Edgar Winter
Edgar Winter To Release New Album ‘Brother Johnny’
An All-Star Tribute To Johnny Winter
Out April 15, 2022 on CD and Vinyl
On Quarto Valley Records
“Johnny B. Goode” feat. Edgar Winter, Joe Walsh & David Grissom
Today Quarto Valley Records proudly announces the April 15, 2022, release of Brother Johnny, a tribute to the legendary blues guitarist created by his brother Edgar Winter. The album is a powerful sonic journey, traveling the course of Johnny’s musical life, impeccably directed, as only his brother Edgar could.
Joining Edgar on the inclusive project is an impressive array of renowned musicians who knew, or were inspired by Johnny, including Joe Bonamassa, Doyle Bramhall II, John McFee, Robben Ford, Billy Gibbons, David Grissom, Taylor Hawkins, Warren Haynes, Steve Lukather, Michael McDonald, Keb Mo, Doug Rappoport, Bobby Rush, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Ringo Starr, Derek Trucks, Waddy Wachtel, Joe Walsh, Phil X and Gregg Bissonette.
Listen to “Johnny B. Goode”
The guitar-driven album celebrates the expansive styles Johnny was known for – the 17 tracks were carefully curated by Edgar and producer Ross Hogarth to represent Johnny’s evolution as an artist, honouring his great legacy while also incorporating a personal tribute from brother to brother, and for which Edgar penned two new songs.
The project has been years in the making, Edgar was first approached about it just after his brother passed away on July 16, 2014. Johnny had just played the Cahors Blues Festival in France, which was destined to become his last show. He had travelled to Switzerland where his next show was scheduled, but he passed away in his sleep at the hotel in Zurich before he ever got the chance.
Edgar reflects, “Many people immediately started trying to convince me to do a Johnny Winter tribute album. But I was totally devastated, and the timing just didn’t feel right to me. It wasn’t until after I completed the Rock ‘N’ Blues Fest, a tour we were meant to do together with our respective bands, that the idea of a tribute record started to take form.” Edgar adds, “I had naturally expected the whole thing to be cancelled. But much to my surprise, the promoters begged me to go on with the tour as planned, asking me to headline. The first night, after playing “Frankenstein”, I closed the show with “Johnny B. Goode”, “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo”, and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”, dedicating the end of the set to Johnny.
“I had anticipated the tour to be very emotional, perhaps sad, and possibly difficult, but playing those songs turned out to be a great source of strength and comfort to me. Everyone on the tour was so kind and supportive, getting up to jam, and it became a kind of tradition. There was such an overwhelming outpouring of love and respect for Johnny, I began to realise it was not just business people sensing an opportunity here; it was Johnny’s true, loyal, and devoted fans and our fellow musicians, many of whom are on this record, who wanted to see this happen as well.”
Soon after Edgar met Bruce Quarto, founder, and owner of Quarto Valley Records. It was his boundless enthusiasm and devotion to classic rock, the blues, (and Johnny in particular) that convinced Edgar the time for this tribute album had finally come.
“Quarto Valley Records is honoured to be releasing Edgar’s tribute to his brother Johnny,” said Bruce Quarto. “An album as remarkable in its musicianship as it is in the depth of feeling that comes through in each and every note of each and every song. The superhuman artistry and inspiration you hear in the new interpretations of some of Johnny’s signature songs, like ‘Hootchie Koo’ and ‘Alive and Well,’ are matched only by Edgar’s original and very personal, ‘End of the Line,’ which strikes a very human chord. The album is nothing short of a masterpiece. Enjoy!”
This announcement comes with the release of “Johnny B. Goode,” a perfect fit not only in name but in sentiment, and a song that remained a standard in Johnny’s sets right up to the very end. The opening rips right out of the speakers – that infamous guitar line along with Edgar’s smokin’ piano – followed by roaring vocals from Edgar and Joe Walsh. Joe does the vocal honors on this one, leaving his legendary guitar work for a personal favorite called “Stranger” (featuring Michael McDonald, with Ringo Starr on drums).
The signature guitar is masterfully delivered by fellow Texan David Grissom, who strikes the perfect balance between Chuck Berry’s classic riffs and Johnny’s wild Winter whirlwind of intensity. Edgar blows the house down with a Texas tornado of saxophone accompanied by thunder and lightning from Bob Glaub on bass, Gregg Bissonette on drums, and additional vocals by Phil X.
Edgar writes in his liner notes. “To this day, when I think of Rock ‘n’ Roll, I think of Chuck Berry and “Johnny B. Goode”. It’s not only Johnny’s story, but also every kid’s story who ever picked up a guitar, coming from humble beginnings with the idea of making it big someday. So of course, it has to be on this album.”
Brother Johnny was produced by Edgar Winter and Ross Hogarth. All the basic tracking was done at Capitol Studios. Most of the guest artist performances were recorded at Infinitespin Records, and as the pandemic progressed, were done at various guest artist’s studios. the record was mixed by Ross at his studio The Boogie Motel.
“So much has happened to both of us since then, but one thing will always remain the same… that bond, of brotherhood, of family, of music, and of Love. So, in his name, I dedicate this album. Brother Johnny,” says Edgar.
