-
Blues Bytes

In Association with Amazon.com
filler.gif (906 bytes)

Performances

Photos

Recordings

Reviews

News Articles

Links

Email Bob

The Rhythm Room

Bob's Contact Info

Bob's Bio

Home

Join Bob on MySpace!

Click below:

 

International:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bob Corritore's Web Site

red line

What's New!

September 1, 2010

  • Down Home Blues Festival / Phoenix CD Release Party this Sunday! The Rhythm Room in Phoenix traditionally hosts a Down Home Blues Festival each year on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. This year's festival will also serve as a CD release party for Bob Corritore / Harmonica Blues on the Delta Groove label. Sunday's lineup includes Henry Gray, Carol Fran, Kid Ramos, Dave Riley, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, Richard Innes, and Bob Corritore. The cover is $13 advance tickets, and $15 day of show. Advance tickets are available through Ticketmaster by clicking here. Doors open at 7pm with an 8pm show time. Please note that Chief Schabuttie Gilliame will not likely be able to make it, as he is currently in the hospital recovering from heart surgery and complications. To see a beautiful article written by Jason Woodbury for the Phoenix New Times that previews the event, please click here.

  • Harmonica Blues airplay, many reviews, a podcast! In addition to the New Times article mentioned above, Bob Corritore / Harmonica Blues has been finding its way onto radio playlists all around the world! An interview with Bob was Podcast on A1 Blues (thanks A1 Mark!) and can be heard here.  We have posted the first 25 wonderful reviews (click here to see). Bob will be interviewed on September 15th, by Roy Prescott of Blues Summit WMWV (for more info click here), and on September 27th by James Hymes of Jim's Juke Joint and Soul Kitchen WXLV. Thanks to Delta Groove for an exceptional job in getting the word out, and thanks to the fans, reviewers, writers, DJs, and programmers for the great support!

  • Phoenix Magazine honors the Rhythm Room! Phoenix Magazine most recent issue is their annual "Best of the Valley" issue, in which the Rhythm Room is proclaimed "Best Blues Bar" by both the magazine and the reader's poll. To see the write up click here.  Thanks to Phoenix Magazine for this honor!

  • Big Pete Pearson moves to Maine and opens restaurant!. Arizona's king of the blues has now become Maine's king of the blues. Big Pete Pearson has moved from his long standing digs of Phoenix to Trenton, Maine. He has opened a restaurant called The Blues Wagon that specializes in Big Pete's Texas style barbeque. Big Pete once before had moved to Maine for a few years in the 1990s but then returned back to Phoenix. His move leaves an irreplaceable gap in the Phoenix blues scene. Big Pete Pearson recently completed a week long run of shows in Europe where he was backed by the German blues band known as the Gamblers. Best wishes and continued success to this great bluesman. To read an article about Big Pete's new restaurant in the Fenceviewer, click here. (check out the photo of the restaurant sign which includes the cover photo from Pete's album Finger In your Eye) 

  • Delmark to release 1966 live recordings by Junior Wells with the Aces! Other good Delmark news! Delmark records emerged in the 1960s to be the label that most avidly represents the Chicago Blues. It roster has always represented the top shelf of Chicago Blues with releases by Junior Wells, Magic Sam, Otis Rush, JB Hutto, and more recently, Eddie C. Campbell, Tail Dragger, Jimmy Burns, Rockin' Johnny, Willie Buck, and Shirley Johnson. If there is one artist most emblematic of the label it would surely be Junior Wells who's 1966 Hoodoo Man Blues with it's stark sound and even starker album graphics has become a definitive Chicago blues classic. Delmark lovingly has announced a fall release of Junior Wells & The Aces / Live In Boston 1966. Of course the Aces with Louis & Dave Myers, and Fred Below were the consummate backing band and years before (early 1950s) had hired a budding Junior Wells as their singer (this was before the Little Walter / Aces partnership). This should be a very exciting release! To see a sneak peak of the liner notes by Scott Dirks click here. To see a wonderful photo page devoted to the Aces click here. Other Delmark news is a September 11th show at Rosa's billed as a modern day "Muddy vs Wolf" battle with Tail Dragger and Willie Buck with special guest James Kinds (look for a forthcoming CD by James on Delmark). To see the flyer for this event click here. Also in the Delmark information line is the good news that Kevin Johnson's lovely wife Brianna is expecting! How nice it will be to have a new baby in the blues community! Thanks Kevin for this heartwarming news!

  • James DeShay on YouTube! One of the great downhome bluesmen of St. Louis was guitarist/vocalist James DeShay, who was sadly under-recorded. He owned and operated the Santa Fe Lounge, where he frequently performed. He had a wonderful way of keeping it downhome, while adding a few modern twists to the proceedings. Please enjoy these wonderful clips of James, his great voice, and his Flying V guitar! To see a powerful clip of James singing "Crossroads" and "Mistake In Life", click here.  To see James performing "Pony Blues" from 1976, click here.

August 25, 2010

  • Bob Corritore / Harmonica Blues climbs to #9 in the Roots Music report! The initial reception to Bob Corritore / Harmonica Blues on the Delta Groove label has been great! It entered the Roots Music Report blues chart last week at #39 and this week it jumped up to #9! Click here to see the report! To see Josh Hathaway's blogcritics article click here. The first batch of reviews (all very positive) have come in and can be seen by clicking here. Thanks to all the DJs, programers, writers, and reviewers for the great support, and thanks to everyone at Delta Groove for their strong promotion and visibility!

  • Bob's Fall Performances  With a new release, Bob Corritore has an active gigging schedule for the fall. Here are the dates so far:

09/05/10: Phoenix, Arizona - Rhythm Room -Down Home Blues Festival and CD release party, with Henry Gray, Kid Ramos, Carol Fran, Dave Riley, Richard Innes, Rhythm Room All-Stars

09/16/10: Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room - Dave Riley & Bob Corritore open for Southern Culture On The Skids

09/18/10: Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room, Bob's Birthday Celebration! Appearing will be Rhythm Room All-Stars, Kirk Fletcher, Dave Riley, George Bowman, and Long John Hunter.

09/24/10: Tucson, AZ - Rhythm & Roots Productions' Plaza Palomino Courtyard Concert Series - Rhythm Room All-Stars

09/25/10: Bisbee, AZ - Bisbee Blues Festival The Rhythm Room All-Stars. Also appearing on the festival are Tab Benoit, Shemekia Copeland and others. For more information click here.

10/01/10: Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room, Amanda's Roller Coaster, harmonica showcase DVD filming

10/02/10: Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room, Amanda's Roller Coaster, harmonica showcase DVD filming

10/03/10: Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room, Amanda's Roller Coaster, harmonica showcase DVD filming

10/09/10: Helena, AR, Delta Cultural Center Annex with Bob Margolin, Bob Stroger, and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith  as an auxiliary event of the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival 12:30 pm set. Note that the recently deceased Calvin "Fuzz" Jones was scheduled to appear at this event. For more information on the festival click here.

10/10/10: Clarksdale, MS - Hopson's Plantation, making a guest appearance at Pinetop Perkins' annual homecoming celebration! Many artists will perform at this event! 

10/15/10: Mesa, AZ - Dave Riley & Bob Corritore opening for Eric Bibb at Piper Repertory Theater at the Mesa Arts Center. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

10/22/10: Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room, Rhythm Room All-Stars

10/23/10: Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room, Rhythm Room All-Stars

10/28/10: Chicago. IL - Buddy Guy's Legends - Dave Riley & Bob Corritore perform as part of the Blues Blast Music Awards ceremony. Note that for this event Dave & Bob will appear in a band setting with Dave Riley Jr. on bass, and Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith on drums.

11/12/10 to 11/24/10: South American tour of Brazil and Argentina. Dave Riley & Bob Corritore to appear with the Adrian Flores Band (specific dates and venues forthcoming)

11/26/10: Rhythm Room with Rhythm Room All-Stars

11/27/10: Tempe. AZ - Tempe Center For The Arts - Bob Corritore & Friends with Bobby Jones, Leon Blue, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, and Brian Fahey. Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.

  •  A list of available Phoenix, Arizona vintage blues, gospel, and soul recordings. Earlier this year the Southwest Musical Arts Foundation released a compilation of vintage Phoenix Blues titled Flyin' High, A Collection Of  Phoenix Blues, Rhythm, and Spirit from the 1950's and 60's (for those seeking more information on Flyin' High, Click here). This has brought a new awareness to Phoenix's rich but largely uncelebrated blues history. But Flyin' High is just one of a number of satisfying vintage Arizona Blues, Soul, and Gospel reissues. Here is a list for active collectors, of wonderful CDs that partially uncover the musical treasures from this Southwestern, desert city:

1) Ray Sharpe / Linda Lu,  Bear Family  BCD 15888 AH (Ray recorded this classic blues rocker in Phoenix!)

2) Various artists  Eccentric Soul: Mighty Mike Lenaburg (producer), Numero 011  (2 disc vinyl release this fall)

3) Various artists  Soul Side Of The Street  Hadley Murrell (producer)1964-1972,  Dionysus BA 11103  (also 1 disc vinyl LP)

4) Eddie & Ernie / Lost Friends,  Kent  CDKEND 214

5) Dyke & The Blazers / We Got More Soul, BGP CDBGP2 180  (also 2 disc vinyl LP) Note that Dyke & The Blazers recorded the original "Funky Broadway" in Phoenix and make references to the Broadway Street of Phoenix, Arizona

6) The Servicemen / Meet The Serviceman,  Wind Hit WH-100

7) Rev. Louis Overstreet / Recorded live in Phoenix, AZ.  Arhoolie 442  (recently released on vinyl on Mississippi Records MR-049)

8) And of course Flyin' High, A Collection Of  Phoenix Blues, Rhythm, and Spirit from the 1950's and 60's on the Southwest Musical Arts Foundation label,  SWMAF 07

Special thanks to Phoenix music historian John "Johnny D" Dixon for providing this list, and for his amazing efforts in making many the above releases happen.

  • Blues Blast Music Awards voting closes August 31st. The voting for the 2010 Blues Blast Music Awards will close on Tuesday, August 31st. Voting is open to anyone who is a Blues Blast Magazine subscriber. Subscriptions are free and you can sign up as part of the voting process. Please note that Dave Riley & Bob Corritore / Lucky To Be Living,  is nominated under the category of "Best Traditional Blues Recording." To see a complete list of all nominees and to vote please click here. The awards, put on by Blues Blast Magazine, will take place on Thursday, October 28th, at Buddy Guy's Legends new location of 700 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605. With this being the 3rd year for the Blues Blast Awards, the event and the recognition that it provides, has now become a proven and institutionalized part of the blues infrastructure.

  • Thomas Yearsley in train accident. Thomas Yearsley, the longtime bass player of the Paladins, and the former husband of Candye Kane, was hit by a train on August 16th, while trying to save his dog Swango, who was stuck on the tracks. The dog did not make it, but Thomas survived with a a broken leg and a banged up head. A web site has been set up for Thomas at www.helpthomas.com. Thanks to Candye Kane and Dave Gonzalez for this information.

  • Albert King performs "Blues Power" on YouTube! Please enjoy this great clip of blues master Albert King in an electrifying live performance of "Blues Power". Click here to see.

August 17, 2010

August 12, 2010

1) Born In The Blues Pt 1 - "If I Get Lucky", click here.

2) Born In The Blues Pt 2 - "Nobody Wants You", click here.

3) "My Baby Left Me", click here.

4) "So Glad You're Mine", click here.

5) "Greyhound Bus" with his sons, click here.

August 10, 2010

  • RIP Calvin "Fuzz" Jones, June 9th,1926 - August 9th, 2010. Best known as the longtime bass player of the Muddy Waters Blues Band, Calvin "Fuzz" Jones, a Greenwood, Mississippi native, passed away last night of complications from lung cancer. He was 84. "Fuzz" was the definitive blues bass player, a stirring vocalist, and a wonderful human being. Here is the email that Bob Margolin, his longtime friend, and fellow Muddy alum, wrote this morning:

Calvin “Fuzz” Jones passed away early this morning at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto in Southaven, Mississippi. His family is making funeral arrangements for Saturday in Mississippi. No more information on that yet, update soon.

Calvin “Fuzz” Jones is best known for the 10 years he played bass in Muddy Waters’ band, about 1970-’80. Previously, he had worked with Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, and Elmore James. He was appreciated for his strong electric bass playing, rocking stage presence, deep Blues singing, and the friendly laugh and smile he had for all.

Calvin had been living in Senatobia, MS for the last few years after decades in the Chicago area. Some of you receiving this e-mail were very kind to help him financially to stay in his apartment when he faced eviction in January. He appreciated that so deeply, understanding fully that the Blues music we all love had brought him your timely help. He had beat lung cancer, and in the late 1990’s he had a large tumor successfully removed from the back of his neck. Apparently the cancer came back in one lung and he developed pneumonia in the other and couldn’t breathe and was rushed to the hospital. He suffered a heart attack there, and though he was stabilized, his heart was weakened and gave out on him for the last time this morning. 

I visited him last Friday afternoon, and he was deeply sedated. I’m glad to have seen him one more time, but he didn’t know I was there. I think he was beyond medical recovery, and that his illness overtook his strength. He was 84 years old, and was enjoying his life as much as possible until very recently. He had a sincere good word for everyone, and his reaction to any kind of health, musical, or financial challenge was his hearty trademark laugh. I asked him how he could laugh so easily when life hurt him, and he said “When you laugh the world laughs with you, when you cry, you cry alone.” He brought us deep Chicago and Mississippi Blues on the bandstand and on recordings, and his Blues and love for his friends, family, and all of us are his legacy.

Sadly, Bob Margolin

July 30, 2010

  • Phillip Walker Funeral Information. Phillip Walker's funeral will be this coming Monday at noon at Simpson Family Mortuary, 3443 W. Manchester Blvd. in Inglewood, CA. Internment immediately thereafter at Evergreen Cemetery in L.A. as we reflect on the life of this great blues artist, we share a few clips of his performances:

Advertisement of Phillip Walker at Teatro Olimpia Oliva, click here.

Phillip Walker at 1992 soundcheck Wendell Town Hall , click here.

Phillip Walker performing the Ray Charles classic "Busted", click here.

Phillip Walker and Chilean harmonica player Gonzalo Araya, performing Hello Central, click here.

Phillip Walker playing guitar with his teeth, click here.

July 28, 2010

  • T-Model Ford, Rick Estrin and Rhythm Room All-Stars at the Rhythm Room this week! The next three days at the Rhythm Room feature a strong blues lineup. On Thursday, July 29th T-Model Ford brings his deep Mississippi groove to Phoenix! On Friday July 30th, harmonica master Rick Estrin & the Nightcats appear with an 8:30pm opening set by the Rhythm Room All-Stars, kicking off the night! The Rhythm Room All-Stars with Bob Corritore, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, and Brian Fahey carry the night on Saturday. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Rd in Phoenix. For more details on these, and other shows at the Rhythm Room, click here.

