Reviews from these publications are listed below in chronological order. Scroll to see all reviews.
American Blues Scene
BITS (Australia)
Blues Blast Magazine
Blues Bytes
Blues News (Netherlands)
Blues News (Russia)
Blues News (Switzerland)
Blues Roadhouse
Bluestown Music
Chicago Blues Guide
Concert Monkey (Belgium)
Cultura Blues (Mexico)
Culture Blues (France)
The Groove (Crossroads Blues Society)
Jefferson Magazine (Sweden)
La Hora Del Blues (Spain)
Living Blues
Making The Scene
Paris Move (France)
Phillycheeze Blues Blogspot
Poprock (Bosnia)
Rock Doctor
Roots Music Report
Sound36 Magazine (Italy)
Blues News (Switzerland) (September 29, 2025)
Bob Corritore, a harmonica maestro who grew up in Chicago, has been running “The Rhythm Room” music club in his current home of Phoenix, Arizona, for decades. Not only does he provide a platform for blues artists from near and far, he also brings the featured artists into the studio for recordings. Over the years, he has amassed a considerable archive, which Corritore shares with us through his regular “From The Vaults” releases.
This time, Bob has reached deep into the past. Many of the musicians are no longer with us. It’s all the more wonderful that their music is being brought back to life here. But these songs, recorded between 1984 and 2007, aren’t “just” mementos of times long past. We hear seminal figures whose contributions to blues history still resonate today. Despite their age, Bob Corritore’s recordings are of the highest quality and embody a magnificent selection of traditional post-war blues.
Bob Corritore (harm) plus Little Milton, Lowell Fulson, Robert Lockwood Jr., Jimmy Rogers, Pinetop Perkins, and many more
– Marco Piazzalonga
Bluestown Music (September 2025)
These definitive recordings from 1984 to 2007 include remixed and previously unreleased tracks – powerful performances by legends including Lowell Fulson, Little Milton, Jimmy Rogers, Robert Lockwood, Sam Lay, Henry Gray, Pinetop Perkins, Bob Margolin, and others.
This compilation showcases Bob Corritore‘s dedication to recording the real-deal blues by its originators. Most of the artists featured on this album are no longer with us, but their recordings will live on forever, and Bob Corritore was there to wrap his song-serving harmonica work and production around each of the tracks.
Bob always had his eye on the prize and took great artists into the studio whenever possible. Once he opened the Rhythm Room in 1991 he realized that there would be a pipeline of amazing artists coming through to play at his nightclub to perform. He took the opportunity not only to book them, but to offer them some additional work in the recording studio. Years later, the results of those efforts are here for us to celebrate. The results are a survey of the brilliance of the old-school style of blues — the blues legacy preserved by Bob Corritore with his caring, artful touch.
– Harry Radstake
Culture Blues (France) (October 4, 2025)
The observation is the same every time and forces us to repeat ourselves. Drawing from his seemingly inexhaustible (and unreleased!) archives, Chicago-born harmonica player Bob Corritore continues to release albums at a frenetic pace without sacrificing quality. In his “Bob Corritore & Friends” series, he invites us to a new album on VizzTone, which will be released on October 17, 2025, “Early Blues Sessions.” As its title suggests, and unlike other recent albums in the series, it goes back quite a long way and covers the period 1984-2007. The set includes 16 songs and Corritore surrounds himself, as always, with high-quality bluesmen: Little Milton, Sam Lay, Dave Riley, Jimmy Rogers, Chico Chism, Robert Lockwood Jr., Lil’ Ed Williams, Henry Gray, Tomcat Courtney, Clarence Edwards, Bob Margolin, Pinetop Perkins, King Karl, Jimmy Dotson and Lowell Fulson are also part of the group. The album can be pre-ordered at this address and opens with a previously unreleased song by Little Milton, ” I want to be the one”.
— Daniel Léon
Phillycheeze Blues Blogspot (October 7, 2025)
For Early Blues Sessions, the latest release in Bob Corritore’s ‘From the Vaults’ series, he reaches way back into his archives for a selection of sixteen tracks featuring remixed and unreleased recordings made from 1984 to 2007. The lineup of legendary blues artists whose performances are captured on this disc reads more like a Blues Hall of Fame induction ceremony. It is quite impressive. With Corritore on harmonica on each and every song, he is joined by his friends Little Milton, Lowell Fulson, Robert Lockwood Jr., Jimmy Rogers, Pinetop Perkins, Chico Chism, Sam Lay, Henry Gray, King Earl, Lil’ Ed, Dave Riley, Bob Margolin, Tomcat Courtney, Jimmy Dotson, and Clarence Edwards.
The album kicks off in a jukin’ style as Henry Grayfearlessly bangs the ivories alongside Little Miltonbelting out “I Want to Be the One”. Hearing Little Milton on guitar with Corritore accompanying on harp makes for a great opener. I love “Five Long Years” recorded with Chico Chism on vocals and Pinetop Perkins on piano. The relaxed tempo really lets the blues soak in. Li’l Ed gets things moving on “Hip Shakin’”. The harp is smokin’ and the groove is cookin’. “Showers of Rain” featuring Henry Grayon piano/vocals with Bob Margolin on guitar is a wonderful slice of Chicago Blues. I’m quickly swept up in the rhythm of Tomcat Courtney’s “I Wonder”. It definitely has a way to clawing its way into my bones. The blues drips with raw and unbridled authenticity when Clarence Edwards sings ‘I gave her three gold teeth. I put an earring in her ear’ on “Coal Black Mare”. King Karl cuts loose with the swinging title-track off his 1984 album Cool Calm Collected. It’s fun how this track walks the tightrope between blues and rockabilly. When taking in the legacy of Robert Johnson, I hang on every note of “Ramblin’ On My Mind” as it pours out the voice and guitar of Robert Lockwood Jr.. I find this one extremely fascinating. The compilation comes to a close with Lowell Fulsonperforming “West Texas Blues”. The song, less than two minutes in length, is beautifully played on acoustic guitar.
Early Blues Sessions carries on the tradition of Corritore’s ‘From the Vaults’ series and gives the listener a vintage blues listening experience. I recommend all of the discs in this collection. They’re fantastic!
– Phillip Smith
Paris Move (France) (October 9, 2025)
What do you call a passionate person whose compulsive work borders on frenzy? A Stakhanovite, that’s it!.. Abundantly chronicled in these columns for his plethora of production (chronicled HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE), this good Bob never stops selling his archives. Duly (and legally) captured in his Tempest studio in Tempe, Arizona (with the exception of one, recorded at KMCR radio in Mesa, in the same state), these sixteen new gems result from fourteen sessions spread between 1984 and 2007, and their cast is dizzying. Judge for yourself: where else can you find so much unreleased material from Little Milton, Sam Lay, Dave Riley, Jimmy Rogers, Chico Chism, Robert Lockwood Jr., Lil’ Ed Williams, Henry Gray, Tomcat Courtney, Clarence Edwards, Bob Margolin, Pinetop Perkins, King Karl, Jimmy Dotson and Lowell Fulson? Opening with Little Milton’s “I Want to Be The One” (where the latter includes two brief but scathing guitar choruses, and the late Henry Gray takes over the ivories), it’s the historic Sam Lay who then sings Arthur ‘Big Boy’ Crudup’s “So Glad I’m Living”, while Chico Chism fills in on drums. Dave Riley performs his own “On My Way”, before the imperial Jimmy Rogers does the same with his “She Loves Another Man”, where he delivers a vintage guitar solo (unless it’s Buddy Reed, also credited). It’s Chico Chism’s turn to take the microphone for an anthology version of Eddie Boyd’s “Five Long Years”, with the legendary Pinetop Perkins on piano, the excellent Johnny Rapp on six strings and Corritore on chromatic. Robert Jr Lockwood then offers us his version of the instrumental “Naptown Blues” by Wes Montgomery (with Elmer Scott on drumsticks, the remarkable Eddie Hollis on Hammond B3, and of course that dear Bob on the slats). It is Lil’ Ed Williams himself who then delivers a feverish version of “Hip Shakin’” by his late uncle JB Hutto, before the great Henry Gray performs a “Showers Of Rain” of his own, with the equally historic Bob Margolin at his side. The lesser-known Tomcat Courtney and King Karl are respectively illustrated by their respective “I Wonder” (in the vein of Howlin’ Wolf) and the vintage “Cool Calm Collected” (in the Louisiana spirit of Lloyd Price and Fats Domino, unrelated to the Rolling Stones’ homonymous title, but with a dazzling six-string solo by Johnny Rapp). Vocalist and guitarist Clarence Edwards shares with Sam Lay and Robert Jr Lockwood the privilege of performing two songs as leader (Arthur ‘Big Boy’ Crudup’s “Coal Black Mare”, and his own “Hear That Rumblin’”), and it is again in the vein of Fats Domino that Sam Lay sings “My Fault” (where he also plays the sticks), while Bob’s reeds breathe a Lazy Lester flavor into it. Lockwood once again pays homage to his godfather in blues (and ex-father-in-law) Robert Johnson, by reprising his “Ramblin’ On My Mind”, before Jimmy Dotson performs his own swinging “Tired Of Being Alone” (with Buddy Reed’s six strings),and that this collection closes with the “West Texas Blues” performed by the great Lowell Fulson in a Mississippi low-down vein, with the sole support of his guitar and Bob’s harmonica. Omnipresent on each of these tracks, the latter once again confirms his versatility and his impressive knowledge of this music, in all its meanings. Connoisseurs will not be mistaken, go for it! INDISPENSABLE!
