MuzikMan's Reviews And News: Johnny Winter

Showing posts with label Johnny Winter. Show all posts

11/06/2017

Paul Nelson, Grammy Winning Guitar Virtuoso & Johnny Winter Protege, On Tour In Support of Latest Album "Badass Generation"

Los Angeles - Grammy winning guitar legend & Johnny Winter protege Paul Nelson will be touring the US in support of his critically acclaimed latest album “Badass Generation.” For Paul Nelson, a new musical chapter beckons... Nelson was not only the hand picked guitarist to legendary rock/blues icon Johnny Winter but is recognized in his own right as one of today’s top guitarists. “Johnny definitely took me under his wing,” Nelson remembers his late friend and mentor. “The blues world does that. One musician hands you the torch, and then you try to run with it. Johnny took pride in turning me on to the likes of Robert Johnson, T-Bone Walker, Muddy Waters Delta, Texas and Chicago blues – all the music that he loved. I knew what he was doing for me, and I am really appreciative for that.”

Check out the Trailer for the band's new single “Down Home Boogie”:

Paul Nelson Live With Warren Haynes and The Gov't Mule Band and G-Love on “Good Mornin' Little School Girl”:

Paul Nelson Tour Dates 2017

EXCLUSIVE VIP PACKAGES

Meet & Greets and More!

Date	Venue	Location		Tickets
Nov 03	Chans	Woonsocket, RI		Tickets	RSVP
Nov 08	Country Store	Saint George, DE	VIP		RSVP
Nov 10	The Blue Note Grill	Durham, NC		Tickets	RSVP
Nov 11	Darwins	Sandy Springs, GA			RSVP
Nov 12	Capital Oyster Bar	Montgomery, AL			RSVP
Nov 16	Terra Fermata	Stuart, FL		Tickets	RSVP
Nov 17	Arts Garage	Delray Beach, FL	VIP	Tickets	RSVP
Nov 18	Porkie's Roadhouse	Punta Gorda, FL	VIP	Tickets	RSVP
Nov 19	LOU'S BLUES	Indialantic, FL			RSVP
Nov 22	The Green Parrot	Key West, FL			RSVP
Nov 23	The Green Parrot	Key West, FL			RSVP
Nov 24	South Street Naples	Naples, FL			RSVP
Nov 25	The Alley	Sanford, FL		Tickets	RSVP
Nov 26	Earl's Hideaway	Sebastian, FL			RSVP
Dec 02	Kettleworks	Columbia, PA			RSVP
Mar 12	Fairfield Theatre Company	Fairfield, CT		Tickets	RSVP

More dates to come!
Fri 01/26/18     Miffenburg PA - The Rusty Rail
Sat 01/27/18     Stanhope House, NJ - Stanhope House
Sun 03/25/18     Pomeroy IA - Byrons Bar
Sat 03/31/18     Springfield IL - The Third Base
Fri 04/06/18     Toronto Canada - Cadillac Lounge
Sat 04/07/18     Gravenhurst Ontario Canada - Peter's Playe
Fri 05/18/18     Fort Myers FL - The Barrel Room

Worldwide touring has always been a constant in his career. Nelson and his time with Winter was no different, performing and/or recording along side an array of today's top artists such as: Slash, Vince Gill, Joe Walsh, Eric Clapton, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Sonny Landreth, Edgar Winter, Billy Gibbons, Leslie West, Susan Tedeshi, Joe Bonamassa, Dr. John, Dickey Betts, Rick Derringer, Brian Setzer, Larry Carlton, Robben Ford and countless others. Major appearances such as television performances on “Late Night with David Letterman” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live” soon followed. This finally led Nelson to perform on and produce “Step Back,” a posthumous, star- studded affair, - pairing him on recordings with Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Joe Perry, Ben Harper and many others, earning both Nelson and Winter Grammy Awards for “Best Blues Album”. Nelson still feels the loss of his friend and mentor. But he also recognizes that new creative endeavors are ahead.

