Reviews from these publications are listed below in chronological order. Scroll to see all reviews.
ABS Magazine (France)
American Blues Scene
Back To The Roots (Belgium)
Blues 21
Blues Bytes
Blues Blast Magazine
Blues Music Magazine
Blues In Britain (U.K.)
Blues Magazine (Netherlands)
Blues News (Finland)
Blues Roadhouse
Bluestown Music (Netherlands)
Bman’s Blues Report
Chicago Blues Guide #1
Chicago Blues Guide #2
Concert Monkey (Belgium)
Cultura Blues (Mexico)
Historia Del Blues (Columbia)
Keys And Chords (Belgium)
La Hora Del Blues (Spain)
Les Temps Du Blues (France)
Making A Scene
Music News
Paris Move (France)
Philly Cheeze’s Rock & Blues Reviews
Poprock (Croatia)
Rock Doctor
Roots Music Report
Soul Bag Magazine (France)
Take Effect
Todo Dia Um Blues (Brazil)
Washington Blues Society Newsletter
WTJU
Ziazic (France)
ABS Magazine (France) (December 2024)
Décidément, Bob Corritore est un musicien et producteur très prolifique ! Sur les quinze dernières années, il a sorti pas moins d’une trentaine de CD. Et n’allez pas croire qu’il s’agit de fonds de tiroirs et que la qualité s’en ressente. Bien au contraire. Chaque nouveau disque est une nouvelle perle, jamais de faute de goût, Bob Corritore est devenu une référence dans le blues « traditionnel », en particulier dans le Chicago blues, ville dont il est originaire même s’il réside à Phoenix depuis plusieurs décennies. Ce nouveau CD s’inscrit dans la lignée des précédents « Somebody Put Bad Luck On Me », « You Shocked Me », « Spider In My Stew » et « Don’t Let The Devil Ride ». Si Bob Corritore ne chante toujours pas, il n’a pas son pareil pour savoir s’entourer, réunissant pour ce CD une sorte de « dream team » du blues, en l’occurrence des chanteurs et chanteuses parmi les meilleurs du moment accompagnés par des musiciens top niveau dont, bien sûr, Bob Corritore lui-même à l’harmonica sur l’ensemble des titres. Ses interventions sont toujours pertinentes, au service des morceaux sans jamais être envahissant, du grand art ! Les titres sont issus de neuf sessions différentes datant de 2023 et 2024, pourtant une unité et une homogénéité indéniables se dégagent. La première session contient deux titres chantés par Thornetta Davis, la reine du blues de Detroit : la reprise d’Alberta Adams Say Baby Say et That Don’t Appease Me présent sur son dernier album. Elle est accompagnée de Johnny Burgin (guitare), Dave Keyes (piano), Bob Stroger (basse), Wes Starr (batterie). Les deux titres sont très enlevés, elle s’y plaint de son homme qui la trompe et la rend malheureuse, un thème classique dans le blues au féminin. La deuxième session comprend le chanteur des Cash Box King, Oscar Wilson, accompagné de Bob Margolin (guitare), Bob Stroger (basse), Anthony Geraci (piano), Wes Starr (batterie). Dans ces deux titres (Woman Wanted, Just A Dream) rappelant Muddy Waters avec un superbe solo de slide de Bob Margolin, il est bien sûr question de femmes, notamment qu’il est difficile de trouver la femme de ses rêves ! Dans la troisième session, Nora Jean et sa voix surpuissante chante le titre éponyme Doin’ the Shout ainsi que It’s My Life accompagnée par des musiciens de Phoenix : Johnny Rapp (guitare), Yahni Riley (basse), Brian Fahey (batterie). Suit I Guess I’m a Fool, un titre très jazzy de Francine Reed (chant) parfaitement accompagnée notamment par Duke Robillard (guitare) et Ben Levin (piano). Puis, c’est au tour de Bobby Rush (chant), avec notamment Dexter Allen à la guitare, de chanter un titre humoristique : I’ve Got Three Problems (with my woman, my girlfriend and my wife…) qui raconte l’histoire d’un gars qui a une triple vie ! Il les appelle numéro 1, numéro 2 et numéro 3. Cela rappelle Problems de Big George Brock ou You Got Trouble de Johnny Drummer. Tia Carroll (chant) reprend ensuite un titre de Slim Harpo, I’ve Got To Be With You Tonight, accompagnée par Kid Ramos (guitare), Jimmy Main (guitare), Bill Stuve (basse), Stephan Hodges (batterie). John Primer, habituel complice de Bob Corritore, reprend avec brio un titre de Bobby blue Bland, I’ve Got A Twenty Room House. Pour la session suivante, Jimi “Prime Time” Smith partage le chant avec Carla Denise pour reprendre un titre de sa mère Johnnie Mae Dunson, Same Old Thing, qui ressemble clairement à Big Boss Man ! Le CD se termine avec un titre des « trois Bob » (Corritore, Stroger, Margolin), My First Love, chanté par le vétéran Bob Stroger. Bref, on retrouve dans ces enregistrements tous les ingrédients qui nourrissent les grands albums de blues, des bons morceaux bien servis par d’excellents chanteurs, chanteuses et musiciens, de la complicité, du feeling, de la nuance, de la profondeur. De l’enregistrement au mixage, tout est parfait ! Cerise sur le gâteau, ce CD bénéficie d’une magnifique pochette dessinée par le génial illustrateur Vince Ray qui a déjà collaboré à six reprises dans un passé proche avec Bob Corritore. Il y a même une petite devinette : « How many cats can you count ? » (à l’arrière de la pochette). Moi, j’en compte 8 ! Vous l’avez sans doute compris, l’écoute de ce CD est fortement conseillée !
– Jocelyn Richez
Bluestown Music (Netherlands) (January 20, 2025)
The VizzTone Label Group is proud to announce the upcoming February 28 release of the newest album from Bob Corritore and Friends – ‘DOIN’ THE SHOUT!’ This powerful album celebrates the career milestone of Bob Corritore’s thirtieth album release!
Available now, we have the January 15 release of the album’s first single, “I’ve Got Three Problems” featuring the legendary Bobby Rush. This original Bobby Rush composition is a collaboration between Corritore and one of his true blues heroes. Bobby is an acclaimed harmonica player, so it’s quite a statement that he turns the harp chores over to Bob Corritore and cheers him on with his great commentary!
The all-star band features Dexter Allen and Jimi Primetime Smith on guitars, Chester Thompson (of Santana and Tower Of Power) on B3 organ and kickin’ the bass pedals, and Steve Ferrone (Average White Band, Eric Clapton, Freddie King, Michael Jackson, George Harrison, and more) on drums. When you combine all these elements, the outcome is a pinnacle performance by world-class musicians at the top of their game. Bobby’s edgy lyrics and powerhouse vocals, Bob Corritore’s sly harmonic licks and this groovy band deliver a true blues masterpiece!
‘DOIN’ THE SHOUT!’ comprises twelve tracks, freshly recorded during 2023 and 2024. Featured singers include Thornetta Davis, Oscar Wilson, Nora Jean, Francine Reed, Bobby Rush, Tia Carroll, John Primer, Jimi Primetime Smith and Bob Stroger, and the amazing list of musicians includes Bob Margolin, Duke Robillard, Kid Ramos, Dexter Allen, Steve Ferrone, Ben Levin, Chester Thompson, Mark Early, Johnny Burgin and many more.
