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June 23, 2009

  • RIP Nick Holt 1/15/1940-6/22/2009: Bruce Iglauer reports that Nick Holt, the bass-playing younger brother of Magic Slim, died of brain cancer on Monday, June 22, 2009 in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he had been living. He was 69. Born in Granada, Mississippi in 1940, Nick moved to Chicago in 1956. Four years later, he and his brother formed the notorious Magic Slim & The Teardrops. This band persevered to become a mainstay of the Chicago blues scene. Slim's raucous guitar and Nick's insistent bass lines anchored the band, and created a tough, rock-solid groove so propulsive that it packed the dance floors nightly. It wasn't that Nick did anything fancy or flashy on the bass; he just played it simple and right. Magic Slim & The Teardrops recorded numerous albums for a wide array of labels such as Rooster Blues, Blind Pig, Wolf Records, Alligator, Isabel, Delmark, Red Lightnin', Black & Blue, Evidence, and others. The band relocated to Lincoln, Nebraska, where they had a huge following from their touring appearances at the Zoo Bar. Nick had not been touring for the last few years, possibly for health reasons. In addition to scores of Magic Slim & The Teardrops records, and various sessions as a sideman, Nick leaves us with three releases bearing his name:

Magic Slim And Nick Holt/You Can't Lose What Never Had (Wolf Records)

Nick Holt/You Better Watch Yourself (Wolf Records)

Little Boogie Boy Blues Band featuring Nick Holt/We Do It For The Blues

Many blues fans will warmly remember seeing Magic Slim & The Teardrops with the brothers’ towering presence filling up the stage while they knocked out the heaviest of shuffles. Such a loss for the blues. Prayers to Magic Slim in this time of grief. Thanks, Nick, for the great times, and the spectacular music.

June 20, 2009

June 17, 2009

  • Elmore James, Jr. on YouTube! Please enjoy this video of Elmore James, Jr. performing a cool shuffle at the University Of Chicago Folk Festival on February 8, 2009. The band includes Billy Flynn on guitar, Jim Murphy on bass, and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith on drums. Elmore Jr., who is a fine guitarist, just sings on this one. To watch, click here.
  • Chicago Recap: This year's Chicago Blues Festival recap will be quite different, as a busy gig schedule allowed for minimal time to enjoy the festival itself. There are so many amazing satellite events that happen around the actual festival that you might even call it the "Chicago Blues Festival Underground". To get an idea of the scope of these satellite events, check out the Chicago Blues Guide's article called "Beyond The Blues Festival" (click here to see). Among the things happening outside the blues festival was the late Koko Taylor's visitation and funeral services, which received much deserved attention. That being said, what I did see at the festival was just great, and my experience playing at the fest this year was very satisfying.

Kim and I arrived in Chicago late on Wednesday, and just had time to check into our room at the Congress Plaza Hotel. On Thursday, we eased into the day with lunch at Caffé Baci on Michigan Avenue before heading to Koko Taylor's visitation. It would be our only opportunity to pay our respects to the “Queen of the Blues”. We went a little ahead of the scheduled opening, since I had a performance shortly afterwards. The visitation and services were scheduled at Jesse Jackson’s RainbowPUSH Coalition National Headquarters, which had a huge chapel. Though we arrived early, the room was already filling up, and we waited our turn in line. There were rows of floral decorations to honor the Queen of the Blues. As we passed by one of the flower arrangements, we noticed it was from Mayor Richard Daley and his wife. Koko was in the glass covered casket, looking just beautiful with a sequined gold lamé dress and shoes, and she was wearing a tiara. (To read the Chicago Tribune article about Koko's funeral, click here.) Though we were just stopping by for the few minutes, we ran into Eddie Taylor, Jr. and Clarence Stevens of Blues You Can Use of WGVE 88.7 of Gary, Indiana. So sad to say goodbye to a woman who symbolized the place for all women in the blues. A Queen indeed. Then, on to a gig at Fat Tone Guitars in Northbrook, where Chris James, Patrick Rynn, and myself conducted a workshop called "How To Create A Blues Trio". Fat Tone Guitars is simply a beautiful guitar shop, with many gorgeous retro guitars neatly hanging in a series against the wall with panels of various color pastels behind them. We played through some wonderful amps, and Chris tried numerous guitars, each with their own unique tone. This workshop was put together by Lynn Orman, who was involved in numerous Earwig celebration events. After the workshop, we stopped by S.P.A.C.E. in Evanston to check out their guitar showcase with James Wheeler, Jody Williams, Billy Flynn, and Lurrie Bell (whose set we regrettably missed), with a special appearance by venue partner and guitarist Dave Specter. It was great to visit with Dave, Billy, and his wife Mary, and to reconnect with Wheeler, who was mutual good friends with the late Little Willie Anderson.

