The remastered edition of Johnny Winter's classic second "triple-sided" album, Second Winter is a gem in and of itself. Forget the deluxe packaging, extensive liner notes and inclusion of the previously "lost" live concert, Live At Royal Albert Hall as a bonus CD.

This is a must-have album for every blues fan. Classics like "I'm Not So Sure," "Highway 61 Revisited," and the definitive version of the oft-covered "Johnny B Goode" are staples of a bluesman whose career has touched and/or influenced many of the greats. From the traditional blues of "I Love Everybody" to the experimental "Fast Life Rider," and touching on newer sounds like an electric mandolin and textured keyboards in the progressive "I'm Not So Sure," as well as including two bonus tracks, "Early In The Morning" and an instrumental version of Ray Charles' "Tell The Truth" which smokes, there is absolutely nothing here to disappoint.

While the remastered version isn't quite as unique as the original (and only) three-sided LP version, the sound quality improvements of the music more than make up for it. Purists will, of course, not be as impressed by the sound improvements of the remastering but the sound has definitely benefitted from the remaster and is extremely clean-sounding.

Also included here is an April, 1970 show from Royal Albert Hall in London, capturing the group at the height of their 1970 tour. Improvising their way through the slow, melodic B.B. King classic "It's My Own Fault, Baby" to the smokin' "Tobacco Road" and hitting the Rock 'n Roll national anthem, "Johnny B Goode," the show highlights the talent of a great live band, particularly the live improv skill of one of the most polished guitarists of our time.

The Legacy edition remaster of this classic album, along with the bonus tracks and the live show make this a must-have package for any fan of the blues.

Rating: 9 of 10