– Harry Radstake
Making A Scene (January 25, 2025)
Bob Corritore was born in Chicago and got hooked on blues harmonica when he was twelve. 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 called The Rhythm Room. With his house band, The Rhythm Room All-Stars, he backed musicians when they came to town. This is Corritore’s twenty-first album, although he appears on over seventy others.
“Doin’ The Shout!” is a brilliant collection of newly recorded songs, culled from nine sessions, between 2023 and 2024. It is produced by Corritore, Clarke Rigsby, John Wroble, and Kid Andersen and was recorded by Rigsby at Tempest Recording in Tempe, Arizona. It was mixed by Rigsby, Andersen, and Wroble, and mastered by Wroble in Chandler, Arizona. Post production was completed at Andersen’s Greaseland Studio, in San Jose, California.
The opening track “Say, Baby, Say” was first recorded by Alberta Adams in 1950. On this version it is sung by eight time Blues Music Award nominee Thornetta Davis. Corritore plays some brilliant harp, with both Jimi “Primetime” Smith and Johnny Burgin on guitar, and Dave Keyes on piano, “what your doin’ to me, you tell me you love me…your a no good man, tell me what your doin’ to me”.
“Woman Wanted” was written by Jimmy Oden, and features a vocal from Oscar Wilson of The Cash Box Kings, with Bob Margolin on slide guitar, Anthony Geraci, piano; “a woman wanted, well answer my ad today, if you can’t come in person darlin’ please call my office right away”. On the title track “Doin The Shout!” written and sung by Nora Jean Brusco, with more great harmonica from Corritore, Johnny Rapp on guitar, Yanni Riley on bass, and Brian Fahey on drums, “yeah baby, were gonna shout in the morning, shout at night”.
“I Guess I’m A Fool”,”falling in love with you”, is written by Peter Chatman a.k.a. Memphis Slim, sung by Francine Reed it features Duke Robillard, guitar; Ben Levin, keys; Ben Hedquist, bass; and Lewis Nash, drums. “It’s My Life” is a second vocal from Nora Jean with Johnny Rapp, guitar; Yanni Riley, bass; and Brian Fahey, drums “you tell me what you want, but it’s my life, I’m gonna live it like I please”.
“Just A Dream” is a second vocal from Wilson, with Geraci, keyboards; Bob Margolin and Jimi “Primetime”, guitars; Bob Stroger, bass; and Wes Starr, drums, “just a dream that’s all that’s left for me…last night while sleeping I dreamed about a queen…I’m so sorry of dreamin’ dreams that won’t come true”.
“I’ve Got Three Problems” is written and sung by Bobby Rush with more fabulous harp from Corritore; Chester Thompson on the Hammond B-3; Dexter Allen, guitar; and Steve Farrone, drums; “I got three problems, with my woman, with my girlfriend, and with my wife”. “That Don’t Appease Me” is written and sung by Thornetta Davis with Dave Keys, piano; Mark Early, baritone sax; Johnny Burgin, guitar; Stroger, bass; and Starr, drums “that’s right well I heard every word you said, but you don’t appease me”. “I’ve Got To Be With You Tonight” is sung by Tia Carroll, it was written by James Moore a.k.a. Slim Harpo; with both Kid Ramos and Johnny Main on guitar; Bill Stuve, bass; and Stephen Hodges, drums “you left my heart uptight, just wanted to be with you tonight”.
“Twenty Room House” is sung by John Primer with Geraci, piano; Bob Stroger, bass; and Wes Starr, drums “I got a twenty room house, with twenty rooms too many”. “Same Old Thing” is a duet sung by Jimi “Primetime” Smith and Carla Denise, with Bob Stroger, bass; and Wes Starr, drums; and more great harp from Corritore; “same old thing, just don’t make no sense at all”. On the closer “My First Love” written by Stroger, Geraci is on piano; Bob Margolin, bass; and Wes Starr, drums “well I came to Chicago 1961, when I first met you, I know your the one”.
“Doin’ The Shout!” is a great new album from Bob Corritore, perhaps his best yet as these songs were recently recorded. The sound is fresh, and vibrant, and his harmonica playing masterful. You couldn’t want more. This album will be talked about for quite a long time. Dig in and dig it.
– Richard Ludmerer
Les Temps Du Blues (France) (January 28, 2025)
★★★★★
L’harmoniciste de Chicago sort des disques à un rythme très soutenu mais le niveau de sa production reste excellent. Il annonce pour le 28 février 2025 son trentième album, « Doin’ the Shout! » (VizzTone). Bien entendu, il s’entoure comme à l’accoutumée de nombreux « Friends », à commencer par les vocalistes Thornetta Davis, Oscar Wilson, Nora Jean, Francine Reed, Bobby Rush, Tia Carroll, John Primer, Jimi Primetime Smith et Bob Stroger. Et côté musiciens, ce n’est pas mal non plus, car Bob Margolin, Duke Robillard, Kid Ramos, Dexter Allen, Steve Ferrone, Ben Levin, Chester Thompson, Mark Early et Johnny Burgin sont notamment de la partie. Si Corritore a souvent sorti des disques rétrospectifs remontant assez loin dans sa carrière, les douze chansons de l’album dont il est ici question sont récentes car enregistrées en 2023 et 2024. Le disque se commande à cette adresse et je vous propose en écoute la chanson I’ve got three problems, sur laquelle intervient un certain Bobby Rush, qui s’apprête lui aussi à sortir un nouvel album avec Kenny Wayne Shepherd, « Young Fashioned Ways ».
– Daniel Léon
Blues Magazine (Netherlands) (February 1, 2025)
Van Bob Corritore (68) verschijnt binnenkort zijn dertigste (!!) album. Samen met veel ‘friends’ ziet Doin’ The Shout het levenslicht. Vooruitlopend hierop brengt VizzTone eerst een single van het album uit, “I’ve Got Three Problems” met de legendarische Bobby Rush. In dit originele Bobby Rush nummer ontstaat een samenwerking tussen Corritore en een van zijn blues helden. Rush is een veelgeprezen mondharmonicaspeler, dus het is nogal een statement dat hij het harpwerk aan Corritore overlaat en hem aanmoedigt met geweldig commentaar!
Zoals gebruikelijk heeft Corritore weer een enorme hoeveelheid muzikanten weten te strikken voor dit album. Om niet in een namenbrij te verzanden staan alle namen bij de nummers op de playlist. En ook al net zo gebruikelijk: het staat muzikaal op hoog niveau, dan kan met dit brok ervaring ook nauwelijks anders.
Er staan twaalf nummers op ‘DOIN’ THE SHOUT!’. Ze zijn opgenomen in 2023 en 2024 bij Tempest Recording onder leiding van Clarke Rigsby.
Twaalf nummers die onder te brengen zijn in vier maal een mooie slow blues, ook vier lekker swingende nummers, twee keer een Chicago blues en één boogie en één funky blues nummer. Het is afwisselend en het klopt helemaal. De vet jankende slide op ‘Woman Wanted’, het fris spetterende ‘Say Baby Say’, de lekker doordenderende blues op ‘It’s My Life’.
