"Nothing But The Blues" marks a triumphant return to Johnny Winter's musical roots, showcasing his mastery of THE BLUES. This exceptional album has earned significant recognition, reaching an impressive position of #146 on the USA Billboard Charts. This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
In the world of blues music, certain artists leave an indelible mark on the genre, shaping its very essence for generations to come. One such luminary is the legendary Johnny Winter, whose album "Nothin' but the Blues" stands as a testament to his unparalleled talent and devotion to the blues. Released in 1977, this 12" vinyl LP album captures the essence of pure blues, with Winter accompanied by the esteemed band of another blues icon, Muddy Waters. Hailing from the heart of the United States, this timeless masterpiece encapsulates the raw power and emotion that defines the blues.
Johnny Winter: A Blues Maestro
Johnny Winter, born in Beaumont, Texas, in 1944, was a virtuoso guitarist and a powerful vocalist. From a young age, Winter was drawn to the blues, idolizing the likes of Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and B.B. King. With his unique albinism appearance and distinctive sound, he quickly made a name for himself in the music industry. Winter's fast-paced and fiery guitar playing, coupled with his soulful vocals, set him apart from his peers and earned him widespread acclaim.
By the time "Nothin' but the Blues" was released, Johnny Winter had already achieved significant success, both commercially and critically. The album came at a time when rock music was dominating the airwaves, but Winter remained steadfast in his dedication to the blues, and this album is a testament to that devotion.
The Essence of "Nothin' but the Blues"
"Nothin' but the Blues" is a captivating exploration of traditional blues themes and showcases Winter's ability to breathe new life into classic blues standards. The album features a collection of covers, including songs by blues legends such as Willie Dixon, Elmore James, and Muddy Waters himself. Winter's interpretations are nothing short of brilliant, infusing each track with his own distinctive style while maintaining the essence of the original compositions.
One of the highlights of the album is the opening track, "Tired of Tryin'", a soulful blues number that sets the tone for the entire record. Winter's searing guitar solos and emotive vocals immediately draw listeners into his world of heartfelt blues.
Another standout track is "TV Mama", a boogie-woogie infused song that showcases Winter's dazzling guitar skills. His fretwork on this track is a masterclass in blues guitar playing, demonstrating his technical prowess and innate understanding of the genre.
However, the most remarkable aspect of "Nothin' but the Blues" is the collaboration between Johnny Winter and Muddy Waters' band. The chemistry between Winter and these seasoned blues musicians is palpable, creating a synergy that elevates the entire album to a higher level. The band's tight rhythm section, complemented by Winter's fiery guitar licks, creates a sonic landscape that is both electrifying and deeply rooted in the blues tradition.
The Legacy and Impact
"Nothin' but the Blues" not only solidified Johnny Winter's status as a blues maestro but also served as a reminder of the timeless allure of the blues genre itself. The album's authenticity and raw emotional power struck a chord with fans and critics alike, earning it a place among the greatest blues records of all time.
Furthermore, the collaboration with Muddy Waters' band brought an added dimension to the album, bridging the gap between the old and new generations of blues musicians. Winter's ability to seamlessly blend traditional blues with contemporary elements helped introduce the genre to a broader audience, ensuring its continued relevance in a rapidly changing musical landscape.
Blues
Blue Sky - Sky 82141
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1977 Made in USA
Johnny Winter - Producer
Steve Paul - Organic Advisor
Steve Paul (Born Stephen Neal Paul 28 April 1941 – 21 October 2012)) is an influential figure in the music industry, best known for his role as the manager of the renowned rock and blues musicians Johnny Winter and Edgar Winter. Throughout his career, Paul played a vital role in shaping the success and careers of these talented brothers, helping them reach new heights in the music world. With his keen business acumen and deep passion for music, Steve Paul left an indelible mark on the industry and the lives of the artists he represented.
Early Life and Career Beginnings:
Paul was born in The Bronx, New York City, to a high school principal and a homemaker. He attended Dobbs Ferry High School in Dobbs Ferry, New York, where he graduated at the age of 16. He began his career at the age of 17 doing public relations for a New York City restaurant and Peppermint Lounge.
Born in the mid-20th century, Steve Paul grew up with a profound love for music. His fascination with the blues, in particular, led him to explore the vibrant music scenes in his hometown of New York City.
In the early 1964, Paul opened a blues club called The Scene in Greenwich Village, which soon became a mecca for both established and up-and-coming musicians. The club quickly gained a reputation for showcasing remarkable talent, attracting legends such as Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter, Eric Clapton, and The Rolling Stones.
Managerial Role:
Paul was the one-time manager of Johnny Winter, among other related performers, as well as being the owner of The Scene, a popular New York City club from 1964 to 1970, and the founder of Blue Sky Records. In 1969, Paul founded Blue Sky Records, an independent record label. The label released albums by Winter, Hendrix, and other artists. Blue Sky Records was eventually acquired by Atlantic Records in 1972.
Steve Paul's journey as a manager began when he discovered the immense talent of Johnny Winter, a blues guitarist and singer known for his electrifying performances. Recognizing Johnny's potential, Paul took him under his wing and became his manager. He worked tirelessly to secure record deals, book tours, and promote Johnny's music to a wider audience.
Paul's keen eye for talent didn't stop with Johnny Winter. He also recognized the exceptional musical abilities of Johnny's younger brother, Edgar Winter, who played multiple instruments and possessed a distinctive musical style. Inspired by his brother's success, Edgar embarked on his own solo career. Steve Paul recognized the potential in Edgar as well and became his manager, guiding him through the music industry and helping him establish his unique musical identity.
Contributions and Achievements:
Under Steve Paul's guidance, both Johnny and Edgar Winter achieved remarkable success. Johnny Winter, known for his virtuosic guitar skills and soulful voice, became one of the most respected blues-rock musicians of his time. He released numerous critically acclaimed albums, including "Johnny Winter" and "Second Winter". Paul's managerial expertise ensured that Johnny secured record deals with major labels, toured extensively, and gained recognition worldwide.
Meanwhile, Edgar Winter flourished as a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter. His versatility and genre-bending style, incorporating elements of rock, jazz, and blues, captivated audiences and set him apart as a true musical innovator. With Steve Paul's guidance, Edgar released his groundbreaking album "They Only Come Out at Night", which included the chart-topping instrumental "Frankenstein" and the timeless hit "Free Ride".
Legacy:
Steve Paul's contributions to the careers of Johnny and Edgar Winter cannot be overstated. As their manager, he played an instrumental role in shaping their artistic paths, helping them navigate the complexities of the music industry, and introducing their music to a global audience. Paul's dedication to his artists, combined with his astute business acumen, set the stage for the Winter brothers' enduring success and their lasting impact on the rock and blues genres.
In 1990, he published a book about his life and career, called "The Scene: Steve Paul's Adventures in Rock and Roll."
Paul died in Queens, New York City, in 2012, at the age of 71. He was survived by his wife, two children, and two grandchildren.
Dave Still - Sound Engineer
Grant Barlow - Assistent Sound Engineer
Mastered at Sterling Sound, N.Y.C. by Greg Calbi
Recorded and Mixed at The Schoolhouse
Johnny Winter – vocals, electric guitar, metal body acoustic guitar, slide guitar, bass guitar, drums
Muddy Waters – vocals
James Cotton – harmonica
Pinetop Perkins – piano
Bob Margolin – electric guitar
Charles Calmese – electric bass
Willie "Big Eyes" Smith – drums
All songs (except Walkin' thru the Park) written by Johnny Winter
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 ).
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.