Album Review: “And” By Johnny Winter
via Johnny Winter - Topic/YouTube
A Reinvention Of Sorts
Johnny Winter released his fourth studio album “Johnny Winter And” in September 1970. The Texas blues guitarist teamed up with Rick Derringer and the McCoys.
Following the release of his previous records, he found himself stuck in a rut and so he decided that instead of the bluesy direction of its predecessors, “Johnny Winter And” would be more rock-oriented – a bold and risky move for Winter especially since it was a departure from the sound and style that helped him make a name for himself. At the time, the McCoys were also looking for ways to reinvent themselves and so, it was a match made in rock heaven.
“Johnny Winter And” is edgy. Rick Derringer as a guitarist and songwriter did much in the way of balancing the entire album. Winter and Derringer both complemented each other and they helped boost each other’s performance. So unsurprisingly, there’s no filler or any weak moment in the LP. It’s undoubtedly one of the best LPs from the ’70s but unfortunately, it was overshadowed by other albums.
Key tracks: Guess I’ll Go Away, Look Up, and Prodigal Son.
Guess I’ll Go Away
A perfect, hard rockin’ opener.
Look Up
The vocals here are insane!
Prodigal Son
Smooth and epic.