On Friday we began our day at the fest, consigning CDs at the Best Buy tent, and saying hello to numerous friends, including Michael Freeman of Coach House Productions, who spoke of his plans for the next Pinetop Perkins CD (Michael produced the last Grammy®-nominated Pinetop Perkins CD). We also saw Steve Cushing, Fritz and Sissy, Matt Socey, Kurt Swanson, and many others. We stopped by Bob Riedy's booth where he was showing a film collage from the Bob Riedy Blues Band Reunion show featuring Eddy Clearwater from earlier this year at the Rhythm Room. We did not stay long at the festival, as we had to make it to a sound check for Blues On The North Shore at S.P.A.C.E. in Evanston. This event was very special as it was to honor the 30th anniversary of the infamous Earwig Music label and its chief Michael Frank. Earwig's contribution to advancing the cause of the blues cannot be overstated. I feel a special connection with Michael and his label as we were buddies in Chicago and started producing records at around the same time. Three of the titles I produced found a home on Earwig Music (Little Willie Anderson/Swinging The Blues, Big Leon Brooks/Let's Go To Town, and Louisiana Red/Sittin' Here Wonderin'), and most recently, I played harmonica on Chris James and Patrick Rynn's Earwig CD Stop And Think About It. Michael Frank and Earwig Music are family and that made this celebration especially meaningful. Bill Wax flew in from Maryland to emcee the show, which was being filmed and recorded for a later broadcast on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio. The night began with Chris James and Patrick Rynn with Allen Batts on piano, surprise guest Willie "Big Eyes" Smith on drums (how cool!), and yours truly on harmonica. This was followed by a brilliant Honeyboy Edwards set with Aron Burton on bass, John Primer on second guitar, and Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith on drums. It is so inspirational to hear this blues master perform some classic blues, sung and played as only Honeyboy could. At the end of the set, Honeyboy was presented with a birthday cake to honor his forthcoming 94th birthday (Honeyboy was born June 28th, 1915). Then came great sets by John Primer with Rob Stone, Johnny Drummer, and Big Jack Johnson (Big Jack was part of Earwig Music's first release The Jelly Roll Kings/Rockin' The Juke Joint Down). Dennis Binder, who was scheduled to be on the show, was unable to make it due to recent open-heart surgery. This memorable night was produced by Lynn Orman, Michael Frank, and Denise Ardizzone.

Saturday started with a noon set at the Front Porch stage. As a part of the Earwig Music 30th anniversary there was a set honoring the late Chicago blues piano patriarch Sunnyland Slim that included pianists Allen Batts and Aaron Moore (the recovering Dennis Binder was also supposed to be on this show but obviously could not make it). Unfortunately, at this time of day, the rainfall was severe, and this affected the attendance. Still, the diehard blues fans weathered the storm, and provided hearty rounds of applause after each song or solo feature. The Allen Batts set kicked off with Chris and Patrick along with Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith, saxophonist Rodney Brown, and myself on harmonica. Rob Stone was called up to sing two numbers at the end of Allen's set, and then backed up Aaron Moore on most of his set while I stepped down. I was called back to the stage to close out the set for Aaron's encore. It was a really wonderful set! From there, Chris and Patrick played an informal set at the Zone Perfect tent with Rob Stone and I alternating on harmonica. The sun began to peep out around this time, and the festival was filling up with people. People came to the stage alternately to hear some blues and get their free Zone Perfect energy bar sample. We left shortly after that, as I had an appearance scheduled at Reggie's for a show honoring Chicago's great Delmark Records, where I was to make a guest appearance backing my longtime friend and former employer, Tail Dragger. The night was packed from start to finish with blues lovers from all around the country and the world. Guitarist Cadillac Zack of American Blues Legends Management kicked off the night with a sweet set that included a guest appearance by the harmonica ace Scott Dirks. From then on were non-stop killer sets with Jesse Fortune, Johnny B. Moore, Rockin' Johnny (back in action), Eddie C. Campbell, a surprise set by Big Jack Johnson, and finally, Tail Dragger. What a fun and rowdy night, and kudos to Cadillac Zack and Rick Kreher for pulling off another great showcase (Zack and Rick also produced a great show last year in conjunction with blues fest).

Sunday was a relaxed day with all of the gigs completed. We were drawn to the Woodlawn Tap Room in Hyde Park where my longtime friend and harmonica mentor Dave Waldman organizes a weekly traditional blues gathering that features the amazing Ardella Williams, the daughter of Jazz Gillum. Ardella possesses a naturally wonderful voice and a penchant for singing the old school blues of Memphis Minnie, Big Maceo, Little Walter, and her father. I had been hearing great things about her for a while, but this was my opportunity to see her. Her understated band included Scott Dirks on drums (yes, drums!) Justin O’Brien on bass, Willie Greeson on guitar, and Dave Waldman alternating between guitar and harmonica (simply the best harmonica I heard on the trip!). Donald Williams (Ardella's brother) sang Little Walter's “My Babe”, plus “Key To The Highway” (his father’s song, but done more in the style of Little Walter, who was Donald’s good friend and drinking buddy back in the ‘50s), in addition to a Muddy song. I was called up to play a few with Ardella, and then again to back Willie Buck, whom I used to work with in the late 70s and early 80s. It was great to connect again with Willie as we swapped stories of the old days playing with Louis and Dave Myers, Big Moose Walker, and Odie Payne, Jr., who Willie would hire regularly as his backing band. Kim and I only intended on staying for an hour, but we were having so much fun that we could not break away. We rushed back to the festival only to catch the last few numbers of Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings and hang out with Andrzej Matysik of Poland's Twój Blues, and his lovely daughter Eva. It was a wonderful trip to Chicago!