Nelson received a Grammy award for his work performing on and producing Winter's “Step Back” release on Megaforce/Sony winning “Best Blues Album of the Year” highlighting his already long list of Grammy Nominations. As well as the BMA “Blues Music Award” for “Best Blues/Rock Album” reaching #16 on the Billboard Top 200 and staying at #1 on the Billboard Blues Charts for weeks. He is also a recipient of the Blues Foundation's KBA “Keeping The Blues Alive Award”.

His music has reached millions with appearances on Late Night with David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel Live, and on award winning documentaries: “Down and Dirty” The Johnny Winter Story and “Sideman: Long Road to Glory” (feat: Bonnie Rait, Gregg Allman, Hubert Sumlin), as well as music written/performed and broadcast nationally on NBC and on multiple major album releases, books, instructional guitar columns, live Concert DVD's, and guest performances on countless recordings.

Staying at #1 on the “Hot New Releases” charts for months Nelson's latest project “Badass Generation" on Sony Records still maintains his unmistakable connection to the Blues, but it also finds the guitarist showing his many other musical dimentions fans have come expect considering him one of music's most respected and influential contemporary artists.

The formation of The Paul Nelson Band and new self-titled album marks the next step in that evolution. Nelson's latest project still maintains an unmistakable connection to the blues, but it also finds the guitarist showing his other musical dimensions, from hard-edged, uncompromising rock and blues to acoustic-driven singer-songwriter fare.

“The Paul Nelson Band rocks. Period. Nelson's sparkling electricity spills out of his guitar like Blues/Rock on Steroids. Singer Morten Fredheim is a find! Paul Rodgers ain't got nothin’ on this guy! Nelson is razor-sharp, crystal-clear and punctuates the proceedings with a kick and a grin. This band can’t help but be huge.” - Goldmine Magazine

On this album Nelson and his newly formed band skillfully incorporate an array of sounds and styles, with what Nelson's fans know to be his calling card: remarkable, world-class virtuosity on the guitar - what you might expect of someone who was also taught by six-string master Steve Vai. “This project has so much input from all of the different styles of music that have influenced me and my band, from blues to classic rock to jam band, pop rock and more. I wanted to play the guitar to serve the songs – and not the other way around. Everything I create has to fit in with the music,” says Nelson.

Track List:
1. Down Home Boogie
2. Keep It All Together
3. Goodbye Forever
4. Cold Hearted Mama
5. Please Come Home
6. Root Too All Evil
7. Swamp Thing
8. Come With Me
9. Out Of Time
10. Fooled By Love
11. Take It Back

Produced by: Paul Nelson
Engineered: Morten Fredhiem
Mixed, and Mastered by: Phil Magnotti
Recorded at: Chop Shop Studios
Photography by: Michael Wientrob
Art Direction and Design: Marion Amundsen
Special Guest Musicians: Danny Louis (Gov't Mule) on Hammond Organ (track 2) Frank “King Bee” Lattore on Harp (track 3 )

Approved Media Hi-Res Press Photos here:
www.paulnelsonguitar.com

Website: www.paulnelsonguitar.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paulnelsonofficial/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulnelsonguit1

To purchase Paul Nelson's “Badass Generation”:
Buy the CD: https://www.amazon.com/Badass-Generation-Limited-Digipak-Nelson/dp/B017VORJFQ
Buy the digital version: https://www.amazon.com/Baddass-Generation-Paul-Nelson-Band/dp/B01BLWOJ98

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Booking:
Bobbi Llewellyn, Highway Key Touring
www.highwaykey.com
www.facebook.com/hwykey
Tel: + 1 586 420 4728 USA
bobbillewellyn7@gmail.com

Paul Nelson, Grammy Winning Guitar Virtuoso & Johnny Winter Protege, On Tour In Support of Latest Album "Badass Generation"

EXCLUSIVE VIP PACKAGES

Meet & Greets and More!

