CANDYE KANE "SUPERHERO" Source: AmeriBlues Date: 11/2011 Writer: J.Blake

Johnny Winter & Candye Kane Live in NYC, Concert Review

It seems that lately, despite the fact that many of Manhattan's "blues-friendly" clubs have been closing, NYC has been receiving a much needed boost in blues music support…and morale. The New York City Blues Society has been doing a wonderful job of supporting local talent and has taken an active role in petitioning for the declaration of an "international blues music day" (you can support the cause by joining the Facebook group HERE). Big Ed Sullivan is now hosting two worthwhile open blues jams (Monday's at The Grisly Pear and Tuesday's at Uncle Mike's) and September has been a fantastic month for music at B.B. King's Blues Club & Grill in Times Square.

This week alone, the venue hosted memorable shows from Keb' Mo', the über-talented jazz-fusion group Hiroshima, Candye Kane and Johnny Winter. The latter half of this list appeared as part of a double bill this past Friday night (09/23/11); in promotion of the release of Winter's latest album, ROOTS (due out today 09/27/11). The evening began with a high-energy and fun set from Candye Kane; whose slightly off-color stage banter and exuberantly positive attitude instantly warmed the crowd. Her musical-style and larger-than-life stage presence have become well-known among blues fans and this night's performance met expectations. Accompanied by her musical confidant (and respected guitar-slinger) Laura Chavez, Kane expertly entertained the midtown music venue's capacity crowd with an abundance of material from her two most recent albums, SUPERHERO and SISTER VAGABOND; successfully priming the lively audience for the night's main attraction. Sometime after 9pm, Johnny Winter and his band took the stage. They're high-octane musical approach and Winter's chorus-drenched tone barreled over the audience like a massive dump truck filled with unrefined blues-rock; and the blues-hungry crowd seemed to love it.

It is no secret that Winter is well past his late-60s/early-70s prime, but on this night, the aging guitar-hero played better than this reviewer has seen/heard him do so in years. He tore through standards like "Hideaway" and infused newer (more rock-driven) compositions with popular licks from Cream and The Rolling Stones. He introduced the audience to new(ish) versions of "Got My Mojo Workin'" and "Dust My Broom," from his latest album (the aptly titled) ROOTS and generously shared his stage with guests Mike Dimeo (keyboardist and Riot front-man) and Frank Latorre (on harmonica) as well as Conan O'Brien house bandleader Jimmy Vivino, who sat in on guitar for a crowd-pleasing rendition of The Rolling Stones' "It's All Over Now."

It was a fun night of music at one of the city's finest live music venues. Johnny Winter has become a bit of a staple at the midtown club and the New York crowd was, as always, happy to see him. His new album, ROOTS, is being released today (09/27/11) and features a fantastic track-list of blues standards as well as guest performances from Sonny Landreth, Jimmy Vivino, Warren Haynes, John Popper, Vince Gill, Susan Tedeschi, Edgar Winter, Derek Trucks, Paul Nelson and John Medeski. With a lineup like that, it is sure to be a winner.

If you enjoyed this article you may also enjoy The American Blues News' review for Johnny Winter's Live at The Fillmore 10/3/70.

New York City-area blues fans, be sure to check out George Thorogood tonight 09/27/11 at B.B. King's Blues Club & Grill in Times Square.