With white keyboardist Ken Saydak, bassist Johnny B. Gayden, and drummer Casey Jones (joined by a few guest musicians), Johnny Winter has assembled a rhythm crew for both Alligator albums that ranks among the best the modern blues has to offer, with their tried-and-true quality and precision in playing. Together, they explore the full range of urban blues styles from Texas to Chicago, from soul to funk. Both albums are equally good in their own way—on the first, there are said guests, while on the second, only harp player Jon Paris joins. Two tracks from the first LP were recorded with the horn section “The Mellow Fellow Horns,” arranged by Gene Barge.
On Guitar Slinger, Winter’s range extends from the slow “I Smell Trouble” to the raw, electrifying wildness of “Mad Dog.” Between these extremes lie all other dimensions of his admirably versatile playing:
• In “It’s My Life, Baby…,” “My Soul,” and Muddy Waters’ “Iodine in My Coffee” (with Billy Branch on harmonica), one marvels at the breadth of his slide guitar.
• In the laid-back, dragging “Boot Hill,” he lets his screaming instrument roar in the “screaming Texas shuffle style.”
• “Lights Out” (with Barge’s gritty sax) and “Don’t Take Advantage Of Me” are fiercely rocking tracks.
• The stormy “Trick Bag” is excitingly funky.
• In the tear-jerker “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye,” he bares his “southern soul,” plucking a romantically beautiful guitar exhibition that stands in delightful contrast to his harsh vocals (perhaps this track may not be to the taste of some blues purists).
While Guitar Slinger is more musically versatile, Serious Business comes across as “purer” from a blues perspective. Johnny Winter’s “spine-crushing” slide techniques and Jon Paris’ adaptable, intense harmonica are showcased in:
• The slow “Murdering Blues”
• Winter’s composition “Good Time Woman”
• “Unseen Eye”
• “Give Me Back My Wig”
It’s extremely slow and typically Texan in “My Time After Awhile” (Johnny’s solo, stylistically reminiscent of Texas tornado Albert Collins, is guaranteed to blow anyone away!). There’s a strong funk vibe in “Master Mechanic,” while the fast, rockin’ beats of “Sound the Bell” (those bends!) and “Serious As a Heart Attack” unfold with another wild guitar solo. The boogie rolls in “It Ain’t Your Business,” and “Route 90,” from his mentor Clarence Garlow, recalls Chuck Berry.
Alongside the Sonny Terry LP Whoopin’, this is undoubtedly “the best of Winter”—no more, no less. Keep it up, fellow!
Willie Gschwendner