A few people that we recall seeing at or around the Chicago Blues Festival (please forgive me if I forget anyone) are photographer Daniel Swadener, photographer Dusty Scott of Dusty Blues, Tom Marker of WXRT, photographer Amy Brat, Dick Shurman, Robert Jr. Whitall and Shirley Mae Owens of Big City Blues Magazine, Kevin Johnson of Delmark and his lovely wife Brianna, Jocelyn Richez, Claude Dannic of BCR, André Cochepin-Mingarro, Bernard Delvoie, Dave Waldman, Timm Martin (my high school buddy and owner of the Out Of The Box record label), Bonnie "Queen Bee" Stebbins of the Capital Area Blues Society in Michigan, Rafi Abrichamtchi of Radio Sound Milano, harmonica player Jim Phipps, Jan Tore Lauritsen, Michael Salberg, Seth Dobbins, Stephen Kenyon, Kari Kempas of the Finnish Blues Society, Paul Hanover (blues harmonica player), Tenry Johns, Al Puerini, Jim Carty, Frank Orts of the Bay-Car Blues Festival, Kathy Bewell, Katnip of KKFI in Kansas City, MO, Ralph "Ike" Lacobone, Bob Kieser of Blues Blast Magazine, Matt Eimer of the Simply The Blues Festival, Larry Kapson, Kate Moss, Jean-Luc Vabres and Marcel Benedit of ABS Magazine, Andrzej Matysik of Twój Blues, Phil Vickman of Fat Tone Guitars, Nico Wayne Toussaint, Bob McLaren, photographer Michael Kurgansky, Jeff Dale, Bill Bates, James Segrest (co-author of the Howlin' Wolf bio Moanin' At Midnight), Rick Kreher, Jerry Del Giudice, Christian and Rene Boucour, Phil Vickman, Michael's lovely wife, Barbara Frank, Dave Specter, André and Lil Hobus, Paul Klapper, Terry "Harmonica" Bean, Little Smokey Smothers (who sadly had both his legs recently amputated due to diabetic complications), Bill and Sheila Wax, Big Rockin' Daddy, Jim O'Neal, drummer Bob Carter, Jean Pierre Urbain of ABS Magazine, drummer Rob Lorenz, Liz Sykes of the Ottawa Blues Society, Mary Flynn, harmonica player Chris Harper, bassist/producer Karl Meyer, writer Sandra Pointer-Jones, Peaches Staten, John Valenteyn of the Toronto Blues Society, Colleen Dominick, Lois Clark, and many others.

-Bob Corritore

June 8, 2009

Thursday, June 11, 2009, 7pm-10pm - Chris James, Patrick Rynn, and Bob Corritore perform and conduct a class "How To Create A Blues Trio" at Fat Tone Guitars, 1857 Janke Dr., Northbrook, IL (847)272-5117. This event is part of a series of events honoring Earwig Music's 30th anniversary. This all-ages event is free, but reservations are required. Click here for the Pioneer Press article.

Friday, June 12, 2009, 9pm - Blues On The North Shore honoring Earwig Music, will happen Friday June 12, 2009 - 9:00pm at S.P.A.C.E., 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston, Illinois with a great lineup including Honeyboy Edwards, Dennis Binder, Big Jack Johnson & The Oilers with Allen Batts, John Primer, and Chris James and Patrick Rynn (with Bob Corritore and Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith). Bill Wax, host of Sirius/XM Satellite Radio's B.B. King's Bluesville will be the Master Of Ceremonies. This show will be recorded and aired at a future on Bluesville at a later date. Advance tickets are available at www.evanstonspace.com. To see the Pioneer Press article, click here. To see the beautiful poster for this event, click here.

Saturday, June 13, 2009, 9pm - Bob will participate in the Delmark Records Revue Concert happening 9pm at Reggie's Music Joint, 2105 S. State Street, Chicago, IL 312-949-0120. This show is produced by Cadillac Zack's American Blues Legends Management, who put on a brilliant show last year. Acts include Eddie C. Campbell, Rockin' Johnny, Tail Dragger, Johnny B. Moore, Jesse Fortune, and Cadillac Zack. Bob will likely play a few numbers behind Tail Dragger with other fine harmonica players (Scott Dirks confirmed that he would be there). To see the beautiful poster for this event, click here.

  • Koko Taylor Funeral Information: This year's Chicago Blues Festival will be one where Koko Taylor will be thought of by all who attend. Here is the funeral information which will happen in tandem with the festival:

Wake/Visitation (Lie in State)

Thursday, June 11, 2009

4:00pm - 9:00pm

RainbowPUSH Coalition National Headquarters

930 East 50th Street (at Drexel Blvd.)

Chicago, IL 60615

Funeral Services

Friday, June 12, 2009

6:00pm (4:00pm - 6:00pm visitation)

RainbowPUSH Coalition National Headquarters

930 East 50th Street (at Drexel Blvd.)

Chicago, IL 60615

You can post condolences to the family here.