Als er al een punt van kritiek op dit album is, dan is dat die grote diversiteit. Het zijn twaalf los van elkaar staande nummers. Ben je een ‘’breed spectrum liefhebber” dan is het twaalf keer genieten geblazen. Als je houdt van strak georganiseerde nummers die gewoon prima in elkaar zitten, ook dan kom je aan je trekken. Maar als een bepaalde stijl niet je ding is, dan zul je de fast forward knop wel een keer gebruiken. Het blijft wat mij betreft fantastisch wat Bob Corritore vrijwel iedere keer voor elkaar krijgt. Hij brengt iedere keer weer – als het onder de noemer Bob Corritore & Friends gaat – een sterke groep muzikanten bij elkaar. En als je hem live ziet, zoals toen hij in 2023 o.a. Moulin Blues aandeed, dan spat het plezier er van af. Daarnaast: iedere muzikant komt aan zijn trekken en krijgt de gelegenheid te laten horen wat die in zijn of haar mars heeft. Dat laatste is zeker ook op dit album van toepassing. Mooi om al die verschillende vocalisten te horen, maar dat geldt net zo goed voor alles wat gitaar speelt, op toetsen een bijdrage levert en de vaak strakke bas/drums ondersteuning. Daar is de gunfactor hoog, dat maakt dit tot een geslaagd album met dus één kritische opmerking.
– Louis Lena
Blues 21 (February 4, 2025)
Bob Corritore is back with another killer collection of songs alongside a true legion of blues music celebrities. Bob at the forefront has possibly released the best and most multifaceted album of his unique “And Friends” series, of which “Doin’ the Shout” is the eleventh installment. The legendary Bobby Rush brings his magic to a track (“I’ve Got Three Problems”), and Oscar Wilson returns alongside his great friend (“Woman Wanted” and “Just A Dream”), while the female voices of Thornetta Davis, Nora Jean, Francine Reed, Tia Carroll, and Carla Denise take the lead on seven other tracks. This album crowns blues music in its purest essence; Corritore is the most genuine and decisive harmonica player of the last three decades, and all the musicians who accompany him in the studio are among the cream of contemporary blues, John Primer, Jimi Primetime Smith, Bob Stroger, Johnny Burgin, Bob Margolin, Duke Robillard, Dexter Allen, Kid Ramos, Anthony Geraci, and Ben Levin all sound fantastic in their appearances. These collaborations are infallible, and the result is a true delight to listen to and also dance to, an album of classic blues performed in the 21st century, without unnecessary additives, full of the power and spirituality that characterizes this genre. Since 2010, Bob Corritore has released nineteen albums distributed across the “From the Vaults” and “Phoenix Blues Series” along with Kid Ramos, as well as under the “And Friends” moniker, all forming an essential works for any blues music enthusiast.
Philly Cheeze’s Rock & Blues Reviews (February 8, 2025)
When I see the iconic artwork of Vince Ray gracing the cover of a new album, I get excited because there’s a great chance it means brand-new material from Bob Corritore. Ray’s stunning covers construct a visual connection to a time period in which the greatest blues music was being recorded. Bob Corritore and Friends then masterfully transport the listener back in time to that classic era of blues. Doin’ the Shout commemorates Corritore’s thirtieth album release and features a dozen timeless songs with the harmonica legend along with a downright amazing guestlist which includes Bobby Rush, Thornetta Davis, Bob Stroger, Nora Jean, John Primer, Francine Reed, Oscar Wilson, Tia Carroll, Jimi Primetime Smith, Carla Denise, Bob Margolin, Duke Robillard, Kid Ramos, Johnny Burgin, Johnny Rapp, Anthony Geraci, Ben Levin, Dave Keyes, and Mark Earley.
Energy abundantly flows on title-track “Doin’ the Shout”. With Corritore ripping it up on harp and the fabulous Nora Jean giving a fearless performance on vocals, this one really gets me moving. The way Oscar Wilson lends his smooth-as-silk voice to B.B. King’s “Just a Dream” is exquisite. With Bob Margolin on guitar and Anthony Geraci on piano, this song is a blues-lover’s treat. I love the soul-drenched Bobby Rush track “I’ve Got Three Problems”. Dexter Allen keeps it fun and funky on guitar. It’s great to hear Thornetta Davis belt out her song “That Don’t Appease Me”. Corritore heats this one up on harp with guitarist Johnny Burgin and pianist Dave Keyes on board. This one is definitely a cookin’ track. “Same Old Thing” brings Jimi ‘Primetime’ Smith and Carla Denisetogether for a gem of a duet made to be heard from the dancefloor. It’s a dazzling performance through and through. The record comes to a close with Bob Stroger singing “My First Love”. The smoldering sounds of slow-cooked blues from Corritore (harp), Smith (guitar), Margolin (bass), Geraci (piano) and Wes Starr (drums) are served with perfection.
Bob Corritore and Friends deliver nothing but one-hundred percent authentic blues with Doin’ the Shout! It doesn’t get much better than this.
– Phillip Smith
Paris Move (France) (February 10, 2025)
INDISPENSABLE. On prend (quasiment) les mêmes, et on remet ça! Pour ceux qui suivent ce feuilleton avec assiduité, voici son douzième épisode (ou treizième, voir ICI, ICI, ICI, ICI, ICI, ICI, ICI, ICI, ICI, ICI et ICI). On ne vous refait pas la retape: en résumé, ce bon Bob (à la tête d’une mine inépuisable d’enregistrements inédits, dont il s’avère de fait l’instigateur), gratifie le monde libre (au rythme d’un éphéméride) de captations en mode scoop de presque tout ce que la scène blues historique (ainsi que sa relève) compte de survivants et d’impétrants, et ce depuis bientôt vingt ans déjà. On retrouve donc la même litanie d’usual suspects, de Bobby Rush à John Primer, en passant par Jimi ‘Primetime’ Smith, Bob Stroger, Oscar Wilson, Francine Reed et Tia Carroll, auxquels se joignent encore Nora Jean, Carla Denise et Thornetta Davis. Autant dire que cette fois, la parité est respectée, et que les dames s’y trouvent plus que jamais à l’honneur! C’est cette dernière qui ouvre le feu avec l’enlevé “Say Baby Say” (soutenue, outre l’harmo juteux de Bob, par les non moins excellents Dave Keyes au piano, Bob Stroger à la basse et Rockin’ Johnny Burgin aux six cordes). C’est Oscar Wilson qui chante le “Woman Wanted” de facture très Muddy Waters, puisque c’est Bob Margolin en personne qui y assure les licks de slide caractéristiques du défunt Maître. C’est Nora Jean qui le relaie ensuite au micro pour la plage titulaire (de facture zydeco), avant de transmettre ce dernier à Francine Reed pour un langoureux “I Guess I’m A Fool” (accompagnée par rien de moins de Ben Levin au piano, et l’impérial Duke Robillard à la guitare). Corritore s’y fend d’un solo de chromatique top notch, et c’est assurément l’un des sommets de ce recueil. Nora Jean revient pour le up-tempo Chicago shuffle “It’s My Life”, où ‘Primetime’ Smith épouse à merveille le jeu de slide amplifiée d’Elmore James. Oscar Wilson interprète ensuite “Just A Dream”, soutenu par le piano d’Anthony Geraci et la guitare de Margolin, tandis que Corritore y prend un chorus empreint de tout ce que Little Walter a apporté à l’instrument, avant que l’emblématique Bobby Rush n’effectue son cameo avec le funky “I’ve Got Three Problems”. Thornetta Davis reprend le flambeau pour l’enlevé “That Don’t Appease Me” où réapparaissent la guitare de Johnny Burgin et la basse du vétéran Bob Stroger. Les six cordes du grand Kid Ramos illuminent le “I’ve Got To be With You Tonight” que chante la poignante Tia Carroll (avec à la basse le grand Bill Stuve, ex- Rod Piazza’s Mighty Flyers), autre point culminant de cet album. C’est le grand John Primer en personne qui chante son “Twenty Room House” où étincellent, outre ses six cordes, les ivoires d’Anthony Geraci, avant que Jimi ‘Primetime’ Smith ne duettise avec Carla Denise sur “Same Old Thing”, dans la veine du “Shame, Shame, Shame” de Jimmy Reed et du “Big Boss Man” de Willie Dixon. C’est au patronal Bob Stroger qu’échoit le mot de la fin, avec un “My First Love” autobiographique où il est relayé à la basse par un Bob Margolin transi de respect, et soutenu par un Geraci impeccable comme de coutume. MC de premier ordre, Corritore agrémente chacune de ces douze plages (captées en 2023 et 2024) de son impressionnante maîtrise de l’instrument de poche, et cet album pourrait aisément faire figure d’anthologie du genre. Foin de la verroterie en vigueur, ces gens ne fourbissent que de la came certifiée: blues addicts, sus!