– Patrick Dallongeville
Zicazic (France) (October 10, 2025)
Bob Corritore is one of the greatest exponents of traditional blues. A deep-throated harmonica player and passionate producer, he has established himself as an archivist of the African-American musical soul. Since opening his club, the Rhythm Room in Phoenix in 1991, he has recorded a constellation of blues legends, often on the fringes of the commercial circuit, with a fidelity to raw sound and true emotion. With “Early Blues Sessions,” Bob Corritore opens a new door in his “From The Vault” series, dedicated to the buried treasures of his archives. This new opus, scheduled for release this fall, brings together sixteen tracks recorded between 1984 and 2007, including several previously unreleased or remixed tracks, capturing the essence of the blues in its most authentic form. This album is a living fresco, a vibrant tribute to the giants of the genre. It features the voices and instruments of Lowell Fulson (“West Texas Blues”), Little Milton (“I Want To Be The One”), Jimmy Rogers (“She Loves Another Man”), Robert Lockwood Jr. (“Naptown Blues”, “Ramblin’ On My Mind”), Sam Lay (“So Glad I’m Living”, “My Fault”), Henry Gray (“Showers Of Rain”), Pinetop Perkins, Chico Chism, Lil’ Ed, Tomcat Courtney, Clarence Edwards, King Karl and Jimmy Dotson. Each track is enveloped by Bob Corritore’s harmonica, discreet but essential, serving the vocals and groove with a rare humility. Far from seeking to demonstrate his talents, the harmonica player seeks instead to convey a rich history and to document an era when the blues was still played in smoky clubs, modest studios, sometimes following impromptu meetings. He takes the opportunity to give voice to artists who are too often forgotten and, with his vision as a producer-artisan, he offers us a formidable lesson in musical memory. A living archive, a celebration of the blues as a popular, rooted and universal art, to be recommended to lovers of pure blues, to musical history enthusiasts, and to all those who want to hear the sound of the roots!
– Fred Delforge
Concert Monkey (Belgium) (October 13, 2025)
English Translation:
Bob Corritore is an American harmonica player born in Chicago on September 27, 1956. His life changed forever when he first heard Muddy Waters on the radio at the age of twelve. In less than a year, he learned to play the harmonica. Bob sought out great harpists such as Big Walter Horton, Little Mack Simmons, Louis Myers, Junior Wells, Big John Wrencher, and Carey Bell. From them, he received many harmonica tips and encouragement. In 1981, Bob moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he began collaborating with former Howlin’ Wolf drummer Chico Chism in 1986. This collaboration lasted twenty years, until Chico’s death in 2007. In 1991, Bob opened the now-famous blues and roots club, The Rhythm Room, and in 1999, he released his debut album, “All-Star Blues Sessions.” In 2005, Bob brought the Rhythm Room All-Stars, featuring Big Pete Pearson, to the Marco Fiume Blues Passions Festival in Italy. This generated considerable European interest in Bob Corritore’s fiery harmonica playing. In 2007, Bob received a Keeping The Blues Alive Award from the Blues Foundation. That same year, “Travelin’ The Dirt Road,” a collaboration with Dave Riley, was nominated for a Blues Music Award. In 2011, Bob Corritore & Friends’ album “Harmonica Blues” won a Blues Music Award for Best Historical Blues Release. In 2013, “Ain’t Nothing You Can Do,” the brilliant collaboration with John Primer, was chosen as Best Blues Album of 2013 by the German Blues News Magazine. A year later, Corritore also received a Blues 411 Jimi Award for Best Harmonica Player. In May 2020, “The Gypsy Woman Told Me,” the third collaboration between Bob Corritore and John Primer, was released. In the fall of 2020, three more albums by Bob Corritore were released in the “From The Vault Series.” For his 2021 album “Spider In My Stew,” Bob Corritore once again invited a whole host of guests. In 2022, Bob Corritore released ‘Tell Me ‘Bout It’ by Louisiana Red and Bob Corritore, ‘Down Home Blues Revue’ and ‘You Shocked Me’ both in the Bob Corritore & Friends series, with Bob Corritore’s ‘From The Vaults’. On May 26, 2023, Bob Corritore and his friends released ‘High Rise Blues’ and four months later he was back with ‘Somebody Put Bad Luck On Me’. On January 12, 2024, another album by Bob Corritore & Friends was released in the ‘From The Vaults’ series, this time with recordings with blues singers from Phoenix, Arizona, Bob Corritore’s home base since 1981. The album contains twelve songs, recorded between 1987 and 2016. It continues an endless series, as “Doin’ The Shout!”, the most recent album in the Bob Corritore And Friends series, was released on February 27, 2025. A new album in the series, “Early Blues Sessions,” will be released on October 17.
Written and recorded by Little Milton, who also sings the song and plays guitar on this album. It’s a blues number with Mario Moreno on bass and Chico Chism on drums. As in all the songs on this album, Bob Corritore and his harmonica play a defining role. “So Glad I’m Living” is a compelling blues song, written and recorded by Arthur Crudup. Sam Lay sings this excellent song with a historic and soulful voice. Corritore is a strong and excellent presence on the harmonica throughout the song. “On My Way” picks up the pace a bit. It was written by Dave Riley, who takes care of the vocals and guitar. ‘She Loves Another Man’, with Jimmy Rogers behind the microphone and on guitar, is definitely one of the highlights of the album. The rhythm section on ‘She Loves Another Man’ consists of bassist Bruce Lopez and drummer Chico Chism.
A beautiful guitar intro by Johnny Rapp kicks off the slow blues “Five Long Years.” This soulful and understated slower number demonstrates that Chico Chism is not only an excellent drummer, but also a fantastic singer. Pinetop Perkins carries the melody with his warm piano tones, while Bob Corritore and Johnny Rapp add color to the song with beautiful harmonica and guitar fills. The instrumental “Naptown Blues” was written by Wes Montgomery. The instrumental lead roles are played by guitarist Robert Lockwood Jr., organist Eddie Hollis, and harmonica virtuoso Bob Corritore, who each distinguish themselves with their clever and infectious solos. Lil’ Ed handles guitar and vocals on the JB Hutto-penned “Hip Shakin’.” Corritore once again displays his considerable talent as a harmonica player. Bassist Paul Thomas and drummer Chico Chism provide the beautiful shuffle groove. Singer Lil’ Ed brings a beautiful close to “Hip Shakin'” with his guitar. Henry Gray puts his stamp on the Henry-penned “Showers of Rain.” His soulful voice is filled with conviction and emotion, and his piano work is a delight to the ear. It’s also worth mentioning that guitarist Bob Margolin and bassist Pops MacFarlane make a one-off appearance on this album on “Showers of Rain.”
