Johnny Winter-Guitar Slinger (1984)

After a four-year hiatus from recording, the albino bluesman Johnny Winter returned in 1984 with his eleventh album, "Guitar Slinger", this time on the blues-focused label Alligator Records. On this occasion, Winter once again showcased his powerful and vibrant blues, featuring a series of covers of blues standards by artists such as Muddy Waters, Al Reed, Earl King, and Lee Baker Jr. With a completely revamped band from his previous work, the album included Ken Saydak (keyboards), Johnny Gayden (bass), Casey Jones (drums), saxophonists Terry Ogolini, Gene Barge, and Steve Eisen, and trumpeter Don Tenuto. In "Guitar Slinger," Johnny Winter treats us to galloping blues-rock tracks like "It's My Life Baby", "Mad Dog", "Boot Hill", and "Don't Take Advantage of Me", as well as mournful blues numbers like "Iodine in My Coffee", showcasing his slide guitar skills, and "I Smell Trouble". He also includes the Texas blues of "My Soul", the rock and roll of "Lights Out", and the soulful "Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye". "Guitar Slinger" would eventually be nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album.