– Patrick Dallongeville
Roots Music Report (February 16, 2025)
4 Stars! Alongside the play of his reliable blues harp, Bob Corritore has shown a continual knack for consorting with prime female vocal talent. Two standout performances on his latest “& Friends” offering come courtesy of such a pair. Francine Reed’s smoldering reading of the Memphis Slim ballad “I Guess I’m A Fool” and Nora Jean Wallace’s tight-and-tough, self-penned “It’s My Life” are bona fide highlights. Good stuff.
– Duane Verh
WTJU (February 19, 2025)
I always look forward to any of the albums that Bob Corritore puts out, especially when he brings in a bunch of special artists. The CD starts off with Thornetta Davis singing “Say Baby Say”, love her voice. “Woman Wanted” has a classic feel with Oscar Wilson providing vocals and I swear it is like listening to Muddy Waters! And rightly so as Bob Margolin is playing guitar on this one, So good. All the tunes are gold and the guest musicians are stellar with Bobby Rush, Thornetta Davis, John Primer, Francine Reed, Tia Carroll, Bob Margolin, Duke Robillard, Kid Ramos, Johnny Burgin and Johnny Rapp just to name a few key players. I think my favorite is “Twenty Room House″, with John Primer on Guitar and Vocals but couldn’t find this online either but here is a live video with Oscar Wilson providing Vocals, listen here. I will give this a 10++ on Blues Content and a 10++ on Music Content.
– Ian Siegal
Rock Doctor (February 22, 2025)
*****
Corritore is one of those bluesmen who, when I hear he’s got a new album coming I get excited, and we’re blessed that he’s so prolific. His 30th (!) album is a tasty, heaping helping of outstanding classic blues. Unlike his wonderful “From The Vault” series, Doin’ The Shout is a 12 song collection of tunes newly recorded between 2023 and 2024. As the presser says, “with every new release, Bob Corritore takes it up a notch- if such a thing is even possible.” Yeah.
Helping make Doin’ The Shout the forceful blues statement it turned out to be is an impressive list of guests. There are too many to mention here- I don’t have that kind of time- but some names you might recognize include Bobby Rush, Thornetta Davis, Bob Margolin and Steve Ferrone. Bob’s funky and intuitive harp playing bobs and weaves around smokin’ vocals by the likes of Thornetta Davis, Bobby Rush and Francine Reed, and there’s some fine playing by everyone else involved. Sure I recognize that the blues needs to progress and change to remain relevant to today’s audience, but it’s equally valuable for Bob Corritore & Friends to drop in and remind us of where it all comes from- which Doin’ The Shout does so very well.
Doin’ The Shout is well recorded, produced by Corritore along with Clarke Rigsby, John Wroble and Kid Andersen. The sound is tight and clean yet old school at the same time, adding to the disc’s already considerable charm. If you dig classic blues, you should already have this.
HOT TRACKS: I’ve Got Three Problems (with Bobby Rush), It’s My Life (with Nora Jean), Twenty Room House (with John Primer)
Blues Blast Magazine (February 27, 2025)
This is harmonica wizard Bob Corritore’s 21st album. As his history demonstrates, his ownership of the Rhythm Room in Phoenix, his radio show, “Those Lowdown Blues” on KJZZ radio, and other many deep involvements in the blues led to his recent receipt of a Keeping the Blues Alive Award and frequent connections with many blues musicians in the genre. The many touches he has with those musicians has created a large gathering of friends. He brought those friends together for nine recording sessions that occurred in 2023 and 2024, which resulted in this album. Bob’s harmonica is obviously present on all of the cuts and Jimi “Primetime” Smith plays guitar on ten tracks.
The album opens with the jumping “Say Baby Say” with Thornetta Davis on vocals, Bob Stroger on bass, Johnny Burgin on guitar, Dave Keyes on piano, and Wes Starr on Drums. Thornetta proclaims he is “a no-good man and this time you have gone too far”. Vocalist Oscar Wilson, guitarist Bob Margolin burning up the strings on a slide guitar, Starr on drums, and pianist Anthony Geraci power “Woman Wanted”. Oscar asks for a woman to answer his ad. The high energy title song features Nora Jean on vocals with Johnny Rapp on guitar, Yahni Riley on bass, and Brian Fahey on drums. Nora declares “I’m so happy, my baby’s coming… We’re going to shout all day”.
The smooth, jazzy “I Guess I Am a Fool” features Francine Reed on vocals, Duke Robillard on guitar, Ben Levin on piano, Ben Hedquist on bass, and Lewis Nash on drums. Nora Jean and Johnny Rapp gets things jumping again on “It’s My Life” with Riley on bass and Fahey on drums. Nora states, “It’s my life, I will live it as I please”. Wilson, Margolin, Geraci and Starr again team for the soulful “Just A Dream”, which sounds like something Ray Charles could have recorded.
Bobby Rush declares “I’ve Got Three Problems” with Dexter Allen adding guitar, Chester Thompson on B3 organ and Steve Ferrone on drums. His problems are “my woman, my girlfriend, and my wife”. Thornetta Davis is joined again by Johnny Burgin’s guitar, Chester Thomson on B3 organ, Wes Starr on drums, and Mark Earley on baritone sax on “That Don’t Appease Me”. Tia Carroll proclaims “I’ve Got to be with You Tonight” with Kid Ramos and Johnny Main on guitar, Bill Stove on bass, and Stephen Hodges on drums.