Tomcat Courtney sings and plays guitar on the self-written “I Wonder,” a song with a Howlin’ Wolf rhythm. Guitarist/singer Clarence Edwards then takes on two songs in a row. The first is “Coal Black Mare,” written by Arthur Crudup, and the second is his own “Hear That Rumblin’.” “Coal Black Mare” is a beautiful blues ballad, showcasing Clarence’s fine voice and featuring Corritore, who once again shines with beautiful blowing and breathing on the harmonica. “Hear That Rumblin'” is a solid blues rocker. The lineup for these last two songs is Clarence Edwards on guitar and vocals, Bob Corritore on harmonica, Scott Meyer on bass, and Greg Zark on drums. We’re heading down the rock ‘n’ roll road with the swinging “Cool Calm Collected,” featuring King Karl at the microphone. Johnny Rapp delivers a dexterous guitar solo and the ever-present Bob Corritore on harmonica, providing the instrumental highlights. Sam Lay, whose voice we heard early on the album, also gets to sing “My Fault,” written by Walter McGhee. Tom Mahon commands attention with beautiful, clear piano work, and Corritore also makes a name for himself on his harmonica.
The blues shuffle “Ramblin’ On My Mind” is undoubtedly one of the album’s best-known songs. It was written by blues legend Robert Johnson and is sung here by Robert Lockwood Jr., who also handles guitar. The other musicians are pianist Henry Gray, drummer Chico Chism, bassist Mario Moreno, and harmonica player Bob Corritore. The swinging “Tired Of Being Alone” was written by Jimmy Dotson. The song’s fine guitar work and vocals come from the same Jimmy Dotson. The album concludes with “West Coast Blues,” written by Aiger Alexander. The song, barely 110 seconds long, is sung by Lowell Fulson, accompanied only by his guitar and Bob Corritore’s harmonica.
‘Early Blues Sessions’ is a compilation of recordings from the period 1984 to 2007. It includes remixed and previously unreleased tracks, with performances by big names such as Lowell Fulson, Little Milton, Jimmy Rogers, Robert Lockwood, Sam Lay, Henry Gray, Pinetop Perkins, Bob Margolin, and others. The album aims to offer an overview of Corritore’s involvement with real, traditional blues, close to his roots and around his club The Rhythm Room, and to show traces of artists who have since passed away or have passed away. The recordings have a warm, often somewhat rough production (based on older live/studio sessions), which contributes to the authenticity. Corritore’s harmonica is purposeful. He plays supporting, accentuating, sometimes leading, but rarely boastfully. He allows room for vocals, guitar, piano, or other instruments, and knows how to listen and respond in collaborations with older masters. This is a hallmark of his vault albums. ‘Early Blues Sessions’ is a valuable release for traditional blues enthusiasts, especially harmonica aficionados and the true older generation of blues musicians.
– Walter Vanheuckelom
Sound36 Magzine (Italy) (October 13, 2025)
It’s been a summer of blues revelry. Between reissues of historic records and new releases, l’ve had it all. Then, when it comes time to choose who to dedicate the next review to, it’s a real dilemma. A live reissue of Jimmy Page & the Black Crowes? The Tedeschi Trucks Band with the legendary Leon Russell? Or the great Van Morrison, who never ceases to amaze? Perhaps the North Mississippi Allstars with the alchemic Still Shakin’? In short, a puzzle. So, as I leaf through my CDs like a daisy and trust the parable of “vola gigino torna gigetto,” I finally come to a conclusion. Early Blues Sessions by Bob Corritore & Friends. An album I was lucky enough to preview, released on October 17, 2025, under the sign of Libra. According to star experts: a strong aesthetic and artistic sense. A combination that only those with perseverance and passion can pull off, preserving the brilliance of old-school blues and its legacy. Bob Corritore is like a Carthusian monk; with his meticulous work, he’s been able to bring many artists into the studio, creating extraordinary archives. Archives that, after years of sacrifice, are a treasure worth protecting. They call them From The Vaults. Early Blues Sessions collects recordings spanning 1984 and 2007 and includes performances by legends such as Lowell Fulson, Jimmy Rogers, Robert Lockwood, Sam Lay, Pinetop Perkins, and others. Bob was there too, ready to blow into the reeds of his harmonica to craft his own accompaniment. With most of the artists mentioned having passed on, the album takes on greater value and importance.” I Wanna Be The One” is the single that preceded the album’s release. It’s a previously unreleased track by Little Milton, featuring Corritore, and also features veterans Henry Gray and Chico Chism. As I wrote in a previous article: The Blues doesn’t betray, it unites. That’s its true magic. For a bluesman, playing together creates an empathetic bond with other musicians, a harmonious experience that transcends the notes of a simple score. Early Blues Sessions, besides being an excellent work of authentic traditional blues, is tangible proof of the shared passion among musicians. Bob Corritore is no stranger to this type of project; his ideas have received major recognition over the years. Beyond the prestige, his work, built on love, passion, and determination, has been recognized.
– Gianfranco Piria
Roots Music Report (October 14, 2025)
4 Stars
Standing out on harmonica ace Bob Corritore’s current archival drop are spirited-sounding vocal performances from drummer Chico Chism- “Five Long Years”, “Li’l Ed” Williams- “Hip Shakin’”, pianist Henry Gray “Showers Of Rain” and Robert Lockwood Jr., taking on stepdad Robert Johnson’s “Ramblin’ On My Mind”. Mr. C’s blues harp always seems to fit, whomever he’s backing.
Poprock (Bosnia) (October 17, 2025)
Just today, October 17th, the famous VizzTone Label Group released an album with the full and complete title Early Blues Sessions – Historic Recordings from Bob’s Vast Archives, Featuring Blues Legends, hereinafter Early Blues Sessions, behind which stands harpist Bob Corritore & Friends. Together, they recorded an album with extremely impressive content, which should definitely be part of every serious blues collection.
And this time I can thank Richard Rosenblatt for this promotion, who really tries to ensure that both the Blues Corner of the music portal www.PopRock.hr, and the radio show Blues 4U, have such exclusive promotions and presentations. I am really glad that this promotional story continues so brilliantly and progressively.
There is no doubt, my dears, before us is an absolutely hard and above all brilliant album of traditional and West Coast blues, exceptional musical guests and friends and a peculiar, deeply traditionalist-oriented harmonica player – the simply brilliant Bob Corritore. Mutual appreciation and respect deeply shaped their relationship. Why? The reason is simple – human. Politeness and respect are an absolutely healthy basis for any cooperation. If there is no such thing, everything falls into the water and loses its meaning.
Bob Corritore (harmonica) was joined on this album by an exceptional crew: Little Milton, Sam Lay, Dave Riley, Jimmy Rogers, Chico Chism, Robert Lockwood Jr., Lil Ed, Henry Gray, Tomcat Courtney, Clarence Edwards, King Karl, Jimmy Dotson and Lowell Fulson. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these musicians are no longer with us, which only further speaks of Corritore’s approach, significance and musical value, which we can clearly hear with the performances of his All-Star Band – a lineup whose members are made up of breathtaking names.
Early Blues Sessions is a collection that spans the period from 1984 to 2007 and features an exceptional list of artists whose work helped define the blues.
The song “I Want To Be The One”, so far unreleased, is the author’s work of Little Milton and is a true gem and a reminder of the fruitful intertwining of blues generations. Milton, who ruled both the juke joint scene and soul, left behind a song that still sounds as powerful today as it did the moment it was first recorded.
Before us is an album that will quicken our blood flow, warm our inner being and cause that familiar, pleasant shiver down the spine – a feeling that blues connoisseurs very well recognize. Such reactions are not caused by something average – but only by what has “that something”. I feel deep down that this is exactly what a true blues album should sound like.
Like many before him, Bob Corritore waited a long time for his affirmation. Today, almost a decade since he has enjoyed the status of a respected musician, it is clear that this affirmation is only a confirmation of his quality and inspiration.
This “crazy” team speaks volumes for itself. “Friends” are the gray eminence of the American blues scene, and opposite them stands the “young” Bob Corritore – a harpist who first just listened, and then went into that endless, bluesy world in which he plays a very significant role today.
Bob is not just a harmonica player – he is a club owner, radio DJ and music producer. But his gig remains above all else. His presentation style unites the musical bravura of Little Walter, Junior Wells and James Cotton, but with a strongly expressed own, original approach. It is with this authentic style that Corritore gained global affirmation – a success that deserves respect and great recognition.