Date	Venue	Location		Tickets
Nov 03	Chans	Woonsocket, RI		Tickets	RSVP
Nov 08	Country Store	Saint George, DE	VIP		RSVP
Nov 10	The Blue Note Grill	Durham, NC		Tickets	RSVP
Nov 11	Darwins	Sandy Springs, GA			RSVP
Nov 12	Capital Oyster Bar	Montgomery, AL			RSVP
Nov 16	Terra Fermata	Stuart, FL		Tickets	RSVP
Nov 17	Arts Garage	Delray Beach, FL	VIP	Tickets	RSVP
Nov 18	Porkie's Roadhouse	Punta Gorda, FL	VIP	Tickets	RSVP
Nov 19	LOU'S BLUES	Indialantic, FL			RSVP
Nov 22	The Green Parrot	Key West, FL			RSVP
Nov 23	The Green Parrot	Key West, FL			RSVP
Nov 24	South Street Naples	Naples, FL			RSVP
Nov 25	The Alley	Sanford, FL		Tickets	RSVP
Nov 26	Earl's Hideaway	Sebastian, FL			RSVP
Dec 02	Kettleworks	Columbia, PA			RSVP
Mar 12	Fairfield Theatre Company	Fairfield, CT		Tickets	RSVP

12/02/2016

Guitar Legend & Johnny Winter Protege Paul Nelson Releases New Album “Badass Generation”

Los Angeles – Much to the excitement of guitarists worldwide, guitar legend Paul Nelson has released his new album “Badass Generation” to critical acclaim! Grammy winning guitarist Paul Nelson was Johnny Winter's protege guitarist in the Johnny Winter Band.

Paul has toured with countless worldwide touring artists and performed live and or on recordings along side major artists such as Johnny Winter, Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Ben Harper, Leslie West, Robben Ford, Joe Perry, Mark Knofler, Brian Setzer, Dr. John, Slash, Vince Gill, Warren Haynes, Sonny Landreth, Los Lobos, Kim Wilson, Elvin Bishop, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Reb Beach, Steve Morse, John Popper, Debbie Davies, Los Lobos, Quin Sullivan, Tinsley Ellis, Lucky Peterson, Joe Louis Walker, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi, John Medeski, Joe Walsh, Larry Carlton, Steve Vai, Earl Slick, Hubert Sumlin, Pete Rivera, Rick Derringer, Harvey Brooks, Bill Evans, James Cotton, Magic Slim, Coco Montoya, Uptown Horns, Blues Brother Horns, Reese Wynans, Edgar Winter, Ray Davis, George Lynch, James Cotton, Anthony Jackson, Dickey Betts, Junior Brown, Pat Travers, Jimmy Vivino and La Bamba of Late Night with Conan O'Brien and Paul Schaefer's CBS Orchestra to name a few. With appearances on David Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel programs.

Paul Nelson has been featured in every major guitar magazine and news publication from Guitar World to Rolling Stone and is credited as being a composer/performer for music heard on international and national television broadcasts such as NBC, TNN, UPN, for the WWE. He has conducted his successful “Master Class” Clinics and written guitar columns all over the world.

Paul has had the distinction of appearing as both guitarist and songwriter on Rock/Blues legend Johnny Winter's Grammy-nominated Virgin/EMI release “I'm A Bluesman” as well as producer/performer on his releases “Roots” and the Grammy winning “Step Back” on Megaforce/Sony. He performed as a musical guest with Johnny Winter on the Late Night with David Letterman Show to promote the “Roots” album and on Jimmy Kimmel on ABC TV to promote the “Step Back” CD and Johnny Winter's “Down and Dirty Movie,” which he also appeared in and was the Executive Producer.

Nelson, who studied with Steve Vai in his Berklee days, jazz fusion great Steve Khan and Mike Stern has created a tour de force with his last all-instrumental rock/fusion solo release, “A very diverse package that takes the listener on a sophisticated journey through the musical mind of Paul Nelson. Boundless energy, and displays ferocious solo sections at the same time showing us his control over an emotional side of playing all the while holding it together with a tasteful melodic sense which comes through on each cut.”

Paul's latest CD on Sony Music Group entitled “Badass Generation” has received rave reviews worldwide; calling Nelson “One of today's Top Guitarists”!

