Bob Corritore
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Henry Gray - Plays Chicago Blues
A full album by this legendary piano master featuring the production and harmonica work of Bob Corritore, the guitar work of Bob Margolin, Kid Ramos and Johnny Rapp, the amazing Chico Chism on drums, and the bass playing of Paul Thomas and John "Pops" McFarlane. This album was released by HighTone Records on April 3, 2001. CD Liner Notes Though born in Kenner, Louisiana on Jan. 19, 1925, Henry Gray built a Hall Of Fame Chicago blues pedigree during the 40-plus years between his 1946 arrival in the Windy City after military service and his 1969 move to Baton Rouge. In Chicago he became best known (sometimes by his nickname of "Birdbreast;" not "Birdbreath" as it's been reported in the past, according to Jimmy Rogers) for his extended stay with the Howlin' Wolf band. He lent his rousing piano to studio outings by Wolf, Rogers, Little Walter, Billy Boy Arnold, Jr. Wells, Jimmy Reed, Bo Diddley, Morris Pejoe, Dusty Brown and Harold Burrage. His own Chicago sessions as a leader for a handful of hallowed labels all remained unissued for too many years. Since his relocation to Baton Rouge, he has become a revered elder statesman, persevered through the loss of his house to a 1989 tornado, restored sobriety to his life, and recorded for labels around the world, mostly on anthologies. His handful of albums began with a 1977 European debut and his 1988 U.S. outing for Blind Pig, waxed in Chicago. His excellence and ongoing activity (he was a highlight as usual of the 2000 Chicago Blues Festival) and the loss of so many contemporaries make this addition to his discography all the more rewarding. Henry is obviously still at the top of his game as a standard-setting pianist, a singer and songwriter of conviction and a consummate, inspiring ensemble player. The match of his talents and gift for generating musical interaction, combined with the respect of sterling players who subordinate their egos out of love and respect for Henry, make this CD a standout. Henry has pronounced it immaculate. Corritore has Chicago roots and this project was a dream come true for him. Guitarists Bob Margolin and Kid Ramos are deservedly well known, but this CD isn't about pyrotechnic fretwork. Henry's school of Chicago blues is based on going toe to toe, with a high level of musical interaction. As Corritore notes, "The thing about Henry that's so great, he just knows how to set up a groove so everyone can just fall right in behind him. There was a straight line from the heart to playing. There's so much stuff to feed off, everyone could play off each other. It was really fun." Guitarist Johnny Rapp and a tandem of bassists provide a sturdy foundation. As for drummer Chico Chism, another Wolf band alumnus, Corritore lauds, "to put Henry and Chico together was pure magic. The two of them just connected, and I think that was the cornerstone of the record." It's certainly a CD built to last, a real two-fisted, vigorous treat. As long ago as '50s Chicago blues flowered (a scary thought), and regardless of how much its longevity and popularity have led to cliches, as Corritore rightly observes, "it still feels fresh when Henry does it." With all due credit (and that's a lot) to Pinetop Perkins, Henry Gray can boast the biggest slice of prime Chicago blues piano history to his credit of any living artist. Having such a wonderful reaffirmation of the many joys of Henry Gray, and of the classic Chicago blues he helped to define, is cause for great enjoyment now - and something to remember when the next round of awards ballots comes around. It's time to give an all-time master some deserved plaudits for a lifetime of achievements, capped by this superb listening experience. --- Dick Shurman |