John Primer plays guitar and sings on “Twenty Room House” with Anthony Geraci again on piano and Wes Starr on drums. John advises “With my baby gone, one room would be plenty”. Jimi “Primetime” Smith steps forward for a vocal duet with Carla Denise as they state the “Same Old Thing” “just don’t make no sense at all”. with Geraci on piano and Wes Starr on drums. Bob Stroger takes the vocal lead and tells the tale of “My First Love” back in when he first came to Chicago back in 1961 with Bob Margolin taking on the bass responsibilities and Geraci again on piano and Starr on drums.
Of course, Bob’s harmonica is omnipresent throughout the album but never getting in the way of his guests and constantly complementing the music. This is another excellent pure blues album from Bob and all of his friends. Highly recommended for all blues lovers.
– John Sacksteder
Concert Monkey (Belgium) (February 27, 2025)
Bob Corritore is een Amerikaans mondharmonicaspeler, die op 27 september 1956 in Chicago werd geboren. Zijn leven veranderde voorgoed wanneer hij op twaalfjarige leeftijd voor het eerst Muddy Waters hoorde op de radio. In minder dan één jaar leerde hij mondharmonica spelen. Bob zocht contact met de grote harpspelers, zoals Big Walter Horton, Little Mack Simmons, Louis Myers, Junior Wells, Big John Wrencher en Carey Bell. Van hen kreeg hij veel mondharmonica tips en aanmoedigingen. In 1981 verhuisde Bob naar Phoenix, Arizona, waar hij in 1986 begon samen te werken met voormalig Howlin’ Wolf drummer Chico Chism. Die samenwerking duurde twintig jaar, tot Chico in 2007 overleed. In 1991 opende Bob de inmiddels beroemde blues & roots club, The Rhythm Room en in 1999 bracht hij zijn debuutalbum ‘All-Star Blues Sessions’ uit. In 2005 bracht Bob de Rhythm Room All-Stars, met Big Pete Pearson, naar het Marco Fiume Blues Passions Festival in Italië. Hierdoor kwam er heel wat Europese interesse voor het vurig mondharmonica spel van Bob Corritore. In 2007 ontving Bob een Keeping The Blues Alive Award van de Blues Foundation. In datzelfde jaar werd ‘Travelin’ The Dirt Road’, een samenwerking met Dave Riley, genomineerd voor een Blues Music Award. In 2011 won het album ‘Harmonica Blues’ van Bob Corritore & Friends een Blues Music Award voor Best Historical Blues Release. In 2013 werd ‘Ain’t Nothing You Can Do’, de schitterende samenwerking met John Primer, gekozen tot Best Blues Album Of 2013 door het Duitse Blues News Magazine. Een jaar later kreeg Corritore ook een Blues 411 Jimi Award als Beste Mondharmonicaspeler. In mei 2020 verscheen ‘The Gypsy Woman Told Me’, de derde samenwerking tussen Bob Corritore en John Primer. In het najaar van 2020 verschenen nog drie albums van Bob Corritore in de reeks ‘From The Vault Series’. Voor zijn album ‘Spider In My Stew’ uit 2021 nodigde Bob Corritore weer een hele reeks gasten uit. In 2022 bracht Bob Corritore, met Bob Corritore’s ‘From The Vaults’ ‘Tell Me ‘Bout It’ van Louisiana Red en Bob Corritore, ‘Down Home Blues Revue’ en ‘You Shocked Me’ beiden in de reeks van Bob Corritore & Friends. Op 26 mei 2023 brachten Bob Corritore en zijn vrienden ‘High Rise Blues’ uit en vier maanden later was hij daar al opnieuw met ‘Somebody Put Bad Luck On Me’. Op 12 januari 2024 verscheen er in de reeks ‘From The Vaults’ weer een nieuw album van Bob Corritore & Friends, ditmaal met opnames met blueszangers uit Phoenix, Arizona, sinds 1981 de thuisbasis van Bob Corritore. Er staan twaalf songs op het album en de opnames gebeurden tussen 1987 en 2016. Het blijft een onuitputtelijke reeks want op 27 februari verschijnt met ‘Doin’ The Shout!’ het nieuwe album van Bob Corritore And Friends.
Het album opent met het heel dansbare en swingende ‘Say Baby Say’. Het wordt gezongen door Thornetta Davis. Ze bezit een zeer goede en krachtige stem en is regelmatig te gast op de albums van Bob Corritore. Bassist Bob Stroger en drummer Wes Starr zorgen voor de swingende groove en gitarist Johnny Burgin en mondharmonicaspeler Bob Corritore zorgen voor het subliem solowerk. Dave Keys is het gehele nummer uitdrukkelijk en uitstekend aanwezig op de piano. Bob Margolin trekt met een machtige slide solo ‘Woman Wanted’ op gang. Op de wijze waarop Oscar Wilson het nummer zingt, roept hij herinneringen op aan de grote Muddy Waters. Met een zinderende slide solo speelt Bob Margolin zichzelf nog meer in de kijker. De titeltrack ‘Doin’ The Shout’ wordt gezongen door de energieke stem van Nora Jean. Drummer Brian Fahey en bassist Yahni Riley zorgen voor de heerlijke groove en de aanstekelige handclaps van Clarcke Rigsby geven ‘Doin’ The Shout’ nog een extra touch. Bob Corritore etaleert hier andermaal zijn grote klasse als mondharmonicavirtuoos. De liefhebbers van smachtende slowblues songs komen zeker aan hun trekken in het door Francine Reed gezongen ‘I Guess I’m A Fool’. Duke Robillard voorziet dit trage nummer van gevoelvolle en sfeervolle gitaarvullingen. Ben Levin schittert op de piano en toont zich de perfecte begeleider voor Francine’s soulvolle stem. Corritore weet hier ook te bekoren met een knappe solo op de chromatische mondharmonica.
Nora Jean neemt opnieuw plaats achter de microfoon voor de swingende Chicago blues shuffle ‘It’s My Life’. Met veel overtuiging zingt ze dat het haar leven is en dat ze dat wil leven zoals zij het wil. Nora heeft met gitarist Johnny Knapp, drummer Brian Fahey, bassist Yahni Riley en mondharmonicaspeler Bob Corritore opnieuw dezelfde muzikanten naast haar als in de titeltrack ‘Doin’ The Shout’. De sublieme slide solo van Johnny Rapp is een genot voor het oor en ook Corritore levert weer geweldig blaas en zuigwerk af op zijn kleine instrument. Daarna is het de beurt aan Oscar Wilson om de slowblues ‘Just A Dream’ te zingen. Anthony Geraci begeleidt de stem van Oscar op de piano en hij zorgt voor fijne en heldere vullingen. Verder is het instrumentaal genieten van de prachtige solo van gitarist Bob Margolin en gruizige mondharmonica solo van Bob Corritore. In ‘I’ve Got Three Problems’ heeft de eenennegentigjarige Bobby Rush drie grote problemen namelijk with his woman, his girlfriend en his wife. Ondanks zijn leeftijd zingt de vitale Bobby Rush dit nummer nog heel overtuigend. ‘I’ve Got Three Problems’ is een funky getinte bluesrocker met Dexter Allen op gitaar, Chester Thomas op het B3 orgel, Steve Ferrone op drums en Bob Corritore op mondharmonica.
