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I've been listening to Johnny Winter since at least the early 70's (it's hard to remember exactly). The man is a phenomenal guitar player, to the point of being what some might call a "Guitar Slinger". Bought this CD back when it came out in '98 and wasn't impressed. I didn't know what was going on, but it seemed that perhaps something bad had happened to Johnny's health, because he didn't seem like himself. The record didn't seem to have the fire I associate with Johnny's music; and it sounded like Johnny might have been playing at half-speed. Maybe he was "medicated". Feeling that the CD didn't do Johnny's legacy justice; I sold it. Fast forward a dozen years and thousands of Blues & Rock albums later, and my admiration for Johnny's playing has only grown. In the middle of another Johnny Winter phase, & looking for Johnny's CD's online, I noticed 'Live '97'. In spite of my past feeling about the album, something told me to buy another copy. Don't know about before, maybe the producers changed the CD somehow(kidding), but it doesn't sound the same now. First the bad news: The music still sounds a bit slow-- especially for Johnny Winter. The vocals are sometimes slightly weak, and more "mannered" than we're used to from Johnny, but they're not "bad". In fact, on some of the songs Johnny's vocals are excellent. The tempo seems to stay about the same throughout the album, which is maybe a bit monotonous; and there are a couple of spots where Johnny/the band seems uninspired. At times Johnny seems a little... uncertain ? hesitant ? So you sense that Johnny is not quite himself here. The good news: You have to remember that we ARE talking about Johnny Winter. Johnny's "weak" playing here still sounds better than about 95% of the guitar players out there. Most couldn't play like this to save their lives ! I kid you not: The man is smooth, fluid, knowledgeable, soulful, and just plain tasty on guitar. Johnny plays some very sweet licks. Some folks may not like my saying this; but there have been times in Johnny's career, especially live, when he played a lot of crap along with the good stuff. Just mindless blowing. He doesn't do that here. His musical ideas are sound, and the playing is 'sculpted'. Another point: Someone did a review on a very well known (hint, hint) web site & said the band sounds like a "bar band". Well, OK. I guess there are some pretty good bar bands out there, especially in that reviewers' area; because, while the rhythm section may not be brilliant, they are rock solid. Sound on this CD is excellent. It has a fat, full sound and is well mixed. Not muddy, and you can hear each instrument clearly. Very good production, actually. The song choice is excellent, and the musical vision is about what you'd expect from the latter day Johnny Winter: Electric Blues and R&B played with Rock muscularity. Rock On, Johnny ! ****Read full review
I have from the begining always like johnny winters style of music and have been at a number of his concerts ,with the first in austin ,Texas in 1976 ,playing in front of a large audience,with his endless energy along with his band members,coming back with a number of encores. with this particular concert-live in nyc his legend lives on.He is great in concert,as well in the studio.
This live concert by Johnny Winter is the best example I've heard of a live trio at their best. A master guitarist in total harmony with his bassist and drummer no overplaying,no long boring solos total groove through the songs(mostly classic covers)and a pleasure to hear and appreciate especially to hear him switch from rhythm to lead with such ease and precision.A must for all rock&blues lovers.