It’s little surprise that Vince Gill, Sonny Landreth, Warren Haynes and other modern-day guitar gods lined up to guest on Johnny Winter’s latest album, “Roots.” The 11-track album is filled with historic blues songs — everything from “T-Bone Shuffle” to “Maybellene” — done with modern-day interpretations. Recording the songs was something akin to going home for the Texas-born Winter, who grew up with a special love for blues.
“Not many white people in Beaumont [Texas] cared about the blues,” Winter told NPR when the album was released this fall. “I just liked the emotion and the feeling in the music. It was the most emotional music I’d ever heard.”
| Onstage |
| Johnny Winter with J.P. Soars |
| Where: Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis |
| When: 8 p.m. Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday |
| Info: $45; 410-268-4545; ramsheadonstage.com |
Many world-renowned musicians — including Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Derek Trucks — would arguably say that Winter’s music is some of the most emotional they’ve ever heard. Almost since Winter signed his first record deal in 1969, he has been deified by scores of musicians and music lovers.
In a way, that love almost ended his career decades ago. Winter tells how disconcerting it was to have fans tell him how much they worshipped him. That praise left him looking for an escape, which he found in heroin. During the throes of his addiction, Winter was also financially victimized by business associates.
Now clean and financially stable, Winter talks about the blues and multiple career highlights including his work with Muddy Waters.
In fact, many credit Winter’s work as a producer with sparking a renewed enthusiasm about Waters’ work.
“That’s my favorite part of my career,” Winter told No Depression of his time working with Waters beginning with the 1977 album “Hard Again.” “It was live in the studio. He picked the songs — although he did do [“I Can’t Be Satisfied”] for me. I wanted to do at least one acoustic song. It only took about two or three days to do the whole record. He really liked working with me. We never had one argument.”
Those who think Winter, who began playing music as a child, must be burnt out from constant traveling, playing, and, yes, constant fan adoration, don’t know the depth of his commitment to his art.
“It’s not like work at all,” said Winter of his decision to frequently tour and play. “I just always loved it.”