Thornetta Davis heeft voor mij de beste stem op het album en dat laat ze andermaal horen in ‘That Don’t Appease Me’. Het is een swingend nummer waarbij je moeilijk kan blijven stilzitten. Het heerlijke pianospel van Dave Keys en de prachtige saxofoonsolo van Mark Earley geven het nummer nog een extra touch. De ballade ‘I’ve Got To Be With You Tonight’ wordt gezongen met veel passie door Tia Caroll. De splijtende en snedige gitaar riffs en dito solo komen van Kid Ramos en de diepe baslijn komt van Bill Stuve. Drummer Stephen Hodges bepaalt het tempo van ‘I’ve Got To Be With You Tonight’ en Corritore vergast ons andermaal met een prachtige mondharmonica solo. John Primer, één van de grootheden van de hedendaagse Chicago blues, neemt de zang en de gitaar voor zijn rekening in ‘Twenty Room House’. Naast Primer en zijn gitaar is Anthony Geraci de absolute smaakmaker op de piano. We blijven bij de Chicago blues met ‘Same Old Thing’, een duet tussen Jimi Primetime Smith en Carla Denise. Ook hier spelen Anthony Geraci en zijn piano een belangrijke rol. Het album wordt afgesloten met ‘My First Love’ met Bob Stroger achter de microfoon. De baslijn van Bob Margolin is het kloppend hart van de song. Bob Corritore, Jimi Primetime Smith en Tony Geraci schitteren met uitstekend solowerk op de mondharmonica, gitaar en de piano.
Bob Corritore, de beroemde bluesharpist, staat bekend om zijn meesterlijke vaardigheden op de mondharmonica en zijn enorme invloed op de hedendaagse bluesmuziek. Op zijn nieuwste album ‘Doin’ The Shout!’ haalt Corritore de oude bluestradities naar boven en laat hij horen hoe de moderne blues zich kan mengen met de rauwe, authentieke energie van de klassiekers. Het album is een viering van de blues en een eerbetoon aan de muzikale vrienden die zijn carrière hebben gevormd. Samen met een sterrencast van gerenommeerde muzikanten weet hij een collectie nummers te brengen die zowel nostalgisch als fris klinken. Het is een meesterwerk van old school blues, met een stevige dosis energie en vakmanschap.
– Walter Vanheuckelom
Poprock (Croatia) (February 28, 2025)
Pred nama je još jedna ekskluzivna promocija albuma Doin’ The Shout!, koji danas, 28. veljače, objavljuje izdavačka kuća VizzTone Label Group uz svjetsku radijsku promociju promotivne kuće BratGirlmedia. Iza svega stoji nevjerojatni svirač usne harmonike Bob Corritore.
Ni sam više ne znam koliko njegovih albuma od trideset objavljenih imam u svojoj fonoteci, no to uopće nije važno. Ono što je bitno je da Bob konstantno radi i djeluje kako bi se priča KBA održala živom i aktualnom.
Kao i obično, Bob Corritore je i za ovaj album uspio angažirati ogroman broj glazbenika. Kako biste izbjegli zaglavljivanje u zbrci imena, sva su imena navedena uz pjesme na popisu pjesama. A kao i obično, kada su u pitanju Bobovi albumi, i ovaj zadnji glazbeno je na vrlo visokoj razini, što je inače dosta teško postići kada radite s tolikim brojem glazbenika.
Na Doin’ The Shout! nalazi se dvanaest pjesama, koje su snimljene između 2023. i 2024. godine u Tempest Recording studiju pod vodstvom Clarkea Rigsbyja. A kako se ponovo radi o kompiliranom albumu, gdje Bob okuplja svoje kolege glazbenike i s njima nam donosi blistave trenutke, Doin’ The Shout!briljantna je kolekcija novo snimljenih skladbi, odabranih tijekom devet sesija između 2023. i 2024. godine. Sve što čujete na ovom albumu producirali su Corritore, Clarke Rigsby, John Wroble i Kid Andersen, a postprodukcija je dovršena u Andersenovom studiju Greaseland u San Joseu u Kaliforniji. Zvuk i ugođaj albuma su svježi, vibrantni, a Bobova usna harmonika zvuči maestralno. Kada vas potiče da svirate “usnjak” netko poput Bobbyja Rusha, istinske blues legende i doista maestralnog svirača “usnjaka”, onda to doista nešto vrijedi i znači. Zna to i sam Bob, a znamo i svi mi koji slušamo blues.
O ovom albumu će se još dugo pričati i još više slušati. Naime, Doin’ The Shout! čine četiri prekrasne spore blues skladbe, četiri upečatljive swing pjesme, a tu su i dvije pjesme Chicago bluesa, jedan boogie i jedna funky blues stvar. Doista vrlo raznoliko i raskošno blues štivo, koje se čita u jednom dahu.
Bob Corritore rođen je u Chicagu i zaljubio se u blues harmoniku kada je imao dvanaest godina. Učio je i dobivao savjete o sviranju od Careya Bella, Big Waltera Hortona, Juniora Wellsa i drugih. U dobi od dvadeset i pet godina, Corritore se preselio u Phoenix, Arizona. Deset godina kasnije otvorio je vlastiti klub pod nazivom The Rhythm Room. Sa svojim kućnim bendom, The Rhythm Room All-Stars, pratio je brojne glazbenike kada su dolazili u grad. Tako je jako dobro usavršio zanat i naučio sve što treba. A sada sve naučeno i usvojeno racionalno koristi i pri tome samo uživa.
Preporuka
Osobno, ono što čujem doista je upečatljivo glazbeno štivo – obavezna blues lektira. Nema nikakve dvojbe, Bob Corritore svakim novim albumom postigne sjajnu atmosferu i gotovo svaki put sve zvuči fantastično.
Doin’ The Shout! je glazbena pjesmarica u kojoj on okuplja jaku grupu glazbenika. Pored toga, svaki glazbenik dobiva svoj dio i daje mu se prilika da pokaže što tog trenutka nudi. Ovo posljednje svakako vrijedi i za ovaj album. Sjajno je čuti sve te različite vokale, ali to se također odnosi na sve koji sviraju gitaru, pridonose cijelom albumu na klavijaturama i uvijek čvrstoj ritam sekciji. Pored svega, tu je ona izražena komponenta dobrih ugođaja i međusobnih pozitivnih vibracija koje stvaraju onu poznatu atmosferu bez ikakvih loših namjera. Što da vam više napišem? Svima koji znaju o čemu se radi, to je dovoljno, a drugima – ne pomaže ni tri puta toliko. To je to, ili ste “in” ili “out”, trećeg nema!
Yours bluesy,
Mladen Loncar-Mike
American Blues Scene (February 28, 2025)
Doin’ the Shout!’ is out now via VizzTone! From heartfelt ballads to high-energy blues, Corritore’s masterful harmonica leads the charge, delivering a soulful, star-studded celebration of blues at its finest!