On the other hand, this kind of meeting of generations and musicians vividly depicts all the greatness, strength and splendor of the presentation form, both of the musicians and of the album itself.
Early Blues Sessions content brings a real tsunami of traditional blues, which first comes slowly and gradually, and then, when it rises over 30 meters – it just covers you and the story is over. These 16 songs will literally sweep you away with their expression. And yes – I should highlight some of them now… but no way! The album is listened to in its entirety. Those almost 51 minutes will pass in no time. And what then? Nothing – start all over again. So the circle is constantly opening and closing. And I want to be part of that circle. I want to be covered by that big, blue wave that will take me forever to that incredible Blue Land from which I don’t want to come back.
Recommendation
A lot of material and albums pass through my hands every day. However, only some occupy that special place in my being. It was there that the Early Blues Sessions of the exceptional musicians Bob Corritore & Friends took place.
Learn more about everything at:
http://www.bobcorritore.com
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twitter.com/bobcorritore
http://www.vizztone.com
http://www.facebook.com/VizzToneLabelGroup
twitter.com/VizzTone
soundcloud.com/vizztone
http://www.bratgirlmedia.com/vizztone
SmartLink:nk.to/Bcearly
Tracklist:
1.I Want To Be The One (feat. Little Milton)2.So Glad I’m Living (feat. Sam Lay)3.On My Way (feat. Dave Riley)4.She Loves Another Man (feat. Jimmy Rogers)5.Five Long Years (feat. Chico Chism)6.Naptown Blues (feat. Robert Lockwood Jr.)7.Hip Shakin’ (feat. Lil Ed)8.Showers Of Rain (feat. Henry Gray)9.I Wonder (feat. Tomcat) Courtney) 10. Coal Black Mare (feat. Clarence Edwards) 11. Hear That Rumblin; (feat. Clarence Edwards) 12. Cool, Calm, Collected (feat. King Karl) 13. My Fault (feat. Sam Lay) 14. Ramblin’ On My Mind (feat. Robert Lockwood Jr.) 15. Tired Of Being Alone (feat. Jimmy Dotson) 16. West Texas Blues (feat. Lowell Fulson)
(VizzTone Label Group & BratGirlmeadia)
Yours bluesy, Mladen Loncar-Mike
Chicago Blues Guide (First Review) (October 17, 2025)
Bluesman Bob Corritore is back with another tour de force release. His latest, “From the Vaults” project is titled Early Blues Sessions, and it features a long list of musical heavyweights from days gone by.
Besides being a harmonica ace, Rhythm Room club owner and KJZZ radio host, Corritore has also assumed the unofficial title of blues historian and tireless promoter of the genre. His social media feed is filled with photos and anecdotes about renowned artists, and his vast catalog of blues collaborations have captured the musical magic that permeates from the Phoenix recording studio every time he and his cohorts got together.
And Early Blues Sessions is no exception. Whether it’s a juke box worthy track from Little Milton, a hip-shaking slide clinic courtesy of Lil’ Ed or some gospel-flavored blues delivered with feeling from Dave Riley, Early Blues Sessions features sixteen tracks of fantastic music dating back to 1984 that showcase “the type of blues you can’t get anymore” according to Corritore.
In a recent phone interview, Corritore summed up his connection to these legends when he said that “the cool thing is that I was recording blues that was so close to the source, the motherload of the blues with the people that were the innovators and creators of it.” He added that “this irreplaceable thing will never come back again because at this point in time these giants walked the earth and somehow, I was able to do these amazing recordings.”
Luckily for us, Corritore was uniquely positioned to befriend the musicians and make these amazing recordings. After he honed his skills playing with a slew of Chicago blues legends during his formative years in the Windy City, he moved to Arizona in the eighties and opened his nightclub, the Rhythm Room, in Phoenix, Arizona in 1991. He soon realized that he “was in the path of greatness” as he could offer musicians traveling to California a gig at his club and a recording session afterwards. He said, “this became a very powerful lifestyle.”
While Corritore has been instrumental in ensuring that these artists’ musical legacy have been recorded for posterity, he also has a wealth of stories about these musicians and how these songs came to be. Early Blues Sessions kicks off with an unreleased track called “I Want to Be the One” from Little Milton that’s sure to get the toes tapping and the musical juices flowing.
Corritore is proud of his friendship with late legend Little Milton, “who always treated me better than I deserved.” He said that they often talked on the phone and Little Milton would invite Corritore backstage when he came to his shows.
Corritore had long wanted to record with Little Milton. It finally worked out when Little Milton was coming through Phoenix and Corritore had assembled a super group of musicians that included Henry Gray on keys and Chico Chism on drums. With this cast, Little Milton was all in for a “back to the roots” session. The result is a “cool groove” that showcases “Milton singing with all that joy, with the big, fantastic voice he had, and his guitar playing is very tone-full.”
While “I Want to Be the One” is a soul-infused romp accented by Henry Gray’s lively keyboard artistry, Early Blues Sessions also takes on a variety of other sub-genres including Lowell Fulson’s honest down-home “West Texas Blues” and swamp pop flavored tunes on Jimmy Dotson’s “Tired of Being Alone” and King Karl’s “Cool, Calm and Collected.”
As befits the bandleader who coordinates this diverse roster of musical styles, Corritore’s harmonica adapts perfectly to every offering. He attributes his versatility to a keen appreciation of everything from jazz and country to soul and roots music. Corritore also credits hanging out with Lazy Lester and King Karl where he picked up “first-hand knowledge” of the Louisiana style of playing blues.
Another highlight on Early Blues Sessions is a cover of Wes Mongomery’s swinging instrumental number, “Naptown Blues” with guitarist Robert Lockwood Junior. Corritore said that Lockwood was well-versed in jazz as well as downhome Delta blues; he learned the style of playing the melody and bass line simultaneously directly from Robert Johnson, who had dated Lockwood’s mother. Corritore added that Lockwood was like a “father figure” and mentored him in both blues and life.
Corritore said that while Lockwood was very disciplined, he could also be a jokester. Ditto for Sam Lay, who is featured on both “So Glad I’m Living” and “My Fault.” Corritore said that Lay was a “delightful person to hang out with” who could stylistically adapt to capture the various emotions demonstrated on these two very different tracks.
One of Corritore’s first blues heroes was Jimmy Rogers, who is credited with fueling Corritore’s early Chicago blues fire. Corritore purchased Roger’s Chicago Bound record on the Chess label during his high school years and was later thrilled to have the opportunity to play alongside the legend. “She Loves Another Man” showcases their musical connection and Corritore said he obliged Rogers by playing Big Walter Horton style on this track.
Corritore added that when Rogers came through town the two men would “laugh, joke and just have a good time because when you became a friend with Jimmy, you were in, and he saw the joy I had in the music and the respect I had for him.”
The respect Corritore has for the many great musicians on Early Blues Sessions oozes through on every track. He also has more eye-opening recollections on how these songs came to be. He said that “Five Long Years,” was the result of a recording session that revolved around Pinetop Perkins, but Perkins had legendary drummer Chico Chism assume some of the vocal duties at that session. Corritore said, “when we heard the playback, we knew we had hit on something very powerful” with Chism’s vocal delivery.
Whether it’s collaborating with Pinetop Perkins and Chico Chism on “Five Long Years” or recording with Henry Gray, Bob Margolin and other blues movers and shakers on “Showers of Rain,” Bob Corritore’s Early Blues Sessions perfectly captures the musical vibe from a special place in time—all brought to you by the man who had a front row seat to all the action, and the foresight to record his heroes’ music for posterity.
About the Author: Blues enthusiast Robin Zimmerman, a.k.a. Rockin’ Robin, writes a Blues Blog and is a regular contributor to Chicago Blues Guide
American Blues Scene (October 17, 2025)
Bob Corritore & Friends: ‘Early Blues Sessions,’ 1984–2007, Preserved for Posterity via Vizztone
Today’s the Day: ‘Early Blues Sessions’ is out now via VizzTone! Bob Corritore preserves decades of historic blues with remixed and unreleased tracks from legends including Sam Lay, Lowell Fulson, Little Milton, and Robert Lockwood.