  • Ike Turner honored with Mississippi Blues Trail Marker! Ike Turner was a brilliant guitarist and pianist who is considered to be the founder of Rock & Roll. A great business man, producer, arranger, band leader, and talent scout, Ike Turner helped to launch the careers of Howlin' Wolf, Little Milton, B.B. King, Elmore James, and many others. He is best known for his work with the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, and for a villainous and misleading portrayal in the movie What's Love Got To Do With It. Ike passed away on December 12, 2007, at age 76, leaving an amazing musical legacy.Though considered a controversial figure in today's world, nobody can deny that Ike was a simply brilliant musical force. Ike Turner will be honored with a Mississippi Blues Trail marker which will be unveiled in Ike's hometown of Clarksdale on Friday, August 6th. The ceremony takes place at 10 am at 127 Third street in downtown Clarksdale, Mississippi. Thanks to Alex Thomas of the Mississippi Department of Tourism for this information. To see a photo page dedicated to Ike, click here.  

  • Cousin Joe on YouTube! Cousin Joe was a New Orleans based blues piano master with a gift of writing songs that tell a story. Please enjoy these two masterful performances, filled with personality:

1) Cousin Joe performing "Cripple Crab A Crutch", click here

2) Performing "Life Is A One Way Ticket", click here

July 22, 2010

  • RIP Phillip Walker, February 11th, 1937 - July 22, 2010. It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Phillip Walker this morning at 4:30 AM of heart failure. He was 73. Phillip was a great singer and guitarist who was considered legendary, though he never broke through to the success that his talent merited. He played guitar on the Specialty and Chess recordings of Clifton Chenier (Phillip once said that it was him and Etta James singing the backup on Clifton's song "My Soul"). He moved from Louisiana to California in 1959, and released his first record "Hello My Darlin", produced by J.R. Fulbright. Phillip's first full album, produced by Bruce Bromberg and called Bottom Of The Top was released in 1973 on the Playboy Record Label (actually a business division of the magazine). He also made great recordings on Galaxy, Vault, Joliet, HighTone, JSP, Black Top, Rounder, Alligator, P-Vine, MC, and most recently on Delta Groove. Additionally, Phillip was a noted sideman who contributed to albums by  Lonesome Sundown, Eddie Taylor, Percy Mayfield, and Johnny Shines. Phillip toured frequently with a great band that included his longtime partner, James "Broadway" Thomas, on bass. He was lovingly booked by Tom Radai of Blues Management Group. His passing highlights the loss of the few remaining blues artists of his generation. We salute Phillip for always delivering the true blues, for his kind and giving personality, and for his unique and awe inspiring blues style. To see Phillip Walker's website click here , for an extensive bio click here. So long Phillip, we will miss you.

July 20, 2010

 "The Billy Boy Arnold video was part of a feature that was produced by Mark Baum and the Fox Valley Blues Society in honor of the 60th anniversary of John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson’s first recording session in 1937, which took place in the Sky Room club on the top of the Leland Hotel in Aurora, IL, about 40 miles southwest of Chicago.  For many years the Leland Hotel was the tallest building between Chicago and St. Louis (I think it’s 17 stories), and on the top floor was a ballroom and nightclub that was known at various times as the Sky Room, The Sky Club, and The Blue Sky Lounge.  As with many hotels of the era, the ballroom featured a live dance band, sometimes broadcast on a local radio station.  This was not a blues venue though - it was strictly white dance and pop bands.  But in the ‘off hours’ it served as a good place for recording sessions, since it had decent acoustics and was already set up for radio broadcasts, and was acoustically isolated from the guest rooms.  The story I’ve always heard is that Sonny Boy’s record label, in order to dodge the powerful musicians union in Chicago, rented the space for the sessions in Aurora so they could be outside the jurisdiction of the union.  At any rate, Sonny Boy’s first several recording sessions were held there, along with early sessions by people such as Big Joe Williams, Robert Lee McCoy (who recorded the song “Prowling Night Hawk” there, which gave him his nickname Robert Nighthawk), Walter Davis, Yank Rachell, Henry Townsend and many others.

Because Billy Boy was mentored briefly by Sonny Boy, and was profoundly influenced by his music, he was invited to be interviewed by Mark Baum and myself for a video production for local cable TV in Aurora.  The cable TV studio was literally in the shadow of the Leland Hotel building, which by this time had been converted to Fox Island Place Condos.  The management graciously allowed us access to the ballroom (which had in recent years been divided up for use as dance rehearsal studios), so after the interview, we went up and shot video of Billy Boy performing a couple of Sonny Boy’s songs which had been recorded in the same room 60 years earlier, along with one of Billy Boy’s own songs from his recent Alligator CD.  The whole thing was produced into a one hour feature which was shown on local cable TV a few months later, coinciding with the Fox Valley Blues Festival, which is held a couple of blocks away from the former Leland Hotel

I attended that festival strictly as a fan, but while I was there, Mark Baum asked if I would do a brief interview Junior Wells, who was playing on the fest. Junior had of course also been deeply influenced by Sonny Boy, having recorded several of his songs including “Good Morning Schoolgirl”, “You Better Cut That Out”, and “Hoodoo Man Blues”.   10 minutes later we were on our way up to the Sky Room again, where we did a brief and completely off the cuff interview with no notes, no preparation, about 20 minutes to go before Junior was scheduled to hit the stage  – and maybe most importantly, no air conditioning or open windows on one of the hottest days of the year.  Not exactly ideal conditions, but I’m glad I was able to do it, and of course Junior was as gracious as could be and a complete pro.  Little did we know at the time, but this was probably Junior’s last interview; not long after, Junior was diagnosed with cancer, ceased public appearances, and died the following January."

Here are the clips:

1) Billy Boy Arnold singing "Good Morning Little School Girl" with Rockin' Johnny on guitar and a intro by Scott Dirks (click here)

2) Billy Boy singing "Black Gal" (click here)

3) Billy Boy singing his song "Man Of Considerable Taste" and end credits (click here)

4) Junior Wells interview with Scott Dirks, part 1 (click here)  

5) Junior Wells interview,  part 2 (click here)  

 

July 7, 2010

June 30, 2010

June 25, 2010

  • 2010 Blues Blast Music Awards nominations announced! Dave Riley & Bob Corritore / Lucky To Be Living nominated for Traditional Blues Album! The Blues Blast Music Awards are now in their third year and already have quickly become an institution in the blues world. The awards, put on by Blues Blast Magazine, will take place on Thursday, October 28th at Buddy Guy's Legends new location of 700 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605. This week the 2010 nominees were announced and among 6 very worthy candidates listed  in the "Best Traditional Blues CD" category was Dave Riley & Bob Corritore / Lucky To Be Living on the Blue Witch label. To see the complele list of all the 2010 Blues Blast Music Award nominees click here. Voting to determine the winners begins July 8th, 2010 and continues until August 31st, 2010 at http://www.TheBluesBlast.com. Voting is open to anyone who is a Blues Blast Magazine subscriber. Subscriptions are free and you can sign up as part of the voting process. Thank you Bob Kieser and everyone from Blues Blast Magazine!

  • Phoenix CD Party for Chris James & Patrick Rynn's new Earwig CD this weekend at the Rhythm Room! Chris James & Patrick Rynn's sophomore release, Gonna Boogie Anyway on the Earwig label, finds this unstoppable blues team exploring their award winning formula on a set of mostly original songs. Chris and Patrick will celebrate their new release tonight and tomorrow, Friday, June 25th, and Saturday, June 26th, at their monthly gig with the Rhythm Room All-Stars at the Rhythm Room. The Rhythm Room All-Stars lineup consists of Big Pete Pearson, Bob Corritore, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, and Brian Fahey. Gonna Boogie Anyway will be available for sale at this event! The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix, and doors open at 8pm with a 9pm showtime.

  • RIP Calvin Leavy 1940 - June 6, 2010. Arkansas blues singer/guitarist Calvin Leavy was best known for his often covered hit "Cummins Prison Farm". He died Sunday, June 6th of complications from Diabetes. He was 70. Aside from "Cummins Prison Farm", Calvin also had regional hits with "Going Back To The Dogs", and "If Life Lasts, Luck Is Bound To Change". Sadly his songs were prophetic as Calvin would be sent to Cummins for a drug related charge. He passed away with just one more year of time to serve. His rich, warm voice, great guitar work, and perfect blues songwriting will assure him his eternal place in blues history. To read more about Calvin Leavy, click here,  and to hear "Cummins Prison Farm" click here.

  • Sixties Mickey Baker on YouTube! Please enjoy this 1966 film clip of blues guitar master Mickey Baker playing a groovy blues instrumental to some dancing hipsters! To see this clip click here.

  • Happy 70th Birthday Bob Porter! Noted producer/radio host/reissue compiler Bob Porter celebrated his 70th birthday with a wonderful jazz/blues party on Monday at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Englewood, New Jersey. The amazing house band at the party included Bernard Purdie, Melvin Sparks, Bill Easley, and Akiko Tsuruga and the night included guest appearances by David Keyes, Bob Corritore, Guy Davis, Angel Rissoff, Duke Robillard, Shemekia Copeland, and Lou Donaldson. Also in the house was the great Houston Person. Leave it to Bob Porter to find the perfect common ground between jazz and blues. Happy Birthday Bob Porter, and thanks for all that you have done and are doing for the blues!

  • Chicago Recap! I always love going back to my home town of Chicago during the Chicago Blues Festival, as it allows allows for many great reunions and performance opportunities. Being back home also reconnects me with many fond musical memories and reminds me of what I most love about the blues. Chicago blues as a musical genre has a glorious, distinctive sound filled the tradition of its forefathers. Though many of the originals are now gone, the sound, albeit updated somewhat, remains intact and widely performed around the city. Speaking of forefathers, this year's fest honored the centennial of Howlin' Wolf's birthday, with many performances and panel discussions centered around the mighty Howlin Wolf. Here is an incomplete list of just some of the many highlights of my week in Chicago:

1) Harp & Soul Festival. Thanks to Lynn Orman, Scott Shuman, Bill Wax and Dave Specter for this magical night which was equal parts musical showcase and reunion. My set opened the show with a great group that included Billy Flynn, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, Bob Riedy, and a guest appearance by the legendary Sam Lay! Other sets were by Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Rob Stone (with Sam Lay on drums!), Grady Champion, and Billy Flynn (who in addition to his fine guitar and mandolin work that night played some spectacular chromatic harmonica). Martin Lange also made a brief guest appearance,sitting in on Rob Stone's set.

2) Tail Dagger's set at the Front Porch Stage. Of all the shows at the Chicago Blues Festival, none captured the spirit of Howlin' Wolf better then Tail Dagger's Friday afternoon set at the Front Porch Stage! With a great band that included Jimmy Dawkins and Billy Flynn on guitars, and Martin Lange playing ferocious harmonica, Tail Dragger delivered the goods with no apologies!

3) Lunch with Amy Brat! Amy Brat is best known for her photography and for her work with the Windy City Blues Society, Amy has always been a goodwill ambassador for the blues. Though we have known each other for years through various blues events that we frequent, this was the first time we had to sit down and have an extended conversation. We met for a nice Italian meal at Cafe Baci on Michigan Ave and had a great conversation about how the blues fits into various forms of social networking such as Facebook, Twitter, and Myspace. BTW, I recently started a new Facebook page which you can visit by clicking here. Thanks Amy for the good information and advice!

4) Interview with Clarence Stevens and Cookie Taylor. While at the Chicago Blues Festival, I stopped by the Koko Taylor tent. Though Koko had passed about a year ago, her daughter Cookie, is maintaining the tent and Gary, Indiana blues radio host Clarence Stevens and Cookie were taping interviews for his "Blues You Can Use" radio show. How reaffirming to have Koko's daughter thanking me in the interview for recording her mother (Koko Taylor is featured on the opening track of my new CD, Harmonica Blues, on the Delta Groove label)

5) Billy Flynn's gig at The Smoke Daddy! Billy Flynn has a magical quality of bringing a scene together for his shows at The Smoke Daddy. He is a great musician who is best known as a guitarist, but also plays great mandolin, harmonica, and drums. Billy had invited me to make a guest appearance on his Friday show. Billy's core group included Eddie Kobek on drums (recently back from a year long playing hiatus), and Mike Flynn (Billy's brother) on the bass! Guests appearances were also made by the legendary Jody Williams, Dave Waldman, Martin Lange, Scott Dirks, Kate Moss, Rockin' Johnny, and Eugene Plotnick, a fine harmonica player from New Jersey who I met that night. A real Chicago blues party!

6) Saturday with Sam Lay and Bob Riedy! It has been a joy to have become good friends with Bob Riedy over the last few years, and to be regularly included on his shows. Bob was a major musical and business force in the seventies, and more then anyone else, can be credited for bringing blues to the north side of Chicago during that time period. His RMR productions created booking arrangements with various clubs to rotate blues bands from his roster of great talent. Bob has been a major influence in my life as an example of how to combine business savvy with musicianship. The Bob Riedy Blues Band was part of the lineup of a new stage at the Chicago Blues Festival called the Street Stage, which was booked and coordinated by the Windy City Blues Society. This stage was a big hit at the festival because of its very entertaining and high quality rotation of acts. We had a 5pm slot on Saturday with a one hour show. The great Bill Lupkin kicked off the set singing and playing harmonica for the first half of the show. Then they called Sam Lay and I up to perform together for the remainder of the set. Though raining at that point we had a huge crowd, many of whom had umbrellas and raincoats and endured the weather for our set! Other band members include Jon Hiller, Mark Wydra, Jim Wydra, and Frank Capek. Later that night, the same band would appear at Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket in Willowbrook for a fun show that would be filmed as part of a documentary DVD project that Bob Riedy and David Jack are working on. The Chicken Basket is a wonderful stop on Route 66 complete with great home-style meals. I had a wonderful chicken dinner complete with some of great chicken dumpling soup, the best biscuits ever, and the locally brewed root beer called Route 66 Beer! The car ride home with Sam Lay, Bob Riedy, and photographer Daniel Swadener was hysterical with Sam Lay cracking jokes the whole time. It is a great honor to be included in this group!

7) Delmark Blues Brunch. It is a tradition to go to the Delmark Blues Brunch at the Jazz Record Mart on the Sunday of the Blues Fest. The brunch provides a showcase of Delmark artists as well as great gathering of blues people and a great excuse to do some nice CD and LP shopping! I had to stop in to visit with my lifelong friend of Bob Koester. I started going to the JRM when I was in my early teens. and Bob and his wife Susan have seen me through all my stages of life. It was great to hang with my former employers Tail Dragger and Willie Buck, who have both come into prominence in recent years from their recorded work on the Delmark record label. Also performing at the brunch were John Primer, Eddie C. Campbell, Scott Dirks, Martin Lange, Little Al Thomas, Quique Gomez, Pierre Lacocque (of Mississippi Heat), and many others. The blues was alive and well that Sunday Morning at JRM!

