregg Allman & T Bone Burnett

Suffering from chronic Hepatitis C, Allman was on a waiting list for two years for a liver donor. The album was recorded just 6 months before his transplant, and is proof that music is an extremely powerful source of positive energy. Allman is unquestionably an experienced natural interpreter of the blues genre and a survivor having endured several of life’s tragedies.

On Low Country Blues Allman utilizes his experience and the positive energy of the blues to generate an enriching landscape. The whole vibe and story centering on this new release is very motivating indeed. You’ll want to check this record out for sure; it’s definitely food for the soul.

As a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, the group continues to perform and are still one of the most electrifying live bands to witness. The Allman Brothers band has inspired music lovers worldwide for the last 42 years, and their debut album back in 1969 set the tone for that famous southern rock sound.

With Gregg Allman’s career now in its sixth decade, it’s impossible to cover everything in one article. But that’s where you come in. What are some of your favorite Allman tunes? Have you heard his latest release Low Country Blues? What are your thoughts on his collaboration with producer T-Bone Burnett? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

If you’re curious, here is a link to the CBS interview last week where you can hear Gregg talk about his life, recent surgery and thoughts for his first solo release in 14 years.

I hope this new post finds you well.

The Blues Blogger

It’s impossible to play a run with as much feeling as a single note. I’ve never been so much into runs as making single notes cry.
~ Robin Trower

It’s been a while since we touched base, and it seems that for the first time in the three year history of The Blues Blogger I’m having trouble with what to say… Much has happened in the past year; some things have been sad and others so very sweet… So I apologize if I sound a little awkward.

You see, last spring I accepted a new offline day gig. This was a challenging and rewarding opportunity to help support my family. It’s very technical and requires significant left brain thinking; or as I refer to as the logical scrooge side. As a result, there’s been an unfamiliar stillness in the air. People walk by me curiously; rolling their eyes as I go about exercising my silent left brain affairs.

In the meantime, E-mails from concerned readers of my blog and continuous requests to publish material online made me ponder how to get back on track. Like I said in my first post of the year, Blues 2010: Still Got the Groove, TBB is a one man show.

Then I overheard some music that my wife TBBW was listening to upstairs… I’ve heard that mesmerizing sound so many times before; especially in my youth. But this time around it really got me thinking. Then I recalled a phone conversation I had several weeks back where Robin Trower’s name came up.

Suddenly my hiatus was over. And for the moment, my study room this past weekend was once again filled with that awesome rush of sounds and the feelings the music brings.

For the past three years The Blues Blogger has not only been known as a destination for blues/jazz and classic rock music fans, but also as a unique blog where the guitar is a central focus. Listening to the latest release of Robin Trower’s new album The Playful Heart gave me the chance to not only feature an important guitar icon, but also provided me with the unexpected right turn I needed.

ROBIN TROWER

His name may not come up in conversation as often as his colleagues Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page or Jeff Beck, but make no mistake about it; Trower has done his share in bringing a distinctive tone and inventive vision to audiences worldwide.

After leaving Procol Harum in 1972, he began a solo career and formed The Robin Trower Band. His 1973 debut album Twice Removed From Yesterday got attention for its brilliant mix of psychedelic-rock and blues. But it was his landmark second release Bridge Of Sighs that would be his signature LP. The album would rise to #7 on Billboard magazine’s top 200 charts, and also established the guitarist as an admired rock headliner.

Robin Talks About The Playful Heart

Several records in the seventies and an ensuing live LP, all earned him gold album awards. However, towards the end of the seventies Trower began to waft from his signature sound in an attempt to capture a funkier harder rock flavor.

In the early-1980s, Trower teamed up with one of my favorite bass players and former Cream bassist Jack Bruce for a pair of albums. Now out of my teenage daze, it was 1981′s B.L.T (Bruce Lordan & Trower) with its superb blend of rock, blues, and soul that had a multitude of spins on my turntable way back then.

With 1997’ s release of Someday Blues, Trower once again changed his propensity in favor of a raw blues-rock sound, which continued on 2004′s Living Out Of Time and 2005′s Another Days Blues. Trower would re-unite with Jack Bruce in 2008 for the album Seven Moons and resulting Seven Moons Live DVD in 2009.

Later in 2009, he released another solo effort What Lies Beneath, and for the first time stepped in front of the microphone to sing his own material.

Robin On Recording The Playful Heart

Like so many of his peers, Trower continues to perform and record to considerable praise. With his new release The Playful Heart we see a more reflective sounding Robin Trower. I really didn’t know what to expect when I started listening to this album, but was quite drawn by the catchy riffs and emotional playing alongside that characteristic Trower tone. It was certainly the right prescription to snap me out of my commonsensical left sided thought waves.

There are several highlights here from the rockin’ “The Turning,” to the catchy “Dressed in Gold,” and melodic “Camille.” The album covers the gamut from rock/blues, jazzy textures with funky grooves all wrapped in a wistful vibe. It was recorded with his touring band: vocalist Davey Pattison, drummer Pete Thompson and bassist Glenn Letsch. The album was produced by Livingston Brown who has worked in the past as a touring and session musician with artists such as Tina Turner, Bryan Ferry and Sting.

On The Playful Heart Trower comes out with an album that is sure to please not only his long times fans, but hopefully a new generation of guitar aficionados who may not be as familiar.

So now I want to turn this post over to you. Are you a Robin Trower fan? Any highlights from his illustrious career that stand out for you? Have you ever seen, or will you be seeing Robin and his band as they pass through your town in the New Year? I’d love to hear your thoughts. So please leave your comments in the section below.

Thank you for your support! I wish you all a very safe and festive holiday season.

The Blues Blogger