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December 31, 2006 - Reflecting On 2006

  • Thanks to all the fans, DJs, talent buyers, promoters, labels, writers, venues, and festivals for their support. This year was a banner year for Bob Corritore, filled with CD releases, recording sessions, great live performances with great artists, travel, friends and family, my beautiful and loving girlfriend, awards and recognition, and some sad goodbyes to great elder statesmen of the blues no longer with us. Here is a list of Bob Corritore’s highlights for this year.

CDs Released:

Bob performed at the following blues festivals and high profile events:

Other notable gigs and appearances:

Recording Sessions with the following great artists (Some as a producer, some as a performer, and some as both at the same time):

Awards and Recognitions

Passings

Thanks everyone for a truly blessed year – here’s to the promise of the new year - best wishes to all for 2007!

-Bob Corritore

December 25, 2006

  • James Brown Passes: It is with great sadness on this Christmas Day that we pass on the news of James Brown's passing. Considered by many to be the "Godfather of Soul", James Brown had his beginnings in R&B with his great band, The Famous Flames, and would later become one of the architects of funk music. His importance to music as we know it today cannot be overemphasized. For the complete Associated Press story, click here.

December 20, 2006

  • Chico Chism Health Update: Our friend Chico Chism has been in tentative health lately. He remains in care of the staff at the Kivel Campus of Care, 3020 N. 36th Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85018. Phone: (602) 956-3110. He has lost a lot of weight, and has been experiencing dementia. Chico is planning on making an appearance at his party, but it is unlikely that he will be in any kind of shape to play. Chico is very excited about this party, and if he wasn’t, quite frankly, the nurses wouldn’t allow him out of the care facility. Please be prepared for this when you see Chico. Let’s celebrate and honor this wonderful person who has blessed this community with his charm and talent. We will post information as we know more.

December 19, 2006

  • Chico Chism Christmas Party this Friday at the Rhythm Room: A huge lineup of great blues artists will honor Chico Chism at the Chico Chism Christmas Party, happening Friday, December 22, 2006 at the Rhythm Room. Just added to the bill are Paris James and Leon Blue. Texas Red will also be flying in from Los Angeles to make a guest appearance. Bassist Tom Leavey (of the Mannish Boys) will be in town to hold down the bottom. Arizona's King of the Blues, Big Pete Pearson, as well as vocalists Ronnie Whitehead and George Bowman will make scheduled appearances. Johnny Rapp and Mike Howard will be guitarists in the house band. Brian Fahey will be the drummer, and of course, Bob Corritore on harmonica. Chico Chism will be making various vocal appearances throughout the night, and will kick off the evening at 8:30 with the Flamekeepers (his current band). Chico will be selling copies of his CD, West Side Chicago Blues Party. Chico Chism is best known as Howlin' Wolf's last drummer. He has recorded with Sunnyland Slim, T.V. Slim, Eddie Shaw and the Wolf Gang, Bo Diddley, Jimmy Rogers, Henry Gray, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, Mojo Buford, Louisiana Red, Lil' Ed, and countless others. Chico, now 79 years old, moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1986 to partner up with Bob Corritore, and to bring his Chicago blues drumming out west. Over the years, Bob and Chico have made numerous live performances and recording sessions together. In 2002, Chico suffered a stroke, which has limited his ability to perform. But he still gets up to sing a few numbers, and always brings the house down. Chico's precious personality is dearly loved in Phoenix as it is any place where he has previously lived or played. This event takes place Friday, December 22, 2006 at the Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85014. Doors open at 7:30pm, admission is $6.00. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed. Check www.bobcorritore.com for many great photo pages of Chico Chism.
  • Bob's Annual Christmas Radio Show this Sunday on KJZZ: It's that time of year again! On Sunday, December 24, 2006 from 6pm to 11pm Phoenix time, Bob Corritore will present his annual Christmas blues special. You can expect five hours of Christmas-themed blues, rhythm and blues, and soul with a few Christmas songs sung by blues artists thrown in for good measure. You can check out KJZZ in Phoenix at 91.5 FM in Phoenix, Arizona, 89.5 in Cottonwood, 90.1 in Prescott, 98.9 in Tucson, and 99.1 in Kingman. To hear Bob's radio program Those Lowdown Blues anywhere in the world (real time) via web streaming, click here.
  • Homesick James Funeral Arrangements: This information comes from the Blues Foundation website: Homesick's wake and visitation are Friday, December 22, 2006 from 5pm to 7pm. His funeral is Saturday, December 23, 2006 at noon. Both take place at Barlow Funeral Home: 205 N. Main St., Covington, Tennessee, 38019-2103. For more information, call (901)476-9675.
  • Tina Mayfield Funeral Arrangements: This information comes from the Blues Foundation website: Tina Mayfield passed away at her home with her family at her side on Thursday, December 14, 2006 at 10:40am. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 23, 2006, 11:00am, at the First A.M.E. Church located at 2270 S. Harvard, Los Angeles California, 90018. Please forward flowers/cards to Inglewood Mortuary. Video taping of the services will not be allowed. Please do not bring cell phone cameras or recorders. Further details and information on services for Tina Mayfield can be obtained by calling (661)267-0495.
  • Congratulations to the BMA Nominees: The Blues Music Award nominees have been announced. Congratulations to everyone who made it on the ballot. So many of Bob's friends and musical associates are represented in these nominations. For a full list of nominees, click here. The Blues Music Awards are put on  by the Blues Foundation, and the award ceremony will take place on May 10, 2007 in Memphis. For more information, please click here. A photo page of last year's Blues Music Awards has recently been added, you may visit the page by clicking here.
  • Other New Photo Pages: Kevin Johnson of Delmark Records was so kind as to share a number of great vintage photos from the Delmark archives, which have been put up in Bob's photo section. To see these photos, click here. Other new pages include a vintage photo of King Karl (click here) and more in session photos (click here).

