The album: "JOHNNY WINTER - Raisin Cain" was produced by:
Steve Paul. This album features a mix of original songs and covers of classic blues songs, such as "Sweet Little Angel" and "It's My Own Fault". The album received positive reviews from critics and was well received by Winter's fans. It features a mix of rock, blues and country music. Some of the songs on the album were written by Johnny Winter himself, while others were written by other musicians. The album was produced by Dan Hartman and Johnny Winter himself.
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The world of blues music has witnessed numerous virtuosos, but few can match the sheer intensity and raw talent of Johnny Winter. With his searing guitar skills, distinctive voice, and unparalleled stage presence, Winter solidified his place as a blues legend. One of his most revered works, the 12" vinyl LP album "Raisin Cain", produced by Steve Paul, stands as a testament to Winter's artistry and enduring influence.
A Fusion of Originals and Blues Classics:
"Raisin Cain" showcases Johnny Winter's ability to blend original compositions with classic blues covers. The album strikes a delicate balance between showcasing Winter's songwriting prowess and paying homage to the genre's roots. Listeners are treated to a tapestry of blues styles, delivered with the passion and finesse that defined Winter's career.
From the haunting "Sweet Little Angel" to the seething "It's My Own Fault", Winter's interpretations of blues classics captivate with their intensity. He infuses these songs with his signature guitar solos, effortlessly capturing the essence of the originals while adding his own unique flair.
Original Songs: A Testament to Winter's Songwriting Talents:
Alongside the blues standards, "Raisin Cain" features Winter's own compositions, which demonstrate his songwriting prowess. From the gritty, foot-stomping opener "The Crawl" to the soulful and introspective "Guess I'll Go Away", Winter's original tracks deliver a diverse range of emotions and showcase his versatility as a musician.
The album also includes the electrifying "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo", a standout track that became a career-defining hit for Winter. This infectious anthem perfectly encapsulates his ability to fuse blues with rock elements, captivating audiences worldwide.
The Art of Guitar Mastery:
One of the album's defining characteristics is Johnny Winter's exceptional guitar skills. His virtuosity is on full display throughout "Raisin Cain", as he effortlessly navigates intricate riffs, blazing solos, and soulful melodies. Winter's guitar work serves as a testament to his technical ability and deep understanding of the blues tradition.
Production by Steve Paul:
Steve Paul, renowned for his work with blues musicians, including Johnny Winter's brother, Edgar Winter, served as the producer of "Raisin Cain". Paul's expertise and understanding of the blues genre shine through in the album's production. His collaboration with Winter resulted in a sonically rich and captivating experience, allowing the raw energy and emotion of the performances to take center stage.
The Timelessness of "Raisin Cain":
Decades after its release, "Raisin Cain" remains a cornerstone of Johnny Winter's illustrious discography. The album's enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport listeners into the heart of the blues. Winter's unmatched talent, combined with his deep respect for the genre's traditions, creates an experience that resonates with fans old and new.
Music Genre: Prog Blues Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "JOHNNY WINTER - Raisin Cain" was produced by: Steve Paul
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.
Album cover design: Paula Cher Album cover photography: Susan Chang, Susan Warford |
Record Label Information: Blue Sky AL 36343 / JZ 36343 |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1980 Made in USA |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: JOHNNY WINTER - Raisin Cain |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "JOHNNY WINTER - Raisin Cain" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "JOHNNY WINTER - Raisin Cain" is:
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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 ).
"Raisin Cain" Record Label Details: Blue Sky AL 363643
Sound Copyright
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.