"Step Back" is the final album by blues guitarist and singer Johnny Winter. It features performances by a number of guest musicians, including Eric Clapton, Dr. John, Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top, Joe Perry from Aerosmith, Leslie West from Mountain, and Brian Setzer from the Stray Cats. It was released by Megaforce Records on September 2, 2014. "Step Back" was released posthumously. Winter had finished recording the album, and then played a concert tour in Europe, before he died on 16 July 2014. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts for Blues Albums and Independent Albums, and at #16 on the Billboard 200. At the 2015 Grammy Awards, Step Back won the Grammy Award for Best Blues Album.
Johnny Winter, the legendary blues guitarist and singer, left an indelible mark on the music world with his virtuosic skills and soulful voice. "Step Back", his final album, stands as a testament to his enduring talent and collaborative spirit. Released posthumously in 2014, this remarkable LP showcases Winter's unparalleled guitar prowess alongside an impressive lineup of guest musicians. With its captivating blend of blues, rock, and star-studded performances, "Step Back" solidifies Winter's place among the greatest blues artists of all time.
A Diverse Cast of Collaborators:
"Step Back" features an all-star cast of musicians, each bringing their unique style and energy to the album. The guest lineup reads like a who's who of blues and rock icons, including Eric Clapton, Dr. John, Billy Gibbons, Joe Perry, Leslie West, and Brian Setzer. Their combined talents create a sonic tapestry that pays homage to the roots of the blues while infusing it with a contemporary edge. Each guest artist adds their distinct flavor, resulting in a diverse collection of tracks that captivate from start to finish.
Posthumous Release:
Tragically, Johnny Winter passed away on July 16, 2014, just weeks after completing the recording of "Step Back". This album serves as a bittersweet farewell from a true blues legend. Winter's dedication and passion for music are palpable in every note, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the genre until the very end. Though his physical presence may have left this world, his spirit lives on through this exceptional album.
Critical and Commercial Success:
Upon its release, "Step Back" enjoyed both critical acclaim and commercial success. It debuted at number one on the Billboard charts for Blues Albums and Independent Albums, and it peaked at an impressive number 16 on the Billboard 200. The album's widespread popularity is a testament to Johnny Winter's enduring appeal and his ability to connect with audiences across generations. Furthermore, "Step Back" garnered recognition at the 2015 Grammy Awards, where it won the prestigious Grammy Award for Best Blues Album.
Musical Brilliance and Timeless Appeal:
"Step Back" is a masterclass in blues guitar playing, featuring Winter's trademark fiery solos and soulful vocals. Each track offers a unique sonic experience, seamlessly blending traditional blues elements with modern sensibilities. From the electrifying rendition of "Mojo Hand" featuring Joe Perry to the soul-stirring collaboration with Eric Clapton on "Long Tall Sally", the album showcases Winter's ability to create magic with every note.
The Red Vinyl LP:
The physical release of "Step Back" on red vinyl adds an extra layer of allure to an already captivating album. The vibrant red color not only enhances the visual appeal but also serves as a symbolic representation of the fiery passion and intensity that Winter brought to his music. Holding this 12" vinyl LP in your hands transports you to a bygone era, reminding us of the timeless beauty and authenticity of the blues.
Music Genre: Blues, Blues-Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "JOHNNY WINTER - Step Back Red Vinyl" was produced by: Paul Nelson 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.
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Record Label Information: Megaforce Records – 0 20286 21697 1 |
Media Format: RED Vinyl 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 2014 USA |
Complete Track-listing of the album "JOHNNY WINTER - Step Back Red Vinyl" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "JOHNNY WINTER - Step Back Red Vinyl" is:
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High Resolution and Quality Photos of Complete Album Covers "JOHNNY WINTER - Step Back Red Vinyl" |
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Album Back Cover Photo of "JOHNNY WINTER - Step Back Red Vinyl" |
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Photo of "JOHNNY WINTER - Step Back Red Vinyl" 12" LP Record - Side One: |
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Photo of "JOHNNY WINTER - Step Back Red Vinyl" 12" LP Record - Side Two: |
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
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.