8) Buddy Guys Legends! I was able to attend two shows at the new Buddy Guy's Legends; the Grammy chapter blues show, and Li’l Ed and the Blues Imperials. The new club maintains the vibe of the original club, but with a slightly larger room, a better sound system, and a fresh coat of paint! What a blues party!

9) Joe Filisko's Harmonica Class! Joe Filisko is a proactive force of blues harmonica, as a great performer and recording artist, a craftsman of his namesake brand of customized harmonicas, and as a nuturing teacher of the instrument who has had a class at the Old Town School Of Folk Music. It was an honor to be invited to speak at this class on the Monday after the festival. Joe has cultivated this earnest and suppotive enviroment for his students, of which many have gone on to be highly respected working musicians around the Chicago area. After some class instruction by Joe  (which I thoroughly enjoyed) there was a break before my presentation. Joe had four of his star students (Zoe Savage, Kirk Manley, Grant Kessler, and Highway Rickey) start out the presentation with a song each. I was knocked out by each of their performances, and it highlighted the level and commitment of the class! Then I was called up for my presentation, which I approached with equal parts performance, history, and philosophy. The class asked many informed questions (about Big Walter, Paul Butterfield, producing records, etc.) and I did my best to answer each one in the most informative way. The positive feedback that I received from the class was reaffirming and overwhelming. Along with the students, I was pleased by the attendance of harmonica aces Scott Dirks, and Ivan Marcio who came by to check out the class, as well as my longtime blues buddy, Paul Hopkins, whom I used to see many a show with in the 1970s! Thank you Joe, for the honor of participating in your great class!

All in all, it was a wonderful trip, and it appears that the blues is going strong in Chicago. Many more great moments occured that were too numerous to mention, but I have listed some of  my favorites! Thanks to Barry Dollins for years of service to the Chicago Blues Festival as word has it that he will soon be retiring from the fest's coordinator position.

June 8, 2010

06/10/10: Evanston, IL - SPACE Harp and Soul Festival! With Bob Corritore, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Rob Stone, Grady Champion and more! To buy advance tickets click here.

06/11/10: Chicago, IL - The Smoke Daddy - Guest appearance on Billy Flynn's show

06/12/10: Chicago, IL - Chicago Blues Festival w/ Bob Riedy Blues Band featuring Sam Lay. This set is from 5pm to 6pm at the Blues Village Stage sponsored by the Windy City Blues Society.

6-12-2010: Willowbrook, IL - Blue Rooster Lounge at Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket - DVD filming with Bob Riedy Blues Band, Sam Lay 8:30 - Midnight. This will be filmed for a forthcoming documentary DVD!  

06/14/10: Chicago, IL - Old Town School Of Folk Music, Bob will be a guest speaker and performer for Joe Filisko's harmonica class. Class starts at 6:30 and Bob will speak at 8pm.

  • Other cool happenings during fest time!

06/09/10: Evanston, IL SPACE , Dave Specter and Steve Freund

06/12/10: Chicago, IL - Reggie's, Cadillac Zack's annual blues party! This year includes Bobby Parker, Jimmy Dawkins, Rockin' Johnny Band, Ardella Williams, Smiley Tillman, Emmett Henning, Cadillac Zack, and Charles Hayes.

06/12/10: Chicago, IL - House Of Blues, Back Porch Stage. Rob Stone, Chris James & Patrick Rynn perform.

06/12/10: Chicago, Mayne Stage, Theater, Liz Mandevile's after party, with Liz, Tail Dragger, Peter Struijk, and more!

06/13/10: Evanston, IL - SPACE, 3 Generations of the blues with Honeyboy Edwards, John Primer, and Grady Champion! Click here for more information.

June 4, 2010

May 28, 2010

  • Delta Groove All-Star Blues Revue at The Simi Valley Cajun Creole Music Festival This weekend! Delta Groove Records will host it's annual All-Star revue this year as a blues stage with two days of non stop entertainment at the 21st Annual Cajun Creole Music Festival, on Saturday May 29, and Sunday May 30 (Memorial Day Weekend), in Simi Valley, California. Artists from the Delta Groove and Eclecto Groove labels appearing at the festival include the Jackie Payne / Steve Edmondson Band, Arthur Adams, Lynwood Slim with the Igor Prado Band, The Insomniacs, the Kirk Fletcher Band, Los Fabulocos featuring Kid Ramos, The Soul of John Black, The Hollywood Blue Flames, Mike Zito, Candye Kane (with guest appearance by Bob Corritore), the legendary Elvin Bishop and a very rare Southern California appearance by The Mannish Boys! Bob Corritore's Harmonica Blues CD release will be officially released on August 17th, but advance copies will be available at the the festival merchandise area. Simi Valley’s Cajun Creole Music Festival, now with a "Blues Infusion", is put on every year by the Rotary Club, with one hundred percent of the profits going to charity. For more information, please visit the festival’s website at www.simicajun.org

  • Buddy Guy's Legends moves to new location! Buddy Guy's Legends has been a leading force in bringing blues to the heart of Chicago. It is the Chicago stop for most touring blues acts. After years of hearing about changing venue locations, Legends officially opens today at its new address on 700 S. Wabash Avenue, with a show by Shannon Curfman. For more information on the new location and to see the schedule at Buddy Guy's Legends, click here.

  • RIP Rene Solis September 16, 1954 to April 11, 2010. We have word that beloved bay area guitarist/vocalist Rene Solis has passed away. He was 55. Rene was the leader of Nite Cry, a band which, years ago, also featured a young Tommy Castro. Rene also worked with John Lee Hooker, Luther Tucker, Coco Montoya, and Debbie Davies. For more information on Rene Solis, and see his website click here. Thank you Rene, for a life devoted to the blues.

  • Wolf Records to release a CD of 70's and 80's recordings by R.L. Burnside! The late R.L. Burnside, along with Fat Possum Records, spearheaded a movement that popularized Mississippi blues for a new generation. R.L.'s larger than life personality, a spellbinding, hypnotic approach to blues, and his rich, southern voice were all parts of his successful formula. He passed away in 2005 after converting hundreds of thousands of young people into blues fans. Wolf Records has announced the June 7th release of R.L. Burnside / Rollin' & Tumblin, with 19 songs and an interview, all recorded in 1975, 1981, and 1982 on R.L.'s front porch. For more information on Wolf Records click here. To see a photo page dedicated to R. L. Burnside click here.

  • Junior Kimbrough on YouTube! Please enjoy this video of Junior Kimbrough at his hypnotic best, performing "All Night Long" at his juke joint in Holly Springs, Mississippi. This excerpt is from the movie "Deep Blues". To see this clip click here.

May 21, 2010

  • Chico Chism remembered at the Rhythm Room this Saturday. The late Chico Chism was Howlin' Wolf's last drummer and a highly noted player in the Chicago blues scene of the '70s and early '80s, and the Phoenix blues scene after that. Chico moved to Phoenix, Arizona to work with Bob Corritore in 1986 and found great acceptance in its music community. In addition to being a popular performer, Chico became an influential blues figure to a number of younger blues artists whom he personally mentored. Chico spent the last 20 years of his life calling Phoenix his home, until he passed away in 2007 at age 79. Each year the Rhythm Room (where Chico spent much of his time) holds a memorial birthday bash, honoring our fallen hero. This year's event happens on Saturday, May 22, with 7pm doors and a 8pm show and acts include George Thomas & The Flamekeepers (Chico's last band), Rocket 88s, Big Pete Pearson, Hans Olson, Nina Curri, Walkin' Cane Mark, Harmonica Mark, Gypsy, George Bowman, RD Olson, Mikel Lander & Meridith Moore, and more! To see some great photos of Chico, click here, here, here, and here. Chico is gone, but not forgotten.

  • RIP Larry Dale - January 7, 1923 to May 19 2010. Guitarist/vocalist Larry Dale is best known for 1950s and '60s session work in New York which yielded many great sides. His amazing vocals could transport a song to an other-worldly quality but he also was a fine guitarist who would be called into recording sessions as an accompanist to other vocalists. Born Ennis Lowery on January 7th, 1927 in Wharton Texas, he would later move to New York where he would record sides for Atlantic, Jax, Herald, Groove, Vik, and Glover. In addition to his own fine recordings, he played on sessions with Champion Jack Dupree, Bob Gaddy, Paul Williams, Big Red McHouston, Mr. Bear, Cootie Williams, and others. He passed away on Wednesday at his apartment in New York. He was 86 years old. To see Larry Dale's full discography, click here. To read a nice bio, click here.

  • Harp & Soul Festival in Evanston to be a pre-party to the Chicago Blues Festival! This year's Blues On The North Shore will be a harmonica festival called Harp & Soul, which happens on June 10th, 8pm, at SPACE in Evanston, Illinois. Bob Corritore will kick off the event with a set featuring Billy Flynn, Bob Riedy, Chris James & Patrick Rynn, Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith, and a guest appearance by the legendary Sam Lay. Bob grew up on the north shore and the first blues show he ever saw was a 1971 concert by the Sam Lay Blues Revival in the auditorium of New Trier West High School! This set will also serve as a CD pre-release party for Bob's new CD, Harmonica Blues on the Delta Groove label. Other sets in the Harp & Soul Festival feature Willie "Big Eyes" Smith (who has a new CD coming out with Pinetop Perkins on Telarc), Rob Stone (who has a new CD out on the Earwig label), and Grady Champion (this year's winner of the International Blues Challenge). Emceeing the event will be Bill Wax, host of B.B. King’s Bluesville on Sirius/XM Satellite radio. This show is all about the blues harmonica. Thanks to Lynn Orman and Scott Shuman for producing, organizing, and promoting Harp & Soul. To see the Blues On The North Shore website click here, and to see the Front Row Music Website with information on this and other events click here.

  • Phoenix CD Party announced for Chris James & Patrick Rynn's new Earwig CD! Chris James & Patrick Rynn's sophomore release Gonna Boogie Anyway on the Earwig label, finds them exploring their award winning formula on a set of mostly original songs. Chris and Patrick will celebrate their new release on on June 25th, and 26th, at their monthly gig with the Rhythm Room All-Stars at the Rhythm Room. Gonna Boogie Anyway will be available for sale at this event!

  • Rhythm Room acknowledged by 944 Magazine! Phoenix's 944 magazine  has declared the Rhythm Room "Small Music Venue Worth The Price Of Admission" in their current "944 Pics" issue! Thanks for these kind words.

  • Vintage Otis Rush on YouTube! Please enjoy this great Otis Rush clip from the 1966 American Folk Blues Festival performing his hit "I Can't Quit You Baby." Click here to see.

May 14, 2010

The proceedings started on Wednesday with the Hall Of Fame dinner, which recognized great people, works of literature, and recordings. After a reception, where many greeting were exchanged, I sat in-between Louisiana Red, and the now 19 year old blues boy wonder Marquise Knox, at a table that also included Thomas Ruf and Ira Leslie from Ruf Records, Steve Hecht of Piedmont Talent and Eden Brent. The event was emceed in fine form by presenters Bill Wax, Bob Porter, and Jay Sieleman. Many wonderful speeches were given: Maria Muldaur honored Gus Cannon. Bruce Iglauer of Alligator Records gave a heartfelt testimonial on Fenton Robinson. Dick Waterman gave a nostalgic award presentation to a tearful Bonnie Raitt whose acceptance speech was just eloquent. Bruce Bromberg told the story of his work with Robert Cray as the album Strong Persuader was inducted into the Blues Hall Of Fame. Charlie Musselwhite's acceptance speech was filled with southern charm and humility. The legendary "Sunshine" Sonny Payne spoke of his 60 years broadcasting on KFFA out of Helena, Arkansas and recalled Sonny Boy Williamson I, and Robert "Jr." Lockwood. Lonnie Brooks shared a story of his career path in music. Many other speeches were part of this glorious night. It was great to see Louisiana Red and Bonnie Raitt talking after the event. At that point many went to the Rum Boogie, where Nick Moss was hosting a celebrity jam. All accounts were that it was a spectacular, star driven night. I opted to have a rowdy, late night hotel room jam session with Red, Little Victor and Marquise Knox in Red's hotel room.

The next day started with a sound check at the Cook Convention Center. I would be performing in the 11pm slot at the BMAs with Louisiana Red & Little Victor's Juke Joint, which in addition to Red, Victor, and myself, included David Maxwell, Alex Pettersen, William "Billy T" Troiani, and Haakon "The Hawk" Hoeye. This was the band that performed on Red's CD Back to the Black Bayou, and everyone is a solid player. I have to thank my friend, Memphis harmonica ace, Billy Gibson for once again lending me his vintage Supro amp for my use while I was in Memphis. While at the sound check I got to spend some time with Eddie C. Campbell and his wife Barbara, and wished Eddie a happy birthday. Everywhere you went was bustling with blues people, and greetings were many. It was impossible to get through the hotel lobby without running into many friends.

Before I knew it, the time had come to go to the BMAs at the Cook Convention Center. This year the preparty was on the first level, and everyone was dressed to the nines in their best attire. It appeared that almost everyone in the blues world was there and the greetings were non-stop! I had the thrill of meeting Latimore whose music I have been a fan of for years. When everyone made their way upstairs to the dining area I found that I was seated at the table with Lynn Orman, Elaine Lazarus, Kevin Stanton of Shure Microphones, Terry Buckalew, BillyT and his wife, Alex, and the Hawk. Many great performances happened by artists such as Candye Kane, Eddie C. Campbell, Duke Robillard, Super Chikan, Johnny Rawls, Saffire, Buddy Guy (who was presented a lifetime acheivement award at the ceremony by Bonnie Raitt) and many more! I did not see all the performances as I was alternating between the show and the social gathering of the lobby area. The highlight performance of the night for me was Billy Boy Arnold singing and playing the Sonny Boy Williamson I song "My Little Machine" during the set by Chicago Blues; A Living Tradition (a great set all the way through). I would perform two songs with Louisiana Red and Little Victor's Juke Joint which were very well received. Red had just received his two awards before our performance slot and it was such a great moment to share with him. Bill Wax and Big Llou Johnson (both from Sirius / XM's Bluesville channel) did a top notch job of hosting the event.

Chicago Blues was given a strong presence at the awards: The traditional female blues artist award became the Koko Taylor award. Veterans like Hubert Sumlin, Magic Slim, Bob Stroger, and Buddy Guy were all part of the proceedings. Delmark Records had a set that featured Zora Young, Shirley Johnson, and Eddie C. Campbell, and the label won an award for best blues DVD with a great acceptance speech by Delmark's Kevin Johnson that included a dedication to the late Little Arthur Duncan. Many members of the Windy City Blues Society were present, Rob Stone, Chris James, and Patrick Rynn were in attendence, and Patrick was a first time nominee in the bass player category.  The nomiation of Chicago Blues: A Living History brought out Billy Branch, Matthew Skoller, John Primer, Kenny Smith, Billy Flynn, Johnny Iguana and the great Billy Boy Arnold.