“What else can we say about Paul Nelson except - Chops Deluxe.” - Guitar World Magazine

“He's a soulful player who has chops to burn. The word 'ferocious' comes to mind, or 'take no prisoners'” - Vintage Guitar Magazine

“Love this album - the sound and the energy. Gorgeous, searing guitar work. Like a blow torch!” – Wall Street Journal

Recognized as one of music's top guitarist/songwriter/producers Paul Nelson continues his musical journey recording and touring the world over. Nelson was not only guitarist to legendary rock/blues icon Johnny Winter but is recognized in his own right as one of today's premier guitarists. “Johnny definitely took me under his wing,” Nelson remembers his late friend and mentor. “The blues world does that. One musician hands another the torch, and then you run with it. Johnny took pride in turning me on to the likes of Robert Johnson, T-Bone Walker, Muddy Waters Delta, Texas and Chicago blues - all the music that he loved. I knew what he was doing for me, and I am really appreciative of that.”

Nelson performed on and produced “Step Back,” a posthumous, star-studded affair, pairing him on recordings with Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Joe Perry, Ben Harper and many others, earning both Nelson and Winter Grammy Awards for “Best Blues Album” in 2015. Nelson still feels the loss of his friend and mentor. But he also recognizes that new creative endeavors are ahead.

The formation of The Paul Nelson Band and the “Badass Generation” album marked the next step in that evolution. Nelson's new project still maintains an unmistakable connection to the blues, but it also finds the guitarist showing his other musical dimensions, from hard-edged, uncompromising rock and blues to acoustic-driven singer-songwriter fare.

“The Paul Nelson Band rocks. Period. Like the debut albums of Aerosmith or Van Halen, this self-titled debut is hot with licks that are in service to the song. That, right there, puts it a cut above. Nelson's sparkling electricity spills out of his guitar like Blues/Rock on Steroids. Singer Morten Fredheim is a find! Paul Rodgers ain't got nothin' on this guy! Nelson is razor-sharp, crystal-clear and punctuates the proceedings with a kick and a grin. This band can’t help but be huge.” - Goldmine Magazine

On this album Nelson and his newly formed band skillfully incorporate an array of sounds and styles, with what Nelson's fans know to be his calling card: remarkable, world-class virtuosity on the guitar - what you might expect of someone who was also taught by six-string master Steve Vai. “This project has so much input from all of the different styles of music that have influenced me and my band, from blues to classic rock to jam band, pop rock and more. I wanted to play the guitar to serve the songs – and not the other way around. Everything I create has to fit in with the music,” says Nelson.

Nelson's handpicked co-conspirators include vocalist Morten Fredheim, who turned heads topping the European edition of “The Voice”, bassist Christopher Alexander; and Chris Reddan on drums. Gov't Mule keyboardist Danny Louis also makes a cameo appearance. The collective result is something that’s musically rooted in the classic era of Led Zeppelin, Free, Bad Company, Skynyrd, Tom Petty, Allman Brothers, Aerosmith and ZZ Top – but right at home with a fresh new take in the 21st century. “We got together and painstakingly worked out these songs before we recorded them. The caliber of the musicians in this band is inspiring” Nelson explains.

Nelson is eager to begin this new stage of his career with his band mates. Songs such as “Keep It All Together” with Fredheim's soaring vocals, and Nelson's classic guitar sounds to “Goodbye Forever”, with it's infectious groove and chorus and “Please Come Home” displaying emotional melodies and soulful slide guitar work, all which are among the few future stand out classics found on this album. “I want our music to touch many people in the same way it did us in the making and performing of this album,” says Nelson. His only regret? That his old friend wasn't able to sit in on a few of the tunes. “Johnny Winter's influence will always be a part of me,” he says. “There are many times when I pick up my guitar, and I feel his music. I know he's with me in a way, but I also have influences from so many other places. Have I now spread my wings? Absolutely. I'm a musician. I have to keep on writing and performing and never stop.”

The album's title “Badass Generation” says it all! The music on this latest recording speaks to today’s generation's quest for something new and this band's music does just that, through great song writing and musicianship making for one great musical ride!

