Johnny Winter's "Hey, Where's Your Brother?" is a blues masterpiece that showcases the depth of his musical prowess and his ability to captivate audiences with his distinctive sound. This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
In the vast landscape of blues music, few names stand as tall as Johnny Winter. A true master of the genre, Winter's remarkable career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. One of his notable releases, the 1992 album "Hey, Where's Your Brother?" showcases Winter's exceptional talent, dedication to his craft, and his ability to bridge generations through the power of the blues.
A Journey Through "Hey, Where's Your Brother?"
Released in 1992, "Hey, Where's Your Brother?" is a testament to Johnny Winter's enduring passion for the blues. The album features a collection of 12 tracks that traverse various blues styles, revealing Winter's versatility as a musician and a performer. From scorching electric guitar solos to heartfelt acoustic ballads, the album showcases Winter's ability to connect with his audience on multiple levels.
.
Legacy and Impact
"Hey, Where's Your Brother?" not only serves as a testament to Johnny Winter's artistic genius but also reflects his ability to seamlessly blend traditional blues with contemporary influences. His dedication to preserving the roots of the blues while pushing its boundaries allowed him to connect with both long-time fans and younger audiences, bridging generational gaps in music appreciation.
Winter's masterful guitar work and distinctive voice continue to influence aspiring musicians, and his commitment to the blues genre has left an enduring mark on the musical landscape. "Hey, Where's Your Brother?" stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft and his unrelenting passion for sharing the blues with the world.
Blues Rock
POINTBLANK #86512
1992 USA
Johnny Winter - Producer
Dick Shurman - Producer
Dick Shurman was an American music producer who worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including The Doors, The Grateful Dead, and Jefferson Airplane. He was known for his innovative production techniques and his ability to capture the unique sound of each band.
Shurman was born in New York City in 1943. He began his career as a record store clerk, where he met many of the musicians who would later become his clients. In 1966, he co-founded the record label Elektra/Asylum Records, where he produced some of the label's most successful albums, including The Doors' "Waiting for the Sun" and Jefferson Airplane's "Surrealistic Pillow".
Shurman's production style was characterized by his use of innovative studio techniques, such as multi-tracking and overdubbing. He also had a keen ear for detail, and he was always looking for ways to create a unique sound for each band.
In addition to his work with The Doors and Jefferson Airplane, Shurman also produced albums for a wide range of other artists, including The Grateful Dead, The Band, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. He was also a co-founder of the Woodstock Music and Art Festival in 1969.
Shurman's work had a profound impact on the sound of rock music in the 1960s and 1970s. He was one of the first producers to use studio techniques to create a truly psychedelic sound, and his work with The Doors helped to define the sound of the San Francisco psychedelic scene. Shurman's production techniques were also influential on the development of country rock and folk rock.
Shurman died in 2010 at the age of 66. He was a true pioneer of rock music production, and his work continues to inspire musicians today.
Shurman's work has been praised by many musicians and critics. In a 2010 article for Rolling Stone, David Fricke wrote that Shurman was "one of the most innovative and influential producers in rock history". He also noted that Shurman's "production techniques helped to define the sound of some of the most important albums of the 1960s and 1970s".
Shurman's legacy continues to inspire musicians today. In a 2019 interview, The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach said that Shurman was "one of his biggest influences". He also noted that Shurman's "production techniques helped to shape the sound of modern rock music".
Dick Shurman was a true pioneer of rock music production. His work helped to define the sound of some of the most important albums of the 1960s and 1970s, and his legacy continues to inspire musicians today.
