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

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

“This album wasn’t what it was intended to be at all. It’s actually better than it was meant to be because, in a way, I just let it happen. It’s an eclectic collection of songs that weren’t really on the map… If it’s a surprise to the fans, that’s only because it’s a surprise to me, as well.” ~Eric Clapton

Worldwide CD Giveaway – THIS CD GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED –

(Congratulations to Ron Grande & Tim Null who’ve both won a copy of the disc. Your new Clapton CD is now on the way to you… You’re gonna love it!!!)

Next month it’s The Blues Blogger’s 3rd Anniversary. However, to coincide with Eric Clapton’s upcoming 19th solo album “Clapton” later this month, I thought it might be fun to give away 2 copies of the CD and announce the winners on the day of the release… Your opportunity to win could not be simpler. In fact many of you reading this are already entered. I will explain shortly…

First

I Have a Question for You

If somebody asked you, “what song in your past acts likes a soundtrack to your youth?” Would you know right away? If you had to think about it, what song would play in your mind? I know what song that would be for me. And I’ve mentioned it many times from my very first post Electric Blues Masters, to Joe Bonamassa Live at The Royal Albert Hall and of course Freddie King I Am a Blues Master. That song is John Mayall & The Blues Breakers featuring Eric Clapton’s version of Freddie King’s Hideaway. It’s the first audible groove I vividly recall my brother playing along to on his guitar on the bunk bed below in the room we shared while growing up.

For Eric Clapton

some of the tunes that make him reminisce about his childhood, he got the opportunity to record on his upcoming album. These selections are gems which were passed down to Eric from his grandparents. It’s an assortment of songs by such noted composers as Irving Berlin, Fats Waller, Johnny Mercer and Hoagy Carmichael. Clapton covers everything from old brass bands to obscure country blues, in addition to brand-new originals. The result is tranquil, reflective, and quite different from anything he’s done in the past.

Working with guitarist and producer Doyle Bramhall II, Clapton brings together an impressive range of talent to back him on this self-titled release. Musicians and guests include drummer Jim Keltner, bassist Willie Weeks, and keyboardist Walt Richmond. Also featured on this eclectic offering is JJ Cale, Wynton Marsalis, Sheryl Crow, Steve Winwood, Allen Toussaint and Derek Trucks.

You can preview four complete songs, including the new single “Diamonds Made From Rain” from the Clapton album here on the widget below:

Clapton has also announced several live dates in 2011 including 4 nights at The Royal Albert Hall. And has assembled a remarkable band for the 2011 tour which will consist of long-time touring partners: Steve Gadd (drums), Willie Weeks (bass), Chris Stainton (keyboards) along with Michelle John and Sharon White as backing vocalists…

For more details you can go to Eric Clapton’s site by clicking here

While many of my long time readers are familiar with my posts, what many of you may not know was how Clapton inadvertently influenced the idea for me to create this blog three years ago.

Time has passed quickly since I succeeded in freaking my entire family out with the news of my heart attack 36 months ago. It forced me into a situation where I had a lot of time to think. When my brother heard the news and realized I would be alright, he told my wife TBBW on the phone to get me Clapton’s recently released autobiography. A hard cover copy of the book would be at my bedside when I opened my eyes one morning in the hospital. While reading that book and recovering at home, I got the idea of creating a music blog where I could combine my appreciation for music and my long time desire to write.

That desire to write started when I first heard Hideaway when I was a kid, but I never really concentrated too much on it until after I read Eric’s biography three years ago. The book made me reminisce about my own life and the music that surrounded me when I was young. The blog then became a therapeutic canvas for me. It would also be a place where lovers of blues, jazz, and fans of some good old rock n roll could come together and share their thoughts; past and present.

For these past three years The Blues Blogger site has grown in an extremely profound way, and as a result so have I. I’m truly very humbled by all your kind words and overwhelming support…

And Now…

Do You Want To Win a Copy of Eric Clapton’s Upcoming CD?

The Rules Are Simple – THIS CD GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED -

All email subscribers of The Blues Blogger anywhere in the world will get the opportunity to win 2 possible copies of Eric’s 19th solo album “Clapton” in a random draw giveaway.

(All current Blues Blogger subscribers are automatically entered.)

You will need to subscribe to my e-mail list at the top of the page where it says “Receive Updates by Email.” Enter your email address and press click here. When you submit the form, you will receive a verification message in your e-mail in-box. Once you respond to this message you are subscribed. That’s it! I promise no spam and you can always unsubscribe at anytime…

This random prize giveaway will end September 26th, 2010 at 11:00 pm eastern time in the U.S. When the winners are notified, they’ll have 12 hours to respond or a new name will be drawn.

But now if I could, I’d like to get back to my original question - Do you have a favorite tune that plays in your mind from the past? Are there any songs or performances from Eric Clapton from your youth that you’d like to share?