ARTIST TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOoK3hnTZDM&feature=youtu.be

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Paul-Nelson-221214511250923/

ARTIST WEBSITE: http://www.thepaulnelsonband.com www.paulnelsonguitar.com

ALBUM ORDER LINK: http://www.amazon.com/Badass-Generation-Limited-Digipak-Nelson/dp/B017VORJFQ/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-50-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

11/24/2014

Concert Reviews: Johnny Winter Remembrance Concert In Woodstock NY

The Johnny Winter Remembrance At The Bearsville Theater

Woodstock, NY

November 22, 2014

All Photographs Provided By Lois Dysard

We lost one of the great blues brothers the world has ever known in July this year, Johnny Winter.

His music will live on for eternity and his guitar player/producer and protégée Paul Nelson, is making sure that music fans are still getting the opportunity to hear Johnny’s music played in a live setting.

The band consists of Paul Nelson on guitar, Scott Spray on bass, Tommy Curiale on Drums, and Jay Stollman on vocals. With the exception of Stollman, this was Winter’s band. Also special guest Ronnie Baker Brooks (Lonnie Brooks’ son) added some gusto to the show with his excellent guitar playing and vocals.

The night kicked off with a screening of Down and Dirty, an account of Johnny’s life and recent footage of him touring around the world. The film was a very up close and personal view into the blues legend’s life and something most fans probably never had a chance to see. The DVD is due out in January and there are some high expectations as would be expected.

I had a conversation with Paul and found out Step Back, Johnny’s album released in September, is up for Grammy consideration In addition to that Paul is up for consideration for Producer of The Year. All of this recognition is well deserved and I do hope there is some hardware to display on their mantels once all the voting and ceremonies are over.

This was the first time I had the opportunity to see Paul play live on his own for every song when I attended concerts. He is quite the guitar player and he knows how to electrify the songs with some killer rockin’ riffs. I can see why Johnny had this band behind him all these years as they all sound terrific live. They obviously have the necessary chemistry to mesh on stage and in the studio. I don’t want to wait another five years this time before I see Paul Nelson again and enjoy all of this great music. Paul does have a new solo album coming out early next year so I am looking forward to that.He is quite the guitar player and he knows how to electrify the songs with some killer rockin’ riffs.

After the film viewing (which is 90 minutes) there is a short break then the band comes on stage. They started of full steam ahead with a rousing version of “Bony Maronie.” From that point the band took the appreciative audience through some of Johnny’s favorite tracks including some from the new album Step Back. One song certainly that is very special for Paul is “Killing Floor,” where he did a duet with Johnny on the new album.

Another highlight of the evening was “Don't Take Advantage of Me,” featuring Ronnie Baker Brooks on guitar and vocals. Musically I think it was the best song of the evening and it was great to discover another up and coming blues artist. I mentioned to Paul after the show it would nice to see him as a permanent member of the band at some point. Brooks’ on stage energy and performance certainly added another dimension to the music and presentation.

If you are ever in upstate New York make sure you check out the charming little town of Woodstock and the beautiful Bearsville Theater. The venue is a converted 1800’s barn and right next door is the Woodstock Radio Station , 100.1 on the dial.

I would like to thank Paul Nelson for making this night happen, all the cordial folks at the venue and Lois Dysard for all the great photos.

I hope to catch another show again sometime very soon!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

November 24, 2014

Write A Music Review, Prog Rock Music Talk, New Age Music Reviews and Rate The Tracks Founder

(Paul Nelson and Keith)

Set List:

Bony Moronie

School Girl

Mojo Working

Don't Want No Woman

Black Jack

Killing Floor

Don't Take Advantage of Me

Jumping Jack Flash

Rock & Roll Hoochie Koo

All Over Now

Dust My Broom

She's 19

Johnny Be Goode

10/03/2014

Blues Rock Review: Johnny Winter-Step Back

Release Date: September 2, 2014

Label: Megaforce Records

Website

July 16, 2014 is a day in the history of the blues that is forever etched upon our minds. We lost Johnny Winter, one of the greatest blues guitar players to ever step on stage. His contribution to the genre cannot be summed up in short order. His legacy of music is one of the pillars of strength that keep the blues alive and well.

