John Dawson Winter III

The formal title and dignified cover photo of Johnny Winter’s seventh album signaled a creative growth spurt on the part of the Texas-born guitarist and singer. This 1974 set, John Dawson Winter III, leans a bit toward rock in its songwriting and arrangements, though the influence of classic blues remains pervasive. Winter’s vocals show greater expressiveness and control, particularly on the aching “Stranger” and the elegantly soulful “Lay Down Your Sorrows.” Tracks like “Raised on Rock” and “Roll with Me” bristle with swagger while displaying a radio-friendly pop edge. “Mind Over Matter” is particularly strong: a sexy, stalking tune that should’ve been a hit single. More traditionally bluesy are “Pick Up on My Mojo” (riding a churning rhythm and punctuated with seething slide guitar) and “Sweet Papa John” (slow-grinding and carnal to its core). A dash of country is introduced with the smile-inducing “Love Song to Me.” A special treat is Winter’s vigorous reading of John Lennon’s “Rock and Roll People,” a tune the ex-Beatle never released in his lifetime.