As an extra added bonus, if you comment on this post as well as being an active subscriber, I will put an additional ballot in the draw to increase your chances of winning. You have absolutely nothing to lose, and a terrific memorable record to gain.

I’d love to hear from you.

Good luck,

The Blues Blogger

One of my first audible memories is of my brother practicing his guitar to the song “Hideaway” from John Mayall and the Blues Breaker’s famous “Beano” record with Eric Clapton. It’s a melody that would be embedded into my early psyche and was my first introduction to blues at 6 years old. Way too young to be aware of the song’s history. ~TBB

The first time I heard Freddie King (known also as “The Texas Cannonball”) was when my brother brought home his record Freddie King Is a Blues Master back in 1969. Hearing King’s funky revision of his song “Hideaway” on that album caught me by surprise. It was the first time I heard anybody else play it…

As I got a bit older, I developed a keen interest in learning more about music and the history of the artists who created these wonderful treasures. I usually got my answers from reading album liner notes and asking my brother and his musician friends lots of questions. I would eventually learn that the song rooted in my head was credited to Freddie King and was originally recorded in 1960. And a year later would reach number 5 on the Billboard R&B charts and 29 on their Hot 100. The song was named after Mel’s Hide Away Lounge, a Chicago blues club frequented by many blues musicians of the era and adapted from a Hound Dog Taylor instrumental… Knowing that information, even back then helped my creative thought processes and heightened my appreciation for the music.

In Our Basement Back in 1969

My brother and his friends were rehearsing some songs from that particular album. The staging area in our house was crammed as they now added two sax players for a total of seven guys… It changed everything. The band was funkier, more soulful and the sound was bigger and bluesier than ever. They choose songs like “It’s Too Late, She’s Gone”, “Play It Cool” and of course “Hideaway.” If I didn’t know it already, I certainly knew it then; music was going to be a part of my life. But being so young, I still had plenty of time to figure things out.

That was the atmosphere I was raised in for the first nine years of my life; a youthful observer just taking in all the creative energy of the time. I still find it challenging to put those feelings into words. One thing for certain, they will always remain great memories indeed! So how much did Freddie King play an influence on us? Well there’s only one word for that question… HUGE!

Freddie King

was born in Gilmer Texas on September 3rd 1934. Freddie’s mother recognized her son’s early interest in music. At 6 years old Freddie began to learn rural country blues and his interests developed from there. His early music heroes were artists like Sam Lightnin’ Hopkins and Louis Jordan. King would play Jordan’s records continuously until he got the horn parts down note for note. In no time at all Freddie was finding his groove.

After finishing high school the family moved to Chicago. Freddie was ecstatic! He was now living on the Southside of Chicago, the musical turf for Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, T-Bone Walker, Elmore James, Sonny Boy Williamson and so many blues greats.

On dares from friends, a teenage Freddie sneaked into the clubs to catch these guys perform. He even won a bet with his friends one night that he would sit in with the band. As the story goes, one of the club owners found out Freddie’s age, and as the bouncers were about to escort him out, Howlin Wolf intervened. So impressed with the way Freddie played, he told the owner that he was with him. Afterward Wolf replied, “Young man you pick that guitar like an old soul… The lord sure enough put you here to play the blues.”

Howlin Wolf took King under his wing and taught him street smarts. Along with Muddy Waters and his side men Eddie Taylor, Jimmy Rogers, Robert Lockwood Jr. and Little Walter, Freddie was accepted into their inner circle…

King would audition unsuccessfully for Chess Records. However it was a blessing as it forced King to continue finding his own unique style… Syd Nathan signed him to Federal in 1960 and his first session resulted in three hits “Have You Ever Loved a Woman,” “See See Baby” and the instrumental “Hide Away.” As I mentioned before, King’s career really took off in the early sixties, and in the process inspired several British blues artists that would later show their respect by having him open for many of their shows, or cover his songs on their records. Artists such as Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, and Jeff Beck are just a few examples. Shortly after Freddie King was sharing the spotlight in a serious way.

The album Freddie King Is a Blues Master didn’t exactly sell great numbers, but it was a memorable album and a starting point for future discovery for me. Whenever I reflect on my personal relationship with the blues, I realize that King was responsible for that initial impression… He continued to tour even through health concerns and played at The New York Ballroom in Dallas just three days before passing away of heart failure on December 28th 1976. He was only 42 years old.

Freddie King was a serious influence on many musicians of our time, including my older brother and his friends who would practice their craft inspired by his genius.

(It’s interesting to note that the 1961 version of “Hideaway” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999… And in 2003 Freddie King was placed 25th in Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time)

It’s impossible to write one post covering King’s amazing and influential career. Perhaps that’s where you can help… Are you a Freddie King fan? Did any of his music inspire you? Were you aware that King would have turned 76 this September 3rd, 2010? Please add your comments below. Together we can discuss his wonderful legacy and perhaps share in some cool moments.

The Blues Blogger