In the past I have listed the many important blues people that I ran into at the awards but the list is just too long to even get started. At the end of the night Louisiana Red, Little Victor and I were all hanging out, not wanting the night to be over. I got to carry Red's awards for him as we went across the street to the Marriott Hotel where we were staying. Simply a great night! To see the Blues Foundation's summary of this event click here. To see the winners of this year's BMAs click here. To see Arnie Goodman's great photos of the event click here.

On Friday Louisiana Red & Little Victor's Juke Joint (with David Maxwell and myself) had the privilege of a high profile Blues Foundation show from noon to 2pm at Alfred's on Beale Street. It was very satisfying to have this show as the night before we only performed two songs, and we needed the outlet to let some more blues out. Though early in the day the place was packed and Red was in terrific form. We had guest appearances by Mookie Brill, Evan Caleb (Candye Kane's son and drummer) Kid Andersen and the great Rick Estrin. Later that day we went to Leeway Music Recording Studio to record Louisiana Red's next CD on Ruf Records, produced by Little Victor. After a year filled with great recognition,  Louisiana Red was in just amazing form, and Little Victor's insistent energy made for a great production. We went back in the studio, and from what I could tell, we ended up with a great Louisiana Red album to look forward to. At the end of all that I was fully depleted but satisfied. I flew home on Sunday and hosted my radio show, Those Lowdown Blues, on Sunday night on KJZZ. It was great week!
-Bob Corritore

  • RIP Willie Pooch - 1937 to May 5th, 2010 Columbus, Ohio based blues singer Willie Pooch passed away on May 5th, 2010 from  diabetes complications. He was 72. Born William Johnson in Tupelo, Mississippi in 1937, Willie grew to be a spectacular vocalist and entertainer. He was a huge part of the Columbus, Ohio Blues Scene and will be greatly missed by his community. He recorded and great CD with Cadillac Zak called The Blues Do Something To Me which is available on Zack's website by clicking here. For more information on Willie Pooch, including some nice video clips, click here.

  • Robert Pete Williams On Myspace! Louisiana country bluesman Robert Pete Williams performs his atmospheric, spell binding blues on these wonderful film clips: Performing "Scrap Iron Blues" (click here to see). A 1970 clip of "Baby Please" (click here to see). A 1970 clip of "Better Listen To Me" part 1 (click here to see): And part 2 (click here to see),  and performing "Old Girl At My Door" (click here to see).

May 3, 2010

April 22, 2010

April 17, 2010

  • Rick Estrin to co-host Bob's radio show tomorrow! Rick Estrin is best known for his great harmonica playing and singing with the Nightcats(Formerly Little Charlie & The Nightcats and now Rick Estrin & The Nightcats). Rick & the Nightcats will have a late afternoon performance on Sunday, April 18th, at the Glendale Jazz & Blues Festival. After that Rick will be coming to KJZZ to join Bob Corritore for a 2 hour guest appearance. Rick will be sharing some of his favorite vintage blues songs, complete with stories and explanations. In addition, he promises some live on air performances. Bob looks forward to the honor of this guest appearance. Bob's show is called Those Lowdown Blues and it airs each Sunday from 6pm to 11pm on 91.5FM. in the Phoenix area. TLB can also be heard anywhere in the world via the internet at www.KJZZ.org.

April 16, 2010

  • Dave Riley & Bob Corritore to appear Saturday at the Rhythm Room! The Dave Riley / Bob Corritore Juke Joint Blues Band bring their rowdy, fun-loving, down-home blues show to the Rhythm Room this Saturday for a 9pm show, doors at 8pm. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix, Arizona.

  • Louisiana Red racks up awards and nominations! Down-home blues master Louisiana Red has always been an amazing force in the blues. With last year's release of Louisiana Red with Little Victor's Juke Joint / Back To The Black Bayou on Ruf Records, Red was propelled into great visibility. That was followed up later in the year with a collaboration with piano ace David Maxwell called You Got To Move on the VizzTone Label Group. Red has recently been recognized with these awards, nominations, and recognitions:
    1) 2009 Grande Prix du Disque  (for Blues music) in France. This is the French equivalent of the Grammy and it recognized Back To The Black Bayou as the best blues album of last year. The award was signed by French president Nicholas Sarkozy.
    2) 2009 Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik (quarterly critics award) in Germany.
    3) 2009 Blues News Magazine (Germany) Poll 'best national album of the year' and 'best international album of the year.' This is the first time both awards were won by single artist!
    4) Red was honored in March by the Oslo Blues Society in Norway with a "Lifetime Achievement Award"
    5) Red will be have a feature interview in a forthcoming issue of Blues Revue Magazine!
    6) Red received five Blues Music Award nominations this year! Winners will be announced May 6th in Memphis! Red's nominations were in the following categories: Blues Album, Traditional Blues Album, Acoustic Blues Album, Traditional Male Blues Artist, Acoustic Blues Artist.
    Let's hope that Red continues his winning streak and takes home some BMA statues! Thanks to Dora Minter (Red's wife) Little Victor, Rainer Faust, and Art Tipaldi for this information. Louisiana Red , his wife Dora and Little Victor will be traveling from Europe to attend this year's BMAs. Red, Little Victor, and Bob Corritore will appear the following day, May 7th, at Alfred's on Beale Street for an afternoon concert. To see photo pages devoted to Louisiana Red click here  and here.

  • RIP Walter "Mississippi Slim" Horn, August 13 1943 to April 14th, 2010. Beloved Mississippi based blues singer Mississippi Slim passed away on Wednesday. He was 66. Slim, known for his multi-colored suits and remarkable stage presence, was a crowd favorite at the Mississippi Delta Blues Festival in 2008. He was born in Shelby, Mississippi, raised in Greenville. He recorded for the Sunflower, LaJam, and G-Town labels. For a complete bio of Mississsippi Slim click here.Thanks to Alex Thomas for providing us with this information.

  • Harmonica Summit DVD filming planned! Amanda Taylor (Kim Wilson's wife) is producing a spectacular gathering of some of her favorite harmonica players. Included in this lineup are James Cotton, Lazy Lester, Kim Wilson, Paul Oscher, Johnny Dyer, Bharath Rajakumar, Johnny Sansone, Jerry Portnoy, Dave Waldman, Bob Corritore, RJ Mischo, Steve Marriner, Billy Flynn, Vincent Bury and a few suprise guests. The excellent backing band for this event consists of Larry Taylor, Richard Innes, Billy Flynn, and Barrelhouse Chuck. The event will happen on Friday and Saturday, October 1st, and 2nd, at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix. It will be filmed and recorded with Clarke Rigsby at the technical helm, and will be released in 2011 on CD and DVD on MC Records. This is a once in a lifetime gathering of some of the greatest living players of the blues harmonica traditions. There is a multi generational "fathers and sons" sub-theme running through this event with ages 22 through 76 represented. There be limited tickets sold. A hotel deal will be made available and we expect tickets to go on sale via Ticketmaster in 2 to 3 weeks. More information forthcoming.

  • Furry Lewis 1968 Film Clips on YouTube! They do not make bluesmen like Furry Lewis anymore. Please enjoy these clips of a true master of country blues. Furry performing his classic Kassie Jones (click here). Furry performing East St. Louis Blues (click here).

April 8, 2010

  • A Night with Little Walter, Cambridge, 1964! Rare Little Walter Photos! Thanks to Dave Luxton & Al Thompson for sharing some rare photos of Little Walter taken in 1964 at the Alley Club in Cambridge, England. Some of these images first appeared in the booklet of the grammy winning Little Walter / The Complete Chess Masters (1950 - 1967) on Hip-O Select, but some are previously unseen. To see these photos, and to hear the full story click here.

  • RIP Herb Ellis, August 4, 1921 - March 28, 2010. Jazz guitarist Herb Ellis always had a blues sensibility to his fine playing. In the words of the New York Times "Herb Ellis, a jazz guitarist whose polished, blues-inflected playing earned him critical acclaim as an outstanding soloist and worldwide recognition as a member of the pianist Oscar Peterson’s trio, died Sunday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 88." Ellis recorded with Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Stuff Smith, Stan Getz, and of course Oscar Peterson. Ellis' co-wrote the jazz classic "Detour Ahead" which was most notably covered by Billie Holiday. To read the full New York Times obit, click here.

  • RIP Ray Hoff, December 29, 1942 - March 19, 2010. Gil Onyett reports on the passing of Australian blues/roots rock musician Ray Hoff. In Gil's own words; "Australia lost another rock 'n' roll/rhythm 'n' blues legend with the passing of Ray Hough, who recorded as Ray Hoff. He made some recordings in the '60s as Ray Hoff & The Offbeats. Hoff's only subsequent recording, "Loud, Dirty, 'n' Rockin', appeared in 2000, and was produced by Australian rockabilly star Red Rivers".  To read more about Ray Hoff, click here.

  • Bob Corritore & Friends included in the Lakeside Jazz Series at Tempe Center for the Arts! Bob Corritore will bring a showcase of his blues associates to the beautiful Tempe Center for the Arts on Saturday, November 27th at 8pm, as part of the Lakeshore Jazz Series. This spectacular performance center is a joy for both artist and audience alike. The series features top names in the business including Mose Allison, Benny Green Trio, Brian Bromberg and others. To find out more about the Lakeshore Jazz Series and to purchase tickets click here.

  • Candye Kane appears at the Rhythm Room this Friday! Delta Groove recording artist Candye Kane brings her fun loving show to the Rhythm Room on Friday, April 9th with an opening set by Skip Heller. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $12. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. This night will be a patio smoking only event; no indoor smoking will be permitted.

  • Bukka White on YouTube! Please enjoy this great film clip of Bukka White singing and playing "Got Sick And Tired". Bukka's tough voice, insistently percussive guitar style, and passionate delivery make him one of the greatest champions of country blues. Note that Howlin' Wolf and Son House are in the background of this film. Click here to see the clip.

March 30, 2010

  • New Pinetop Perkins / Willie "Big Eyes" Smith CD forthcoming! Producer Michael Freeman of Coachouse Music reports "I've just finished producing a long awaited album for Pinetop Perkins and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith for Telarc, titled Joined At the Hip, and due for a May/June release." We look forward to this very natural pairing of alumni of the Muddy Waters band, which BTW, also includes the great John Primer on guitar (another Muddy alum). Pinetop is now 96 years young, and is still playing at the top of his game. Willie "Big Eyes" Smith has emerged a frontman / harmonica player in the last few years, and this CD will surely help advance his already solid reputation. Thanks Michael for this great news!

  • RIP Bobby Alexis, birth-date unknown - March 4, 2010. Dorothy Hill reports that keyboardist Bobby Alexis died in Houston on March 4th of a heart attack. Alexis worked for many years in the Albert Collins band, and also had played with Guitar Shorty, and Bo Diddley. Sadly, very little biographical information is available about Bobby Alexis, though he was very well known in musician circles.

  • Get well cards for Fontella Bass. Deitra Farr reports on an ailing Fontella Bass, the St. Louis based soul singer, best known for the hit "Rescue Me". Deitra states "Fontella Bass has been very ill from a series of strokes. I would love for her fans and fellow musicians to show her some love and support." Get well cards and letters may be sent to: Fontella Bass, c/o Rosewood Care Center of St. Louis, Room 415, 11278 Schuetz Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63146.

  • Chicago Blues Festival honors Howlin' Wolf! Lineup announced! The Chicago Blues Festival takes place on June 11th, 12th, and 13th, at Grant Park. This year the Fest celebrates the centennial of Howlin' Wolf's birthday with performances and panels by his former band members and associates. Among those associates performing will be Eddie Shaw, Henry Gray, Hubert Sumlin, Sam Lay, James Cotton, and Abb Locke! For more information and to see a full lineup for the Chicago Blues Festival, click here. To see a recently published photo page honoring the great Howlin' Wolf, click here.

  • 2009 BMA photo page posted! The Blues Music Awards is the greatest annual gathering of the blues world. The BMAs are a simply wonderful party, where some wonderful and unique blues people meet and greet. Please enjoy this photo display from last year's Awards show. Included are photos of Koko Taylor, Bobby Rush, Steve Guyger, The Mannish Boys, Lil' Ed, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, Big Pete Pearson, Bill Wax, Bob and Linda Porter, Fionna Boyes, Hubert Sumlin, Steven Seagal, Irma Thomas, Bobby Bland, and more! This year's BMAs will take place in Memphis on Thursday, May 6th. To see the 2009 BMA photo page click here.  For more information on this year's BMAs click here.

  • Some great new blues books! Three wonderful, newly published books have come to our attention. The first is Blues Before Sunrise, The Radio Interviews, which features a sampling of amazing interviews that Chicago author/radio show host Steve Cushing conducted with blues artists and producers such as Yank Rachell, Gray Ghost, Jody Williams, Little Hudson, Ralph Bass, John and Grace Brim, Johnny Williams, Cadillac Baby, Alberta Hunter, and more! Steve's uncanny historical knowledge is apparent throughout this fascinating set of life stories that Steve ably coaxes from each interview subject. We should also mention that Steve is a great blues drummer and producer, who made records with Magic Slim and Big Smokey Smothers. For more information on Blues Before Sunrise, The Radio Interviews, click here. To enjoy a filmed interview with Steve Cushing on WGN click here. Also from, and about the windy city comes The Chicago Music Scene, 1960's and 1970s by Dean Milano. This is a thought provoking photo essay of a time and place filled with musical zest and activity. Approximately a fifth of this book is devoted to the blues, and does so in fine form, with great era photos of the most prevalent blues artists of that period. The cover photo alone is worth the price of admission with a great shot of Lonnie Brooks performing at Chicago Fest at Navy Pier in the late 1970s. To see the cover and read more about this book click here. The third book that has come to our attention is Blues, Booze, and BBQ by Michael Loyd Young which is a spellbinding photographic journal of the modern day Mississippi blues experience. With stunningly colorful and vivid images in high quality reproduction, Young takes us on a journey through Highway 61. This is the Delta of today, complete with both the timeless deep south quality of the blues, and the juxtaposed tourist based blues modernization that is now part of the landscape. To read more about Blues, Booze, and BBQ and see a slide show of some of the book's images click here, then Essays, and Blues, Booze, and BBQ. All three of these books are spectacular in that they aptly accomplish their mission statement and bring a wonderful focus to the blues!

  • Anthology CD of vintage Phoenix blues gets first reviews! Earlier this year the Southwest Musical Arts Foundation released a complilation of vintage Phoenix Blues titled Flyin' High, A Collection Of  Phoenix Blues, Rhythm, and Spirit from the 1950's and 60's. The CD's 27 tracks include Big Pete Pearson's first recordings, Reverend Louis Overstreet, J.C. Arline, The Lone Wolf, Duke Draper, Maxine Johnson, John "Oklahoma Zeke" Lewis, Dumas King, Roosevelt Nettles, Budd Spudd & The Sprouts, Jimmy Knight, Baby Jean, the Curtis Gray Combo, and more. It has received its first two reviews, courtesy of Blues Source and Blues & Rhythm Magazine. You can read these reviews online by clicking here. To see the cover art for Flyin' High, click here, and to read the extensive liner notes by John Dixon, click here. This CD is currently available through Bluebeat Music and can be purchased by clicking here. Proceeds from the sales of this CD will go to the Southwest Musical Arts Foundation who are planning more historically important blues releases.