David Axelbaum — sound engineer, mixing
David Brickson — mixing assistant
Greg Calbi — mastering
Mike Siebold — mixing assistant
Recorded in Chicago
William Claxton — photography
I REALLY LIKE THIS RECORD. Its got a lot of different kinds of blues on it, more variety First, there's Casey, Johnny and Ken. To me, these guys are the cream of the crop as far as blues today They can play everything. They're always challenging, too. They're right in the pocket, and make me want to play better, Then, there's Dr John. Mac is someone I've known since the early 60's, and I've wanted to record with him for quite a while. He's got that New Orleans flavor that nobody else can do. He knows a lot of great old songs that I don't know which is excellent, because he comes up with songs that 1 have a good time playing! Our musical roots are so similar that we mesh real well ... I hope we can work together more in the future. A lot of my fans and friends have been asking me when I was gonna do some more acoustic stuff I think we got a couple of very race ones on this album. Actually, I was never interested in playing acoustic guitar until l discovered those metal Nationals back in '68 I fell in love with that nasty sound .. it reminds me of a garbage can with wire on it. It's got all that metal ring to it, a real bluesy sound. On this album, I used two different Nationals, an old one for all the slide stuff and a newer one for the fretting. I had to practice for about a month before we made the record because they're much harder to play than an electric guitar, and I don't playa acoustic on the road. It's a challenge to play, but it's worth it, because before there was electricity, guitars like this were all blues musicians had. And if you can't do it-if you have to have an electric guitar to play the blues-it's not a good feeling I had to be able to master that guitar I had dreamed about playing with Tommy and Red again ever since we broke up back in 1970, because I don't think any of us really ever wanted that band to break up. I don't feel like I could have made it without them in the first place. They were the first musicians ever to come to me and say, "We love what you do. We don't care if we make any money, we're willing to do straight blues, whether we make it or not" It was the first time I ever had a straight blues band-up to that point I had to play soul music, 7bp 40, Beatles music, a little bit of everything. I said they were crazy-we'd starve to death for sure playing nothing but blues. In about six months we did starve. Red's mother had a beauty shop, and we practiced at the beauty shop after hours late at night. Red stayed in the extra room, and Tommy slept on the couch. And those guys, if they hadn't done that, nobody would ever have heard of me or known that 1 was a blues guitar player. It was such a good feeling when we finally did make it playing straight blues. There was a feeling we had when we played together, because we cared so much about each other, and the music. It felt great to work with those guys, and it still does. To get together in the studio again after 15 or 16 years ... and I feel like we played better on this record than we did back in Texas!! It was really a dream come true to be able to work together again and show everybody we still got it. It just makes a lot of difference when you love the guys you're playing with-it's just bound to come out in the music.
Johnny Winter - Guitar, Vocals
Jeff Ganz - bass
Jeff Ganz is an accomplished American bass guitarist known for his exceptional musical talent and contributions to the world of blues and rock music. He gained significant recognition as a key member of Johnny Winter's band, where his skillful bass playing complemented Winter's iconic blues guitar style. Throughout his career, Jeff Ganz has collaborated with numerous renowned artists, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
Ganz's musical journey formally started when he picked up the bass guitar and began performing in local bands. He gained valuable experience playing in various clubs and venues, refining his craft and building a reputation as a versatile and reliable musician.
Career Breakthrough with Johnny Winter:
Jeff Ganz's life changed when he was invited to join the legendary blues guitarist Johnny Winter's band. Winter, known for his soulful blues style and electrifying performances, recognized Ganz's talent and potential, which led to the beginning of their fruitful collaboration.
As the bass guitarist for Johnny Winter's band, Ganz showcased his exceptional skills and played a crucial role in creating the band's powerful sound. He contributed to several albums and tours, earning praise from fans and fellow musicians alike. Sharing the stage with Winter allowed Ganz to refine his abilities and learn from one of the greatest blues guitarists of all time.
Beyond Johnny Winter:
Jeff Ganz's talents extended beyond his work with Johnny Winter. He became a sought-after session musician, lending his bass skills to various recording projects and live performances. His ability to adapt to different musical genres and styles made him a valuable asset to many artists seeking a skilled bassist.
Aside from his session work, Ganz collaborated with other notable musicians and bands, both in the studio and on the stage. He continued to perform with passion and dedication, earning respect and admiration for his virtuosity as a bassist.
Legacy and Impact:
Throughout his career, Jeff Ganz's contributions to the world of blues and rock music have been profound. As a member of Johnny Winter's band, he helped preserve the legacy of blues music and introduced it to new generations of fans. His work as a session musician and collaborations with other artists have enriched the music industry, leaving an enduring impact on the art form.
Tom Compton - drums
Edgar Winter - sax
Billy Branch - harmonica
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 ).