December 16, 2006

  • Homesick James Passes: Chicago blues legend Homesick James passed away Wednesday, December 13, at 11:15pm. He was in his mid-90s, but his own accounts of his age would vary. He passed away resting comfortably in his home in Springfield, Missouri. Funeral arrangements will be made by his family, and the funeral will take place on Saturday, December 23 in Covington, Tennessee, details forthcoming. This information comes to us from Michael Frank of Earwig Music.
  • Ahmet Ertegun Passes: Ahmet Ertegun, founder and A&R man for Atlantic Records, passed in New York City on December 14 at age 83. He and his label were single-handedly responsible for recording some of the greatest hits in blues, such as Ray Charles, Ruth Brown, Big Joe Turner, and LaVern Baker. These are just a few of the great Blues and R&B artists that recorded for Atlantic. For the story of this man's important life works, click here.
  • Tina Mayfield Passes: Word just came in that Tina Mayfield passed away this week. Tina was the wife of Percy Mayfield, and also looked after Lowell Fulson after Lowell's wife Sadie passed on. Tina was very outgoing and supportive of the blues and remained an easily accessible public figure, especially in California, until the last few years when cancer took its toll on her health.

It is at times like these with so many recent passings that we can reflect on the privilege that we have had in knowing these people (either personally or through their music) and the responsibility that we now bear in keeping this music moving forward. God bless these people and may their memory live on forever.

December 12, 2006

  • Bob Corritore to perform this Saturday with Big Pete Pearson at the West Valley Art Museum: Bob Corritore will be a special guest of the Big Pete Pearson Blues Band, Saturday, December 16, 2006 at the West Valley Art Museum, 17420 W. Avenue of the Arts, Surprise, AZ, 85374. The event starts at 7pm; admission is $10 for adults, $3 for children under 12, and $7 for students. For more information, call the museum at (623)972-0635.

Some other upcoming events involving Bob Corritore:

For a full lineup of what’s happening at the Rhythm Room, sign up for the mailing list or check the website.

