"About Blues" is a compilation album of tracks recorded with Johnny Winter on Guitar. These recordings were made before JW became famous and when he worked as a free-lance guitarist and studio guitarist. The music on this album is representative for the popular music during the early 1960s. This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
"About Blues" is a compilation album of tracks recorded with Johnny Winter on Guitar. These recordings were made before JW became famous and when he worked as a free-lance guitarist and studio guitarist. The music on this album is representative for the popular music during the early 1960s.
Note: this album has been re-released countless number of times on many media formats. Also the 1976 album has been re-released with the front and back covers reversed.
You may want to get these vinyl albums for the photos taken by Jim Marshall, otherwise leave it on the shop's shelves.
Side One:
1. Parchman Farm (2:42)
Kicking off the album with raw energy, "Parchman Farm" immediately grabs the listener's attention. Winter's guitar prowess shines through in this powerful rendition of the classic blues standard, transporting the audience to the heart of the Mississippi Delta.
2. Livin' The Blues (2:39)
With its infectious rhythm and Winter's soulful vocals, "Livin' The Blues" captures the essence of the genre. The track showcases Winter's ability to infuse his own unique style while staying true to the blues tradition.
3. Leavin' Blues (2:48)
"Leavin' Blues" sees Winter explore the bittersweet emotions that often permeate blues music. His emotionally charged delivery and skillful guitar work create a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the song ends.
4. Thirty-Eighty, Thirty-Two, Twenty (2:16)
In this instrumental track, Winter's guitar takes center stage, weaving a tapestry of melodic brilliance. The song's lively tempo and intricate guitar lines demonstrate Winter's technical mastery and his ability to push the boundaries of the blues.
5. Bad News
Closing out Side One is "Bad News", a track that showcases Winter's versatility as a songwriter. The poignant lyrics and his expressive guitar playing combine to create a powerful blues ballad that resonates with the listener.
Side Two:
1. Kind Hearted Woman (3:40)
Opening Side Two, Winter pays homage to the blues pioneer Robert Johnson with his rendition of "Kind Hearted Woman". Winter's soulful interpretation adds a contemporary twist while staying true to the essence of Johnson's original composition.
2. Out Of Sight (2:22)
With its infectious groove and energetic guitar riffs, "Out Of Sight" is a prime example of Winter's ability to infuse the blues with rock elements. The track's upbeat tempo and catchy hooks make it a standout on the album.
3. Low Down Gal Of Mine (3:07)
"Low Down Gal Of Mine" showcases Winter's storytelling ability as he paints a vivid picture of heartbreak and longing. The song's melancholic atmosphere and Winter's heartfelt delivery create a deeply emotional listening experience.
4. Going Down Slow (4:39)
In this soulful rendition of "Going Down Slow", Winter's expressive guitar playing takes center stage once again. The track showcases his ability to convey deep emotion through his instrument, leaving a lasting impact on the listener.
5. Avocado Green (2:30)
Closing out the album is "Avocado Green", an instrumental track that highlights Winter's improvisational skills. The song's mellow vibe and intricate guitar melodies serve as a perfect denouement to the blues journey embarked upon throughout the album.
Blues, Blues Rock, 60s Pop Music
Janus Records – JLS 3008
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1976 Made in USA
Roy C. Ames - Producer
Bob Scerbo - Production Coordinator
Sid Maurer - Art Direction
Jim Marshall - Photographer
Jim Marshall (1936-2010) was an American photographer known for his iconic images that captured the essence of the music and cultural scene of the 1960s and 1970s. His work became synonymous with rock 'n' roll, and he is regarded as one of the greatest music photographers of all time.
Born on 3 February 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, James Joseph Marshall developed an early passion for photography. He received his first camera, a Kodak Brownie, at the age of nine and began experimenting with capturing the world around him. As a teenager, Marshall worked as an assistant to a local portrait photographer, honing his skills and developing his own unique style.
In the early 1960s, Marshall moved to San Francisco, where he became immersed in the burgeoning counterculture and music scene. He began photographing jazz musicians, but it was his love for rock 'n' roll that would define his career. Marshall's ability to blend seamlessly into the music scene allowed him to capture intimate and candid moments of some of the greatest musicians of all time.
One of Marshall's most famous photographs is the image of Jimi Hendrix burning his guitar on stage at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. This image encapsulated the rebellious spirit of the era and became an enduring symbol of the power and energy of rock music. Marshall's other notable subjects included Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Johnny Cash, and Miles Davis, among many others.
Marshall's photographs went beyond the stage and studio; he captured the essence of the artists themselves, documenting their lives on the road and offstage. His images showcased the raw emotions, vulnerability, and humanity of these legendary figures, making them relatable to audiences around the world.
Throughout his career, Marshall was known for his relentless work ethic and dedication to his craft. He was often described as a maverick, unafraid to push boundaries and capture the truth of the moment. His photographs reflected the cultural and political climate of the time, and his ability to connect with his subjects on a personal level allowed him to capture moments of rare authenticity.
Despite his success, Marshall remained humble and often preferred the company of musicians over the glitz and glamour of the industry. He valued his relationships with the artists he photographed, and many of them considered him a friend as well as a trusted documentarian.
In addition to his music photography, Marshall also ventured into other genres, including street photography and portraiture. His work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums worldwide and has been featured on album covers, book covers, and in publications such as Rolling Stone, Life, and Vanity Fair.
Jim Marshall passed away on 24 March 2010, leaving behind a rich legacy of images that continue to inspire and resonate with music lovers and photography enthusiasts alike. His photographs capture a transformative period in history and remain a testament to the power of visual storytelling. Today, his work continues to be celebrated and recognized as an indelible part of the cultural fabric of the 20th century.
Johnny Winter - Guitars, Vocals
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Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
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Johnny Winter , was an American musician, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. Best known for his high-energy blues-rock albums and live performances in the late 1960s and 1970s, Winter also produced three Grammy Award-winning albums for blues singer and guitarist Muddy Waters. After his time with Waters, Winter recorded several Grammy-nominated blues albums. In 1988, he was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame and in 2003, he was ranked 63rd in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the '100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time'. He was also known for his collaborations with other musicians, including Muddy Waters and Edgar Winter. Winter's career spanned several decades and he released numerous albums throughout his lifetime. He died on 16 July 2014.