Edgar Winter website
I met Johnny in Greenville SC at the Handle Bar ,he just had a second hip surgery. After many years ,many concerts I finally not to get on his tour bus and talk old times . Great guy ,and he ROCKED THE HOUSE THAT NIGHT . God Bless my Blues Man ,RIP Buddy . We all love you
Miss Johnny. Grew up playing his songs and Edgar’s. When I got older a guitar player. But toured playing bass guitar and was lucky to open like 4-5 shows for Johnny and his band. Started to have a small repore with Johnny told him of my time I jammed with peter Tosh and jimmy cliff and met Bob Marley same day but played boney moroney and rocked out !! He laughed. Lol.
When I was 9 years old my sister was a surfer girl, she saw the Johnny Winter Columbia album and thought it was a surfer record and she bought it, she wasn’t into the Blues but it was 1969 and I was 9 years old but when I heard that record it pierced me like a sword and I was a Johnny Winter fan for life. Years later when I got injured in the army I went into the base exchange and lo and behold there was a Johnny Winter cassette tape in there and it really saved my life. Johnny Winter has always been a big part of my life is music and his essence.
I was lucky to see Johnny when he was on the iconic tour with Muddy Waters and James Cotton. As good as their albums were, their live shows were amazing (especially at a small venue).
This is going to be another great addition to Johnny’s legacy. Curated by his brother Edgar and with more righteous talent than you can shake a stick at, this is going to be a ‘must have’ for anyone who appreciated Johnny Winter’s immense talent. ♡
This is going to be another great addition to Johnny’s legacy. Curated by his brother Edgar and with more righteous talent than you can shake a stick at, this is going to be a ‘must have’ for anyone who appreciated Johnny Winter’s immense talent. ♡
I’ve seen Johnny & Edgar.
Johnny Winter at The Capital Theater in Passaic NJ Johnny rocked it out.
I’d say the year was 1980 maybe
Got to see Johnny Winter And with Rick Derringer at the old Civic Center OKC in 1970. They literally tore the house down.
I’m 65 this year and I’ve listened and loved Johnny for45+ years!!!! This whole thing brings tears to my eyes!!!! I LOVE YOU JOHNNY DAWSON WINTER !!!!! THANKS!!!!!!!!!!
As a kid I loved the blues and soon was listening to all the J Winter that I could find. Any show that I could get to I attended. He was my fav live act. Stone Balloon De , Brassys in Cocoa Beach clubs in NJ and even one in Vermont. I even bought a Gibson Firebird and played it thru my Dads hifi . He left his mark on the world of blues and color was no barrier. Looking forward to this album thank you Edgar & of course Johnny ❤️
I first met Johnny in Kansas City the summer of 1970. I saw his concert that night with a bunch of musician friends of mine. Afterwords went to a local bar (The End Zone) where more friends were playing, and in he walks with Rick Derringer, Randy Hobbs, and Randy Z (Rick D’s brother). There was a private party afterwards, and the whole band showed up there as well. I was sitting on the floor having a cigarette, and Johnny comes and sits down next to me and asks me for a smoke. We ended up talking for hours about everything, and became close friends from that night. Several months later, I moved to San Francisco. The last time I saw him alive was backstage at Fillmore West where they were doing a concert. He was a really nice, caring, person with a big heart. Shortly after that, is when he went into his heroin days, and I lost track of him. When he got out of rehab, he contacted me, and we remained friends. I will always miss him, his music, and his friendship, but I will always have my magical memories. I’m really thrilled to see Edgar do this album <3 <3 <3
Just watched Down and Dirty today. Few tears and a lot of smiles.
This is a well deserved tribute by brother Edgar and some great players…
I was fortunate to see Johnny three times, the first being in May, ’71 with my buddy Mike. A memorable tour de force experience with Johnny, Rick Derringer and band. I was hooked on the blues! Twice more over the years, during some tough times for him, and finally in early 2014 at the Ram’s Head in Annapolis. God bless Johnny’s guitarist and manager Paul Nelson for his support during these late years. I was grateful to meet Johnny and the band that night. Johnny Winter was one of a kind bluesman and a vastly underrated guitarist. His absence from the Rock HOF is a crime, but his memory lives on with his music.
This is a well deserved tribute by brother Edgar and some great players…
I was fortunate to see Johnny three times, the first being in May, ’71 with a blues loving friend. A memorable tour de force show with Johnny, Rick Derringer and band. I was hooked on the blues! Twice more over the years, during some tough times for him, and finally in early 2014 at the Ram’s Head in Annapolis. God bless Johnny’s guitarist and manager Paul Nelson for his support during these late years. I was grateful to meet Johnny and the band that night. Johnny Winter was one of a kind bluesman and a vastly underrated guitarist. His absence from the Rock HOF is a crime, but his memory lives on with his music.
I chatted with Johnny at the Magic Mushroom near Houston, Texas when he was playing the blues to an empty room. It was 1968. He was awesome! His brother was already in the studio. Most of us were amazed Edgar was snatched first. But, hey, we all know and knew who the master was. Johnny was an awesome person.
My first concert ever, had to see Johnny and Edgar 1970. Second Winter was spinning on my turntable.
Massey Hall, Toronto, Canada. I was never the same. The most under rated player for many years, who cares about the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, we all know where Johnny stood in our lives. The Down and Dirty Documentary really hits home to the life challenges Johnny had. Its a must see and all the you tube videos of Johnny that has left his musical legacy. Edgar needs to be commended and all the amazing musicians on this amazing album.