JOHNNY WINTER
"Let
Me In" (Pointblank; 1991)
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
Being a student of guitar and a fan of anyone who has a guitar album released, I always wanted to learn how to play the blues. So, I have been trekking into territory that brings me to the forefront of blues guitar: Gary Moore, Johnny Lang, Kenny Wayne Sheppard and now ... Johnny Winter.
Born in 1944, Johnny is still ripping out blues
riffs as strong as ever. It amazes me. He looks grizzled and his hair is all white but still sports the long mane and blues/rock guitar sound.
"Let Me In" features legends Albert Collins and Dr. John helping Winter with his trademark sound. Although he is
still 100% blues, he does have those rock tendencies raging in him and they must be
released ... and let loose he does. From the get go, he smokes up the bar more than
any amount of cigarettes ever could.
While possessing a perfect blues voice, Winter growls out the blues and picks his way through each song with a fresh sound. This CD has such a rich sound to it that,
even if I never get to see him live, the production is so well done that I can transport myself there anytime.
The best blues cuts are “Illustrated Man,” “Barefootin,” “Blue Mood,” and “Sugartree.”
The band: Johnny Winter – vocals, electric and acoustic guitars; Jeff Ganz – electric bass, fretless bass and upright bass; Tom Compton – drums; Dr. John – piano on “Sugartree”, “You Lie Too Much”, “Barefootin”, and “Life Is Hard”.
For more information, check out http://www.johnnywinter.net.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2007 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 04 Dec 2023 22:19:32 -0500.