Keys And Chords (Belgium) (February 28, 2025)
***** (5 stars) Doin’ The Shout!’ is een krachtige album dat de mijlpaal viert in de carrière van Bob Corritore, het is zijn dertigste albumrelease! Bluesharpvirtuoos Bob Corritore verhuisde in 1981 van Chicago naar Phoenix en werd al snel een blues habitat op zichzelf. Bob speelde met lokale bluesartiesten als Tommy Dukes, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, Big Pete Pearson, Dino Spells en Chico Chism. Corritore begon in Phoenix zijn radioshow, “Those Lowdown Blues” op KJZZ in 1984, en opende de Rhythm Room muziekclub en haalde tal van legendarische bluesartiesten naar zijn club voor optredens en heel wat opnamesessies. De eerste single van het album ‘I’ve Got Three Problems’ is met de legendarische Bobby Rush. Deze originele Bobby Rush-compositie is een samenwerking tussen Corritore en een van zijn ware blueshelden. Bobby is een geprezen mondharmonicaspeler, dus het is nogal een statement dat hij de harpklusjes overdraagt aan Bob Corritore en hem aanmoedigt met zijn geweldige commentaar! De all-star band bestaat uit Dexter Allen en Jimi Primetime Smith op gitaar, Chester Thompson (Santana en Tower Of Power) op B3-orgel en baspedalen, en Steve Ferrone (Average White Band, Eric Clapton, Freddie King, Michael Jackson, George Harrison en meer) op drums. Wanneer je al deze elementen combineert, is het resultaat een topprestatie van muzikanten van wereldklasse op het toppunt van hun kunnen. Bobby’s edgy teksten en krachtige vocalen, Bob Corritore’s sluwe harmonische licks en deze groovy band leveren een waar bluesmeesterwerk! De tweede single ‘I Guess I’m A Fool’, is een diepe bluesklaagzang met de beroemde blues-, jazz- en gospelzangeres Francine Reed. ‘Doin’ The Shout!’ bestaat uit twaalf nummers, opgenomen in negen sessies tussen 2023 en 2024. De zangers die graag hun medewerking verleenden zijn Thornetta Davis, Oscar Wilson, Nora Jean, Francine Reed, Bobby Rush, Tia Carroll, John Primer, Jimi Primetime Smith en Bob Stroger, en de geweldige lijst muzikanten omvat Bob Margolin, Duke Robillard, Kid Ramos, Dexter Allen, Steve Ferrone, Ben Levin, Chester Thompson, Mark Early en Johnny Burgin. Een meesterwerk!
– Philip Verhaege
Music News (February 28, 2025)
Officially ‘Bob Corritore And Friends’ and he does have an awful lot of top players as friends. Too many to list here but the likes of Bob Margolin, Duke Robillard, Bobby Rush, John Primer, the amazing Francine Reed, a stack of others. All helping make an album of many different styles and no shortage of good music.
Corritore is a harmonica player and he has been into the Blues since age 12 when he first heard Muddy Waters on the radio – now aged 69 he has a long career and has been around the Chicago scene since age 15 when he first played with John Henry Davis and in the next few years he was mentored by Louis Myers, Lester Davenport, Junior Wells, Big Leon Brooks, Little Mack Simmons, Big Walter and others.
So to this release and at the very least, every track has something special about it.
Produced by Corritore, the tracks include numbers written by B.B. King, Bobby Rush, James Moore and many feature their creators, such as this version of ‘Three Problems, written by and featuring Bobby Rush.
My personal favourite is an electrifying version of Robert Johnson’s ‘Twenty Room House’, featuring John Priner, but my guess is that everyone who delves into this album will find their own.
Corritore is a recipient of a ‘Keeping The Blues Alive’ award, and this album definitely shows that the Blues is still a real ‘thing’, vibrant and real. The artists featured are all part of the 21st century Blues scene but they also hearken back to a classic form that has its roots in the last century.
Blues Music Magazine (February 2025)
For our readers who live in areas with four different seasons and two of them are bad, February usually has the worst weather of the year. I suggest you celebrate the end of February by seeking out Bob Corritore and Friends Doin’ The Shout! that was released on on February 28th and your home will be filled with rays of musical sunlight that features 36 different musicians in this compilation of a dozen blues tracks.
Here is a sampling of Corritore’s “friends” that are on various tracks of Doin’ The Shout!: Guitarists Duke Robillard, Kid Ramos, John Primer, Jimi “Primetime” Smith, Johnny Main, Johnny Rapp, Dexter Allen, Johnny Burgin, and Bob Margolin. Vocalists include Nora Jean, Francine Reed, Smith, Bob Stroger, Bobby Rush, Tia Carroll, Thornetta Davis, and Oscar Wilson. There are 18 others that are contributing to the backbeat.
Johnny Burgin’s guitar kicks off the band as Thornetta Davis’ vocals sink into “Say Baby Say.” Corritore’s harp enhances this and all the other tunes with just the right amount of his musical skill. Bob Margolin resurrects the soul of Muddy Waters’ slide guitar with his opening licks on “Woman Wanted” as Oscar Wilson’s voice sounds as if it was sung on a long-lost Chess recording indicating that this generation of blues musicians have not only learned from the blues masters but are up to “cutting heads” with their talents as well.
Davis renders a lively vocal take on her “That Don’t Appease Me” and, in this high energy driven song, inserts the phrase “Oh, you can take that line back from where you got it, Baby!” to emphasize the urgency of her lyrics.
Corritore has discovered the desirable formula of combining the right blues tunes with a wonderfully talented assemblage of blues musicians and vocalists for his recordings. Doin’ The Shout! is Corritore’s 30th album and the tracks are gems taken from sessions from the past two years. One outstanding track is “I’ve Got Three Problems,” a Bobby Rush tune with him on vocals. He gives Corritore a shout out by saying, “Hey, Bob, blow that thing and tell me about it!”
Two things I trust will occur: that Bob Corritore will continue to record great future sessions with his talented musician friends and that our readers will immensely enjoy his latest release, Doin’ The Shout! when they obtain their copy of this CD.
– Pete Sardon
La Hora Del Blues (Spain) (March 1, 2025)
Bob Corritore is a passionate person who is totally involved in the blues field. The greatest artists have regularly performed in his club over the years, and they have also been recorded in spectacular sessions Bob gradually releases in his collection “Bob Corritore And Friends”.
All the albums belonging to the collection are magnificent. This time, Bob delights us with a new volume that gathers some songs recorded in nine sessions that took place between 2023 and 2024. Simply by looking at the cast of musicians who can be found in the album with about one hour length, listeners will immediately notice it excels the standard average.
You will find Bobby Rush, Thornetta Davis, Bob Stroger, Francine Reed, John Primer, Nora Jean, Oscar Wilson, Tia Carroll, Bob Margolin, Jimi Primetime Smith, Carla Denise, Johnny Burgin, Kid Ramos, Johnny Main, Johnny Rapp, Anthony Geraci, Ben Levin, Lewis Nash, Steve Ferrone, Chester Thompson and Mark Earley among others, who round up twelve fantastic songs, that become an outstanding framework to make the real Chicago blues sound raw, genuine, greasy and energetic. Bob Corritore appears as the main leader, doing the whole selection and direction, as well as playing harp.
All those who think that genuine blues is out of fashion and innovation should prevail in actual blues, should pay attention to this recording to realize that the natural blues feeling and soul often exceed the trends of contemporary new musical ways. Real blues, developed with a natural display and great significance, come together in this album I have on hands.
