"I'm a Bluesman" is more than just an album; it's a musical journey that transcends time and genre boundaries. Johnny Winter's ability to seamlessly blend traditional blues elements with modern sensibilities is a testament to his adaptability and enduring relevance. This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
In the vast and ever-evolving landscape of blues music, few names resonate as powerfully as Johnny Winter. A legendary guitarist, singer, and producer, Winter left an indelible mark on the blues genre throughout his prolific career. One of his notable releases is the 2004 album "I'm a Bluesman", a collaboration with fellow blues guitarist Mike Welch. This album stands as a testament to Winter's enduring influence and his ability to bridge the gaps between generations and styles within the blues genre.
Exploring "I'm a Bluesman"
"I'm a Bluesman", released in 2004, marked Johnny Winter's 41st album and showcased his remarkable ability to channel the raw emotion and electrifying energy that defines the blues. What sets this album apart is the synergy created by Winter's collaboration with Mike Welch, a talented guitarist and songwriter in his own right. Welch's presence on the album brings a fresh perspective and contemporary flair to Winter's seasoned blues sound.
The album opens with the title track, "I'm a Bluesman", a bold declaration that sets the tone for the entire record. Winter's gravelly voice and incendiary guitar work are immediately recognizable, while Welch's complementary playing adds layers of complexity to the arrangement. The chemistry between the two musicians is palpable, as they effortlessly trade licks and riffs, demonstrating a deep mutual respect for the blues tradition.
The album is a mixture of original compositions and well-chosen covers, highlighting Winter and Welch's ability to pay homage to their blues forefathers while infusing the music with their own personal touch. Tracks like "Cheatin' Blues" and "Lone Wolf" showcase Winter's prowess as a storyteller, weaving tales of love, loss, and hardship with a genuine authenticity that only a seasoned bluesman can deliver.
A Journey Through Time and Tradition
"I'm a Bluesman" is more than just an album; it's a musical journey that transcends time and genre boundaries. Johnny Winter's ability to seamlessly blend traditional blues elements with modern sensibilities is a testament to his adaptability and enduring relevance. His partnership with Mike Welch adds a layer of depth and modernity that keeps the album from feeling like a mere nostalgic throwback.
Winter's influence on blues and rock music is immeasurable, and "I'm a Bluesman" is a shining example of his ability to evolve while staying true to his roots. His innovative guitar techniques, soulful vocals, and passion for storytelling are all on display, captivating listeners and reminding them of the power of genuine, heartfelt music.
Legacy and Impact
Though Johnny Winter tragically passed away in 2014, his legacy lives on through his extensive discography and the profound impact he left on the blues community. "I'm a Bluesman", with its timeless sound and collaborative spirit, serves as a lasting testament to his unparalleled talent and his dedication to the blues.
The album's release in 2004 was a reminder that the blues was far from a dying art form; instead, it was a vibrant, evolving genre that continued to captivate audiences across generations. Winter and Welch's collaboration breathed new life into the blues, proving that its emotional resonance and ability to connect with listeners were as potent as ever.
Blues Rock
Virgin Records
2004 Made in USA
Johnny Winter - producer
Tom Hambridge - 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.
Ducky Carlisle - sound engineer
David Axelbaum - sound mix engineer
Dick Shurman - sound mix engineer
Greg Calbi - mastering engineer
Kirk Richard Smith Creative - CD Design
Sean Mosher Smith - Creative Directio
Johnny Winter - vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, slide guitar
Paul Nelson - rhythm guitar
Paul Nelson, an accomplished guitarist, songwriter, and producer, has left an indelible mark on the world of music through his extraordinary talent and innovative approach to guitar playing. With a career spanning several decades, Nelson has showcased his virtuosity across various genres, collaborating with renowned artists and contributing his unique style to the evolution of modern guitar music.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born on 14 March 1966, Paul Nelson's musical journey began in Warren, Massachusetts. He exhibited an early fascination with music, particularly the guitar, which soon developed into a lifelong passion. Nelson's insatiable curiosity led him to explore a diverse range of musical genres, from blues and rock to jazz and beyond, ultimately shaping his eclectic and versatile playing style.
The Influence of Johnny Winter
One of the pivotal moments in Nelson's career came when he crossed paths with legendary blues guitarist Johnny Winter. Recognizing Nelson's exceptional talent, Winter took him under his wing and became not only a mentor but also a close friend. This association proved transformative for Nelson, as he absorbed Winter's insights into blues guitar techniques and stage presence.
During his time with Johnny Winter's band, Nelson honed his skills and contributed to Winter's Grammy-nominated albums, solidifying his reputation as a formidable guitarist. The experience also set the stage for Nelson's future endeavors as a solo artist and bandleader.
Solo Career and Innovation
Venturing into a solo career, Paul Nelson embraced his musical individuality and showcased his distinct approach to guitar playing. His debut album, "Over Under Through," released in 2010, demonstrated his mastery of various styles while highlighting his ability to infuse traditional blues with modern sensibilities. The album received critical acclaim, cementing Nelson's position as a rising star in the contemporary blues and rock scene.
Nelson's subsequent releases, including "Badass Generation" (2016) and "Over Under Through" (2020), continued to captivate audiences with their dynamic compositions and Nelson's mesmerizing guitar work. Fusing elements of blues, rock, and soul, Nelson's music defies easy categorization, showcasing his dedication to pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic territories.
A Multifaceted Artist
Beyond his role as a guitarist, Paul Nelson's contributions extend to songwriting, producing, and mentoring emerging talents. His skills as a producer have led him to collaborate with a diverse array of artists, facilitating the creation of albums that span genres and styles. This versatility is a testament to Nelson's commitment to musical excellence and his desire to continually evolve as an artist.