Fortunately for music fans he completed his final album before passing away and it will likely go down as one of his very best. Step Back is a guitar hero tribute, not just for Johnny but for those players that admired him and had the honor of being part of the project.

The list is impressive. Of course his longtime guitarist/producer and best friend Paul Nelson (read the recent interview) who came up with concept of the album and also contributed guitar parts, was a huge part of this. The guests include Joe Perry, Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Jason Ricci, Ben Harper, Leslie West, Dr. John, Joe Bonamassa and Brian Setzer.

Winter’s voice is strong throughout and his guitar playing is clear and concise. The opening track “Unchain My Heart” is vintage Winter as his guitar moans and screams for release. The Blues Brothers Horns add the extra element to give it more feeling and depth.

“Don’t Want No Woman” has to be one of the highlights with another blues legend Eric Clapton, going toe to toe with Johnny. When it comes to the blues it’s all about lovers lost and various other life predicaments. The vocals and guitar playing are what supports those stories perfectly. It does not get any better than this. “Who Do You Love,” the classic tune covered by so many artists over the years, has some smokin’ hot slide guitar riffs that completely “Winterize” it. “Okie Dokie Stomp” is a rollicking instrumental with Brian Setzer that takes Winter back to his roots in Texas. It really is a rockabilly stomp to die for. Lighting fast guitar riffs and a locomotive rhythm section make this one unforgettable.

Another blues burner for the ages is “Mojo Hand” with Joe Perry and Billy Gibbons. This is the best track on the album. Winter sounds so vital and strong and with the helping hand of two other legends, the track just cooks along like a well-oiled machine. This is blues rock at its very zenith. Those are some of the highlights from 13 tracks of pure energized blues from one of the masters of the trade. I heard no weak points throughout the run of this album.

Winter was always a star and before he left this earth he burned as bright as ever with Step Back. I believe he will finally get his Grammy with this monumental accomplishment. As it is with many of the greats that have come and gone, his big moment in the sun will likely come now that he is gone. When that hardware is presented he won’t be here to accept it but will certainly be watching from afar with a big grin.

Long live the blues and the music of Johnny Winter; this was one hell of an exit for one of the greatest guitar players on the planet.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Mojo Hand , Don’t Want No Woman, Unchain My Heart

Tracks:
01. Unchain My Heart – Johnny Winter
02. Can’t Hold Out (Talk To Me Baby) – Johnny Winter with Ben Harper
03. Don’t Want No Woman – Johnny Winter with Eric Clapton
04. Killing Floor – Johnny Winter with Paul Nelson
05. Who Do You Love – Johnny Winter
06. Okie Dokie Stomp – Johnny Winter with Brian Setzer
07. Where Can You Be – Johnny Winter with Billy Gibbons
08. Sweet Sixteen – Johnny Winter with Joe Bonamassa
09. Death Letter -Johnny Winter
10. My Babe – Johnny Winter with Jason Ricci
11. Long Tall Sally – Johnny Winter with Leslie West
12. Mojo Hand – Johnny Winter with Joe Perry
13. Blue Monday – Johnny Winter with Dr. John

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

October 3, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music

9/15/2014

Exclusive Interview with Paul Nelson

Exclusive Write A Music Review Interview
With Paul Nelson

Life With Johnny Winter And After

By Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Paul Nelson had been working with Johnny Winter Since 2001 as his guitarist, producer, song writer and above all trusted friend. After several years I got a chance to talk with Paul again, about the man’s music, his untimely passing, and the latest album release and what he plans to do now.

MuzikMan:Paul it was great to talk to you again after all these years! The last time we met was in January 2009 at a gig. I know it’s been hard on you losing Johnny so suddenly.

Paul: Yes it was a great personal loss! We were very close

MuzikMan:What did you learn from Johnny over the years as a musician?

Paul: Johnny took me under his wing and upon himself to show me everything he listened to and learned from. I was very honored.

MuzikMan: Certainly what happened was unexpected. Do you know now what the cause of Johnny’s death was? Was he in your eyes healthy in every way at the time?