  • Homesick James recovering: Legendary blues veteran Homesick James is currently at his home in Springfield, Missouri, after being hospitalized for a serious unspecified ailment. He is not currently able to play, and is receiving medical care. His long-time friend, Johnny Long (no pun intended) is with Homesick and is looking out for him.
  • Jay McShann passes: Blues and jazz piano legend Jay McShann passed away on December 7, 2006. He was 90 years old. Bob had the honor of presenting him at the Rhythm Room once in 1994 in a show arranged by Phoenix pianist Kirby Martin and the Phoenix Blues Society. Click here for the United Press obituary. This gentle giant of blues piano will be missed.
  • Bob Margolin recap: Bob Margolin was our very special guest last weekend, providing his great musical presence and deep Chicago blues roots. It was good to see my old friend who I have collaborated with on many studio projects. His guest appearance with the Rhythm Room All-Stars seemed to bring out the best in our band. Needless to say, we had a blast and we played some deep Chicago blues. Bob Margolin was the guitar player in Muddy Waters’ band for 7 years, and has remained one of the most active musicians in traditional blues with his great associations with so many legendary artists. In 2005, he was awarded a W.C. Handy Award for Best Blues Guitarist. It was our honor to have him as a special guest of the Rhythm Room All-Stars. Look for more collaborations with Bob Margolin in the future. While in town, Bob Margolin shared some of his treasured photos with me, which he allowed me to put up on the website to share with everyone. Check out the new Bob Margolin Photo Page with great photos of Muddy Waters, Pinetop Perkins, Willie Dixon, John Lee Hooker, Johnny Shines, and many more!

December 3, 2006

  • Bob Margolin appearing with the Rhythm Room All-Stars: Former Muddy Waters guitarist Bob Margolin graces the Rhythm Room All-Stars with a guest appearance this Friday and Saturday at the Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $7.00. Both nights will be patio smoking only events.
  • New Photo Pages Up: Some great new photo pages are up on Bob’s photo section. Check back frequently for more great photos; new photos and pages to come!
  • Recap of Robert Lockwood, Jr. Memorial Services: I was honored to attend the memorial services for Robert Lockwood, Jr. in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. To see Robert’s beautiful family and the great life he had carved for himself in his hometown was uplifting and gratifying. The public viewing in the Old Stone Church, the touching memorial service in the Old Stone Church, the internment at the Riverside Cemetery, and the post-funeral repast at The Agora were a fitting tribute to a man who meant so much to so many people. One of the things that really impressed me was how the City of Cleveland had embraced Robert as the legend he is. Some new people I met at these gatherings were Jay Westbrook, the City Councilman who was partially responsible for naming a street in Cleveland after Robert, and giving Robert the keys to the city, Terry Stewart, President and CEO of the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, and Robert's granddaughter Antunesia (Niecey) Harris, who was responsible for getting Robert his honorary doctorate from Case Western. Nick Amster served as a very congenial host and organizer. Robert Johnson’s grandson, Michael Johnson, had come to say a few words in honor of Robert. A number of guest speakers honored Robert in their own way, each contributing their heartfelt stories of Robert. Beautiful gospel music was performed at the service: Monalisa Hoare performed "Amazing Grace" and Tarah Davis performed two numbers, the sweet "Precious Lord", and the stirring "Soon I Will Be Done With The Trouble Of The World". A Cleveland-based harmonica player by the name of "Crazy" Marvin performed a beautiful harmonica instrumental spiritual number in honor of Robert. Later, Billy Branch who referred to himself as one of Robert's "musical puppies" did a beautiful version of "Amazing Grace" on harmonica. Robert's daughter, Natalie Lockwood, guided the proceedings with a strength and dignity that would have made her father proud. Among the attendees were all the members of Robert's band, as were blues legend Honeyboy Edwards, Michael Frank of Earwig Music, Boston Blues DJ Henri Bellows (WMWM in Salem, MA), Steve Hecht of Piedmont Talent, Dick Waterman, Travis "Moonchild" Haddix, Dale Baich of Blue Witch Records,  Wallace Coleman, Mike Dyson of the Blue Shoe Project, Steve Zamborsky, owner of Fat Fish Blue where Robert had a regular Wednesday night gig for many years, Dusty Scott of Dusty Blues, and many friends we recognized from our annual trip to Helena for the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival. Click here to view a scan of the Memorial Services program or visit my news articles pages. -Bob Corritore