June 4, 2009

  • RIP Sam Butera 8/17/1927-6/3/2009: Sam Butera, best known as Louis Prima's rippin' R & B saxophonist, died Wednesday, June 3, 2009 in Las Vegas. He was 81. Sam Butera's energetic sax style and gregarious personality enabled the ruckus raising, jump-and-jive shenanigans of Prima's fun-loving stage show. To see Keith Spera's in-depth article on the great Sam Butera from Nola.com, click here. To see a great video of Sam and Louis in a riveting version of "Oh Marie", click here, and Sam featured lip synching "Chantilly Lace", click here. To watch Louis and Keely Smith with Sam again featured on sax on "Zooma Zooma", click here.
  • Koko Remembrances: I first heard Koko Taylor's "Wang Dang Doodle" in the early 70s on the radio in Chicago. It knocked me out and I was a Koko fan from that point on. I first started seeing her perform live in 1974. She used to play regularly at a North side Chicago bar called Biddy Mulligan’s. She had a great band with Johnny Twist on the guitar, and later Johnny B. Moore. She would tear the house down regularly. I was just 18 and 19 at the time. I often sat with her and her husband Pops on the breaks. Such friendly, wonderful people! They used to let me play a number or two with the band before she hit the stage. One night Pops asked me to come to a band rehearsal to audition. He said that they were thinking about adding another piece to the band. I was still very young at the time, with plans for completing college, and my parents would hear nothing of this, and refused to lend me the car. I really would not have been of the level of playing needed to pass an audition at that point. I still have the torn note card with Koko's number that she gave me to set this up. I went to the 1975 PBS filming of the Blues Summit Concert with Koko, Muddy, Junior Wells, Willie Dixon, Johnny Winter, Dr. John, and others. Once at Biddy Mulligan’s, Paul Butterfield came by and sat in with Koko and her band for a set. Years later after I moved to Phoenix and opened up the Rhythm Room, I was able to book Koko a number of times. It warmed my heart to present her with a photo of her and her late husband that I had taken years before at Biddy Mulligan’s. In 2005, I had one of the greatest thrills of my life which was taking Koko into Rax Trax studio in Chicago and recording a song with her. I put together a great band that included Bob Margolin, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Bob Stroger, and Little Frank, and we knocked out a killer version of "What Kind Of Man Is This". I had arranged this recording session through my friend Bruce Iglauer of Alligator Records who, knowing how important this was to me, was gracious enough to allow me this honor - with the stipulation that I not release the cut for 5 years (I hope to put it out next year). This recording session was a true satisfaction, because I always wondered what would have happened if years before I had gone to that rehearsal. I had this special time with Koko, and it produced a beautiful recorded cut that can live on forever. In the last 5 years, it seemed like I was regularly meeting up with Koko and her family. This would happen at a wide range of places: at the Chicago Blues Festival, where she would have a booth each year, the Blues Music Awards, the Scottsdale Music Festival, the Lucerne Blues Festival, the Grammies®, etc. One time (must have been 2006) at the Chicago Blues Festival, Cookie (Koko's daughter) had my lovely Kim and I stay with Koko for a few hours, and we had such a wonderful time in the green room of the Petrillo Bandshell as Koko sang us some of her favorite tracks from the then forthcoming Old School CD. Just a month ago, she was the highlight performance at the BMAs, as she sang "Wang Dang Doodle" with The Mannish Boys. Koko has been a constant in my life. She has always stood for the tough, real deal Chicago blues, while having a heart of gold, and a simple joy in performing her music. I will miss her greatly.

-Bob Corritore

June 3, 2009

  • RIP Koko Taylor 9/28/1928-6/3/2009: This just in from Tim Kolleth of Alligator Records: "It’s with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I must inform you of the passing of The Queen of the Blues, Koko Taylor. There will never be another one like her. That’s all I can say right now except to thank all of you for playing her music all these years. I can only encourage you to keep her spirit, her voice and her timeless music alive. She will be missed forever here."

May 28, 2009

Photos by Michel Verlinden: click here

Docteur Blues article by Jocelyn Richez: click here

Photos by Jocelyn Richez: click here

Quefaire concert preview: click here

Bobtje Blues article on Bob Corritore: click here

Rhythm Room All-Stars on YouTube: click here

Rootstime article: click here, then click "Concert Reveiws", then click "Spring Blues Festival"

Another Rhythm Room All-Stars video: click here

Yet another Rhythm Room All-Stars video: click here

  • New Blues Harmonica Releases: New blues releases favoring the great blues harmonica tradition are abundant. New traditionally based harp records include:

Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers/Soul Monster (Delta Groove)

Rick Estrin & The Nightcats/Twisted (Alligator Records)

Chicago Blues Harmonica Project/More Rare Gems (Severn Records) with Little Arthur Duncan, Reginald Cooper, Harmonica Hines, Charlie Love, Big D, Russ Green, and Jeff Taylor (Nice guitar work by Illinois Slim and Rick Kreher)

Various Artists/Chicago Blues: A Living History (Raisin Music) featuring Billy Boy Arnold, Billy Branch, and Matthew Skoller

Delta Groove All Star Blues Revue/Live at Ground Zero Volumes 1 and 2 (Delta Groove) with traditional harmonica work by Johnny Dyer, Randy Chortkoff, and contemporary-styled harmonica by Jason Ricci

George "Harmonica" Smith/Now You Can Talk About Me (Blind Pig) Vinyl-only reissue of his Murray Brothers CD. A true legendary master of harmonica!

