Saw a living legend last night.

[lowendbob]

Got to see Johnny Winter at a small venue last night in Harrisburg, Pa.

He didn't appear to be in great health as he sat during the entire set, but it sure didn't affect his hands or his vocals.
The band was great too with Scott Spray on bass (awesome bass player).
They were really loud, but their sound was outstanding.

None stop boogie for an 90 minutes.
I have to say one of the best shows I have ever seen.

Took some pictures, but they turned out like **** as always.

If Johnny comes to a town near you, don't miss it!

[ric325v63]

I saw Johnny for the first time (I know, 20 lashes!) just last month here in Alexandria, VA at the Birchmere. I agree, LOUD, blazing hands, good voice, very frail, and, even though VERY loud for a small place, the sound was clean. It was very enjoyable. I wish I hadn't waited this long to see the Legend. Jon

[kenposurf]

A lifetime of hard living has taken a toll on Johnny. He's getting rave reviews everywhere he plays now. It looks like the man still has the fire and the chops to back it up. A tough way to live your precious life though.

[octagon]

Cool!Did you see the 8-Track tape I found for at the Unique Thrift Store a couple of days ago?All early 60's JW. I don't know whether to keep it or put it on ebay.

[charlyg]

I saw him at the Fillmore West in 70/71 when RIck Derringer played with him. They did the best version of Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo I have ever heard! You can hear it on the Johnny Winter And album.

[mgauction]

Looks like he's still playing a Gibson firebird!

[rictified]

He's been playing a Firebird for as long as I remember. Scott Spray used to play around here with a drummer friend of mine, he also said Spray was phenomenal, I never saw him with Spray, I was jealous . Winter's version of Rock n Roll Hoochie Koo was the first I ever heard and still like it the best although Derringer's version is also great. I like it loud, a band that can play loud cleanly is the mark of a great professional band. When it's clean it doesn't hurt.

[winston]

This is an interesting read about Johnnys early days in the music biz.

http://www.yee.ch/winter/winter_bio.html

Enjoy!

[charlyg]

I did! Thanks!

Steve Foster on Tunings
Spanish tuning is: V-I-V-I-III-V, which equates to D-G-D-G-B-D in the key of G, or: E-A-E-A-C#-E in the key of A. Simply put, when you strum the guitar without fretting, it's playing a chord. Another Johnny favorite is the Vestapol tuning, which is: I-V-I-III-V-I, which equates to D-A-D-F#-A-D in the key of D, or: E-B-E-G#-B-E in the key of E. Some fine examples of these tunings in action can be heard on "Dallas" (open G), "Mean Town Blues" (open A), "Highway 61" from "Second Winter, "Mojo Boogie", "Stranger Blues" (open D), or the red hot version of "Highway 61" from "Captured Live", or "Let It Bleed" (open E). These are a lot of fun, and I encourage all guitar players to give them a try.

[marc61]

I remember on holiday season during the late 70's. Johnny used to buy a lot of musical equipment from a local music store. Anyway, during one of my visits, he called on the phone, and the owner put it on speaker so Johnny could wish all a happy holiday season.

Believe it or not, I have still not seen him live.

[firstbassman]

I’m sorry I can’t share everyone’s fond reviews. (Though he apparently also did get good reviews from Clapton’s last Crossroads event.)

Buried deep within this section is my mention of Winter’s performance last year at The Barns in Virginia. The show was very short (about an hour) and about 15 minutes of that was just his backup band opening.

He only used the Firebird for slide on the last song (Highway 61). The rest of the time he uses this thing (can’t remember the brand name off the top of my head):

The tone was awful and the playing (IMHO) mediocre. At one time he was one of my favorites. But I guess age and illness have taken their toll.[/color]

[charlyg]

He has been playing that for quite a while (a decade at least). I do not remember(may have been the mesc!) what he played at the Fillmore in 72. I was too enamored by both him and Derringer on stage at the same time!

[firstbassman]

I remember!!! Lazer guitar: (ugly)


http://www.erlewineguitars.com/pgs/lazer.htm

[lowendbob]

I have tickets to see him again in State College in a few weeks. Can't wait!

Great article Brian.

[winston]

I have tickets to see him again in State College in a few weeks. Can't wait!

Great article Brian.

Agreed it is a great article. You are a lucky man IMHO Bob. He is a great musician and he commands a huge amount of respect from his peers.

I have always liked the music that the two brothers created for our listening enjoyment. On a less positive note, Edgar seems to have fared a little better on the health side of the equation. I wish Johhny was in better health. He has paid his dues.