Innovation and Legacy
Paul Nelson's legacy is characterized by his unrelenting commitment to innovation and his relentless pursuit of musical excellence. His ability to seamlessly fuse traditional blues influences with contemporary elements has not only earned him accolades but also inspired a new generation of guitarists to explore the limitless possibilities of their instrument.
Scott Spray - bass
James Montgomery - harmonica
Wayne June - drums
Tom Hambridge - drums, percussion, backing vocals
Mike Welch - rhythm guitar
Mike Welch, a highly regarded guitarist and singer, is a prominent figure in the world of blues music. With his exceptional talent, soulful playing, and dedication to preserving and innovating within the blues tradition, Welch has earned a reputation as a skilled and respected musician.
Brad Hallen - bass
Reese Wynans - keyboards
Tommy MacDonald - bass
Sal Baglio - rhythm guitar
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 ).
I have waited over six years for this cd to be released. Worth the wait without a doubt. Johnny’s vocals has mellowed since his last studio release & the solos are not as fast as they were, but IMO he is still the best musician past, present & future. Songs like Lone Wolf, The Monkey Song, Shakedown & Lets Start Over Again proves he still has the blues running through his veins. The band on this cd is as great a band as he has ever had. Johnny choice of adding guitarist/songwriter Paul Nelson I think will prove to be very interesting in a very positive way. I hope we don’t have to wait another 6 years for another release. Even after the health issues THE MAN has faced over the last few years, he can still do the blues like no other. Like the sticker says on the cover POUND FOR POUND JOHNNY WINTER KICKS MAJOR A$$!!!!!!
"Shakedown,"(another Spray-Nelson tune) has Johnny playing some of the best rocking/blues riffs he has recorded in a long time. Great feel. Johnny`s own "Sweet little baby" is next, and it has the vintage Johnny Winter slide I`ve waiting to hear on the record! Johnny + band are burning on this cut. "Pack your bags" (another Spray- Nelson cut)has Johnny wailing on a minor blues. "Last Night" is a cool uptempo shuffle,+ "That Wouldn`t satisfy" is a rare treat for all Johnny Winter fans: Johnny playing solo on acoustic slide guitar showing he is still the King!
Johnny also does a killer version of "Sugar coated love" with Spray co producer/drummer Tom Hambridge, and last but not least is a Johnny- James Montgomery cut called " Let`s start all over again", which Johnny and the band rock out on.. ( makes me want to start the cd all over again). Guess you could tell I love the album, and I definitely recommend it to all Johnny Winter fans, both old and new. and that`s MY opinion.....
Bill Wagoner
For more than 30 years, Johnny Winter has been at the forefront of modern blues and blues-rock, and his new I'm A Bluesman disc, arriving June 15 from Virgin Records, figures to add to his Texas-sized reputation.
For this release, Johnny has again paired with his long-time producer Dick Shurman (Robert Cray, Albert Collins, Roy Buchanan), as well as Tom Hambridge (Susan Tedeschi, George Thorogood). Backing him is his road-tested touring band of ace harmonica man James Montgomery, bassist Scott Spray and drummer Wayne June, along with guitarist Paul Nelson with guest appearances by such friends as keyboardist Reese Wynans (from Stevie Ray Vaughan's celebrated backing group Double Trouble) among others.
I'm A Bluesman is Johnny's first new collection in nearly eight years. It was a question of finding the time and the right material, he says, plus a long recuperation from hip surgery. The 13-track collection includes three tunes by his friend Paul Nelson, a Connecticut-based guitar player who writes with Winter's bassist Scott Spray. They collaborated on the prison themed "Shakedown," a relationship-gone-bad song titled "Pack Your Bags" and the album's title track, which Nelson describes as an attempt at a Johnny Winter biography.
"Johnny is a real hero to me, and I wanted to do a song about his life. I know how Johnny talks, how he phrases things, and I wanted to capture his feelings. It's about who he is, what he represents to other musicians and what he's accomplished. I'm really proud that when he first heard the song he said I'd gotten it right." Nelson also provides guitar on the song and plays on many other tracks as well.
Winter also opted to record two new songs by producer Hambridge, "Cheatin' Blues" and the first album single, "Lone Wolf." Johnny says it's always been something of a mystery to him how singles get picked, but he's especially happy with how his electric slide-playing turned out on this track. "It's a really good song," he vouches.
He's also pleased to have finally recorded "So Much Love," a tune by former bandmate Jon Paris which Johnny has played live on a number of occasions and has meant to record for years. "It's about time I've finally got around to doing it for an album," he says.
Johnny reaches back into his past for songs by two musicians, Hop Wilson and Lazy Lester, who inspired him during the early days in Texas. The nod to Wilson (1927-1975) comes in the form of a spine-tingling solo acoustic version of "That Wouldn't Satisfy," a tune Hop originally recorded for the Goldband label in 1958. "Hop was one of my heroes coming up. I never got over to see him in Houston, but I liked his records a lot. He had a real different way of playing steel guitar." The salute to the still active Lester comes in a cover of his Jay Miller-written hit on Excello, "Sugar Coated Love." Winter says, "I'm a big fan of Lazy Lester. He even played on one of my earliest records, 'That's What Love Does,' when I was just 16 or 17."
Johnny's own compositions on I'm A Bluesman include "Sweet Little Baby," a slide-drenched song he wrote during a tour stop in Central Europe's picturesque Prague, and the disc-closing "Let's Start Over Again," composed with harmonica player James Montgomery who joined Johnny's band last year after a long career leading his own group and releasing seven albums under his own name.
Johnny and his players cut the tracks for I'm A Bluesman at several studios in New England, where Winter makes his home these days. But Winter remains a native Texan, born and bred in Beaumont, the town where the famous Spindletop gusher came in to kick off the "black gold" rush in 1901.
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.