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What's New!

March 10, 2010

  • Rhythm Room All-Stars appear Friday and Saturday at the Rhythm Room! The Rhythm Room All-Stars return to their home base for a weekend of house rockin' and blues shoutin'. The Rhythm Room All-Stars consist of Big Pete Pearson, Bob Corritore, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, and Brian Fahey. This weekend special guest Dave Riley will stop in to do a guest set. Doors are at 8pm with a 8pm showtime. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85257.

  • RIP Patte' Williams - November. 21, 1945 to March 8, 2010. Phoenix's first lady of soul, Patte' Williams (AKA Patti Williams) passed away Saturday, March 8 while recuperating in the hospital from surgery a few days before. She was 64. Though barely known outside the Phoenix area, and terribly under-recorded, Patte' Williams was considered by many to be Phoenix's top female soul singer. She possessed a powerful, gospel inflected singing voice that was often compared to that of Aretha Franklin. During the seventies she released a wonderful single called "One Time Around Kind Of Thing" and she reportedly had some small parts in the Rudy Ray Moore Movie Human Tornado, as well as in Car Wash. She performed regularly in Phoenix and was also very active in the church community. She was a beautiful woman with kind word and a smile for everyone. She will be greatly missed. To hear Patte' singing "Doing The Best That I Can" click here. To see a YouTube Clip of Patte' performing "Damn Your Eyes" at the Rhythm Room click here. To see an interview on Backstage Pass with both Chico Chism and Patte' Click here. Thank you Patte', for blessing Phoenix with your musical gifts and your exemplary dignity.

  • Rhythm Room All-Stars activities. The Rhythm Room All-Stars have been actively involved in various musical projects and activities. Chris James and Patrick Rynn are working on the finishing touches of their sophomore release on the Earwig label. The new CD is called Gonna Boogie Anyway. Chris has also produced a forthcoming CD by harmonica player Rob Stone (Chris' long time associate). Patrick Rynn, who was recently nominated for a BMA in the bass player category, has a interview feature in the latest issue of Big City Blues. Brian Fahey is on the cover of the most recent issue of Belgium's Back To The Roots Magazine. Brain will also participate in a two week Paladins reunion tour in Europe in early May. Bob Corritore is working on his next album called Harmonica Blues with an amazing array of special guests. Big Pete Pearson is recovering nicely from knee replacement surgery and after a week was already back to performing!

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

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