Jimmy Rogers/Feelin' Good (Blind Pig) Another vinyl-only reissue, features great blowing by Rod Piazza plus two cool previously unreleased tracks with Bob Corritore on harmonica

Louisiana Red/Back To The Black Bayou (Ruf Records) featuring the harmonica of Kim Wilson, Bob Corritore, Jostein Forsberg, and producer Little Victor

Big Pete Pearson/Finger In Your Eye (VizzTone Label Group) With Bob Corritore on harmonica

May 22, 2009

When we arrived at the Spring Blues Festival we were greeted by the music of Mac Arnold sounding just great on the stage, and a hello by my longtime friend James Harman. After being shown our dressing room, we checked in CDs at the Back To The Roots booth, where countless photographers were snapping pictures, and we were greeted by friends and fans. It was so great to meet in person my email friend Marc De Jonghe, who has provided many photos for the website (click here to see). It was also great to see Michel Remond, who was looking just great after suffering a minor stroke last year. Michel (with the help of Jocelyn Richez) was the first to reach out and get us a European festival gig, and I will be forever grateful. Freddy Celis from Rootstime (a fine blues website from Belgium) conducted an amazingly in-depth interview in the rushed, 30 minute window of time that we had available before our festival set. After a killer set by James Harman (that included Gene Taylor on piano who now lives in Belgium), we set up our gear and took the stage. After a wonderful announcement by emcee André Hobus, we broke into a set that made us all feel proud. We were provided great equipment, a great sound system and crew, and the best of audiences. What a great feeling it is to have everything clicking, and to be able to share yourself to an audience with total acceptance! As we were getting ready to perform our encore, the festival presented Chris James with a surprise birthday gift of Belgian chocolates (It was actually Chris's birthday). After our set, we went to the Back To The Roots booth and enjoyed a seemingly endless stream of CD sales, autograph signings, photo ops, and greetings. After that were wonderful sets by Sugar Ray & The Bluetones and Joe Louis Walker. To read a nice review (compete with photos) of the Spring Blues Festival, click here, and and click the concert review link, then the SBF link.

Some of the other people we ran across at the Spring Blues Festival were Jacques Perin and his wife Monique of Soul Bag Magazine, Jean Pierre Urbain of ABS Magazine, Didier Chaumier and Lucky Jean Luc of Oreille Bleue, Dominique Floch of the Beautiful Swamp Blues Festival, Georges Lemaire, Dominique Cranshoff, Joel Bizon and Claude Dannic of BCR, Henri Mayoux of France's Blues Magazine, Guido Schmidt and his wife from the Lucerne Blues Festival, Fabrizio Berti, Mike Stephenson (Blues & Rhythm Magazine), Aigars Lapsa, Lil Hobus, Bobtje Blues, and Guido Heynderycx, as well as fellow musicians Sugar Ray Norcia (who introduced me to Anthony Geraci), Mudcat Ward, Henry Oden, Gene Taylor, Mac Arnold, James Harman, and many others. We found out after we got back that our close friends Richie and Teresa Villiger were also there, but we unfortunately never connected with them in the large crowd. My friend Fruteland Jackson was there, but I also never saw him to say hello. The next morning Kim and I ran into Joe Louis Walker at breakfast. Joe immediately brought up our mutual friend the late Chico Chism, who Joe dearly loved. Also that morning, Big Pete Pearson was interviewed by Mike Stephanson for the UK's Blues and Rhythm Magazine. We then travelled to a the beautiful Belgium town of Zottegem, where we would play at a small but mighty club called De Blauwe Wolk which means "The Blue Cloud". We had a wonderful crowd of blues lovers who were there specifically to see us. I met Dirk Delaere, who had with him the first three LPs that I produced, which he asked me to sign (these LPs were Little Willie Anderson/Swinging The Blues, Big Leon Brooks/Let's Go To Town and Low Blows, an anthology of Chicago blues harmonica from the 1970s and early 80s). We played two spirited sets and two encores before calling it a night. The next day it was off to the airport for our flight back home where we hated to say goodbye to our friend Franky Bruneel and our driver Kurt. Thanks, Franky, for a wonderful adventure and for your constant support of the blues.

-Bob Corritore

May 12, 2009

-Friday, May 15, 2009: Blues Station in Tournon d’Agenais, France (a legendary European blues club).

-Saturday, May 16, 2009: The Spring Blues Festival in Ecaussinnes, Belgium. The lineup this year includes Joe Louis Walker, Sugar Ray & The Bluetones (featuring Monster Mike Welch), James Harman Band (featuring Gene Taylor), Mac Arnold & Plate Full O' Blues, the Fruteland Jackson & Bob Hall Show, and Jimson Weed. The master of ceremonies will be André Hobus. To see the poster for this event, click here.

-Sunday, May 17, 2009: De Blauwe Wolk in Zottegem, Belgium (a highly noted Belgian blues club)

Special thanks to our friend Franky Bruneel, Editor of Belgium's Back To The Roots Magazine for his help in arranging this tour.

"I just thought you'd like some further info about Sam. He had surgery to put in a pacemaker a short while back, and a blood clot developed after that. Although he moved into a lovely apartment after Doris's death, he had a difficult time caring for himself...cooking and general homemaking are not his strong suit!!! He was treated and released for the blood clot, and dear friends and family assisted with all the red tape to get him into Greenbough, where he receives well cooked meals and supervision. It is a well run facility, and he has the benefit of greater socialization than when he was out in the country. He can come and go if someone wants to take him out for the day. We are all hopeful he will get stronger here!"

Prayers for Sam Carr's speedy recovery and thanks for all the visits and kind notes.

