ENTERTAINMENT

You could accuse Edgar Winter of living in the past. But if you did, he'd probably take it as a compliment.

Neil Zlozower

'I've always considered myself something of a musical rebel, and I really miss the '70s. It was a great era of true musical freedom,' says Edgar Winter.

The Beaumont native best known for his 1973 rock and pop hits "Free Ride" and "Frankenstein" returned to the era of bell-bottoms and platform shoes for his new CD, Rebel Road.

Armed with piano, organ, saxophone and, of course, the synthesizer, the 61-year-old rock 'n' roller gathered an impressive rhythm section and called on guests Slash, Clint Black and brother Johnny Winter, among others, for a groove-heavy trip back to the '70s that's polished with modern studio technology.

Rebel Road sounds as though it could easily be the sequel to 1972's seminal release They Only Come Out at Night.

"That's exactly what I had in mind when I recorded it," says Mr. Winter by phone from Los Angeles. "I've always considered myself something of a musical rebel, and I really miss the '70s. It was a great era of true musical freedom."

Mr. Winter's participation in one of Ringo Starr's All Starr Band concert treks two years ago stirred the creative juices that led to crafting Rebel Road. He performed with Richard Marx, Billy Squier and Sheila E.

"I stand in total awe of the Beatles," he says. "What they did really transcended music. ... They created a spiritual renaissance.

Mr. Winter, a devoted member of the Church of Scientology, made his mark on music with "Frankenstein," an epic rock instrumental unique for its liberal synthesizer use – and huge success. In early 1973, when the synthesizer wasn't yet common in rock music, the song was a No. 1 pop smash.

"Frankenstein," along with "Free Ride," the classic rock staple that followed as a hit single, remains viable today. A mere three years ago, "Frankenstein" was featured in the music video game, Guitar Hero. "Free Ride" is the theme song of the Disney/Pixar video game Cars, which is a spinoff of the 2006 movie.

"I love doing both of those songs, particularly 'Frankenstein,' says Mr. Winter. "It really is in the spirit of experimentation. ... The song itself is the monster creation, and I'm the mad scientist of the synthesizer."

Plan your life

Edgar Winter, with special guest Rick Derringer, performs at 8 p.m. Friday at House of Blues, 2200 N. Lamar St. $25.50 to $50. Ticketmaster.