Vizztone Label Group has unveiled Early Blues Sessions, a remarkable compilation of recordings from Bob Corritore’s decades-long work capturing the real-deal blues. Spanning 1984 to 2007, the album brings together definitive recordings – remixed and unreleased – featuring artists whose work etched the very sound of the blues.
Many of the performers on these sessions are no longer with us. Yet through Corritore’s foresight—booking them at his Phoenix nightclub, the Rhythm Room, and bringing them into the studio— their music has been preserved for new generations of blues fans.
When he opened the Rhythm Room in 1991, he recognized a steady stream of extraordinary artists passing through. He made sure their time in the Rhythm Room extended beyond the stage and into the studio. With Corritore’s harmonica and meticulous production woven throughout, Early Blues Sessionsoffers a rich chronicle of old-school blues brilliance
ICYMI: Little Milton Collaboration.
Ahead of the album, Corritore shared the previously unreleased 2002 studio track “I Want To Be The One” with Little Milton. Featuring Corritore on harmonica and a stellar studio band including Henry Gray and Chico Chism, the track finds Milton at the height of his artistry.
Corritore recalled, “Milton wrote this beautiful song specifically for our session. It feels like this song is the perfect link between his Mississippi roots and his later blues/soul style. If this came out as a 45 in the mid 1970s, I can imagine that it would be on all of the jukeboxes at all the Chicago blues bars.
– Laura Leadingham
Blues News (Netherlands) (October 19, 2025)
Bob Corritore, now 69, is one of the busiest blues musicians; over the past five years, he has released some fourteen CDs, usually with the addition “& Friends,” or more specifically “with John Primer” or “& Bob Margolin.” And now there’s “Early Blues Sessions,” a compilation CD with recordings from 1984 to 2007 by a variety of artists for whom Corritore played a supporting role.
The disc contains 16 tracks, from Bob’s own archive (he is not only a musician but also a producer, and has his own blues club and recording studio); all remixed and here and there previously unreleased. The list of names is a bit sad, because while reading it I thought “he’s dead” eight times… I’ll list the best-known ones: Lowell Fulson, Little Milton, Jimmy Rogers, Robert Jr. Lockwood, Sam Lay, Henry Gray, Pinetop Perkins, Bob Margolin, and Lil’ Ed. I’ve seen some of them live; Lil’ Ed (with his Blues Imperials) played at the first blues festival I attended, in 1987 at the Oosterpoort in Groningen
The CD contains pure ‘electric’ blues and is a showcase for Bob’s craftsmanship; I enjoyed it. There are two songs featuring Sam Lay, the longtime drummer for Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf. Lay is also known for a James Cotton-related incident in 1966, in which he shot himself in the groin with his own gun. It’s nice that drummer Chico Chism also contributes a song (the well-known “Five Long Years”); his own discography isn’t that extensive. Chism puts a nice, unique spin on the blues classic.
The name Clarence Edwards didn’t immediately ring a bell, but he’s represented on two tracks. I already owned “Hear That Rumblin'” (on a 2001 minidisc). Pianist Henry Gray would have turned 100 this year, and he’s featured on this CD in “Showers of Rain,” a prime example of how the session players work so seamlessly together.
This CD is a solid collection of excellently performed songs and offers a good impression of Corritore’s session work over the years. It’s (in my opinion) a must-have for fans of harmonica, piano, and guitar blues.
– Gertjan Kuiper
Blues Roadhouse (October 19, 2025)
If there’s any type of blues that makes me sit up and listen these days, it’s the classic sound of real-deal electric blues.
And that’s just what Bob Corritore has conjured up with his latest “From the Vaults” compilation, the magnificently curated “Early Blues Sessions.” Corritore has been recording tracks such as these for years, and his thoughtful productions are keeping the essence of this great music alive and breathing hard.
The 16 songs here, remixed and previously unreleased, span the years 1984 to 2007, and feature artists who’ve helped fire the molten core of the blues. including Lowell Fulson, Little Milton, Jimmy Rogers, Robert Lockwood Jr., Sam Lay, Henry Gray, Pinetop Perkins, Bob Margolin and others. Corritore’s harp work weaves righteously throughout each song.
The first searing track is Corritore’s previously unreleased 2002 collaboration with the legendary Little Milton, “I Wanna Be the One,” written just for that session. It kicks off the album with appropriate down-home juice, with Henry Gray blending his gusty blues piano seamlessly into the effort, while Corritore takes a fierce solo.
Blues drummer Sam Lay contributes the slow-drag, down-home “So Glad I’m Living,” with its belt-buckle polishing invitation. On a side note, in an example of musical cross-pollination, Lay was the drummer Bob Dylan chose when he introduced his electric self at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival.
Dave Riley offers a shuffling “On My Way,” then Jimmy Rogers creates a jazz-like “She Loves Another Man” that highlights one of the blues’ many facets. Chico Chism digs deep into the classic deep-blue “Five Long Years.” Robert Lockwood Jr. puts his snappy guitar work front and center on the intrumental “The Naptown Blues,” with some elegant organ work midway. Lil Ed brings his nasty slide guitar to “Hip Shakin’,” and Henry Gray returns with the hard-driving “Showers Of Rain.”
The magic of this fine blues journey continues through a lineup that include Lockwood’s memorable “Ramblin’ On My Mind,” Tomcat Courtney, Clarence Edwards, King Karl, Jimmy Dotson and Lowell Fulson, whose closer, “West Texas Blues,” leaves you ready for Volume 2.
“Early Blues Sessions” is a remarkable collection of musicians and their music that highlights the electric essence of classic American blues. Its historical value is exceeded only by the pure joy of the music. Let’s hope that Bob Corritore has more of the same.
– Jim White
Making The Scene (October 2025)
Bob Corritore was born in Chicago and got hooked on blues harmonica when he was twelve years old. He studied and received playing tips from Carey Bell, Big Walter Horton, Junior Wells and others. At the age of twenty-five Corritore moved to Phoenix Arizona. Ten years later he opened his own club there called The Rhythm Room. With his house band The Rhythm Room All-Stars, he backed musicians when they came to town. Since 2017 Corritore has been nominated for eleven Blues Music Awards. He won his first BMA in 2011 for Historical Album of The Year, and won again in 2025 for Traditional Blues Album of The Year for Crawlin’ Kingsnake recorded with John Primer. This new compilation is a brilliant survey. Most of the artists featured are no longer with us but their recordings will live on forever. Corritore plays harmonica on all sixteen tracks. Also included are seven drummers, six bass players, four piano players, one organist, and fourteen guitarists and vocalists.
The album opens with “I Want To Be The One”written and recorded by Little Milton Campbell. Mario Moreno plays bass, while Chico Chism plays drums. On “So Glad I’m Living” Sam Lay sings on a tune from Arthur Crudup with Patrick Rynn, bass; and Chism on drums. “On My Way” was written and is sung by guitarist Dave Riley, who is often partnered with Corritore, while Frank Rossi plays drums.
“She Loves Another Man” includes a vocal from guitarist Jimmy Rogers with pianist S.E. Willis, Buddy Reed, lead guitar, Bruce Lopez, bass; and Chism drums. “Five Long Years” was written by Eddie Boyd and features a vocal from drummer Chism, while Pinetop Perkins plays piano. “Nap Town Blues” was written by Wes Montgomery, is an instrumental featuring guitarist Robert Lockwood Jr.
“Hip Shakin’” was written by J.B. Hutto and sung by guitarist Lil’ Ed, the Alligator Recording Artist, with Paul Thomas, bass; and Chism on drums. “Showers Of Rain” features a vocal from pianist Henry Gray, on guitar is Bob Margolin with bass from Pops MacFarlane; and Chism again on drums. “I Wonder” was written and recorded by guitarist Tomcat Courtney, with Patrick Rynn, bass; and Brian Fahey, drums.
“Coal Black Mare” is a second song written by Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup, here it is sung by guitarist Clarence Edwards, with Scott Meyer, bass; and Greg Zark, drums. “Hear That Rumblin’” is written and sung by Edwards once again with the rhythm section of Meyer, bass; and Zark, drums. “Cool Calm Collected” was written by Bernard Jollvette and sung by King Karl as Rusty Zinn plays guitar, Paul Thomas, bass; and Richard Innes, drums.