November 29, 2006

  • Bob Corritore to be honored with KBA Award from Blues Foundation: This just in: Bob Corritore will be recognized by the Blues Foundation with a prestigious Keeping The Blues Alive Award for his blues contributions in Public Radio. His 5 hour weekly blues radio show "Those Lowdown Blues" on KJZZ-91.5FM airs Sunday nights from 6-11pm. The show can be heard in Phoenix at 91.5 FM or various frequencies throughout the state of Arizona (go to the web-site for these frequencies) , and can be heard via the internet streaming real time at www.kjzz.org. The show will reach its 23rd year in February, 2007. Bob wishes to thank Program Director Scott Williams and Station Manager Carl Mathusen for allowing Bob a safe and welcome home for his show, and for their years of support, and to the public radio listeners who have consistently shown support for Bob's programming for so many years. Special thanks also to Jennifer Waters, Bob's loyal assistant, who helps Bob with the behind-the-scenes work of producing a radio show. Bob will go to Memphis in early February to the award ceremony which will take place in conjunction with the International Blues Challenge, also put on by the Blues Foundation. Click here for the press release issued today by the Blues Foundation, including information about Bob, and the 20 other individuals and organizations that will also receive 2007 KBA Awards.

November 23, 2006

Public Viewing: Friday, December 1st, 4pm to 8pm, at Old Stone Church, 91 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113, in downtown Cleveland. Phone: (216)241-6145

Funeral: Saturday, December 2nd at 11am, also at Old Stone Church, 91 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113, in downtown Cleveland. Phone: (216)241-6145

Sympathy cards may be sent to

Mary Lockwood

7203 Lawnview Ave.

Cleveland, OH 44103

November 21, 2006

  • Robert Lockwood Jr. March 27,1915 - November 21, 2006: Robert Lockwood, Jr. passed away today at 5pm Ohio time in his hospital bed at University hospital at Case Western. He had been hospitalized and in critical condition since November 3rd from a blood vessel that had burst in his head. He was 91. Robert Jr.'s history in the blues was of the highest stature and he was playing at his best till right before he fell ill. His bio is available on his website which is www.robertlockwood.com. He would not want us to be upset. I once called Robert Jr. to inform him that his long time friend Dave Myers had passed, and he could hear the sadness in my voice. He strongly reprimanded me for being upset, and said in his stern way: "That is just part of life and you have to accept that and move on". Robert Jr. leaves us with the strength and pride that he had every day of his life. We will all miss him, but his music and legend will live on forever. Funeral information will follow as it is announced.

November 18, 2006

  • Robert Lockwood Jr. Health Update: As you know from prior updates, Robert Lockwood, Jr. had a blood vessel burst in his brain on Friday, November 3, 2006. We have been sending information as we get it. This just in from Paul McCarthy of the Cleveland-based Honeybee Records: He heard this from Robert's longtime bass player, Gene Schwartz, who has been visiting Robert every day. "Robert is still in critical condition but he is doing better. Though his lung had collapsed due to pneumonia, it was not punctured. He is not talking at this point, but he is out of intensive care". More news will be sent as it comes in.

November 17, 2006

November 15, 2006

  • This information about Robert Lockwood, Jr.'s health condition is just in from Steve Hecht of Piedmont Talent. (Prayers to Robert and his family.) "Robert is doing very poorly. One of his lungs collapsed last night. He is still in critical. Not looking very promising at all."

November 14, 2006

  • Robert Lockwood Jr. Health Update: Robert Lockwood, Jr. was hospitalized on Friday, November 3, 2006 for a burst blood vessel in his brain. This news just in via Dave Riley, who heard it today from Sonny Payne in Helena, Arkansas: Robert is now out of intensive care. He is still receiving food via IV. He is slurring when he speaks, and he cannot move one of his hands. The doctors are considering rehab. That's what I know at this point, but I will keep you posted as more information comes in. Prayers to Robert.

November 9, 2006

  • This just in from Steve at Piedmont Talent: "Robert Lockwood, Jr. is in critical but stable condition. Getting a little better each day, but still a long way to go." We will keep you posted as any information comes to us.

