Edgar Winter. When the name is mentioned in the presence of
Baby Boomers, it conjures up two iconic songs of the Seventies: Frankentstein and Free Ride. For others who enjoy
the deeper, lesser known aspects of music, the name, Edgar Winter, brings to mind a Texas-born musical prodigy.
Yes, prodigy. For, not only has Winter's musical career
spanned the genre's of rock, pop, blues and pop, he has mastered at the saxophone and a wide range of keyboard and percussion
instruments. To watch Edgar in concert provides the spectator with the rare but entertaining treat of viewing his virtuosity
on these instruments.
It was after witnessing
just such a display of musical genius that I had the privilege of sitting down with Edgar Winter. He had just retired
to his hotel room after a crowd-pleasing concert at the Wildflower! Arts and Music Festival in Richardson, Texas. Consequently,
Edgar was a tired but very gracious host, not acting the least bit annoyed at having his day prolonged by yet another interview.
For this, Boomerocity is eternally grateful.
After
being escorted into Mr. Winter's hotel room by his tour manager and long time friend, Dave Lopez, we sat down for our
conversation. I complimented him on the tremendous show he just performed and about the diverse group of people that
made up the audience.
He's animated with
his reply, "Yeah, I love those multi-generational shows. I don't think there is any particular demographic,
especially with the outdoor shows. The hard core Johnny (as in "Winter", his equally iconic, blues guitarist
brother)/Edgar/Rick (Derringer) fans are . . . one type of people but I think because I've done so many different kinds
of music over my career. "Entrance" was more of a blend of jazz, classical and rock so, our = my audience
can be quite different.
In chatting about
the gig that he just completed, I asked if the show was his first time playing this particular venue. The pride of being
a Texan is readily apparent. "As far as I can remember, yes, this is the first. And, of course, ANY TIME
I'm playing in Texas, that's my old stomping grounds! I love coming back to Texas and I don't do that many
shows here but we played in Houston last night which is even closer - 90 miles from Beaumont. It was a great show.
The rain threatened but, uh, GREAT Frankenstein music with some thunder and lightning going on. Whenever there's
threatening weather, "Yeah! ‘Frankenstein' is going to be PERFECT!"