“My Fault” written by Brownie McGhee, is a second song sung by drummer Sam Lay with Patrick Rynn on bass. “Ramblin’ On My Mind” written by Robert Johnson, is a second song sung by guitarist Robert Lockwood Jr. with Henry Gray on piano; Moreno on bass; and Chism on drums. “Tired Of Being Alone” is written and sung by Jimmy Dotson, with Meyer, bass; and Zark, drums. The closer is “West Texas Blues” written by Alger Alexander and sung by guitarist Lowell Fulson.
Throughout the recording Bob Corritore’s harmonica playing is spectacular. Corritore has continuously given us great music from his “From The Vaults” series. This highly recommended album is a treasure trove of great music.
– Richard Ludmerer
Blues Bytes (October 2025)
Phoenix blues impresario Bob Corritore has long been taking blues artists into the studio on their visits to the desert, especially once he opened the Rhythm Room, one of the best blues clubs around, in 1991. With the cooperation of VizzTone Records and his own Southwest Musical Arts Foundation, Corritore has released a plethora of albums containing these gems from his vault.
Corritore’s latest outstanding release, Early Blues Sessions, is a deeper dive into recordings that date back as far as 1984, either never issued or re-mastered. Needless to say, Early Blues Sessions is a fantastic collection of cuts from many artists who are no longer with us, making it still another essential piece of any self-respecting blues aficionado’s collection.
The instant classic here is a Little Milton single, recorded in 2002 when he came to town for the Phoenix Blues Society’s Blues Blast festival. “I Want To Be The One” was written by Milton specifically for this session, an old-school blues gem that gives a hint of what this iconic blues figure sounded like early in his career. It’s even better than imaginable with Henry Gray accompanying on piano. Of course, like on every cut, Corritore provides his customary tasteful harmonica accompaniment.
Gray also stars on his own composition, “Showers Of Rain,” with the exemplary guitar playing of Bob Margolin adding that extra dose of deep Chicago blues. We get another Chicago legend with Jimmy Rogers on his own mid-tempo blues shuffle, “She Loves Another Man.”
I’d be remiss in going too far into this review without mentioning the two songs featuring Robert Lockwood Jr., first with the up-tempo instrumental “Naptown Blues,” propelled along by Corritore on harmonica and Eddie Hollis on the B3 in support of Lockwood’s very fine guitar playing. Lockwood was joined by Gray on piano on the 12-bar Robert Johnson classic “Ramblin’ On My Mind.” Listening to this latter song evokes memories of listening to those seminal Johnson recordings.
I also can’t omit my praise and admiration of the man who brought a large wallop of Chicago blues to the Phoenix area, former Howlin’ Wolf drummer Chico Chism. While small in stature, Chico was larger than life, and we hear why on his version of the Eddie Boyd classic, “Five Long Years.,” with guitar from Johnny Rapp and piano from the legendary Pinetop Perkins. Chico was a godfather to everyone connected in any way to the Arizona blues scene, and he is still missed more than anyone can imagine.
Lil’ Ed often made his way to the Phoenix area, appearing at several Blues Blast festivals as well as plenty of club dates, and on one of those trips Corritore got him into the studio to record “Hip Shakin’,” written by Ed’s uncle, J.B. Hutto. Taking us on a trip to Louisiana is a number by guitarist / singer Jimmy Dotson, “Tired Of Being Alone.” At just one minute and 52 seconds, it’s short but the rapid tempo packs a lot of sound into that timeframe.
Chicago blues drummer Sam Lays shows up on two songs, displaying powerful vocals on the Big Boy Crudup slow blues “So Glad I’m Living,” and later returning to the drum kit while singing another slow blues, “My Fault,” a Brownie McGhee original that includes nice piano work from Tom Mahon as well as a killer harp solo from Corritore.
We return to Louisiana for two cuts by Clarence Edwards, first a slow blues, “Coal Black Mare,” another Crudup composition, followed by his own up-tempo stomper, “Hear That Rumblin’.” Staying on the bayou is a swamp classic, “Cool Calm Collected,” from singer King Karl, who spent the last years of his life in Arizona. Good positioning by Corritore in keeping these three south Louisiana numbers back to back to back on the album.
Dave Riley, another bluesman who settled in Arizona, does his own acoustic blues tune, “On My Way,” showing his raw, raspy vocals. Equally unique singer Tomcat Courtney, a Texas native who eventually made his later blues career in San Diego, shouts out his primal vocals on his own “I Wonder.”
One more cut to go.
I’ve perhaps saved the best for last.
The album closes with an absolute killer number. Lowell Fulson sings his own country blues tune, “West Texas Blues,” with the vocals being supported by his acoustic guitar playing and Corritore’s subtle harmonica riffs. We hear a standard blues theme of having a matchbox to hold our clothes. Yes, indeed!
This review already mentioned that Early Blues Sessions is an essential addition to every blues collection, but let’s hear it again. Get this album ASAP. I also recommend buying a physical copy of the CD so that you get all of the liner notes, session info, and some very fine photos of these legendary blues cats in the studio.
– Bill Mitchell
Blues News (Russia) (October 26, 2025)
English Translation: Bob is truly a fine fellow! The compilations he regularly drops (his second this year alone) are a veritable treasure trove of authentic blues. His personal archive compilations may not always be the most original, but when it comes to “loyalty to tradition,” they’re unrivaled. The same can be said for their representativeness. Look at the lineup—a slew of either legends or… rare exotics. The cover depicts the period 1984–2007. What’s the primary and common virtue of all these humble black musicians with whom Corritore was fortunate enough to play harmonica in his own studio? Each one is wonderful in their own way, but they’re all excellent singers! There’s not a track on this compilation that’s sung without energy, without maximum effort. Had you ever heard of Chico Chism before this record? Now listen to his version of the well-worn standard “Five Long Years.” Impressive, isn’t it? This is probably how Chicago blues sounded in the place where it originated—a black speakeasy on the South Side in the late ’50s. Classic sound, delivered by classics.
– K. Cnucky
Rock Doctor (October 27, 2025)
Five Stars!
Here is a fantastic compilation from Corritore’s legendary vaults, described on the cd cover as “definitive recordings from 1984 to 2007 with remixed and unreleased tracks”. It is a brilliant survey of early stuff showcasing Bob’s dedication to recording the real deal blues by its originators. You’d be hard-pressed to find a finer selection of authentic blues anywhere.
I’ve been a fan of Corritore for a few years now, Early Blues Sessions being the 19th cd of his to join my collection. What makes this set particularly electric is that it features a dizzying array of some of the legends Bob has taken into the studio, as opposed to focusing on a single artist- not that there’s anything wrong with that. While many of the 15 artists featured in this set are no longer with us, these recordings assure them a measure of immortality. Hardcore blues fans in particular will salivate when they see some of the names here; Little Milton, Jimmy Rogers, Pinetop Perkins and Robert Lockwood Junior to name a very few.
Putting on any of Bob Corritore & Friends’ discs is like blues time traveling to a delicious, more robust time, and Early Blues Sessions is surely that. The version of Five Long Years featuring Chico Chism and Ramblin’ On My Mind with Robert Lockwood Junior in particular are worth the price of admission alone. Overall it’s fair to call this set “old school blues” and while I appreciate more modern stuff as well, every once in a while it’s nice to be reminded of where it all comes from. The groove and feel of EBS is just soooo nourishing.
When Bob opened his Rhythm Room club in Phoenix he took the opportunity not only to book these great artists for his stage, but he offered to take them into the studio too, thus creating his famous ‘vaults’ and this incredible series of albums. If ever there were an example of essential listening for blues aficionados, then EARLY BLUES SESSIONS is exactly that.
