Johnny Winter's "Winter of '88" is a scorching blues-rock classic released in 1988. With gritty vocals and blistering guitar work, Winter showcases his iconic sound and reaffirms his status as a music legend. He is joined by Tom Compton and Jon Paris who will remain for many years in his band. This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
In the vibrant world of blues and rock music, few artists have left as indelible a mark as the legendary Johnny Winter. Known for his scorching guitar skills and soulful vocals, Winter's influence on the music industry is immeasurable. Among his vast discography, "Winter of '88", released in 1988, stands out as a powerful testament to his enduring talent and creative vision. In this article, we delve into the essence of this remarkable CD album, exploring the tracks, the artist's inspiration, and the lasting impact it continues to have on music lovers worldwide.
The Evolution of Johnny Winter:
Born in Beaumont, Texas, in 1944, Johnny Winter was destined for musical greatness. From a young age, he displayed an extraordinary affinity for the guitar, adopting a unique playing style that incorporated elements of blues, rock, and jazz. Winter's albinism also made him a visually striking figure, but it was his unparalleled musicianship that truly set him apart.
Throughout his career, Johnny Winter worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Muddy Waters, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin. He released a string of critically acclaimed albums and earned a reputation as one of the most exceptional guitarists in history.
"Winter of '88" - A Return to Roots:
By the time "Winter of '88" was released, Johnny Winter was already an established force in the music world. The album marked a significant period in his career, showcasing a return to his blues roots. Many critics and fans consider this album a triumphant celebration of his iconic sound and a reaffirmation of his status as a blues-rock icon.
Legacy and Influence:
While "Winter of '88" did not reach the commercial success of some of Johnny Winter's earlier works, it remains a cherished album among his devoted fanbase. This release exemplifies Winter's commitment to his musical roots while showcasing his growth as an artist. The album's authenticity and raw power have inspired countless musicians and continue to resonate with new generations
Blues Rock
1988 Made in USA
Terry Manning - Producer, Sound Engineer, Sound Mix and Keyboards
Ardent Studio/Alpha Sound; Memphis, TN
Johnny Winter - Guitar, Vocals
Tom Compton - drums
Tom Compton is a British drummer who has played with some of the biggest names in rock and blues, including Alvin Lee, Johnny Winter, and Savoy Brown. He was born in Brighton, England, in 1954, and began playing drums at the age of 12. He quickly established himself as a talented young drummer, and by the early 1970s he was playing with some of the leading bands in the UK blues scene.
In 1975, Compton joined Alvin Lee's band, Ten Years After. He played on the band's final two albums, Recorded Live, and Ride On. After Ten Years After disbanded, Compton moved to the United States to join Johnny Winter's band. He played on several of Winter's albums, including Guitar Slinger, White Hot and Still Alive and Well.
In the early 1980s, Compton joined Johnny Winter and Savoy Brown. He played on the band's albums Manifesto, Victory Road, and Street Legal. He also played on several albums by Kim Simmonds, the band's leader.
In addition to his work with these major bands, Compton has also played with a wide range of other artists, including Dr. John, John Lee Hooker, and Edgar Winter. He has also released several solo albums.
Compton is known for his powerful and energetic drumming style. He is also a skilled percussionist, and he often incorporates elements of world music into his playing. He is a respected figure in the drumming world, and he has been featured in several magazines and books.
Compton continues to play and record music today. He is currently a member of the band The Blues Survivors. He is also a popular guest drummer, and he has played with many other bands over the years.
Here is a timeline of Tom Compton's career:
1970s: Plays with Ten Years After
1980s: Plays with Johnny Winter, Savoy Brown and Kim Simmonds.
1990s: Releases several solo albums.
2000s: Continues to play and record music, including with The Blues Survivors.
Tom Compton is a talented and versatile drummer who has played with some of the biggest names in rock and blues. He is a respected figure in the drumming world, and he continues to play and record music today.
Jon Paris - bass
Jon Paris is a blues and blues-rock musician who has been performing since the early 1970s. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1958, and began playing guitar at the age of 12. He quickly developed a passion for blues music, and by the time he was in high school, he was playing in local bands.
In 1976, Paris moved to New York City to pursue his music career. He soon became a fixture on the city's blues scene, playing with a variety of bands, including The Nighthawks, The Nightcats, and The Jon Paris Band. He also began to work as a session musician, playing on albums by a number of other blues artists.
In 1983, Paris began a long association with blues legend Johnny Winter.
In addition to his work with Winter, Paris has also released several solo albums. His latest album, Blue Planet, was released in 2004. He has also played on albums by a number of other artists, including Les Paul, Hubert Sumlin, and Big Joe Turner.
Paris is a highly respected musician who is known for his versatility and his ability to play a wide range of styles. He is also a gifted songwriter, and his songs have been recorded by a number of other artists.
Paris continues to tour and record today. He is a popular live performer, and his music is still in high demand. He is a true bluesman who has dedicated his life to the music.
Here is a timeline of Jon Paris's career:
1970s: Plays in local bands in Milwaukee.
1976: Moves to New York City to pursue music career.
1983: Begins working with Johnny Winter.
1990s: Releases several solo albums.
2000s: Continues to tour and record.
Jon Paris is a talented and versatile musician who has made significant contributions to the blues genre. He is a respected figure in the music world, and his music continues to be enjoyed by fans all over the world.
Terry Manning - keyboards
Lester Snell - Keyboards
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.