  • Posthumus Gary Primich CD released! This news just in from Harri Haka: "A newly released CD collection of Gary Primich live performances in Finland, called Gary Indiana, has been released by the Finnish Blues Society on the Blue North record label." Harmonica ace Gary Primich,  passed away on Sept 23rd, 2007, at the early age of 49, so this continuance of his legacy is most welcome. For more information on the new release click here.

  • Albert Ammons & Pete Johnson on YouTube! Please enjoy this amazing colaboration of Albert Ammons and Pete Johnson, two of the definitive innovators of boogie woogie piano, who perform together on this vintage film clip of "Boogie Woogie Dream" (click here to see)

March 26, 2010

  • RIP Clayton Love November 15, 1927 - Feb. 28, 2010. Clayton Love  will best be remembered as the vocalist and pianist in Ike Turner's Kings Of Rhythm. He passed away at a hospice in St Louis from complications of a stroke and heart problems, He was 82. He was born in Mattson, Mississippi in 1927. During 40s and 50s Love was a popular musician around the Vicksburg area, fronting and organzing sophisticated swing bands. This sound was reflected in his first recordings done for the Trumpet label in 1951. His association with Ike Turner soon followed and eventually led to his mid 1950's relocation to St. Louis, where he would front Ike's band, The Kings of Rhythm, and record such great songs as "Do You Mean It", "She Made My Blood Run Cold", and "The Big Question". Clayton Love would make St. Louis his lifelong home, and he was one of that town's proud blues statesmen until the day he died. His long career saw releases with Trumpet, Modern, Aladdin, Federal, Groove, Bobbin, Monad, Modern Blues, Ace, Charley, Collectibles, and Alligator. His great R&B vocals and spectacular recordings will live forever in blues history. To see a Clayton Love interview with with STL Blues click here.

  • RIP Rockie Charles November 14, 1942 - March 12, 2010. New Orleans soul singer and guitarist Rockie Charles passed away in his home town on Friday March 12th, after a long struggle with cancer. He was 67. Born Charles Merrick in Boothville, Louisiana, he would learn guitar at an early age from his father, and at age 13 moved to New Orleans where he would formally study music. As a young man in the 1960s he hit the road backing O.V. Wright, Percy Sledge, Otis Redding, and others. He would record a handful of singles and albums, of which the best known is his CD, Born For You, on the Orleans label, which finds this wonderful vocalist and songwriter at the top of his game. He had become a popular attraction at the annual retro roots festival called Ponderosa Stomp. To read the NOLA.com article about Rockie Charles' life and times, and to see a nice video clip, click here.

  • RIP Marva Wright March 20. 1948 - March 23, 2010. New Orleans blues and gospel singer Marva Wright passed away from complications from a 2009 stroke. She was 62. She came into prominence in the 1980s and became known as the "Blues Queen of New Orleans". She recorded and toured frequently, and won over audiences in the US and Europe with her powerful voice and stage presence, and her kind and sincere personality. For more information on Marva and to enjoy her beautiful website click here. To see a film clip of Marva performing "Heartbreakin' Woman" click here, and performing "Bluesiana Mama" click here. Thanks Marva, for giving us your heart with each performance.

  • RIP Rod 'Beachhead' Jeffery, birth-date unknown -  February 26, 2010. This sad news in from Colin Briscoe of Sydney, Australia, who reports "Rod “Beachhead” Jeffrey, one of the pioneering Australian bluesman, and vocalist with the band Beachhead, passed away on Friday, February 26th, after a long and arduous fight with cancer."Rod's bio indicates that his major activities took place in the 1980s and his influence and blues contribution, in his community was great. To see Ron "Beachhead" Jeffery's website, filled with photos and information, click here.

  • RIP Barbara Brown, birth-date unknown - February 3, 2010.  Ace Records Reports that Memphis soul singer Barbara Brown, passed away on February 3rd. She was in her 70s. Brown was best known for her hit "Big Party", on the Stax label, with Barbara & the Browns (featuring her and her 3 sisters). She would also record classic soul sides for XL, Cadet, Tower, Atco, Sounds of Memphis. Her short lived career ended in 1972 when she left music for good. But a resurgence of interest happened in 2007, when Kent reissued her classic sides on the album Can't Find Happiness, and again a year later when the highly acclaimed soul collection Take Me To The River (also on Kent Records), featured one of her brilliant recordings. It is wonderful that she was able to see this appreciation during her her lifetime. To see the article on Ace Records website, click here.

March 12, 2010

February 26, 2010

February 25, 2010

  • Mud Morganfield to perform with the Rhythm Room All-Stars for Blues Blast pre-party this Friday at the Rhythm Room. It is uncanny how Mud Morganfield can summon up the sound and presence of his late father, Muddy Waters. A chilling singer and bandleader, Mud's powerhouse performance at the 2009 Lucerne Blues Festival swept the audience off their feet. Mud comes to Phoenix to join with the Rhythm Room All-Stars (Bob Corritore, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, Brian Fahey, and Johnny Rapp) on Friday, February 26th, for an evening of no nonsense blues in the true spirit of Muddy Waters. This night also serves as the preparty for the Blues Blast Festival 2010!  

  • Blues Blast 2010, Phoenix's Blues Festival! Each February the Phoenix Blues Society hosts its annual blues festival, called "Blues Blast" (not to be confused with the online magazine of the same name), at the Mesa Amphitheater, with an interesting program of national and home grown talent. Blues Blast 2010 happens on Saturday, February 27th and features Big James & The Chicago Playboys, Candye Kane, The Insomniacs, The Sugar Thieves, The Jump Back Brothers, and Tom Walbank and Arthur Migliazza. Gates open at 10am with music from 11am til around 7pm. Later that night the Rhythm Room will host a Blues Blast After-party and Celebrity Jam with the Rhythm Room All-Stars and many special guests. To read more about Blues Blast 2010 click here.

  • Wilroy Sanders RIP - Birthdate unkown - February 16, 2010 Beloved Memphis blues guitarist and singer Wilroy Sanders passed away on Tuesday after a battle with lung cancer. He was 76, Wilroy played in the Binghampton Blues Boys, formed and led The Fieldstones, and owned the Memphis blues bar, Green’s Lounge. though a wonderful down home singer and guitarist, Wilroy would never achieve great fame. He did make some very memorable records which appeared on the XL, High Water, HighTone, and Shangri-La labels. To read more about Wilroy's passing click here. For the Blues World article about Wilroy lick here.

  • Blues Foundation announces 2010 Hall of Fame Inductees. Each year the Blues Foundation honors past and present artists, recordings, authors, books, and other notable achievements in the blues. These honors are presented in a private special awards dinner in Memphis, on Wednesday, May 5th, 2010, the night before the Blues Music Awards. This year's recipients have recently been announced and include Charlie Musselwhite, Lonnie Brooks, Bonnie Raitt, W.C. Handy,Gus Cannon, Sonny Payne, Amos Milburn, and many others. For a full list of inductees click here. Congratulations to all of the 2010 Blues Hall Of Fame inductees!

  • New Live William Clarke CD now available! Jeanette Lodovici, the widow of the late West Coast harmonica master William Clarke, has lovingly been releasing her late husband's recorded work in a series of collectors CDs. The latest installment is called William Clarke / Live Bootleg Cassette Anthology, and features surprisingly good sounding board tapes of live shows from 1991 and 1996. The 1996 shows were recorded on his last tour just weeks before William's untimely passing at the age of 45, with a band consisting of Paul Bryant, Rick Reed and Brian Fahey. This CD is a wonderful reminder of the powerful talent of this harmonica great. To read more about this release click here.

  • The Flamingos rock on YouTube! The Flamingos were one of the greatest harmony groups of the 1950s and their stage show, complete with choreography, was just wonderful. Please enjoy this example of their work as they perform the jump blues song "Jump Children" (click here to see).  Though poorly lip synced, this film clip has some of the best stage energy ever!

February 15, 2010

  • RIP Dale Hawkins, Aug 23rd, 1936 - February 14th, 2010. Rock & Roll Pioneer Dale Hawkins  passed away in Little Rock, Arkansas on Feb 14th, after a battle with colon cancer. He was 73. Dale was best known for his 1957 classic "Susie Q", which would later be covered by both the Rolling Stones and by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Dale's band was a training ground for many amazing guitaists including James Burton, Scotty Moore, Joe Osborn, Roy Buchanan, Fred Carter,  and Kenny Paulsen. Dale was inducted into both the Rockabilly Hall Of Fame, and the Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame. For more information on Dale Hawkins' passing click here. For Dale's website (which plays "Suzie Q" while you are checking it out!) click here, and for his discogrophy click here. Dale Hawkins' "Suzie Q" will remain a timeless work of art.

  • RIP Lil' Dave Thompson - May 21, 1969 - February 14th 2010. It is with great sadness that we report that Mississippi blues guitarist Lil' Dave Thompson died today from an auto accident outside of Augusta, Georgia, while touring with his band. His van overturned and Dave was thrown from the vehicle and pronouced dead on the scene by the paramedics. Other members of the group were reportedly not seriously injured. Dave was born in Hinds County, Mississippi and was greatly influenced by musicans from that area. He made his first record for Fat Possum in 1995, and subsequently had two beautiful releases for Electro-Fi. In the last few years he had toured extensively as he built his career. He had developed into a spectacular singer and a fine, modern blues guitarist. For more details on Dave's untimely death click here, and here. To see Dave Thompson's website click here. Rest In peace Lil' Dave.

February 8, 2010

  • W.C. Clark appearing Tonight at the Rhythm Room! Texas blues and soul crooner W.C. Clark, stops by the Rhythm Room for a rare appearance on Friday, February 12th, as he makes his way towards, California on his Southwest tour. The doors open at 8pm for a 9pm show. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix, Arizona.

  • Dave Riley & Bob Corritore to appear Saturday at the Rhythm Room! The Dave Riley / Bob Corritore Juke Joint Blues Band bring their rowdy, fun-loving, down-home blues show to the Rhythm Room this Saturday for a 9pm show, doors at 8pm. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix, Arizona.

  • Dave Riley & Bob Corritore / Lucky To Be Living named among Top Releases of 2009 in numerous listings! Dave Riley & Bob Corritore / Lucky To Be Living has been included in numerous best of the year lists. L2BL was among the "Top 50 Blues Albums For 2009" as listed by Living Blues Magazine in the February 2010 issue (with John Primer on the cover). L2BL was listed among the "Top 25 Soul & Blues Releases of 2009" by Juke Joint Soul (click here to see ). L2BL was among the "Best Hits Blues & Ballads & Hard Rock" on Russia's TFile website (Click here to see). L2BL was listed as the #1 blues CD in "WMWV's Blues Summit Top 50 Blues CDs For 2009"! Lucky To Be Living has also appeared in numerous places as critics best of the year. Thanks for all the support!

  • Nick Curran Benefit this Monday at the Rhythm Room. The Rhythm Room has put together a benefit for Nick Curran to take place on Monday, February 15th, 8pm. Nick Curran, 31, was recently diagnosed with tongue cancer and is not working while he undergoes radiation treatments. Nick has a long history at the Rhythm Room having played the venue with Ronnie Dawson, Kim Lenz, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and of course his own band, Nick Curran & The Nitelifes. Nick recently reactivated his solo career after a long stint with the Fabulous Thunderbirds, and he has a new CD out called Reform School Girl on the Eclecto Groove Label. Appearing at the Rhythm Room Benefit will be The Rocket 88's, The Jump Back Brothers, The Dave Riley / Bob Corritore Juke Joint Blues Band, Jim Robertson, Mario Mareno, Nina Curri, and the Mike Eldred Trio, and more! Special thanks to Jim Robertson for putting this event together. Prayers to Nick for a speedy and full recovery.

  • Etta James Health Update. This just in from the PerezHilton.com website; Etta James' son Donto stated today that his mother's condition is improving and doctors have been able to control the infections that led to her hositalization two weeks ago. Etta has been transferred to a medical center in a Los Angeles suburb. Donto has said that she is eager to get back to performing although it's unknown when she'll be released. Get well soon, Etta!

  • Lucerne Blues Festival reviewed in Il Popolo del Blues. Thanks to Luca Lupoli of Il Popolo del Blues for covering the spectacular Lucerne Blues Festival, and much appreciation for his kind words about Tomcat Courtney, Dave Riley & Bob Corritore. To see this article click here.

  • Tomcat Courtney To Be Inducted in West Coast Blues Hall Of Fame! The Bay Area Blues Society will present the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame on Sunday, March 28, 6pm, at the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Oakland Airport, One Hegenberger Rd, Oakland, CA 94621. Congratulations to Tomcat Courtney, the 81 year old San Diego based bluesman, who reports that he will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in this ceremony. To see some photo pages featuring Tomcat Courtney, click here, and here. To read more about this event click here.

  • Dorothy Love Coates on YouTube! Gospel belter,  Dorothy Love Coates and her great harmony group, the Gospel Harmonettes, were champions at delivering the testifying, soul side of gospel. Dorothy was from Birmingham, Alabama and after a hard childhood, rose to gospel stardom in the 1950s, combining her powerful voice with her passionate conviction, for an unstoppable presentation. To see Dorothy performing "The Winner" click here,  and performing "I'm Holding On" click here.

February 3, 2010

  • Blues and the Grammys! Little Walter Wins Best Historical Album! Each year the Grammy Awards recognize releases from all genres of music, and all aspects of the music industry. The televised, sensationalized presentation of the Grammy Awards is an amazing spectacle, filled with star power, glitz, and pomp. The blues has always had its place at the Grammys, albeit a small place in comparison to the pop world. But a Grammy is probably the highest musical honor that a musician can achieve. This year the two categories that are specifically designated for the blues (Traditional Blues Album, and Contemporary Blues Album) were taken out of the separate blues category, and put into a new category called American Roots, which also contains subcategories of such varied musical styles as Folk, Bluegrass, Americana, Hawaiian, Cajun, Zydeco and Native American Music. To vote in the Grammys, one must be a member of NARAS (The National Academy of Recorded Arts and Sciences), which requires some involved music industry credentials. When NARAS members receive their ballot, each member can vote in up to eight musical categories. By having this new American Roots category, it opens it up for more people to vote in the blues category. Put this all together and you have a voting base that is often times more versed in music as a whole than specifically the blues. So a win in the blues often reflects the mainstream or crossover recognition of the artist. This differs greatly from the Blues Music Awards, or the Blues Blast Music Awards, where voters are specifically from the blues community. This is all being said to put the Grammy's into the proper context.

