Two hours of Johnny Winter, circa 1979, can confirm any non-blues fan’s prejudices but, for the converted, it’s a treat. On the plus side, the man himself is in his physical prime (if slightly past his musical peak), thundering out those big, bleeding licks on his Gibson. The minus is an empathy-free drummer, Bob Torello, keen to give his best imitation of The Muppets’ Animal: maximum cymbals, relentless double bass drum and all. Bassman Jon Paris is fine in the backup role until Johnny gives him a couple of numbers on guitar and vocals, where he reveals himself to be a pale imitation of the master.
This is Winter’s show and the highlights come when he embarks on 15-minute journeys into down-home blues. Two of these lengthy expositions offer respite from the high-decibel bludgeon and emphasise how deeply-rooted Winter’s music was, and remains – even if the Germans react better to the likes of Johnny B Goode and Jumpin’ Jack Flash.
There will never be another Johnny Winter and, while this DVD isn’t likely to produce any converts, it’s going to be meat and drink to fans. They wouldn’t have him any other way.
