Customer Reviews

Live In Nyc '97

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

A short while ago, I had the great pleasure of seeing the white wonder perform at the Roxy in Los Angeles. When he was assisted onto the stage, I had some doubt as to whether he would be able to play at all as he appeared to be heavily medicated. However, once the bass player helped adjust his guitar, he played like a true master. The songs he played were not only off of this CD, but were played exceptionally well. After the concert, I went right out and purchased this CD. Several months later, I still have it in my player in regular rotation.

There is no doubt that the man has aged, and coupled with a debilitating form of anxiety which requires medication, has slowed down a tad from his years with aligator records. However, that in no way should distract one from purchasing this CD. Most players would be proud to perform at a level of half the talent of Winter.

Every song on this CD is nothing short of sensational. Ignore the review that pans this CD and buy it today.

Containing no hits but a number of fan favorites and cover songs, "Live In NY '97" was assembled with the assistance of Johnny Winter's fanclub, offering excellent versions of blues and R&B numbers, several instrumentals, and some of Winter's best guitar playing since the early 70s.

Most of these songs, and the instrumental numbers as well, are relatively low key, and that's when Johnny Winter's prowess as a guitar player is most apparent. He barely ever resorts to "shredding" or generic rock n' roll riffing; instead he plays one economical yet soulful solo after another, like on his version of Freddie King's "Hideaway", and a superb slide guitar intro to "The Sky Is Crying".

Those two tracks, along with "The Sun Is Shining" and "Got My Mojo Working", are among the highlights here, but there are really no "lowlights"...Winter's vocals may not have the power of, say Elmore James' or Muddy Waters', but he fares alright, and this album features some of his best blues playing of the 90s. And even the less than original "Johnny Guitar" sounds pretty good, as does the swaggering R&B of "Just A Little Bit".
Only the predictable and repetitive "She Likes To Boogie Real Low" is a let-down; everything else is good, or even great.

This is a terrific album. Great recording, great sound, great song selections (blues classics played by the best - "live"). Johnny's quitar sounds great on this one. There's not a bad track on the thing. Yea, he has slowed down, misses a few notes, sings a little weaker and I if I could play the this CD 7 days a week and not go to work I would. It's not about the notes its about the person and the feeling. I actually feel connected to him spiritually when I listen to this disc. PS. The back-up band ain't to shabby either.

Then this is a killer CD. Johnny and his band simply rip it up here. Johnny shows that he's one of the best on this recording. Sadly, he's one of the "forgotten" guitar greats when it comes to naming some of the best. But players KNOW Johnny, like Rory Gallagher, is one of the players they listen to when wanting to hear the best stuff out there.
I don't know what the negative reviewers here are listening to this on but, the CD thunders through my sound system ( Klipsch ) relentlessly. It never lets up. Johnny was "on" for this recording and I, for one, am thrilled!
If you play guitar, LISTEN to this CD. Learn from one of the great legends. I saw Johnny play twice. I am thankful that I did.
I hope this day never comes but, when Johnny passes on, people will "rediscover" this great performer again. And just like Rory Gallagher, I will say "I've always listened to him!!"
This recording makes me feel like I am in a smoke filled bar with my mouth open in awe the whole time. I'm betting that everyone stayed right in their seats for this whole show.
Thanks Johnny for keeping the blues alive! Go Johnny Go!! :)

The stories of Johnny Winter's tragedies of life are well documented. But despite battles with heroin addiction and ultimately being dropped from various labels due to low record sales and personality conflicts, Winter has risen from the ashes to produce one of his finest albums in many years. As a tribute to his many fans, Johnny allowed his supporters to request over the internet particular covers that they would like to see performed. The result is Live in NYC '97. The guitar playing is simply outstanding on all tracks and in particular "sen-sa-sun" and "hideaway". Also, you couldn't ask for a better cover of "the sky is crying" in a manner that does justice to the SRV version. I also believe that Johnny's vocals are as good as ever and sound matured in comparison to past CD's rather than "weedy" as described above. This CD is absolutely top notch and a must buy for blues/rock fans.

While Winter is definately not the same as he was even just 10 years ago, let alone 20, this ain't that bad of an effort. The vocals are weak, but his playing still has some fire to it and the song selection is pretty good. I wish he wasn't sick because he is such a great talent.

My favorite album BAR NONE is Derek and the Dominoes LIVE AT THE FILLMORE EAST. While explaining this one day to a huge music fan with an extremely vast collection, he suggested that I listen to Johnny Winter Live in NYC. First, this album has quickly become one of my very favorite new additions to my collection. Second, the quality and depth of the guitar sound that is found here is awesome, it truly is a WALL of blues Guitar!! This live album has an extremely rich recorded sound, and finds a great balance between audience cheering and the grand sound from the band. The coolest song here is "Johnny Guitar" which is upbeat and huge. I have some other songs of Winter on some different blues compilations that never really impressed me much (illustrated man and others.) This music has such a richness and depth that I almost think its somebody else. The voice is raw, but this isn't r.kelly or some R&B smooth loveyoulots voice, this is the harsh-edged just-makin-it-through-life blues voice matched with an awesome guitar with feel and depth that roars. Man I enjoy this album and I guaruntee if you have ears and like rock/guitar/blues, you will really dig this.

P.S. If you think this is good, check out Derek and the Dominos Live at the Fillmore East. There is no more perfect recording/performance found ANYWHERE!

This music smokes. Johnny may be older, but he is wiser. His guitar playing is as sharp as ever. His voice is lighter than his earlier days, but the jams more than make up for it. If you like/love Johnny, if you like/love blues/blues rock, go for it. Great music from a great musician.

This album seems to have polarised the reviewers quite markedly. In my opinion, it's a great sounding and exceptionally well played album. Like Cream At The Royal Albert Hall 2005, slowing down the songs slightly allows for a bit more swing in the arrangements, and Johnny and the band have tis in spades. Well worth getting.

as a winter fan for as long as he has played i think this tape is a must for the consumant blues listener. hideaway and sen-sa-shun/mojo and johnny guitar just dont get any better......