It is fascinating that over 40 years after Little Walter's death, he would receive his first Grammy award. This was in the category of best Historical Release for the album Little Walter / The Complete Chess Masters (1950-1967), a five CD set produced by Andy McKaie, and compiled by Scott Dirks and Andy. Little Walter is to this day considered an unequaled genius of blues harmonica, and his recordings stand among the greatest examples of Chicago blues. Little Walter has had much mainstream attention as of late, with his odd portrayal in last year's movie Cadillac Records, and his 2008 induction in the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. This win is an exceptional statement of the power and longevity of the blues! Speaking of longevity, Honeyboy Edwards made the blues world proud with his special merit Grammy for lifetime achievement! Honeyboy is now 94 years old and has recorded in every decade since the 1940s! He had a direct connection with Robert Johnson, brought Little Walter to Chicago in his travels, and remains a world wide touring phenomenon. In the blues categories, the winners are; Traditional Blues Album: A Stranger Here, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, and Contemporary Blues Album: Already Free, The Derek Trucks Band. Some blues related artists and songs creeped into some non-blues categories, and these winners are; Zydeco or Cajun Music Album: Lay Your Burden Down, Buckwheat Zydeco, Traditional R&B Vocal Performance: Beyoncé, "At Last" (covering the Etta James classic), Pop Instrumental Album: Potato Hole, Booker T. Jones (of Booker T & The MGs), Traditional Gospel Album: Oh Happy Day, Various Artists (includes Mavis Staples, Aaron Neville, Al Green, Robert Randolph with mainstream artists), and as we mentioned before, Historical Album: The Complete Chess Masters (1950-1967), Little Walter.  For a complete listing of all the 2010 Grammy winners click here.

Congratulations to all the winners, and to all the nominees, who just by becoming nominated, gain great musical clout.

  • Etta James Hospitalized. The legendary Etta James has been hospitalized in California after suffering various ailments including blood infection. Etta has had numerous health issues over the years, but has always come through them to warm our hearts with her amazing performances. The latest word is that she is slowly recovering. For more information click here.

  • Dave Riley / Bob Corritore to appear at The Mississippi Valley Blues Festival! This just in: Dave Riley & Bob Corritore will appear on July 4th at the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival, in Davenport, Iowa. The three day festival, now in its 26th year, takes place each 4th of July weekend, and brings in top blues entertainment to perform on numerous stages and workshops. More information and a full festival lineup will be forthcoming.

  • Vintage Phoenix Blues Anthology now available! The Southwest Musical Arts Foundation has released a complilation of Phoenix Blues from the 1950s and 60s! Though Phoenix is not often celebrated as a town with a rich blues history, but this release will remedy any misconceptions. This limited edition, collectors issue  is titled Flyin' High, A Collection Of  Phoenix Blues, Rhythm, and Spirit from the 1950's and 60's. The CD's 27 tracks include Big Pete Pearson's first recordings, Reverend Louis Overstreet, J.C. Arline, The Lone Wolf, Duke Draper, Maxine Johnson, John "Oklahoma Zeke" Lewis, Dumas King, Roosevelt Nettles, Budd Spudd & The Sprouts, Jimmy Knight, Baby Jean, the Curtis Gray Combo, and more. Look for this release in early 2010. To see the cover art for Flyin' High, click here, and to read the extensive liner notes by John Dixon, click here. This CD is currently available only through Bluebeat Music and can be purchased by clicking here. Proceeds from the sales of this CD will go to the Southwest Musical Arts Foundation who are planning more historically important blues releases.

  • Music Maker Foundation Artists on YouTube! The Music Maker Relief Foundation is one of the modern miracles of blues philanthropy. Headed by Tim Duffy, and based in Hillsborough, NC, the Music Maker Relief Foundation has provided financial assistance and recognition for some of the nearly forgotten, veteran heroes of the blues, particularly from the southeastern area of the United States. Here are a few filmed examples of the artists they have helped: Adolphus Bell's  Public Service Announcement (click here). Adolphus Bell performing "Pawn Shop Blues" (click here), Captain Luke with Tim Duffy Public Service Announcement (click here), and John Dee Holeman performing "One Black Rat" (click here). Thank you MMRF for your great service to the blues!

January 29, 2010

  • Dave Riley & Bob Corritore to appear Saturday at the Rhythm Room! The Dave Riley / Bob Corritore Juke Joint Blues Band bring their rowdy fun-loving show to the Rhythm Room this Saturday for a 9pm show (doors at 8pm). This will be their first show after a well received appearance at the Blind Raccoon Showcase in Memphis last Friday. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix, Arizona.

  • Art Tipaldi New Editor Of Blues Revue! Art Tipaldi is known throughout the blues as a writer, reviewer, educator, emcee, photographer, and an active Blues Foundation participant. He now adds editor of Blues Revue magazine to his long list of credentials! Art succeeds editor Ken Bays as the next in the grand tradition of this noble magazine. We congratulate and welcome our friend Art Tipaldi as he takes on another great service to the blues.

  • Grammy's to recognize Honeyboy Edwards with a Special Merit Award tomorrow! The Recording Academy will present David "Honeyboy" Edwards with a Special Merit Award at a ceremony happening on Saturday, January 30th, in conjunction with Sunday's Grammy Awards ceremony. The 94 year old blues man has recorded since the 1940s, and is one of the last living practitioners of classic delta blues. Other Special Merit Award recipients this year include Leonard Cohen, Bobby Darin, Michael Jackson, Loretta Lynn, André Previn, and Clark Terry. We congratulate the amazing Honeyboy Edwards and are happy that he could see this honor in his lifetime. To see an in depth article on Honeyboy, click here. To see a photo page devoted to Honeyboy, click here.

  • Eddie Taylor honored with Mississippi blues Trail Marker! The late Eddie Taylor was a spectacular blues guitarist, best known for his sensitive accompaniment on the Vee Jay recordings of Jimmy Reed and John Lee Hooker. Eddie was also a great singer and his recordings such as "Bad Boy", "Big Town Playboy", and "Stroll Out West", show him to be a star in his own right. Though Eddie Taylor's work has helped to define Chicago blues, he always brought forth the feel of his native Mississippi. Clifford Antone, of Antone's records, once referred to Eddie as "the greatest guitar player in the world". Eddie will be honored with a Mississippi Blues Trail Marker in his hometown of Benoit, Mississippi. The unveiling ceremony will take place on Monday, February 1st, 2pm, at the intersection of Highways 1 and 448 in Benoit. Thanks to Leigh Portwood and everyone involved in recognizing this legendary artist. For more information on the Mississippi Trail Marker program click here.

  • Contemporary Blues Harmonica Podcast! Special thanks to Tess Coleman, host of Tess's Bluesgroove from Adelaide, Australia, for her recently posted podcast titled "Contemporary Blues Harp Players - Part 1", which features (in order of airplay sequence) Rod Piazza, Mitch Kashmar, Steve Guyger, Dennis Gruenling, Rick Estrin, Bob Corritore, Sandy Mack, Harpdog Brown, Harmonica Shah, and Kim Wilson. To hear this podcast click here and press Episode 34. Thanks Tess!

  • More Big Walter information. In the last newsletter, we reported that a new Big Walter Horton reissue had come out called King Of The Harmonica Players. Since then, we have been notified by Clas Ahlstrand of the Scandinavian Blues Association, who recorded some of these wonderful sides on a portable recorder while visiting Chicago, that this is not a licenced release. Clas also reports that eight of these sides are available as free downloads on the Jefferson Magazine site (Click here to see). Along with the downloads are the story and photos of the journey to Chicago and the home recording sessions with Big Walter. Thank you Clas for this additional information, and for recording these great sides for the world to enjoy.

  • Wolfgang's Vault releases Muddy Waters solo appearance at Newport in 1969, and Willie Dixon with Big Walter Horton from 1972! Wolfgang's Vault is a website devoted to Rock & Roll Memorabilia and downloadable concerts. Along with their featured rock music offerings are numerous blues nuggets, of which the latest two are very exciting. In July of 1969, both Muddy Waters and his mentor, Son House were scheduled to perform at the Newport Folk Festival. When word came that Son would not be able to make his appearance, Muddy Waters graciously stepped in to cover for his friend, and he performed an impromptu solo acoustic set. six songs from this set are now available by clicking here. In 1972, Willie Dixon brought his Chicago Blues All-Stars to the Ash Grove in California. The band on that show included Big Walter Horton, Buster Benton, Lafeyette Leake, and Frank Swann. Seven songs from this concert are now available by clicking here. To check out more of the many concerts available at Wolfgang's Vault and to learn more about this organization click here. Special thanks to Jim Themelis for the tip.

  • Rhythm Room to host Nick Curran Benefit on February 15th. The Rhythm Room has put together a benefit for Nick Curran to take place on Monday 15th, 8pm. Nick Curran, 31, was recently diagnosed with tongue cancer and is not working while he undergoes radiation treatments. Nick has a long history at the Rhythm Room having played the venue with Ronnie Dawson, Kim Lenz, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and of course his own band, Nick Curran & The Nitelifes. Nick recently reactivated his solo career after a long stint with the Fabulous Thunderbirds, and he has a new CD out called Reform School Girl on the Eclecto Groove Label. Appearing at the Rhythm Room Benefit will be The Rocket 88's, The Jump Back Brothers, The Dave Riley /  Bob Corritore Juke Joint Blues Band, Jim Robertson, Nina Curri, and the Mike Eldred Trio, and more! Special thanks to Jim Robertson for putting this event together. Prayers to Nick for a speedy and full recovery.

  • Memphis Recap. Last week I headed to Memphis for events happening around the International Blues Challenge (AKA IBC, where scores of bands and solo/duo acts from all over the world come to compete. This event is meticulously organized by the Blues Foundation, and it encompasses and unities blues societies from all over the globe who, prior to this event set up local competitions to determine the candidate who will represent the blues of their community. It is well known that whoever wins this event will have the opportunity of a lifetime, as their career will be fast forwarded to one of record deals, festival inclusion, and great notoriety. This collective energy is coupled with the annual Keeping The Blues Alive (AKA KBA) presentation, seminars, showcases, after hours jams, and lots of blues networking. Blues fans come from all over to support their hometown bands. Also labels, booking agents, non competing blues artists, blues societies, festivals, writers, photographers, publicists, educators, and managers come to be part of this grand gathering.

I was there primarily to perform with Dave Riley at Betsie Brown's Blind Raccoon Roots and Blues Showcase (a non competitive presentation), but also to enjoy this blues gathering. I arrived in Memphis late on Thursday so I completely missed the first day of competition. Dave had driven to Memphis and was able to meet me at the airport and get me checked in to the Memphis Marriott where we were staying. The next day we went early to the showcase to see some of the other acts performing at the showcase. Beale Street was closed to through traffic and it was a "meet and greet" as we slowly made our way to the club, being stopped every few feet by our many friends and blues associates. The showcase took place at Kings Palace, where I frequently go to enjoy their famous gumbo when I am in Memphis. We really enjoyed the set by Steve Howell, which was right before ours. Dave and I performed a well received show.to both our close friends and fans, and many new faces. Thanks to Betsie Brown for her great publicity work, Billy Gibson for lending me his great sounding, vintage Surpo amp, and Dale Baich of Blue Witch Records for his great support of Dave Riley and myself. Since we were the final act of the Showcase, the event segued right into the second night of the semi-finals. The way the IBCs work is that around 10 bands play each venue for two nights, and are graded by a panel of judges which differ each night. At the end of night number two, each venue will produce one winner who will be in the finals the next day. So each set is a heartfelt representation of that bands best effort. While starting out my night, I was delighted to get a surprise call from my friend Bharath Rajakumar, who I had no idea would be in Memphis. Bharath is a great harmonica player based in Montreal who is beginning to get some great industry recognition. Bharath was on his way to California to make a record with Junior Watson, and planned a stop in Memphis to cheer on his good friend Karl Cabbage, from San Diego, who was competing. So Bharath, Karl, and I spent lots of time together hanging out. We stopped by to see a fine set by fellow harmonica slinger Ryan Hartt and his band, the Blue Hearts, who were representing Connecticut, we ate some gumbo at Kings Palace, and we stopped in to numerous venues along Beale, before landing at Bob Margolin's after-party jam at the Rum Boogie (an IBC tradition). We all performed as did Zac Harmon (a former IBC winner), Candye Kane, Steve Marriner (of the band Monkey Junk), and others. Bob Margolin has a magical way of bringing people together, and making us all feel welcome. Since I had plans for an early morning I left early while the after-party was still in full throttle.

The next day was the KBA brunch, which I greatly enjoy each year. I received a Keeping The Blues Alive award three years ago for my radio show, so it is wonderful to see others accepting their awards, and to hear the many heartfelt speeches. It was great to see David Fricke of Rolling Stone Magazine humbly telling of the magazine's commitment to blues. It was gratifying to see old friends Rien and Marion Wisse of the Dutch publication Block Magazine, accept the award for Blues Print Media. How great it was to see Pat Morgan, who I have had the privilege of working closely with over the years, receiving a KBA for Best Manager / Agent for her amazing work with Pinetop Perkins and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith. Jay Sieleman was presented with a surprise award for his great work in advancing the Blues Foundation as it's Executive Director. Each speech was individually spectacular and heartfelt, and showed the depth and commitment of those people who organize, promote, and encourage the blues behind the scenes. The Blues Foundation does a great service by recognizing these unsung heroes of the blues. To see a list of this year's KBA recipients click here.

After the late night I caught an afternoon nap while the Solo / Duo Finals were taking place but I was able to make the band finals. This took place at the beautiful Orpheum Theater, a luxuriously ornate facility that used to be the venue for the Handy Awards (now called the Blues Music Awards) before the awards expanded, and therefore needed to move to the Cook Convention Center. I caught most of the acts while alternately spending time in the lobby which was the place to hang and socialize. When Grady Champion of Mississippi was announced the winner, the event was likely moving into after-party mode with Beale Street just a few steps away. I opted to get my rest since I had an early flight back to Phoenix the next day, and a radio show to host the next night. I left Memphis with a warm, invigorated feeling after being around so many of my blues friends, and receiving so much goodwill and reaffirmation. The blues is a great family to be a part of. Congratulations to all the participants and to the Blues Foundation for a highly successful event.

- Bob Corritore

  • Lightnin' Hopkins on YouTube! Please enjoy these wonderful film clips of Lightnin' Hopkins, a true icon of Texas country blues. A clip from the Les Blank documentary The Blues According To Lightnin' Hopkins. Lightnin performs. "That Woman Named Mary" from 1967. Click here to see. "Mojo Hand" from 1962. Click here to see. The Blues According To Lightnin' Hopkins (Documentary opening scene) with Mance Lipscomb and Billy Bizor from 1967. Click here to see.

January 18, 2010

  • Off to the IBC! Dave Riley & Bob Corritore will head to Memphis this week to participate in the Blind Raccoon Showcase on Friday January 22nd, at Kings Palace, on Beale Street in Memphis. The event takes place from 11:30 to 5pm. This showcase coincides with the International Blues Competition, where hundreds of blues bands from all around the world come to compete. In addition to all these bands, many labels, press, and blues dignitaries also attend the IBC. Click here to read more about the International Blues Competition, and click here to see the flyer with show details and the full lineup.

