Johnny Winter: Live In NYC ’97

On his first new recording in five years, Live In NYC ’97 (Pointblank 7087 6 12796 2; 57:55), blues-rock pioneer Johnny Winter dredges up old reliable numbers like Freddie King’s “Hideaway,” Elmore James’ “The Sky Is Crying” and Muddy Waters’ “Got My Mojo Workin’.” He also turns in smokin’ renditions of Ray Charles’ slow blues “Black Jack” and Johnny Guitar Waton’s driving “Johnny Guitar,” which has become a Winter trademark in concert. He whips out his legendary slide chops on a boogie “The Sun Is Shining” and takes a stab at some Meters-styled funk on the instrumental “Drop The Bomb.” It’s been 30 years since Rolling Stone “discovered” Johnny Winter, helping to turn the albino bluesman into an overnight sensation. He’s still playing with the same hellbent enthusiasm and flashing those familiar licks. Raw and unadulterated, complete with lots of amp buzz, this live document captures the guitar hero in fine form.

Originally Published June 1, 1998