Johnny Winter And Live was recorded in the autumn 1970 at the Fillmore East in New York City and also at some place called Pirates World in Dania, Florida. It was released in March 1971 and it may be the peak of the rock phase of Johnny’s career
It apparently wasn’t Winter’s favourite album but it was his best seller, making #20 in the UK and #40 in the US. It was also my first JW album and always seemed to encapsulate his brilliance. His tone is sharp, fast and exciting. The version of Good Morning Little Schoolgirl (which would surely be banned now) is incendiary with Rick Derringer playing his part.
The version of Jumpin’ Jack Flash is the best version I’ve heard. It’s supercharged and hi-energy. The 12-minute Mean Town Blues surely set a standard for the 70s that jew could live up to. It’s a tour de force of slide guitar.
The rock n roll medley brings his speed and energy to 3 classics and shows this was never designed to be a blues album, Steve Paul, his manager, felt the blues period had peaked. This was a move to out and out rock which is probably why it sold well. Indeed it’s his only gold record in America.
Two singles were released taken from it;
"Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo" / "21st Century Man" (non-album B-side recorded September 20, 1970) and "Jumpin' Jack Flash" / "Good Morning Little School Girl" which made #89 in USA
Earlier records are much more blues orientated. The eponymous debut especially so. The studio ‘And’ album is very strident and has probably been in the shadow of the live album and is the original home of Rock n Roll Hoochie Koo
Still Alive And Well and Saints And Sinners continued in the same style and to me are part of his best stretch of releases.
Throughout, his playing on studio albums remained lean and taut but on live releases he stretched out more and I love those too even if they were considered by some to be self-indulgent. Captured Live with its extended Highway 61 especially so.
Some of the posthumous live bootleg releases enhance the golden age releases.
There isn't a player who sounds like Johnny. He’s uniquely distinctive and you always know when it’s him. Those late 60s to mid-70s records are a warm, still exciting legacy.