HOT TRACKS: Five Long Years (with Chico Chism), Naptown Blues (with Robert Lockwood Jr.), I Want To Be The One (with Little Milton)
Cultura Blues (Mexico) (November 1, 2025)
English Translation:
Bob Corritore & Friends – Early Blues Sessions (VizzTone Label Group 2025)
These 16 recordings from 1984 to 2007 from Bob Corritore’s vast archives, Early Blues Sessions, include remixed and previously unreleased tracks of powerful performances by legends such as Lowell Fulson, Little Milton, Jimmy Rogers, Robert Lockwood, Sam Lay, Henry Gray, Pinetop Perkins, Bob Margolin, and others. Without a doubt, Bob Corritore continues to make history with the ongoing release of this invaluable anthology material that fills the spirit of good, traditional blues and is a must-have for any collector.
Track listing: 01. I Want To Be The One (with Little Milton); 02. So Glad I’m Living (with Sam Lay); 03. On My Way (with Dave Riley); 04. She Loves Another Man (with Jimmy Rogers); 05. Five Long Years (with Chico Chism); 06. Naptown Blues (with Robert Lockwood Jr.); 07. Hip Shakin’ (with Lil’ Ed Williams); 08. Showers of Rain (with Henry Gray); 09. I Wondered (with Tomcat Courtney); 10. Coal Black Mare (with Clarence Edwards); 11. Hear That Rumblin; (with Clarence Edwards); 12. Cool, Calm, Collected (with King Karl); 13. My Fault (with Sam Lay); 14. Ramblin’ on my Mind (with Robert Lockwood Jr.); 15. Tired of Being Alone (with Jimmy Dotson); 16. West Texas Blues (with Lowell Fulson).
Throughout the album, Bob Corritore’s harmonica playing is spectacular. The artist has consistently gifted us with excellent music through his “From The Vaults” series. This highly recommended album is a treasure trove of great music. It opens with the extraordinary blues track “I Want To Be The One,” written and recorded by Mississippi singer and guitarist Little Milton Campbell. Mario Moreno plays bass and Chico Chism plays drums. On “So Glad I’m Living,” legendary Alabama drummer Sam Lay sings over an Arthur Crudup tune with Patrick Rynn on bass and Chism on drums. “On My Way,” similar to Willie Dixon’s “My Babe,” was written and sung by Mississippi guitarist Dave Riley, a frequent collaborator with Corritore, while Frank Rossi plays drums.
“She Loves Another Man” features vocals by legendary Mississippi guitarist Jimmy Rogers and is performed with guitarist Robert Lockwood Jr., pianist S.E. Willis, bassist Bruce Lopez, and drummer Chism. “Five Long Years,” written by Eddie Boyd, features drummer Chism on vocals and bassist Paul Thomas. “Nap Town Blues,” written by Wes Montgomery, is an instrumental piece featuring guitarist Robert Lockwood Jr. “Hip Shakin’,” written by J.B. Hutto and sung by guitarist Lil’ Ed Williams, with bassist Paul Thomas and drummer Chism.
Showers of Rain features the vocals of pianist Henry Gray, guitar by Bob Margolin, bass by Pops MacFarlane, and Chism on drums. I Wonder, with all the flavor of Smokestack Lightnin’, was written and recorded by guitarist Tomcat Courtney, with Patrick Rynn on bass and Brian Fahey on drums. Coal Black Mare, a second song written by Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup, is sung by guitarist Clarence Edwards, with Scott Meyer on bass and Greg Zark on drums. Hear That Rumblin’ was written and sung by Edwards, again with the rhythm section of Meyer and Zark. Cool Calm Collected was written by Bernard Jollvette and performed by King Karl. Rusty Zinn plays guitar, Paul Thomas plays bass, and Richard Innes plays drums.
My Fault, written by Walter McGhee, is the second song, performed by drummer Sam Lay with Patrick Rynn on bass. The classic Ramblin’ On My Mind, written by Robert Johnson, is the second song, performed by guitarist Robert Lockwood Jr. with Henry Gray on piano, Moreno on bass, and Chism on drums. Tired of Being Alone was written and performed by Jimmy Dotson, with Meyer on bass and Zark on drums. The album’s closing song is West Texas Blues, written by Alger Alexander and performed by guitarist Lowell Fulson.
Rating: 9.5 Excellent
– José Luis García Fernández
La Hora Del Blues (Spain) (November 1, 2025)
English Translation:
Essential! Harmonica player Bob Corritore has and still is doing amazing work for blues music. Besides being a blues passionate, he is a musician, collector, producer, hosts a radio show, is founder of the Southern Musical Arts Foundation, publishes an interesting newsletter and is the owner Rhythm Room club. He has also received countless recognitions like the Keeping the Blues Alive Award and has been nominated for the Grammys.
Regularly Bob releases compilations of the many recordings he has done over the years at the radio studio where he broadcasts his show. Bob owns an impressive collection that, for blues lover’s delight, he publishes under the title of “From The Vault Series”.
Now Bob gives us a selection of sixteen songs belonging to the first recordings he did in fourteen sessions between 1984 and 2007, with an impressive cast of musicians that form an essential document for many blues fans. The songs have been remixed and some of them have not been released till now. Many of the participant musicians are no longer with us, and you will find, among others, such iconic names like Little Milton, Lowell Fulson, Robert Lookwood Jr., Jimmy Rogers, Pinetop Perkins, Chico Chism, Sam Lay, Henry Gray, King Karl, Lil’ Ed, Dave Riley, Bob Margolin, Tomcat Courtney, Jimmy Dotson, Clarence Edwards and, of course, the fantastic Bob Corritore’s harmonica backing all of them.
Besides the impressive quality of all participating musicians and all songs’ impressive feeling and bright display, the album becomes a historical document that keeps alive the legacy of these charismatic bluesmen who should not be forgotten and deserve to be known by the new generations of blues fans. Thank you, Bob for keeping the blues alive!
Blues Blast Magazine (November 13, 2025)
Blues harmonica ace Bob Corritore delves into his recorded archives for blues collaborations from 1984 to 2007. This is real deal blues with Bob supplying harmonica to every track. Although most of these artists have passed on to blues heaven, they left behind memorable blues moments. The first thing that caught my attention was the pristine sound quality and the separation of the instruments. Other than the featured artists, the backing musicians vary from track to track. Bob’s harmonica playing enhances every song.
One of my favorites is “Cool Calm Collected” by King Karl, who I’ve never heard of. It is cool and smooth and has Rusty Zinn and Johnny Rapp on guitars. Another is the unexpected jazz side of Robert Lockwood Jr. on Wes Montgomery’s “Naptown Blues”. He also does a good version of Robert Johnson’s “Ramblin’ On My Mind”. Robert lays down some jazzy guitar alongside of Eddie Hollis’s tasty organ. Lil’ Ed does a good representation of his uncle JB Hutto’s “Hip Shakin'”, with help from Johnny Rapp on second guitar. Chico Chism plays drums and contributes his gravelly pipes to Eddie Boyd’s classic “Five Long Years”, with Johnny Rapp on guitar and the iconic Pinetop Perkins on piano. Jimmy Rogers’ smooth voice and delivery graces “She Loves Another Man” with Buddy Reed on second guitar.
Bob Corritore delivers one of his more forceful harp turns on Tomcat Courtney’s original tune “I Wonder”. Chris James adds guitar and Tomcat shouts out the words with conviction. Henry Gray plays piano on Little Milton’s “I Want To Be The One”. This finds Milton in good form. Henry Gray sings and plays piano on his original “Showers Of Rain”, with Bob Margolin and Johnny Rapp on guitars. Lowell Fulson’ “West Texas Blues” begins life as Blind Lemon Jefferson’s “Matchbox Blues”. He is accompanied solely by his guitar and Bob on harp.
Bob Corritore and his blues cohorts dish out a heaping helping of old school style blues. It is also a showcase for Bob’s knack for complimenting the songs. He is truly a harmonica master. It is all winners here, simple and straight forward and honest blues.
– Greg “Bluesdog” Szalony
Jefferson Magazine (Sweden) (November 30, 2025)
English Translation:
Bob Corritore has played with many artists over a long period of time. He always seems to have taken the opportunity to record those he has backed up with his harmonica. In recent years he has released quite a few of them in the series “From The Vaults”. For this release he has selected recordings made between 1984 and 2007.
There are over a dozen famous blues musicians featured and there is not space here to list them all. Some can be mentioned, however, such as Little Milton, Henry Gray, Jimmy Rogers, Robert Lockwood Jr, Lowell Fulson, Lil’Ed, Clarence Edward and King Karl. The accompanying musicians are also well-deserved, such as Bob Margolin, Pinetop Perkins, Rusty Zinn and others.
