The Johnny Winter Story (The GRT/Janus Recordings)
Omnivore, 2023
9/10
Listen to The Johnny Winter Story (The GRT/Janus Recordings)
Undoubtedly one of the greatest guitar players of all time, Johnny Winter has his first ever collection of the albums The Johnny Winter Story (1969), About Blues (1969), and Early Times (1970) assembled with with original 1969 liner notes by Pete Welding.
“Ease My Heart” opens the 2 disc set with gritty, thick blues, where spirited harmonica complements Winter’s meticulous guitar, and “That’s What Love Does” follows with an upbeat and timeless rock’n’roll flavor that benefits from bouncy piano, too.
Further into the listen, the lively energy of the dance floor ready “Road Runner” emits plenty of soulful brass, while “Parchman Farm” showcases Winter’s finger acrobatics and smooth pipes amid the playful organ.
The bouncy and frisky climate of “Bad News” leads off disc 2, where bright percussion and harmonica complement the melodic guitar, and it isn’t long until “I Had To Cry” shows a more intimate side of Winter thanks to the warm acoustic guitar and heartfelt singing. “Please Come Home From Christmas” exits the listen, and is a cozy, holiday blues song with some gospel nods that are powerful and heartfelt.
Winter is a Grammy Winner, Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, and One of Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time, and this project of some of his best work certainly supports all those accolades, where the blues-rock, southern flavor and slide guitar wizardry is unparalleled.
Travels well with: Jimmie Vaughan- The Jimmie Vaughan Story; Robin Trower- Joyful Sky