  • New Big Walter Horton Reissue! Two obscure LPs by harmonica master Big Walter Horton have found their way onto CD for the very first time. Big Walter Horton / King Of The Harmonica Players is now out on the Deltacat label. This CD features 24 cuts; 17 of which were recorded in the early to mid 1970s with backing by Floyd Jones and Johnny Young. The other 10 are vintage recordings from the 50's featuring Horton playing with Tampa Red, Sunnyland Slim, Willie Dixon and Jimmy DeBerry. Horton's harmonica was magical with its bell-like tone and perfect phrasing, and his legacy lives on through reissues like this one. To read more about this CD, and to order it, click here. To see a photo page devoted to Big Walter Horton click here.

  • Nick Curran Diagnosed With Tongue Cancer. This sad news came from Harry Turner; 31 year old singer / guitarist Nick Curran has recently been diagnosed with tongue cancer and will be undergoing radiation treatments. Though still a young man, Nick is a road veteran, having worked with various, blues, rockabilly, and roots rock acts including The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Ronnie Dawson, Kim Lenz, and his own band Nick Curran and the Nitelifes, Nick has a new CD just out on the Eclectro Groove record label, and was to have numerous national and international tours that are now all postponed. Prayers to Nick, as he fights this battle. To see the official press release click here. To see Nick's myspace page click here.

  • RIP Arnie Caplin, May 8, 1929 - December 25th, 2009. Arnie Caplin, the founder of Biograph Records, died on Dec 25th, at a nursing home in Massachusetts. He was 80. Arnie was a jazz drummer and artist before starting his Biograph Records in 1967. The Biograph label would release over 250 titles in the genres of blues, jazz, ragtime and folk music. Blues releases included Bukka White, Skip James, Reverend Gary Davis, Furry Lewis, Robert Wilkins, Son House, Leadbelly, and more. In addition to his blues work, Arnie had a major influence in bringing forth the ragtime music of the now famous Scott Joplin. Though a behind the scenes force in the blues, the importance of Arnie Caplin can not be overemphasized. To read more about Arnie's life, click here, and to see the Biograph discography click here . Thank you Arnie for your great work.

  • RIP Teddy Pendegrass, March 26,1950 - January 13, 2010. Best known for his stirring, romantic soul songs of the 70s, Pendegrass rose to popularity as lead singer of Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes, before creating a string of his own hits. Pendegrass' life was severely altered in 1982, when a tragic auto accident left him paralyzed. Despite his crippling injury he remained active in music throughout his life. He also created the Teddy Pendergrass Alliance, a foundation that helps those with spinal cord injuries. He died in Philadelphia on Wednesday of complications from colon cancer. He was 59. He will be remembered as a superstar of the highest degree. For his complete life story click here.

  • RIP Bobby Charles, February 21, 1938 – January 14, 2010. Louisiana Singer and Songwriter Bobby Charles Guidry, AKA Bobby Charles, is best know for being the writer of Fats Domino’s “Walking to New Orleans,” Bill Haley and the Comets’ “See You Later, Alligator,” and Clarence Frogman Henry’s “But I Do,” Charles died Thursday at his home in Abbeville, Louisiana at age 71, after a struggle with diabetes and cancer. He had recently completed an album called Timeless, which was co-produced by Dr. John and dedicated to Fats Domino. His beautiful songs helped to define the music of Louisiana, and will live on forever. For the complete story via the New York Times click here .

  • Martin Luther King Video Links. On this day, set aside to honor the memory of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we present some video reflections of this great man and his timeless speeches. We start with a blues clip of J.B. Lenoir and Fred Below performing with interspersed images and sound bytes from the civil rights movement (click here to see). The Staple Singers, inspired by Dr. King, were part of the soundtrack of the civil rights movement, and here is a clip of their song, "Freedom Highway" with photos from that time period (click here to see). Here are some powerful speeches by Martin Luther King: To see Dr. King's "I Have A Dream" speech click here. To see his "How Long? Not Long" speech click here. To see his prophetic final speech, the day before his assassination, click here. Dr King's brilliant words are as current today as they were 5 decades ago.

January 7, 2010

  • RIP Earl Gaines August 19, 1935 Dec 31, 2009. The blues world mourns the loss of R&B vocalist Earl Gaines who died on New Year's Eve at a Nashville hospital.  He was 74. Gaines was a magnificent vocalist who was closely associated with the Nashville R&B scene. He first came into prominence as the lead vocalist of Louis Brooks & His Hi-Toppers with the hit "It's Love Baby" (AKA "24 Hours A Day"). He would later emerge as a solo artist with a number of hits including “The Best of Luck to You” in 1966 and “Hymn Number 5” in 1973. He recorded for numerous record labels including Starday, King, DeLuxe, Excello, Champion, Poncello, Hanna-Barbera, HBR, Athens, Sound Stage 7, Ace, Meltone, Appaloosa, Black Top, Ecko and Blue Fye. He was a featured artist on the 2005 Grammy-winning best historical album, Night Train To Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues 1945–1970. His loss comes on the heels of other recently deceased Nashville R&B greats such as Johnny Jones, and To read the story of his passing in the Tennessean click here

  • RIP WilIie Mitchell, March 1, 1928 - January 5, 2010 The following obituary comes courtesy of the recording academy via Betsie Brown of Blind Raccoon. We are deeply saddened by the passing of Willie Mitchell. An accomplished trumpeter who led one of the region's premier bands of the '50s, he made the transition to recording star at Hi Records in the '60s. At Hi he became a vital part of the organization by engineering, producing, scouting talent and eventually running the label. A true renaissance man, Willie Mitchell created his own Memphis sound - a uniquely sophisticated brand of funk. He put together one of the world's greatest rhythm sections - Hi Rhythm – featuring Teenie Hodges on guitar, Charles Hodges on organ, Leroy Hodges on bass and drummer Howard Grimes. He made stars of Ann Peebles, Otis Clay, O.V. Wright and Syl Johnson, creating recordings still revered, covered and sampled to this day. In 1969 while on tour with his Willie Mitchell Band, he met a young singer from Michigan in Midland, Texas and brought him back to Memphis. Together, he and Al Green made history, creating an unparalleled body of work featuring arguably the greatest voice in soul backed by Mitchell's unique mix of gritty southern R&B and elegant arrangements. In 2007 he was recognized by the Memphis Chapter of The Recording Academy at The Recording Academy Honors. In 2008 he received an even larger honor from The Recording Academy at the 50th annual Grammy Awards - The Trustees Award. His impact on Memphis and music is immeasurable. There will probably never be another one like him.

  • Rhythm Room All-Stars appear Friday & Saturday at the Rhythm Room. The Rhythm Room All-Stars feature Big Pete Pearson, Bob Corritore, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, Brian Fahey will appear this Friday and Saturday at their home base and namesake. Also on the bill will be Dave Riley, who will make a guest appearance each night. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Rd. Rack Shack BBQ will be available for purchase.

  • Brian Fahey Cover Story to be released in Belgium's Back To The Roots Magazine. Rhythm Room All-Stars Drummer, Brian Fahey will appear on the cover of the next issue of Back To The Roots Magazine and will have a featured interview. Brian is a well credentialed drummer in both blues and rockabilly. He is best known for his many years with the Paladins but has also worked with William Clarke (he was William's last drummer), Smokey Wilson, Charlie Musselwhite, and others. This issue will be out this week! For a look at the cover click here. Thank you to Back To The Roots editor Franky Bruneel!

  • Elvin Bishop Releases Benefit CD to help Little Smokey Smothers. Elvin Bishop has released an album with his longtime friend and musical mentor, "Little Smokey" Smothers to help during a time of need. Smokey has had declining health over the last few years and recently has lost both his legs to diabetes. Elvin met Smokey in Chicago in 1960 while attending regular college at the University of Chicago and "blues college" on the south and west sides. Smokey would have a steady mostly local career in the Chicago blues scene, while Elvin would gain prominence, first with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and then as an artist in his own right. The CD is called "Chicago Blues Buddies" and is produced by blues kingpin Dick Shurman. It features both studio and live recordings as well as an interview with the blues buddies conducted at the Chicago Blues Festival. Elvin paid for this project and all revenues are going directly to Smokey. To read Linda Cain's article about this release in the Bluegrass Special click here.To purchase this CD click here.

  • Year end recap additions. Here are a few items that I realized I did not mention in the 2009 recap. I failed to mention the October 24th show with the Rhythm Room All-Stars at the Rhythm Room when portrait artist / harmonica player Rusty Walker presented Big Pete Pearson and I with beautiful full size portraits. Click here to see some photos. I also failed to mention in the list of Rhythm Room shows a "Women of Boogie Woogie" night that we presented with Lisa Otey, Wendy DeWitt, Dona Oxford, and Sue Palmer.

  • Vintage Ruth Brown on YouTube! Ruth Brown was an R & B fireball! She recorded a string of hits for Atlantic during the 1950s and remained active in music until she died of cancer a few years back. Check out her amazing gown, her radiant and rowdy personality, and her wonderful voice as she sings and charms her way through three songs performed during the mid 50's. To see Ruth performing "Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean", click here , "Oh What A Dream"  click here, and "Teardrops From My Eyes", click here. Go Miss Rhythm!

January 4, 2010

  • 2009 Recap. 2009 was filled with great tours, club and festival dates, record releases, wonderful recognition, and personal achievement. On the down side the recession was felt by everyone, I dealt with a dislocated shoulder (it's much better now), and I parted ways with Kim Danielson, my loving partner of six years. But through it all, I felt that all my blues associates and myself moved forward and made some very substantial things happen. I am very grateful for the huge support system around me and the interest and acceptance that my music has been shown. A heartfelt thank you to everyone!

CDs (and LPs) Released:

I was associated with 7 CD releases in 2009, either as a player, producer or both!

Big Pete Pearson / Finger In Your Eye (VizzTone / Southwest Musical Arts Foundation)

Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars / Live at Lahnstein (Collectors Only label). This CD is a bootleg. I guess you are on the road to making it when people start bootlegging your live performances.

Dave Riley & Bob Corritore / Lucky To Be Living (Blue Witch Records)

Lucerne Blues Festival 2009 (1 cut by Dave Riley & Bob Corritore and another cut by Tomcat Courtney on this various artists collection).

Jimmy Rogers / Feelin' Good (Blind Pig) Released as a limited edition LP only collectors item. I play on and produced  the two bonus tracks on this record.

Louisiana Red / Back to the Black Bayou (Ruf Records). I play on two tracks on this highly acclaimed record produced by Little Victor.

Various Artists / Broadcasting The Blues (Southwest Musical Arts Foundation) A 25th anniversary celebration of Bob Corritore's radio show with Billy Boy Arnold, Otis Clay, Johnny Rawls, Lowell Fulson, Lazy Lester, Tomcat Courtney, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, Henry Gray, Johnny Dyer, and more!

Recording Sessions and Video Filmings. Great sessions in 2009 with Dave Riley, Big Pete Pearson, Chris James and Patrick Rynn, Henry Gray, Eddy Clearwater, Tomcat Courtney, Louisiana Red, Bharath & His Rhythm Four, Elmore James, Jr., The Sugar Thieves. I also participated in 2 major blues filmings: A Bob Riedy Chicago Blues Band Reunion with Eddy Clearwater, and the Six Generations Of The Blues filming at SPACE in Evanston, Illinois where I performed with Chris James & Patrick Rynn with Willie "Big Eyes" Smith and Allen Batts in the band. Also filmed that night were Honeyboy Edwards, Big Jack Johnson, Johnny Drummer, John Primer, Rob Stone, and Aron Burton.

Nominations & Awards and Recognition. Bob and his associates were up for numerous awards this year.

Dave Riley & Bob Corritore / Lucky To Be Living won best blues album 2009 in the Star Blues Awards.

The Song "Lucky To Be Living" is nominated for an Independent Music Award for "Best Blues Song" as is the song "Mr. Coffee" by Chris James and Patrick Rynn

Chris James & Patrick Rynn / Stop and Think About It won a Blues Blast Music Award for best debut Artist. They were also nominated for best blues song for "Mr. Coffee".

Chris James & Patrick Rynn / Stop and Think About It was nominated for a 2009 BMA for "Best New Artist Debut".

Bob Corritore was hailed "Best Blues Man" by the New Times "Best Of Phoenix" Awards. To see this article, click here.

Louisiana Red / Back To The Black Bayou won France's Academie Charles Cros Award for "Best Blues Album 2009".

Louisiana Red / Back to the Black Bayou was nominated for 2 BMAs; "Traditional Blues Album Of The Year" and "Blues Album Of The Year".

Big Pete Pearson's song "Finger In Your Eye" and Chris James & Patrick Rynn's song "Your Gone" received nominations from Radio Baker Street from France for "Single de L'Annee" or the "Single Of the Year".

Big Pete Pearson / Finger In Your Eye was #1 on the Collectif des Radios Blues charts.

Dave Riley and Bob Corritore were # 1 on the Collectif des Radios Blues charts.

Big Pete Pearson / Finger In Your Eye was # 12 in August on the Living Blues Radio Charts

Dave Riley & Bob Corritore / Lucky To Be Living was # 5 in September and # 10 in October on the Living Blues Radio Charts.

Patrick Rynn (bassist in the Rhythm Room All-Stars) was nominated for a 2010 BMA under the "Best Instrumentalist - Bass" category.

Rhythm Room won New Times readers choice as "Best Blues or Jazz Club" in their "Best Of Phoenix" issue.

Rhythm Room won AZ Central's Critic's Pick as "Best Small Concert Venue". Click here to see.

Congratulations to these BMA nominees who have participated in Bob's recording projects past and present: Henry Gray (a frequent recording collaborator), David Maxwell, Duke Robillard, Mookie Brill, Bob Stroger, Larry Taylor, Kim Wilson, Rick Estrin, and Eddie Shaw.

Dave Riley & Bob Corritore / Lucky To Be Living was nominated for House Of Blues Radio's Record Of The Year.

Festivals and great gigs: Another amazing year filled with great on-stage moments! I performed a number of shows with The Rhythm Room All-Stars (Big Pete Pearson, Bob Corritore, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, and Brian Fahey), Chris James & Patrick Rynn (who do gigs under their own name as well as with the Rhythm Room All-Stars), Dave Riley & Bob Corritore, Tomcat Courtney, and Louisiana Red, I also appeared with the Bob Riedy Blues Band with Eddy Clearwater, Henry Gray, Elmore James, Jr., Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, Paris James, Jessi Colter, and Mississippi Spoonman (with Big Jack Johnson). I also enjoyed some great sit-in experiences with Bob Margolin, Tail Dragger, Rockin' Johnny, Eddie C. Campbell, Janiva Magness, The Rocket 88's, Dave Waldman, Ardella Williams, Scott Dirks, Willie Buck, Kaz Kazanoff, Tommy Castro, Egidio "Juke" Ingala, Jerry Lawson, Ronnie Whitehead, C.J. Chenier, JW Jones, Mighty Mike Schermer, Nina Curry, and more! I did two European tours, and one Canadian blues festival appearance. I performed at two live filmings.

