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Johnny Winter, the legendary blues-rock guitarist, expresses his desire to have unreleased jam session recordings with Jimi Hendrix released as an album. Winter also shares stories of his interactions with other music icons, like Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis. A concert review highlights the audience's enthusiastic reception of Winter's performance at the Royal Albert Hall, showcasing his enduring appeal.
In the text Johnny Winter is quoted saying: "We played together at the Scene Club in New York...the Experience in L.A., and we even did a benefit for Tim Leary at the Village Gate in New York."
Then Johnny Winter talks about how they went into the Record Plant Studios in NY and..."We didn't play any particular tunes. It was just an extended guitar workshop. I mean, you just couldn't show that man anything new. It was just a case of Jimi watching how I used a bottleneck when playing. All I was doing was more or less demonstrating the basic technique to him."
And Johnny Winter goes on: "I guess Jimi and I must have played together for at least two or three hours that day. Now...if someone was to do a professional job of editing those tapes, I'm sure we could get a good album out of them. If they're good, then I'd really like to see them come out for everyone to hear. I know I shouldn't say it, 'cause I'm under contract to another company and all that stuff, but really, I'm not bothered if I don't make a penny from them. It's just that I liked him so much."
Then Johnny Winter goes on and tells an anecdote of Little Richard, when they were together on stage in Detroit with Mitch Ryder: "He wandered on stage, gave me a big kiss, and started singing. Man... he's so flash, but then he's so beautiful."
Then another anecdote about Jerry Lee Lewis when they met again at The Scene Club: "I first played with Jerry Lee way back in '64 when he was touring Texas. I didn't see Jerry Lee again until I came to New York in January of '69 to do a gig at the Scene. Anyway, he remembered me after all that time, but he got real annoyed - just like a father who was p..... off with his wayward son - 'cause he started bawling me out by saying: 'Goddamn it ...where did ya get all that damn hair from? Johnny, ya look just like a girl. For pity sakes, man, whatcha wanna go and do that for? Ya look so pitiful." Johnny goes on: Hey man, you know he got real angry. Then when I said: "But Jerry you were the first cat to have long hair" - he spluttered and go real nasty.
Then he continues about Jerry Lee when he comes off stage (after a successfull show)and starts a bad scene with both Johnny and a young photographer.
Johnny Winter ends the JLL story: "He may be a great rocker, but he's got a truck driver's mentality".
Front Row Reviews
NOT since Creedence Clearwater Revival took the Royal Albert Hall by storm last April have I witnessed such a genuine Ovation as Johnny Winter received when he celebrated his birthday at the same venue on Tuesday evening.
As long as Johnny sees fit to " get it on (his own words) there is no fear of any demise in rock and roll. Loosening up with " Rock Me Baby " Johnny and his band really ignited the atmosphere with "Good Morning
Little Schoolgirl before easing the pace with a slow and superbly played downhome Wuos, a number which I'm sure will silence any disbelievers of Johnny's artistry.
Before the applause had time to subside they were Trashing out the familiar riff of " Jumpin' Jack Flash " and Rick Derringer's " Great Balls of Fire " rock medley which led into a finale of "Johnny B. Goode." With the crowd on its feet they returned for an encore of Dylan's " Highway 61 " but even that wasn't enough as they came out the dressing room once again to play that old standby " Hound Dog."
ROY CARR