November 8, 2006

  • Harmonica Showcase Tomorrow: Bob Corritore will participate in a Harmonica Showcase featuring 20 of Phoenix's top players. The event is hosted by Bill Tarsha and the Rocket 88s; a listing of harmonica players is as follows in alphabetical order: Big Nick, Bill Tarsha, Blind Ronnie, Bob Corritore, Diana Lee, Dwight Miles, Gypsy, Harmonica Mark, John Calley, Johnny Tanner, Larry Dee, Larry Polk, Lee Poole, Mike Graves, Paul Klapper, Rob Hale, Roberto Jackson, Root Doctor, Roy Pinn, Rusty Walker, Sarge Lintecum, Walkin' Cane Mark, and many more TBA! This show takes place tomorrow, Thursday November 9, 2006 at the Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix. Doors open at 7pm; showtime is 8pm. The cover is only $6, and it is a patio-smoking only event.
  • Robert Lockwood, Jr. Hospitalized: The legendary Robert Lockwood, Jr. was hospitalized Friday night after a blood vessel burst in his head. He is currently in stable condition, but we do not know if a full recovery is in his diagnosis at this point. Mary Lockwood requests that you please do not e-mail or call. She is very busy going to the hospital and trying to sleep in between; and will not be able to answer your e-mail.
    Prayers please to     Robert and his family. Also, please send him a get well card at:

Robert Lockwood, Jr.
7203 Lawnview Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44103

We will get you updates as we know more.

November 2, 2006

October 26, 2006

October 8, 2006

October 3, 2006

September 28, 2006

September 18, 2006

September 10, 2006

September 7, 2006

August 30, 2006

  • Bob to play with Louisiana Red at the Thirsty Ear Festival: Bob Corritore will appear with Louisiana Red Saturday, Sept 2nd at the Thirsty Ear Festival in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The event takes place at Eaves Movie Ranch. Red and Bob's set kicks off the Saturday lineup with a 1:30pm performance time. This huge roots music festival also features Honeyboy Edwards, Dave Alvin & The Guilty Men, Richard Johnston, Eddie Turner, Greg Brown, The Be Good Tanyas, Po' Girl, Patty Griffin, T. Broussard & The Zydeco Steppers, Hazel Miller, and other roots, blues, folk, and bluegrass bands. Click here for a full schedule. Tickets at (505)988-1234.
  • Rhythm Room 15 Year Anniversary Party: Rhythm Room 15 Year Anniversary Party This Sunday Night! Sunday, September 3rd, the Rhythm Room throws a blues party to celebrate its 15 year anniversary. Doors open at 6:30 pm Paris James kicks off a half hour solo set to open the show, and will be releasing his new CD at the event. Then the Rhythm Room All-Stars take the stage and do their set featuring Chris James making way for Big Pete Pearson. Then sets follow by Dave Riley, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, and the amazing Tail Dragger. $10 cover. Patio smoking only.
  • Bob to appear with Dave Riley at the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Fest: Check out Dave Riley and Bob Corritore appearing at the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival in Helena, Arkansas with Dave Riley, 7pm, at the Robert Lockwood Jr. Heritage Stage, on Saturday October 6th.
  • Upcoming Floyd Dixon release on HighJohn Records: The High John Records release Time Brings About A Change - A Floyd Dixon Celebration: this CD was produced by Bob Auerbach, Kid Ramos, Clarke Rigsby, and Bob Corritore live at the Rhythm Room on June 1st and 2nd of this year. Floyd would pass away July 26th, not even 2 months after this recording was made. The CD features great performances by Floyd Dixon and a crack band lead by Kid Ramos and special guest appearances by Pinetop Perkins, Henry Gray, Johnny Tucker, and Kim Wilson.
  • Little Victor's premier Arizona appearance: Bob's friend Little Victor (a great down home blues guitar man) will be coming to Phoenix in September to produce his next CD which will include special guests Johnny Rapp and Bob Corritore. Little Victor is a well traveled bluesman who has lived in Memphis, Austin, Italy and his current home of Paris, France. Bob and Victor appeared together last July in Rossano, Italy at the Marco Fiume Blues Passions Festival. Victor will also be making guest appearances Sept 22, 23 and 30 at the Rhythm Room.
  • Bob included in HighTone Boxed Set: On September 12th, HighTone Records will release its commemorative box set called American Music: The HighTone Records Story. This collection will include 4 CDs (one each for blues, country, rock and singer/songwriters), a DVD and a 124-page book by noted music writer Lee Hildebrand. This label started in 1983 and has become the world's premier roots music label. This box set reflects the long history of this label and serves as a testament to its many achievements. On the blues disc, you can find 3 of Bob's productions: Kim Wilson / Eyesight To The Blind (live at the Rhythm Room), Louisiana Red / September 11th Blues and Henry Gray / How Could You Do it (featuring Bob on harmonica). Bob Corritore will always feel indebted to HighTone, who believed in Bob as both an artist and a producer. The 1999 release of Bob Corritore / All-Star Blues Sessions brought great attention and credibility to Bob and paved the way for many other recording projects to see the light of day. Bob currently has 5 of his projects released on this grand and noble label. Thanks so much to Bruce Bromberg, Larry Sloven, Deb Letner and Darrell Anderson of HighTone. You can see this box set, get a complete track listing, and pre-order this release by clicking here.

