Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s I had my share of
music heroes; from Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and more.
However, one artist in particular influenced my musical taste more than any
other. Johnny Winter has influenced many teenagers and musicians alike, so when
I heard Johnny was coming to The Newport Music Hall in Columbus I knew I was
going to be there and see the Guitar Slinger do his thing. Opening up for the
blues legend was Ohio’s own The Frank Harrison Group. Frank and the guys were
only scheduled to play for 45 minutes, barley enough time to get warmed up. But
The Frank Harrison Group turned those few minutes into a hard pounding set of
blues that would make even the biggest superstar take notice. Frank worked
the crowd into a frenzy with his hit “Where’d You Get Those Blues” and one of
the best versions of the Hendrix tune “Are You Experienced” that I have ever
heard. It would take a legend to follow up that performance.
When Johnny made his way to center stage the crowd
erupted with excitement. Johnny sat down and all eyes were on the 67 year old
bluesman from Texas. I couldn’t believe I was standing six inches from the
speakers and five feet from the man himself. I was in awe as Johnny and the
band took us on a musical journey that spans some 50 years. Johnny has released
many great albums over the years like The Progressive Blues Experiment, Second
Winter, Saints and Sinner, Guitar Slinger and more; I was anxious to see what Johnny
had in store.
Early in the set Johnny played a song from his 2004
release I’m a Bluesman called “Lone Wolf.” Lone Wolf set the tone for a trip
down memory lane that also included a song from Freddie King called “Hideaway.”
The set also included a song that goes all the way back to Johnny’s self-titled
debut album called “Good Morning Little School Girl.” One of the highlights of
the night was when Johnny stood up to play one of his hit tunes “Boney Maroney,”
the crowd went crazy and yes I was screaming as loud as anyone.
When Johnny left the stage, there was no way the
audience was going to let him leave without an encore and Johnny did not
disappoint. Johnny seemed to be energized when he returned to the stage and
gave us an encore to remember playing my favorite “Black Cat Bone” from perhaps
his best album The Progressive Blues Experiment. The final song of the evening
was Johnny’s rendition of Bob Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited that blew the roof
off The Newport. The best part of the night was when I was privileged to hold
the door open for the man I have admired since I was a kid. Many thanks to The
Frank Harrison Group for making the whole experience possible, you guys are the
best! And thanks to Johnny Winter for a lifetime of great tunes and an evening that
I will NEVER forget!
2011 Reviews and Interviews 