With a groovy rhythm section 48 years old Winter shows who is allowed to call himself the true master of the six (and sometimes twelve) strings amongst the white blues musicians. With his play, aggressive as usual, and his sharp vocals Winter brings pastime and a whole lot of surprise elements.
In answer to the title/question of Winter's album, his brother (singer/organist/saxophonist Edgar) does appear on three of the album cuts, most notably the vocal duet "Please Come Home for Christmas." Guitar aficionados unfamiliar with Winter's work will hear how he influenced fellow Texan Stevie Ray Vaughan, with his raw tone and interplay with his rhythm section. "Johnny Guitar" is the first track, and the rest of the album lives up to that moniker.
On the classic, 1972 live album Roadwork, Edgar Winter immortalized the words (at least for my group of friends that wore the grooves off the record), when introducing brother Johnny: "Everybody asks me...where's your brother?" It's a question that fans have besieged both Winters with for over two decades, and now Johnny gets a chance to return the tribute with his latest "hey, where's your brother?" Edgar does in fact guest on the sessions, blowing sax and tinkling keys on a few tracks, and dueting with big bro on a superb, seasonal rendition of Please Come Home For Christmas. Like last year's Let Me In, Winter's latest deftly combines the bluesy rock he made famous in the 70s with his 80s forays into more traditional styles. The power trio he forms with bassist Jeff Ganz and drummer Tom Compton is equally at home on scorchers like You Must Have A Twin and lowdown numbers like I Got My Brand On You. The highlight, however is White Line Blues, where Winter unleashes one of his best ever "the notes you don't play are as important as those you do play" solos.
Hey Where's your Brother? is the title of the new Johnny Winter album, coming from the Pointblank label. It is the follow-up album to Johnny's Grammy-nominated and critically-acclaimed Pointblank debut, Let Me In.
On this collection of 14 killer tracks, Johnny is supported by regular band members Jeff Ganz (bass) and Tom Compton (drums and percussion), with guest appearances by harmonica player Billy Branch, and younger brother Edgar Winter on vocals, sax and organ on three songs: "You Keep Leavin'," "Sick And Tired," and a special holiday number, "Please Come Home For Christmas." (Indeed, the album title refers to a question frequently yelled at the stage during Johnny's live performances from fans hoping for a surprise visit from Edgar!) As with Let Me In, the album was produced by Dick Shurman and Johnny Winter and recorded in Chicago.
The album's lead-off track, "Johnny Guitar," with its rootsy feel, blistering guitar and emotionally-charged vocals, not only sets the tone for all the music to follow - it will be the first track released to album radio. Other key tracks include "You Must Have A Twin," "Blues This Bad," and "Treat Me Like You Wanna." A major US and Canadian tour is currently in progress.
Born in Beaumont, Texas on February 23, 1944, John Dawson Winter III grew up surrounded by the blues, country and cajun music. His brother Edgar was born three years later and the two showed an inclination toward music at an early age. As Johnny told Down Beat magazine, "We sang regularly, because Daddy loved to sing harmony. He sang in a barbershop quartet and in a church choir, so Edgar and I started singing as soon as we were born, almost." Johnny began playing clarinet at age five and switched to ukulele a few years later. Johnny and Edgar began performing as a duet in an Everly Brothers vein, winning talent contests and appearing on local television shows. When Johnny was 11, the Winter Brothers traveled to New York to audition for Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour." Soon after their first exposure to rock 'n roll came through the music of Little Richard, Fats Domino, Carl Perkins and early Elvis Presley. They also began soaking up the sound of rhythm and blues from DJ Clarence Garlow's "Bon Ton Show" on KJET radio in Beaumont. At age 14, Johnny organized his first band, Johnny & The Jammers, with brother Edgar on piano. A year later, they cut two songs at Bill Hall's Gulf Coast Recording Studios in Beaumont. The single "School Day Blues" b/w "You Know I Love You" came out a month later on Houston-based Dart Records, gaining The Winter Brothers some local notoriety.
Around this time, Johnny began sitting in with DJ Clarence Garlow, who also performed around town and had a regional hit with "Bon Ton Roule." Johnny also frequented the Beaumont's all-black Raven Club, where the aspiring blues guitarist got to see such heroes as Muddy Waters , B.B. King and Bobby Bland for the first time.
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.