Exclusive Write A Music Review Interview
With Paul Nelson
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…
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.
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