  • Chico Chism Memorial Birthday Bash May 23, 2009 at the Rhythm Room: Chico Chism, best known as Howlin' Wolf's last drummer, moved to Phoenix in 1986, and immediately become an esteemed hero in the Phoenix blues community. For 20 years he made Phoenix his home, and his presence was a major positive influence and prestigious bragging point of Phoenix. Though he passed away on January 28, 2007, he is fondly remembered. In honor of what would have been his birthday, there will be a musical tribute featuring many of the musicians whose lives were touched by the man. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix. Doors open at 7:30pm with a Phoenix Blues Society meeting first, and the show following at 8:30pm; cover charge is $7. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. This night will be a patio smoking only event; no indoor smoking will be permitted. Please enjoy these photo pages of our friend, the late Chico Chism (page 1 click here, page 2 click here, page 3 click here, page 4 click here, page 5 click here.
  • Amos Milburn on YouTube! Please enjoy this wonderful vintage performance by a West Coast blues piano great. To see Amos Milburn pounding the ivories on "Down The Road A Piece”, click here.
  • Memphis Recap: As The Blues Foundation celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Blues Music Awards, numerous musicians, labels, booking agents, festival bookers, publicists, photographers, writers, and managers gathered in Memphis last Thursday to be a part of the proceedings. For many of us, it is an annual gathering place to enjoy the family feeling that occurs when blues people get together. Absent were many of the fallen blues artists who were once a big part of these proceedings: Robert Lockwood, Jr., Little Milton, Ruth Brown, Rufus Thomas, and others who were regular participants in the event. But still, the family gathers and flaunts the seasoned veterans like Irma Thomas, Koko Taylor, Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, Bobby "Blue" Bland, B.B. King, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Bob Stroger, Taj Mahal, and others. The event also carries the flame by nurturing some of the new artists on the scene, as well as encouraging the dedicated career blues musicians who are making their gradual rise into wider recognition. This is a gathering of like-minded blues lovers rooting for their favorite blues nominee, and for the music in general.

Arriving on Tuesday, Kim and I checked into our room at the Memphis Marriott and enjoyed a great meal at Capriccio at the Peabody Hotel. We had already made our first new friends at the airport with Steven and Tina Suen, the owners of Biscuits & Blues in San Francisco. The rest of our time was non-stop greetings of so many of our great blues friends.

Wednesday was the Hall Of Fame dinner, which is always a joyous occasion. This is where songs, albums, literature and people are honored. Blues Foundation director Jay Sieleman opened the proceedings before turning it over to Bill Wax, who led us though a spectacular evening of honoring great blues achievements. Bill often called upon others to make authoritative and heartfelt introductions to recipients. All of these intros were wonderful, but some of my favorites were Bill Wax's spirited tribute to the song “Caldonia”, Marcia Ball's loving and personal ode to Clifford Antone, Bruce Iglauer's in-depth character description of Son Seals, which left nary a dry eye, and Chess reissue czar Andy McKaie's warm tribute to the stunning work of producer/reissuer/radio host/historian Bob Porter, perhaps one of the most knowledgeable people around on the subjects of blues and jazz. For a complete list of all the Hall Of Fame 2009 inductees, click here.

The next day was the awards ceremony, and it started out with a great conversation with harmonica great Steve Guyger on playing harmonica in Jimmy Rogers' band, and the special and elusive quality of playing that style of Chicago Blues. Steve and I both had the honor of working with the late Jimmy Rogers, which, for Chicago blues harmonica players, is as good as it gets. Paul Rishell and Annie Raines (another harmonica great) then joined us, and the conversation changed to their recent visit to the legendary Jerry McCain's house. Then off to the sound check, a lunch, and frequent lobby meetings. Before we knew it, the BMA night was upon us. I was there to perform with Chris James and Patrick Rynn, whose CD Stop And Think About It was nominated for a BMA in the debut artist category. Also in the band was drummer Kurt Kalker (best known for his work with The Fremonts), and our dear friend, piano master David Maxwell. We were to kick off the pre-party with a set that would greet the people shortly after the doors opened. The room was immediately full, and we kicked off a top-form set which was very well received. Special thanks to Billy Gibson (another harmonica great), who lent me his vintage Supro amp, which had such a gorgeous sound. It was a great moment for me when Taj Mahal went out of his way to compliment my harmonica playing. From that point on I was off work, and it was a non-stop party filled with music, speeches, and conversation. Some of my favorite performances were the soul-scorching ballad by Bettye LaVette, a surprise musical meeting of B.B. King and Curtis Salgado, the sweet, understated duo performance by Paul Rishell and Little Annie Raines, a masterful duet set by Steve Guyger and Kirk Fletcher, and a great ballad by New Orleans Soul Queen Irma Thomas. But, my favorite performance of the entire night was Koko Taylor performing “Wang Dang Doodle” with stunning backing by The Mannish Boys. Some other highlights of note were: Janiva Magness (who had brought along her daughter) being presented the entertainer of the year award by B.B. King and Bonnie Raitt, The coming out set from gay activist Gaye Adegbalola, complete with Jason Ricci and Ruthie Foster (other openly gay members of our blues community), Willie “Big Eyes” Smith's acceptance speech for Best Instrumentalist in the drums category. Willie noted that this year he was competing with his son Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith, who was also a nominee in the drummer category. Willie said that "this goes to show who is in charge". For a complete listing of the nominees and winners, click here. Also, to view photos taken by numerous photographers at the event, click here.