August 23, 2006

·         Saturday, September 2, 2006 - Appearing at the Thirsty Ear Festival in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with Louisiana Red. Also appearing at this festival will be Honeyboy Edwards, Dave Alvin, Richard Johnston, Eddie Turner, Greg Brown, The Be Good Tanyas, Po' Girl, and other roots, blues, folk, and bluegrass bands. Tickets at (505)988-1234.

·         Sunday, September 3, 2006 - Appearing at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ as part of a huge lineup for the Rhythm Room 15 year anniversary celebration with the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, Clay Swafford, and Johnny Rapp. Doors open at 6:30pm.

·         Saturday, September 9, 2006 - Appearing at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with Dave Riley. Doors open at 8pm.

·         Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - Bob will appear on Bill Wax's "Bluesville" on XM Satellite Radio at 1pm. The show will be broadcast worldwide.

·         Tuesday, September 19, 2006 - Appearing at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with Paris James. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Robert Johnson Foundation. Doors open at 8pm.

·         Friday, September 22 and Saturday, September 23, 2006 - Appearing at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, Clay Swafford, and Johnny Rapp. Doors open at 8pm.

·         Saturday, September 30, 2006 - The birthday boy himself makes a guest appearance at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ as part of Bob Corritore's 50th Birthday Gala. Headliners include Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Henry Gray, and Hubert Sumlin. Doors open at 8pm.

·         Friday, October 13, 2006 - Appearing at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, Clay Swafford, and Johnny Rapp. Doors open at 8pm.

·         Saturday, October 14, 2006 - Festival Kickoff Party at Hotel Arizona, 181 West Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 8pm to 10:30pm with the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, Clay Swafford, and Johnny Rapp.

·         Sunday, October 15, 2006 - Tucson Blues Heritage Festival at DeMeester Performance Center, Reid Park, Tucson, AZ. A Free festival! Also appearing will be Marcia Ball, Leon Kittrell & the Statesboro Blues Band, and more! This festival is put on by the Southern Arizona Blues Heritage Foundation The park address is 1100 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716 and the event lasts from 11:30am to 7pm - with the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, Clay Swafford, and Johnny Rapp.

·         Friday, October 27, 2006 - Appearing at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with Pinetop Perkins, backing Pinetop with the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, Clay Swafford, and Johnny Rapp. Doors open at 8pm.

·         Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4, 2006 - Appearing at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, Clay Swafford, and Johnny Rapp. Doors open at 8pm.

·         Friday, December 8 and Saturday, December 9, 2006 - Appearing at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, Clay Swafford, and Johnny Rapp. Doors open at 8pm.

