May 2001

Johnny Winter
Johnny Winter: Deluxe Edition
Alligator Records

By Bill Milkowski

The rockin' blues guitar legend Johnny Winter is showcased in a parade of relentless hot licks and menacing growls on his self-titled compilation (Alligator 5609; 63:09). The material here was culled from three of Winter's strongest Alligator albums-1984's Third Degree, 1985's Guitar Slinger and 1986's Serious Business. It includes two previously unissued tracks in the Smiley Lewis flavored "Georgianna," which features Dr. John tickling the ivories, and the Delta-flavored "Nothing but the Devil," featuring James Cotton on harmonica.