To be brief, I can say that the album’s 16 songs consistently breathe solid blues and the fact that they are so different main artists that participate means that the music is varied. If I were to highlight a few specific songs, it would be Lil’Ed’s ´”Hip shakin´” which sounds like JB Hutto at his best as well as King Karl’s ”Cool calm collected” and Tomcat Courtney’s powerful ”I wonder”. Hearing previously unreleased recordings with Rogers, Gray, Lockwood and Fulson is also uplifting. You can hear that Corritore was talented even as a young man, but also that he has proven himself as a harmonica player since the earliest recordings. What I lack is information about when each song was recorded, but that only bothers a discography nerd. This is an album that should appeal to most people who like traditional city blues.
– Leif Gäverth
Living Blues (November 2025)
The latest in mouth harp maestro Bob Corritore’s From the Vaults series is out. Early Blues Sessions compiles 14 tracks recorded between 1984 and 2007. The set features a batch of remixed and unreleased performances that highlight his skills on the harp, as well as the contributions of some highly influential musicians.
The album gets off to a hot start with I Want to Be the One. The 2002 track features vocals and guitar from Little Milton and the legend delivers a rousing performance. It’s followed by So Glad I’m Living. It’s a playful, mid-tempo number guided by warm vocals from Sam Lay. It’s not the only appearance by Lay, as he pops up later on the slow blues lamentation My Fault. In addition to Lay’s soulful delivery, Tom Mahon’s piano playing is inspired and the combo makes for one of the highlights of the album.
Elsewhere, Dave Riley and Corritore team up for the hoppin’ acoustic jam On My Way. The song is beautiful in its simplicity, led by a straightforward acoustic groove and some characteristically brilliant harmonica courtesy of Corritore. Hip Shakin’, featuring Lil’ Ed Williams, is an aptly named number. It’s got a killer groove that makes it designed for getting down on the dance floor.
Johnny Rapp’s guitar playing and Chico Chism’s vocals are electric on the slow-burn classic Five Long Years. The latter, generally speaking, is one of the stars of Early Blues Sessions, as in addition to his turn as lead singer, he drums on about half the album and delivers a sturdy backbeat that keeps the material moving.
Early Blues Sessions wraps up with West Texas Blues. Featuring vocals and guitar from Lowell Fulson, it’s a swinging good time. It helps make for a satisfying conclusion to another quality release from the Corritore archives.
– Jim Shahen Jr.
The Groove (Crossroads Blues Society) (November/December 2025)
Most blues fans will be familiar with Bob Corritore whose amazing vault of blues treasures has released a lot of these great recordings from sessions recorded when bluesmen were visiting Phoenix to play Bob’s Rhythm Room club. This time the material covers 14 recording sessions between 1984 and 2007 and includes many fine musicians who are no longer with us. There are 34 musicians listed too many to mention in this review. Suffice to say that whoever is playing the sound is classic blues with Bob lending his harmonica to every track, each time making the sound a perfect fit to the music.
Three artists get two numbers apiece. Original Butterfield Blues Band drummer Sam Lay sings Brownie McGhee’s “My Fault” and Arthur ‘Big Boy’ Crudup’s “So Glad I’m Living” which has great ‘buzzing’ harp. Crudup is also the source for Clarence Edwards’ first appearance, on “Coal Black Mare” while “Hear That Rumblin'” is his own composition, the former a rolling blues, the latter a fast-paced tune that brings early Muddy to mind. The third musician who features twice is Robert Lockwood Jr who reprises Robert Johnson’s “Ramblin’ On My Mind”, great piano from Henry Gray, and guitar exchanges between Lockwood and Johnny Rapp (who accompanies on nine of these tunes). Lockwood’s second is something of a departure, the only instrumental here, “Naptown Blues”, Lockwood’s guitar, Bob’s harp and organ combining most effectively on a swinging, jazzy tune from the pen of Wes Montgomery.
Another winner is Lil’ Ed doing one of his uncle JB Hutto’s tunes, “Hip Shakin'”, Ed’s slide working brilliantly alongside Rapp’s rhythm work. The drummer on that one is Chico Chism, a stalwart of the Phoenix scene who plays on seven cuts here, as well as taking the vocal lead on a cover of pianist Eddie Boyd’s classic “Five Long Years”, Pinetop Perkins on the piano behind Chico’s slightly hoarse vocal. Another track that stands out is the little known King Karl who sings his own “Cool Calm Collected” that has a Louisiana feel despite the session including visiting West Coast musicians Rusty Zinn (guitar) and Richard Innes (drums); Bob’s solo here is outstanding. In this reviewer’s opinion there are few singers who deliver a song as well as Little Milton and it seems appropriate that he opens this collection with an original, “I Want To Be The One” on which he sings and plays lead guitar superbly. Another sadly departed great, Lowell Fulson, closes the set with a guitar/harp duo performance, a sweet and short “West Texas Blues”. Henry Gray appears on piano on three tracks, one of which, “Showers Of Rain” also features his vocals. Other musicians featured on vocals are Tomcat Courtney, Jimmy Dotson, Jimmy Rogers and Dave Riley (who subsequently released three albums with Bob). As ever, Bob Corritore manages to create great blues with all these diverse musicians, his harp always at the service of the song and performance. Those who have bought Bob’s CDs before will know what to expect; for fans of classic Chicago blues who are not familiar with Bob’s work, buy without hesitation.
– John Mitchell
BITS (Australia) (December 2025)
This is the latest compilation by Bob from his “From the Vaults” sessions featuring recordings made between 1984 and 2007 with him playing harp with blues greats, many of which have now passed away. We begin with Little Milton and ‘I Want to Be the One’ recorded in 2002 featuring both Milton’s guitar and vocals and with a
CORRITORES ‘FROM THE VAULTS’ Series
lovely harp solo from Bob and also piano from Henry Gray, then it’s drummer Sam Lay singing Arthur Crudup’s ‘So Glad I’m Living.
‘She Loves Another Man’ by Jimmy Rogers is quite jazzy and drummer Chico Chism sings on a great version of the classic Chicago blues by Eddie Boyd ‘Five Long Years’.
There’s more jazzy blues with Robert Lockwood Jr’s instrumental ‘Naptown Blues’ with Bob on chromatic harmonica and Robert also gives us a more typical version of Robert Johnson’s ‘Ramblin’ on My Mind’. J.B. Hutto’s ‘Hip Shakin’ features the exciting slide guitar and vocals of Little Ed with Bob again on chromatic and he’s also on chromatic on ‘Showers of Rain’ featuring Henry Gray on vocals and piano. The final track ‘West Texas Blues’ (‘Matchbox’ Blues?) is by Lowell Fulson but is just Lowell on guitar and Bob on harp very much in the country blues idiom. We also get to hear Bob playing with Dave Riley, Tomcat Courtney, Clarence Edwards, King Karl and Jimmy Dotson, all the tracks are well-produced and played and are rock-solid Chicago blues.
– Graham Harrison
Chicago Blues Guide (Second Review) (December 2025)
One of the world’s most dedicated folks in keeping the memory of blues originators alive, harp player Bob Corritore has recorded dozens of albums that shined the spotlight on others throughout his career. But he steps out of the shadows and turns the light on himself in this dazzling 16-track effort.
Bob blows the back off it here, but there’s plenty of giants lending support throughout, including vocalists Little Milton, Sam Lay, Jimmy Rogers, Chico Chism, Robert Lockwood Jr., Henry Gray, Lil’ Ed, Clarence Edwards and Lowell Fulson — all of whom are backed by Pinetop Perkins, Bob Margolin, Rusty Zinn, Richard Innes and far too many other familiar talents to name.
Old-school, golden and true blue, don’t miss “I Want to Be the One,” “So Glad I’m Living,” “She Loves Another Man,” “Five Long Years,” “Naptown Blues,” “Hip Shakin’,” “Showers of Rain,” “Hear That Rumblin’,” “Ramblin’ on My Mind,” “Tired of Being Alone” and “West Texas Blues.”
Bob Corritore - Official Website 