Live Bootleg Series, Vol. 1 :: Education by Design Store

Editorial Review
Johnny Winter has been flattening audiences since he blew out of Texas like a white tornado in 1968. At the tail end of the blues revival when British blues rockers were co-opting America's only indigenous art form, Johnny staked his claim to the title of reigning blues guitar hero with blinding chops as hot as a jalapeno and authentic blues feel as deep, wide and muddy as the Rio Grande.

Johnny's studio releases are an unparalleled record of the evolution of a blues master who has never stopped growing and perfecting his unique artistic vision of the music as a living, breathing entity meant to be expressed with spontaneity and unbounded enthusiasm in concert. To the everlasting gratitude of his fans, he has recorded a tremendous number of his shows, amassing an archive of forty plus years of musical treasures. They are now being carefully and painstakingly mastered and will be released over the next several years as the Live Bootleg Series on Friday Music.

Volume One covers a collection of Johnny's vintage performances featuring bassist Jon Paris and drummer Bobby T, his power trio at the time playing with fiery abandon and thundering drive. From his signature hair-raising scream of A LITTLE ROCK AND ROLL! that introduces Johnny B. Goode to his stomping bonus track cover of Bobby Womack's R&B classic It's All Over Now, this musical journey is one of blues and rock, heart and soul. If there is any doubt that he is the premier interpreter of the Rolling Stones, one need only to listen to his cataclysmic version of Jumpin' Jack Flash, to dispel any rumors. It's no wonder Keith and Mick gladly handed him their Silver Train to cover. Any Texan worth his salt and tequila includes Freddie King's Hide Away in his repertoire, but Johnny knows it from the inside out and makes the well- worn classic his own. Ever conscious of his true roots in country blues, he delivers a Southern fried Rollin' and Tumblin' for the ages, stamping it as bonafide with his slashing slide guitar. Further demonstrating his versatility, his original, brooding Stranger makes a case for this overlooked aspect of his talent.

As Johnny is quick to point out when anyone calls his recent resurgence as a comeback, But I never went anywhere! These priceless, previously unreleased live recordings only further serve to fill in the gaps in a legacy that continues to be added to with every passing contemporary show and recording.
Dave Rubin - Guitar Player Magazine
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Customer Reviews

Surprised!!!

2008-02-14
As many of the J. Winter fans out there know...you take a big chance with "new" Winter stuff. There is soooo much garbage out there repackaged under different names it is at times rediculous. So you can understand my concern when I purchased this disc. First of all, the sound is top notch, the guitar is clear. vocals up front, no inordinate hiss...nice. The performance is very nice as well (I don't think I have heard this one before...surprise - Jon Paris is on bass). Johnny seems fairly interested and excited, his playing is very good, not great, but very good (Y'Know as I continue to listen while a type...damn, he is playing pretty good). Look, I know what I was expecting when I ordered this and was pleasently surprised by what I received...hopefully, this is a "series" of releases, I am hooked.

Go Johnny!

2008-02-09
This is quality Johnny Winter in his late 70's prime. It's full tilt guitar boogie and blues. Enough said.

OUTSTANDING CONCERT

2008-01-30
This is a fine concert, I am too amazed to hear the quality of the audio on this recording. I can't wait for Volume 2. Keep them coming Johnny, and may GOD bless you all the time.

AWESOME

2008-01-08
If U look at who's in charge of this whole album and realize it Johnny Winter, not some schmuck who's in the shadows. Johnny's the producer who,s trying to put his best work out there. THis is johnny putting his best live work together. "Oh well,maybe next one" should look at who's putting this together.

underappreciated artist

2008-01-05
Only five stars? Absolutely superb music, of course. When other guitarists begin to fade Mister Winter begins to soar. I've waited 35 years for this material to be released. RED HOUSE on vol 2 is superlative.

Johnny Winter Live Bootleg Vol-2 ROCKS

2008-06-10
This "album" is highly recommended! This is another must-have for any fan of Johnny Winter or blazing guitar playing. The band's music overcomes any shortcomings in the sound quality. (Volume 1 is a better recording, but volume 2 may have more innovative playing.) After all, these are live recordings, from an era before sophisticated remote music equipment. Don't let the warts spoil a fantastic musical experience. Sit back (if you can) and enjoy! The licks aren't as polished (occasionally) as his studio albums, but the improvisation is fantastic. This group puts out an amazing sound for three members.

Not great

2008-04-24
I have been a huge fan of Johnny Winter since the early 70s and have seen him live more than a dozen times over the years. This album has some classic tunes done by Johnny before and the earlier versions are much better. Examples are Johnnie B Goode and Jumpin' Jack Flash from the live album "Johnny Winter Live And". Compare these versions and you will find out that JW was much hotter before he became a train wreck from drugs, etc. This album shows his gradual decline in his abilities, sad.

SIZZLELING HOT

2008-04-10
I got hooked on Johnny Winter when "Second Winter" was released back in high school. The only live album I have was the "Johnny Winter And" with Rick Derringer so this was a long-time treat for me. These three guys (I love Power Trios) sizzle like a RUTH CHRIS RIBEYE!!!! Highly recommended.

As good as it gets

2008-03-28
This CD recalls Johnny's best early stuff. Be prepared to experience Johnny with fresh ears, as the sound quality is vastly updated from the original recordings. It's not for everyone, but if you love the blues and hard driving rock done Johnny Winter's style, then you'd better get it. Some favorites are Johnny B. Goode, Help Me, and a red-hot cover of the Rolling Stones' Jumpin'Jack Flash.

Buy it yesterday..........

2008-03-18
I first got turned on to the master back in 9th grade(1978) with Captured Live. That thing got played on my turntable at least once a day for over a year. Ever since, I've purchased anything by him I could get my hands on, and have almost all of it. This new bootleg series is AWESOME, and I will buy all of these too. I've heard he's getting healthy again, and I'm hoping to see him for I guess the eighth time. Last time was a few years ago at the House of Blues in Orlando. Johnny was really out of it, and I took my girl out after three songs. I told her that's not Johnny Winter anymore, after telling her she was getting to see one of the hottest players of all time.(I've taken her to Jeff Beck twice, and lots of others, too long to mention) We're only friends these days, but just told her the other day Johnny is on the mend, and a reprise visit will be in order. Anyway, this disc is worth many times more than the price if you like Johnny, and for people who don't know him, you'll see Texas had Johnny long before Stevie Ray, and Johnny plays one mean slide. Long live Firebirds and my soul brother Johnny!!!!!A little Rock and Roll!!!!!!!!!!!! Stranger on this album is GREAT!!!!!!