Paul: I fear that the final cause of Johnny's passing will be related to his battle with emphysema. He had quit smoking 3 years earlier, but the damage was already done. He had a clean bill of health in every other respect. He exercised both on and off the road, he had stopped doing everything that was bad for him. He was on top of his game.

MuzikMan: How many performances were you and Johnny doing every year before he passed?

Paul: We were doing between 100 and 140 shows every year for 8 years. He loved performing; he loved traveling on our tour-bus, and loved the road!

MuzikMan: I understand you have been incredibly busy for many years, what changed in your life due to recent events? Are people coming out of the woodwork knocking on your door now?

Paul: Actually - yes - that is the case! I have received many offers from companies for my next solo project, and I am working on material as we speak. Johnny always expressed his support to me in that respect; he always wanted good things for me and my career.

MuzikMan: Johnny’s new album sounds amazing and there are so many legendary performers on it. I am sure he was very proud of the recording. Can you take us through how it all began and how it was all pieced together to get to the final product?

Paul: I came up with the concept that I proposed to Johnny, and that was to finally do a series of albums which were totally blues related, but I said; "there would have to be a catch!" I told him that the songs that he chose had to be done by artists that influenced him growing up. I then said that I would bring in guests that would be a tribute to him – then paying tribute to them… He loved the idea and picked all of the songs for the first album "Roots" in 15 minutes. Once he picked the songs, I researched the original versions that he had listened to, worked them out with myself and the band members, then went and learned secondary versions of those same songs to spawn a variety of ideas when we entered the studio. After this was done we rehearsed with Johnny, who then what we called "winterized" the songs - making them his own. We then went in to the studio, recorded the tracks, put down his vocals - and then I began the task of choosing the right guests for the right songs.

MuzikMan: You have been all over the world before and with Johnny what are your plans for your solo career?

Paul: I plan to continue on the same way I always have. I have worked with many artists before Johnny, with Johnny and will do so into the future…

MuzikMan: Can you talk about the Johnny Winter Remembrance Show and how it came about and who is involved?

Paul: After Johnny's passing, our agency had to be contacted to cancel shows that were booked almost a year in advance. When I contacted the agency I was told that there was a huge outpour from the fans that they did not want to return their tickets. They still wanted to hear Johnny's music performed by his band, so we put together the Johnny Winter Remembrance Tour with a host of special guests participating - as well as a screenings of his upcoming movie "Down & Dirty." The first of these shows was with Sonny Landreth and Lance Lopez. Soon more shows with more guests developed with more guests coming on board such as Joe Louis Walker, Gary Hoey, Debbie Davies, Jason Ricci, James Montgomery, Jeff Pitchell, Arlend Roth, Edgar Winter, David Gogo, Mike Zito and the list has been growing…

MuzikMan: Is there plenty of music in the can from Johnny that can be released in the future? I am sure every blues fan in the world is hoping that will happen!

Paul: With all of his shows and studio work over the years - yes he has left us with a huge body of work yet to be released.

MuzikMan: What are the plans moving forward with continuing the legacy of Johnny Winter? Do you think you will consider writing a book about all of your experiences?

Paul: A book hasn't really crossed my mind as of yet, right now I am very happy that Johnny's final album "Step Back" is doing so well and that Johnny's movie will be released soon.

www.paulnelson.com

RemembranceTour Paul Nelson w/ Sonny Landreth

Step Back CD

Interview granted with permission of Paul Nelson. All photos the property of Paul Nelson and Johnny Winter. Copyright MuzikMan Productions 2014.

Pages

11/06/2017

Paul Nelson, Grammy Winning Guitar Virtuoso & Johnny Winter Protege, On Tour In Support of Latest Album "Badass Generation"

Paul Nelson, Grammy Winning Guitar Virtuoso & Johnny Winter Protege, On Tour In Support of Latest Album "Badass Generation"

12/02/2016

Guitar Legend & Johnny Winter Protege Paul Nelson Releases New Album “Badass Generation”

11/24/2014

Concert Reviews: Johnny Winter Remembrance Concert In Woodstock NY

10/03/2014

Blues Rock Review: Johnny Winter-Step Back

9/15/2014

Exclusive Interview with Paul Nelson