Lovingly produced by Johnny's brother Edgar this exceptional release takes the listener on a fascinating musical journey through the incredible career of Johnny Winter as only his brother could pull it together . There are 17 tracks tracing Johnny's evolution as an artist . Edgar penned two new songs as tributes to his brothers blues roots .
I had the pleasure of meeting Johhny on his tour bus at the Centenary Blues Fest in 2014 . Big Nancy Swarbrick knew Johnny and had played with this celebrated musician quite a few times . So Nancy was given permission to visit with Johnny right before he took the stage . She took me along . All of us were hanging out with Johnny Winter on his tour bus - and our photo together is one of my most treasured possessions.
Johnny left us on July 16 , 2014 . He had just played the Cahors Blues Festival in France . Unbeknownst to family , friends , fans , bandmates - this was to be Johnny's last performance . Johnny traveled to Switzerland where his next show was scheduled . Johnny never got to perform again since he died in his sleep at the hotel in Zurich , Switzerland.
Impressive roster of renowned musicians who were friends , knew Johnny , performed with him , or were close friends . Even Edgar was stunned to find out how close to Johnny so many of these musicians were to his brother: Bobby Rush , Kenny Wayne Shepherd , Billy Gibbons , Robben Ford , Joe Walsh , Ringo Starr , Joe Bonamassa , Keb Mo , Derek Trucks , Waddy Wactel , Phil X , Steve Lukather , Michael McDonald , David Grissom , Doyle Bramhall II , Warren Hayes , John McFee , Geg Bissonette.
Edgar met Bruce Quatro , founder of Quarto Valley Records . Bruce had boundless energy , a dedication to classic rock , deep love for the blues , and a loving respect and admiration for Johnny Winter which convinced Edgar that the time had finally come to pull this tribute album together.
" Brother Johnny " just floored me with the amazing musicianship that delved deep into the Johnny Winter catalogue - from the rich , fertile landscape of the Delta; to the smokin' blues of the Texas panhandle ; on to ferocious rockers that throttle the senses ; and moving on to old style Johnny acoustic tracks ; " Brother Johnny " becomes an intensely emotional experience and one helluva good time!! 17 tracks that bring the legacy of Johnny Winter full circle with " that bond of brotherhood , of family , of music , and of love" ( Edgar Winter).
The book that comes along with the CD is a detailed work of passion and of love that is worth the price all by itself . Fantastic photos! Highly detailed and entertaining the notes have been carefully archived by Edgar himself . Each song is given space and the details behind that particular selection are mesmerizing . Pages and pages of liner notes make this essential reading all by itself .
" Brother Johnny " is a must-have for music fans around the world . One of the best releases by far this is a loving tribute to a celebrated musician by someone who knew him best - his brother Edgar.
Author: John Muller
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