August 16, 2006

  • Louisiana Red plays Arizona this weekend: The legendary Louisiana Red, one of the last great masters of the down-home blues tradition will perform in Phoenix and Tucson this weekend. Friday night catch Red at the Rhythm Room with full band backing including Bob Corritore on harmonica, Chris James on second guitar, Patrick Rynn on the bass, and Brian Fahey on the drums. Then on Saturday night, Red performs at an early show Club Congress in a duo setting with Bob on harmonica. Please note that this show starts promptly at 6:30 and will be over by 8:30.

  • Way Back #1 on Living Blues chart: Check out the latest issue of Living Blues Magazine. It is the one with Buckwheat Zydeco on the cover. Willie "Big Eyes" Smith's HighTone CD Way Back (produced by Bob Corritore) made #1 for the June Radio chart and #9 for the July chart. Special thanks to all the DJs around the world who have supported this CD with great airplay.

  • Upcoming Floyd Dixon release on HighJohn Records: The new Floyd Dixon CD Time Brings About A Change...A Floyd Dixon Celebration will be released by High John Records on Sept 5th. In addition to great performances by Floyd, this CD features musical magic by Henry Gray, Pinetop Perkins, Kim Wilson, musical director Kid Ramos, and more. This CD production team consists of Bob Auerbach, Kid Ramos, Clarke Rigsby, and Bob Corritore. Check out the latest issue of Living Blues for a beautiful photo and mention as well as a full-page color ad for this release. Check the photo section to see the CD cover and photos from the live concert from which these recordings came.

August 7, 2006

July 27, 2006

July 10, 2006

June 29, 2006

June 19, 2006

Chicago highlights: Back from the Chicago Blues Festival, here is a look at some of the highlights of the trip in the order in which they occurred:

Thanks to David Whiteis for including my name in the acknowledgments section of his new book Chicago Blues: Portraits and Stories.

June 9, 2006

May 31, 2006

May 23, 2006

  • Kickin' it with Paul Oscher: I am writing this from Paul Oscher's house in Venice Beach, California. We have been reviewing material and making some final decisions for his "Live At The Rhythm Room" CD that will be released either late this year or early 2007 on Paul's Blues Fidelity label.

  • Rhythm Room All-Stars this weekend: Please come this weekend to see the Rhythm Room All-Stars as we play this Friday and Saturday night at the Rhythm Room at 1019 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix. This band includes Big Pete Pearson, Chris James, Johnny Rapp, Matt Bishop, Patrick Rynn, and yours truly. We will be in the Studio on Thursday knockin' out some new songs.

  • Floyd Dixon Blues Piano Extravaganza: Just added to the June 1 & 2 Floyd Dixon Blues Piano Extravaganza will be a guest appearance by Kim Wilson, who will lend his brilliant harmonica to the songs of Pinetop Perkins and Henry Gray. Kid Ramos will lead the band, which includes Larry Taylor, Richard Innes, and a horn section. John Gibson and his crew will be filming both evenings, and the great Clarke Rigsby will be recording. Do not miss this one!

  • Clifford Antone passes: It is with great sadness that I pass on the news of Clifford Antone's passing. Everyone who loves the blues owes a huge debt to this amazing man. Thank you, Clifford. You made the world a better place.

May 16, 2006

May 6, 2006

  • Review of Rhythm Room All-Stars' concert in France: Here is a review of our well-received April 29 appearance in France. We had a wonderful time and opened many doors.

  • Blues Music Awards in Memphis: I am looking forward to attending the Blues Music Awards on May 11th in Memphis. Big Pete Pearson will also be making it to the awards this year. then on May 12th I will be in Clarksdale, Mississippi at Morgan Freeman's Ground Zero blues club. This night will feature Willie "Big Eyes" Smith Blues Band with special guest Pinetop Perkins and a CD release party for Way Back.

April 22, 2006

March 23, 2006

January 12, 2006

A very special invitation to all of my friends in music:

January 4, 2006

  • Bob plays with Dave Riley: This week, come see Bob play at the Rhythm Room on Friday, January 6th at 9pm with Dave Riley during the middle set.

  • New Rhythm Room All-Stars picture: Check out the new picture of the Rhythm Room All-Stars.

  • New photos of Bob's radio show: A new photo page has been added featuring the highlights of the 20th anniversary celebration for "Those Lowdown Blues".

Archive