All in all, it was a great night for the blues. Here is a short list of the many people that we saw at the BMAs:

John Hahn, Art and Bonnie Tipaldi, Donovan Allen, Diunna Greenleaf, Big Pete Pearson, Bob Stroger, Steve Guyger, Maria Muldaur, Janiva Magness, Richard Rosenblatt, Jerry Del Giudice, Pete Carlson from Sagebrush Productions (who was there with Steven Seagal), Bill Dahl (who was there with Frank Lipsius from Jamie Records), my dear friend Bruce Bromberg (whose now defunct HighTone record label was the beginning of my recording career as a performer), Bill Stuve, Jay Sieleman and Priscilla Hernandez, Joe and Sara Whitmer, Fiona Boyes and Steve Clarke, Gil Anthony, Zac Harmon, Curtis Salgado, Michael Frank, Rev. Billy Wirtz, Koko and Cookie Taylor, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith, Pinetop Perkins and Pat Morgan, Hubert Sumlin, Bruce Iglauer, Andy and Ria McKaie, Marcia Ball, Terry Buckalew, Jostein Forsberg from the Notodden Blues Festival, Cassie and Otis Taylor, Gaye Adegbalola, Billy Gibson, Steve Simon, Bob and Linda Porter, Bill and Sheila Wax, David Maxwell and his lovely wife Simone, Watermelon Slim, Irma Thomas, Taj Mahal, Rich DelGrosso, Deanna Bogart, Albert Castiglia, Paul Rishell, Annie Raines, Elvin Bishop, Eden Brent, Delta Highway, Johnny Sansone, Doug McLeod, Gina Sicilia, Dave Gross, Rob Stone, Bettye LaVette, Johnny Rawls, Kirk Fletcher, Koko Taylor, The Mannish Boys, Los Fabulocos & Kid Ramos, Tom Leavey, Finis Tasby, Randy Chortkoff and his lovely Kelly, Frank Roszak and Josh Tempkin of Delta Groove, Candye Kane, Preston Hubbard, Dusty Scott of Dusty Blues, DJ Gary Miller from Bluessource, Charles and Lori Ragsdell, Jen Taylor and Scott Allen of Vivid Pix, Lurrie Bell, Kelly Littleton, Detroit Mike, Super Chikan, Bob and Pam Margolin, Scott Cable, the family of the late Sean Costello, Jason Ricci, Ruthie Foster, Kenny Neal, Marie Trout (wife of Walter Trout), Sonny “Mad Dog” Colter of Sirius/XM Satellite Radio, Horst-Dieter Fischer, Richard Ludmerer of the New York Blues and Jazz Society, Mark Evangelos, Milicia Theesink (wife of Hans Theessink), Fred Litwin of Northern Blues, Robert Belfour, Mr. and Mrs. V, Blues DJ Dar, Lil’ Ed and his wife Pam, Larry Taylor, Zack Zunis, Steve Mugalion, Benny Yee, Gordon Bulcok of Deja Blues, Brad Vickers, Cedric Burnside & Lightnin’ Malcolm, Al Blake, Richard Innes, Fred Kaplan, Dave Keyes, Nick Moss & The Fliptops, Dennis "Doc" Alters, Andra Faye of Saffire - The Uppity Blueswomen, Leon Blue, Lynn Orman, Deb Lubin, Michael Carden, Dave Fields, David Hughes, Betsie Brown of Blind Raccoon Publicity, Michael McClune, Michael Kinsman of BLUSD, Eric Steiner of the Washington Blues Society, Steve Hecht, Belinda Foster (Mack Arnold's manager), Stevie Dupree, Dick Waterman, Robin Rogers, Terry Hanck, Arnie Goodman, Aigars Lapsa (thanks for the beautiful calendar), Peggy and Corky Solum (who gave us photos of our last get together in October 2006 with the great Robert Lockwood, Jr.), Roger Naber and fellow Blues Cruise partners, David Beardsley of STL Blues, Johnny Dyer, Ms. Zeno, Hugh Southard of Blue Mountain Artists, Rick Booth and Jake Lankheit from Intrepid Artists, Thomas Ruf of Ruf Records, Michael Powers of Yellow Dog Records, David and Carmen Blake, Cliff Belcher, Paul Benjamin, Trudy Lynn, Amy Brat, Bobby Rush and "Lo", Sharrie Williams, Jackie Payne, Steve Edmondson, Charlie Hussey, Chris Sabie, Phoenix Blues Society President Kyle Deibler, Ricky Stevens, Roger "Hurricane" Wilson, Steve Cagle of KVMR, and others.

Though Mookie Brill was unable to attend the awards, he had prepared an acceptance speech, which, due to understandable Blues Foundation policy, was unable to be read at the event in his absence. But below is the message he hoped to convey in his acceptance speech. Here was his prepared speech:

“I'm sorry that circumstances prevented me from attending this year, and I know what you may be thinking, but no, I am not in jail! I would like to thank The Blues Foundation, all the voters, and all who have provided me with gigs this past year. There are many bassists deserving of this award, and I am honored that you chose me.

In the past year or so, I have lost a couple of good friends and collaborators, Nappy Brown and Sean Costello. I'd like to dedicate this award to their memories. Ordinarily, I would not use this occasion to promote a cause, but in honor of Sean, I'd like to call your attention to the "Sean Costello Fund for Bi-polar Research". It is run by Sean's mother, and I can think of no better way to honor his memory. Check it out at seancostellofund.org or on MySpace.

Once again, many thanks and I'm raising a glass to you from home! Now have some fun!”