Here is a recap of some of the great gigs and performances of the year:

Dave Riley and I doing a duet opening set for Zac Harmon at the Rhythm Room (January 9)

A benefit for the New Arid Club, a Phoenix organization benefiting homeless and at risk people. Dave Riley and I were part of the event. (Jan 24).

Performing at Tomcat Courtney's 80th birthday party at Humphrey's in San Diego! What an honor! (Jan 30th).

The Blind Raccoon Showcase with Chris James & Patrick Rynn at the Rum Boogie during the International Blues Competition. Thank you Billy Gibson for lending me your cool Supro amp! (Feb 6).

The 25th Anniversary Party for "Those Lowdown Blues", with the Rhythm Room All-Stars plus Henry Gray, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, Johnny Rapp, Jerry Lawson, and more! (Feb 20).

Blues Blast Festival, at the Mesa Amphitheater, appearing as part of a Phoenix All-Star show with closed out the festival. (Feb 21)

Blues Blast after-party hosted by the Rhythm Room All-Stars with guest appearances by The Sugar Thieves, Janiva Magness and members of her band, and George Bowman (Feb 21).

The 15th Annual Music Festival and Carnival celebrating Black History Month in Peoria, Arizona, appearing on separate sets with Dave Riley, then Big Pete Pearson (Feb 28)

Dave Riley's 60th Birthday Party at the Rhythm Room. Click here to see a photo of the notorious ass cake (March 7)

Dave Riley & I opened up for T-Model Ford at the Rhythm Room (March 21)

Film Shooting of the reunion of the Bob Riedy Blues Band with the amazing Eddy Clearwater. This at the Rhythm Room (April 17)

Appearing at the Rhythm Room with Tomcat Courtney (May 1st)

The BMAs, appearing with Chris James & Patrick Rynn with special guest David Maxwell. Killer set! (May 7th)

Simply The Blues Festival in Fort Madison, Iowa with Chris James & Patrick Rynn as part of an Earwig Music night that also included Johnny Drummer and Liz Mandeville, Thanks to the late Alvin Short for letting me use his wonderful amp! (May 9th)

Blues Station, in France with the Rhythm Room All-Stars (May 15)

The Spring Blues Festival in Belgium! The Rhythm Room All-Stars did a great set. The fest lineup was superb and included Joe Louis Walker, Sugar Ray, James Harman, Mac Arnold, Fruteland Jackson (May 16)

The Blue Cloud in Belgium. What a warm audience of knowledgeable blues fans! Thanks to Franky Bruneel of Back To The Roots magazine for setting up this tour. (May 17)

Chico Chism's memorial birthday bash. Dave Riley and I appeared at this event which was all about loving the late Chico Chism (May 23)

Quiescence in Phoenix. I appeared with Paris James and Big Pete Pearson (May 28)

Big Pete Pearson CD Release Party for Finger in Your Eye (March 29 and 30)

Fat Tone Guitars in Northbrook, IL. Chris, Patrick, and I did a workshop as part of the Earwig 30th anniversary celebrations of the week (June 11th)

Blues On The North Shore, a filming that lead to the documentary "Six Generations Of The Blues" again celebrating Earwig Music. I appeared with Chris James and Patrick Rynn with Allen Batts, and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith! Also appearing were, Johnny Drummer, Big Jack Johnson, John Primer, Rob Stone and the amazing Honeyboy Edwards. A very special night. (June 12th)

Chicago Blues Festival, Front Porch stage, performing a set honoring Sunnyland Slim with Allen Batts, Aaron Moore, Chris James & Patrick Rynn, Kenny Smith, Rob Stone (Rob and I split up the harnonica chores) and Rodney Brown. A great set! (June 13th)

Reggie's in Chicago, performing with Tail Dragger, Rockin' Johnny, and Eddie C. Campbell for a Delmark Records showcase. Also appearing were Johnny B. Moore, Jesse Fortune, Scott Dirks, Nico Wayne Toussaint, Big Jack Johnson, Cadillac Zack and Rick Kreher (June 13th)

Woodlawn Taproom with Ardella Williams, Dave Waldman, Scott Dirks, Willie Buck

The Cisco Ottawa Blues Festival appearing with the Rhythm Room All-Stars, Louisiana Red, with David Maxwell and Kaz Kazanoff's Texas Horns, adding to each of our 5 sets (July 17, 18, 19)

Louisiana Red at the Rhythm Room (July 24 25)

Down Home Blues Festival at the Rhythm Room with the Rhythm Room All-Stars as host band plus Elmore James Jr., Henry Gray, and Dave Riley (Sept 6)

CD Release Party for Lucky To Be Living (Sept 12)

Old Town Artisans in Tucson for a CD release party for Finger In Your Eye. Pinetop Perkins did a guest set that night. (Sept 18)

The Bisbee Blues Festival with the Rhythm Room All-Stars doing a great set and then backing Pinetop Perkins (Sept 19)

Tempe Center For The Arts, billed as "Bob Corriitore and his Blues Friends" with Dave Riley, Big Pete Pearson, Tomcat Courtney, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, and Brian Fahey.(Sept 25)

My Birthday Bash at the Rhythm Room with The Rhythm Room All-Stars, Big Pete Pearson, Dave Riley, Tomcat Courtney, Jerry Lawson, and Tomcat Courtney! (Sept 26)

The Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival in Helena, Arkansas, with Dave Riley for a CD release party at the Delta Cultural Center, then a set with Mississippi Spoonman featuring Big Jack Johnson, then a guest appearance on the main stage with Bob Margolin, Bob Stroger, and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith (Oct 10th)

Hopson's Plantation for Pinetop's Homecoming. Dave Riley and I opened up the proceedings with a duet set followed by a non stop array of great talent! (Oct 11)

Buddy Guy's Legends for the Blues Blast Music Awards. Chris James & Patrick Rynn won an award Best Debut Artist! (Oct 29th)

A month long Tour of Switzerland and France! I performed with Dave Riley, and Tomcat Courtney, as well as a couple appearances with the Rhythm Room All-Stars. This tour included the Lucerne Blues Festival, Blues Sur Seine Festival, The Beautiful Swamp Blues Festival, Blues Night in Visp, The Rat Pack Club, Blues Station, Nuit du Blues, La Mamiselle, numerous Blues in the schools, and a performance at a French prison. (the entire month of November).

Blues Harmonica Showcase, at the Rhythm Room with around 25 harmonica players and the Rocket 88's as host band (Dec 9th)

Private new years eve party at Riva Yares Gallery performing a show with the great Jessi Colter (Jan 31st) 

Plus many great nights at the Rhythm Room performing just some good old plain gigs (non-event shows) with the Rhythm Room All-Stars, Dave Riley and Tomcat Courtney.

Interviews Many Interviews this year. Here are the ones that come to mind; La Hora Del Blues from Spain (Monte Adkison, interviewer), IL Blues from Italy (Marino Grande), Blues and Rhythm from the UK (Mike Stephenson), Rootstime (Belgium), Blues Van from Hungary (Attila Horváth), KVMR (Steve Cagel), KJZZ (with Terry Ward) , Arizona Republic (with Larry Rodgers), New Times (Benjamin Leatherman) Six Generations Of The Blues (with Lynn Orman and Michael Frank), KFFA (with Sonny Payne), KBCO (with Cheryll "Bluebird" Koehne), Associated Press (with Shelia Hardwell), House Of Blues Radio (with Elwood Blues), WMWV (with Roy Prescott),Website, Baker Street Blues (Xavier Boulanger), Jazz 'n' More from Switzerland (Marco Piazzalonga), Concerto Magazin of Austria (Dietmar Hoscher), Neue Luzerner Zeitung of Switzerland (Ismail Osman), Le Net Blues of Quebec, Canada (Aldo Druda).

Passings. Always so hard to say goodbye to the many great blues people that passed away. Here is the list of those who have left us. There may be some that I have missed: James Odell Johnson Jr. (of the Whispers), Ray Topping (of Ace Records), Sam Taylor, Claude Joseph Johnson Jr. (of Ray Charles Band), Reverend Leroy Taylor (of the Soul Stirrers), Leroy Cooper, Leslie Carole Johnson (of Mississippi Rag Magazine), Al Harris, David "Fathead" Newman, Hank Crawford, Piney Brown, Snooks Eaglin, Mark Sallings, John Cephas, Willie King, Lester Davenport, Eddie Bo, Mel Brown, Manuel Arrington, Michael "Dr. Mike" James, Ted Jarrett (songwriter "You Can Make It If You Try"), Roosevelt Dean, Rocky Hill, Pee Wee Moore, Stephen Bruton, Ashton Savoy, Koko Taylor. Sam Butera, Nick Holt, Wesley "Junebug" Jefferson, Betty Miller (Southern California Blues Society), Billy Lee Riley, Les Paul, Jim Dickinson, Johnny Carter (of the Flamingos and the Dells), Marie Knight, Jesse Fortune, Kenny Martin, Doris Carr, Sam Carr, Willie "Big Bo" Thomas Jr., Freddie Robinson, Alex "Easy Baby" Randle, Johnny Jones, Dennis Brooks, Luther Dixon, Norton Buffalo, Terry Scott (VP of the Phoenix Blues Society), Sara Moore (Sara's Kitchen), Big John Evans, Alvin Short,  Cam Waters and Earl Gaines. Please forgive me if I left anyone out of this list. Each of these people are remembered warmly for their contributions to the blues.

KJZZ. In 2009, it was an extreme honor to celebrate the 25th anniversary of my radio program, Those Lowdown Blues! The anniversary celebration included a commemorative CD called Broadcasting The Blues released on the Southwest Musical Arts Foundation label, featuring magical on air live performances spanning the full 25 years! Special thanks to recently retired station general manager, Carl Matthusen and reassigned Program Director Scott Williams for their many years of support of the program. I look forward to working with KJZZ veteran Bill Shedd as the new Associate General Manager (and effectively the new program director) as we continue the show's grand tradition. It is the greatest of joys to present the blues and its glorious recorded legacy, week after week and year after year.  Thank you KJZZ for this honor!

Rhythm Room Concert Club: My nightclub presented a wide array of blues shows. National acts and Phoenix-based acts included Kim Wilson, Candye Kane, Tomcat Courtney, Long John Hunter, Phillip Walker, Elmore James, Jr. , Henry Gray, Curtis Salgado, Tommy Castro, Janiva Magness, T-Model Ford, Bob Riedy Blues Band featuring Eddy Clearwater, Eric Lindell, Ivan Neville's Dumpstafunk, Leon Redbone, Leon Russell, Guitar Shorty, Smokin' Joe Kubek Band featuring B'Nois King, Saffire - The Uppity Blues Woman, Richie Havens, Soul Of John Black, Gil Scott-Heron , Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers, Louisiana Red, Walter Trout, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, Dumpstafunk, Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, Hillstomp, Rory Block, Chris Duarte, Rumble King, Tab Benoit, Lil' Dave Thompson, Fremonts, Hans Olson, Bad News Blues Band, Delrayz, Rocket 88's, Big Nick & The Gila Monsters, Sugar Theives, Jump Back Brothers,  Big Pete Pearson, and, of course The Rhythm Room All-Stars

Other cool things! Tomcat Courtney appeared on the cover of Back To The Roots Mazine (Belgium) with a beautiful in depth article. While I was in Lucerne, Thomas Torkler from Blues News magazine (Germany) presented me with a beautiful 2010 blues photo calendar in which January displayed photo of Chris James & myself playing last year at the Lahnstein Blues festival. We shared calendar status with Buddy Guy, Kim Wilson, B.B. King, Janiva Magness, Charlie Musselwhite, Honey Piazza, and more. What an honor and a surprise! The documentary, Six Generations Of the Blues, was aired nationally in November on the MHz Worldview Network! The Bob Corritore Blues Newsletter was listed in the special thanks of the Freddie King Box on Bear Family. I was able to contribute source material for Little Walter / The Complete Chess Masters, and was credited as such in the booklet.

Special Thanks to the behind the scenes heroes. I could not accomplish the work I do without a brilliant team behind me, so here are some of the people that helped to support the cause in 2009: Kim Danielson who worked tirelessly for my cause until our our September parting of the ways. George Thomas Vaught, best known as the long time friend of Chico Chism, who took over Kim Danielson's work as webmaster and newsletter facilitator, Mona Watkins, the General Manager of the Rhythm Room, who runs the shop while I am off doing blues projects, Jennifer Waters, my blues assistant at KJZZ, The Phoenix Blues Society, who work hard to move the Phoenix Blues scene forward, Tony Tingle, who has done great volunteer work for the Southwest Musical Arts Foundation and who sells CDs at my gigs, Martin Elmers, owner of the Rack Shack Barbecue at the Rhythm Room, Michael Frank of Earwig Music, Dale Baich and Beth Lipham of Blue Witch Records, Bob Margolin, Richard Rosenblatt and Chip Eagle of VizzTone, Jerry Del Giudice and Edward Chmelewski of Blind Pig Records, Randy Chortkoff of Delta Groove Productions, Betsie Brown of Blind Raccoon for her great work as a publicist, Lynn Orman of Orman Music and Media Group, Scott Dirks, Clarke Rigsby of Tempest Recorders, John Wrobble and Jeff Harris of Porcupine Productions, Tony Amado at AI Design, Dave Shirk of Sonorous Mastering, Bharath Rajakumar of Regal Radio Records, Collectif des Radios Blues, Music Choice, Bluesville on Sirius XM, my wonderful band members and musical collaborators, all of the writers, reviewers, photographers, publications, festivals, blues societies, radio show hosts and programmers, friends, and fans who have shown me the warmth of their support. A heartfelt thank you everyone!

The Promise of 2010. I look forward to enjoying channeling the momentum of 2009 into the new year. I am currently finishing up some sides that will comprise half of Diunna Greenleaf CD (Diunna will produce and organize the other half). I am also working on a CD to celebrate my 40th year of harmonica playing with an amazing list of special guests that include Koko Taylor, Jimmy Rogers, Little Milton, Nappy Brown, Honeyboy Edwards, Pinetop Perkins, Robert Lockwood, Jr., Smokey Wilson, Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater, Henry Gray and many more. It will be similar in approach to my 1999 All-Star Blues Sessions CD. Look for that to be released mid year. Also in the pipeline for an early 2010 release on Southwest Musical Arts Foundation Records is Flyin' High; A collection of Phoenix Blues, Rhythm, and Spirit from the 1950's and 60's. Look for a new 2010 CD by Chris James & Patrick Rynn that I play on. I have heard that Earwig Music may release a DVD of the blues documentary Six Generations Of The Blues. Additionaly, I have many masters that are needing to be released and I hope to make as much of that happen as possible in this new year. Who knows where this blues road will take us but it will surely be filled with the joy and support of those like-minded people in our wonderful blues community. Wishing everyone a wonderful 2010!

- Bob Corritore

Archive
`