Friday we spent breakfast at the Magnolia Grille with the Porters (Bob and Linda of course, and their sons and daughter-in-law), the McKaies, and latecomer Bruce Bromberg. Then Chris, Patrick, Kurt, Kim, and I packed up the rental van and drove to Fort Madison, Iowa.

Saturday we played the Simply The Blues Festival in Fort Madison, Iowa. Part of the festival honored Earwig Music's 30th Anniversary and featured Johnny Drummer, Liz Mandeville and, of course, the Chris James/Patrick Rynn Band of (which Kurt Kalker and I were a part of). Festival chief Matt Eimer was the most gracious host, and the festival, which has a legacy of great lineup, was filled with midwestern charm. While at the festival, we connected with Ben the Harpman from Juke Joint Soul, Shannon Curfman, Harper, Johnny Drummer, Liz Mandeville, Earwig chief Michael Frank, Gary Eckhart, and others. We felt good about our performance and we loved the festival. Thanks, Matt, for a very special time.

Sunday Chris, Patrick, Kurt, Kim, and I drove back to St. Louis where we flew home after a very satisfying trip. Since The Rhythm Room All-Stars (Big Pete Pearson, Bob Corritore, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, and Brian Fahey) play in France and Belgium this week, a couple days to pack/unpack are in order.

-Bob Corritore

May 10, 2009

  • Sam Carr Health Concerns: The following message came to us from Geni Ward, the sister of Sam Carr: "I would like to let everyone know that Sam Carr has taken ill and is in a nursing home in Clarksdale, Mississippi:

Greenbough Nursing Center

Room 308

340 DeSoto Avenue Extension

Clarksdale, MS 38614

Phone: (662) 627-3486

He has a blood clot in his leg, and his kidneys are beginning to fail. The doctors are treating him for the blood clot, and are giving him medicine to treat his kidneys. I would like for everyone to send up prayers on his behalf, and if anyone lives in the area, please go and visit him. Steve Kolbus has been going by to see him every day; if someone comes to see him often, they will give him better treatment. Thanks!"

-Geni Ward

May 4, 2009

May 1, 2009

April 20, 2009

  • Dave Riley & Bob Corritore Duet Appear Wednesday at the Rhythm Room: The BMA and BBMA-nominated down home blues combination of Dave Riley and Bob Corritore appear Wednesday at the Rhythm Room. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix. Doors open at 7pm, cover charge is $5. This night will be a patio smoking only event; no indoor smoking will be permitted. To see a photo page of Dave and Bob, click here.
  • Charlie Musselwhite Gets Mississippi Blues Trail Marker: Legendary blues harmonica ace Charlie Musselwhite will be honored with a Mississippi Blues Trail Marker this week. The ceremony will take place in Kosciusko, MS at 3pm on Friday, April 24, 2009. The State of Mississippi (with the assistance of blues historian Jim O'Neal), has been honoring its blues heritage with historical markers erected throughout the state. To see the invitation, click here; and to see a map of the location of the ceremony, click here.
  • RIP Manuel Arrington 4/24/1944-4/16/2009: Chicago area comedian/blues musician Manuel Arrington passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2009. He was 64. He was born in Collins, Mississippi on April 24, 1944. After serving in the military during the Vietnam War, he relocated in Chicago during the 1970s. He soon became well known in Chicago, and was hired to be emcee/comedian for many of the biggest blues shows in the city (B.B. King, Johnnie Taylor, Tyrone Davis, and others). During the 1980s, he added blues singing to his act, and would later become a show promoter and organizer. He is fondly remembered for his many wonderful jokes, including his famous double-entendre story called "Candy Bars". He will be greatly missed in the Windy City.
  • RIP Michael "Dr. Mike" James 6/10/1965-4/8/2009: Clarksdale favorite local musician Michael "Dr. Mike" James passed away last week. He was 43. James was born in Shaw, Mississippi on June 10, 1965. Michael, a talented guitarist, was a longtime member of the Wesley Jefferson Southern Soul Band, and was an arts & education program instructor for a while at the Delta Blues Museum. Thanks to Steve Cheseborough for sending this information.

April 14, 2009

March 31, 2009

March 24, 2009

Visitation:

Friday, March 27, 2009

10am to 10pm

Funeral Services:

Saturday, March 28, 2009

10am to 12 noon

Location for both:

AA Rayner & Sons Funeral Home

5911 W. Madison

Chicago, IL 60644

(773)626-4222

Note that out of town mourners may view the AA Rayner & Sons Funeral Home online obituary by clicking here, and sign the online guest book/offer condolences by clicking here.

March 23, 2009

March 20, 2009

March 20, 2009

March 20, 2009

March 11, 2009

March 8, 2009

  • RIP Willie King 3/8/1943-3/8/2009: This sad news just in: Alabama blues legend Willie King has died of a heart attack. He was 66 (sadly, it was also his birthday). Widely acclaimed as a master of down home, juke joint blues, Willie ambassadored this music at numerous festivals in the U.S. and Europe. His music often reflected his admiration for the music of Howlin' Wolf. He put a socially conscious political emphasis on many of his songs. He also sponsored the annual Freedom Creek Blues Festival. A kind and generous man with a great talent, Willie recorded great albums for the Rooster Blues and RMA labels, a DVD for Visible World Films, and was a part of Martin Scorsese's The Blues documentary. For a complete bio of Willie King, click here. To see film clips of Willie King on YouTube, click here, here, and here. Thanks, Willie, for your great music and your message contained within it.

March 4, 2009

March 3, 2009