Please Bob, don’t stop to surprise us with the precious treasures you have in your archives. As for me, I am always looking forward to savoring all your new proposals.
– Vicente
Ziazic (France) (March 2, 2025)
Figure de proue de la scène blues de Phoenix, Arizona, mais aussi plus largement de toute la communauté blues internationale, Bob Corritore est un harmoniciste né à Chicago au milieu des années 50 qui s’est fait connaitre en accompagnant le gratin des artistes du genre mais aussi en animant une émission de radio qui affiche un demi-siècle d’existence et enfin en tenant un club dans la Valley of the Sun, le très fameux Rhythm Room qui fêtera son trente-cinquième anniversaire en 2026. Comment ne pas avoir énormément d’amis quand on affiche un tel curriculum vitae, c’est une question qui est très vite éludée quand on regarde le contenu des nombreuses productions que l’artiste met dans les bacs année après année, avec non seulement l’édition de ses archives les plus folles mais aussi avec la sortie d’ouvrages comme Doin’ The Shout sur lequel le who’s who du blues étasunien figure en bonne place. Jugez-en par vous-même puisque l’on retrouve Bobby Rush, Thornetta Davis, Bob Stroger, Nora Jean, John Primer, Francine Reed, Oscar Wilson, Tia Carroll, Jimi Primetime Smith, Carla Denise, Bob Margolin, Duke Robillard, Kid Ramos, Johnny Burgin, Johnny Rapp, Anthony Geraci, Ben Levin, Dave Keyes et Mark Earley au gré de ces douze pistes, chacun des vocalistes reprenant soit un de ses propres morceaux, soit des emprunts fait à des classiques très judicieusement triés sur le volet. Si les voix féminines sont particulièrement mises à l’honneur sur des titres comme « Say Baby Say », « I Guess I’m A Fool », « That Don’t Appease Me » ou « I’ve Got To Be With You Tonight », on saluera également les performances d’Oscar Wilson sur « Woman Wanted » et « Just A Dream », de Bobby Rush sur « I’ve Got Three Problems », de John Primer sur « Twenty Room House » ou encore du toujours très fringant Bob Strogger sur « My First Love ». Des musiciens de renom et bourrés de talent pour des titres qui ne manquent pas de saveur, avec en prime l’harmonica virevoltant de Bob Corritore pour mettre le tout en valeur, voilà un album qu’il faut absolument s’offrir pour être certain de ne pas passer à côté d’une merveille!
– Fred Delforge
English Translation: A leading figure in the blues scene in Phoenix, Arizona, but also more broadly in the entire international blues community, Bob Corritore is a harmonica player born in Chicago in the mid-1950s who made his name by accompanying the elite of the genre’s artists but also by hosting a radio show which has been in existence for half a century and finally by running a club in the Valley of the Sun, the very famous Rhythm Room which will celebrate its thirty-fifth anniversary in 2026. How can you not have a lot of friends when you display such a curriculum vitae? It’s a question that is quickly evaded when you look at the content of the numerous productions that the artist puts out year after year, with not only the edition of his craziest archives but also with the release of works like “Doin’ The Shout” on which the who’s who of American blues figures prominently. Judge for yourself since we find Bobby Rush, Thornetta Davis, Bob Stroger, Nora Jean, John Primer, Francine Reed, Oscar Wilson, Tia Carroll, Jimi Primetime Smith, Carla Denise, Bob Margolin, Duke Robillard, Kid Ramos, Johnny Burgin, Johnny Rapp, Anthony Geraci, Ben Levin, Dave Keyes and Mark Earley on these twelve tracks, each of the vocalists covering either one of their own pieces or borrowings made to very judiciously handpicked classics. If female voices are particularly highlighted on titles like “Say Baby Say”, “I Guess I’m A Fool”, “That Don’t Appease Me” or “I’ve Got To Be With You Tonight”, we will also salute the performances of Oscar Wilson on “Woman Wanted” and “Just A Dream”, of Bobby Rush on “I’ve Got Three Problems”, of John Primer on “Twenty Room House” or even the always very dashing Bob Stroger on ” My First Love.” Renowned musicians full of talent for titles that do not lack flavor, with the added bonus of Bob Corritore’s twirling harmonica to highlight everything, this is an album that you absolutely must treat yourself to be sure not to miss out on a marvel!
Chicago Blues Guide (March 2, 2025)
Bob Corritore and friends are back in a big way with a brand-new release entitled Doin’ the Shout. While a Corritore CD is always cause for celebration, this one should have listeners shouting from the rooftops since it represents Corritore’s 30th release in a long line of great blues compilations dating back to 1999.
As per usual, Corritore has brought on the best and the brightest in the business to join him in making beautiful music together. Both the featured artists and supporting cast read like a “Who’s Who of the Blues” as Doin’ the Shout showcases a multitude of musicians who all contributed mightily to the making of this magnificent CD.
While Corritore has continued to grow and evolve as both a producer and harmonica player, the one constant is his keen knowledge and longstanding friendships with the many musical luminaries playing alongside him. This familiarity helps breed great content from the artists he works with, and Doin’ the Shout is no exception.
Corritore’s love affair with the blues can be traced back to his teenage years living in the Chicago area. After discovering Muddy Waters and taking up the harp, Corritore made the move to Maxwell Street where he learned from many of the old masters. After he relocated to Arizona in the eighties, his blues roots grew even deeper as he started a radio show and assumed ownership of the Rhythm Room in 1991.
Since its opening, the Rhythm Room has welcomed a steady stream of stellar blues artists. Luckily, Corritore had the foresight to record with many visiting performers, capturing it all for posterity. His first CD, Bob Corritore’s All-Star Blues Sessions featured a slew of legendary artists including Lil’ Ed, R.L Burnside, Jimmy Rogers, Henry Gray and so many others.
Sadly, many of the musicians featured on All-Star Blues Sessions have since passed on, which makes Corritore’s work even more important. Documenting these influential artists is crucial for future generations and Corritore is more than up to the task as he said that “it’s really powerful but also a huge responsibility because I’m recording these sacred heroes of the blues, and I have to do it right!”
Besides taking on this all-important task, Corritore has also formed strong bonds with the many musicians he plays with, so he is able to catch them when they’re comfortable in the studio and ready to let loose!
Chicago-based artist, Nora Jean Wallace, certainly doesn’t hold back on the title track. Her self-penned Doin’ the Shout is a full-throated homage to the power of love. This track opens with Nora Jean in full a capella glory and ready to belt out her story.
Corritore praised Nora Jean for “giving it her all” as Doin’ the Shout allowed her to “be as raw as she could be.” Joining her on this passionate performance are Johnny Rapp and Jimi “Primetime” Smith on guitar, Yahni Riley on bass and Brian Fahey on drums. Longtime producer, Clarke Rigsby, provides the hand claps.
Another standout track with a Chicago connection, is “Just a Dream” featuring Alligator recording artist and Cash Box Kings singer, Oscar Wilson. Besides being an “amazing vocalist,” Corritore praised Wilson’s ability to segue into a variety of styles and “put a different tilt” on each track. On “Just a Dream,” Wilson’s sad and heartfelt delivery will melt even the most hardened of hearts.
Wilson makes the tilt towards full Muddy Waters mode on “Woman Wanted,” which he learned the night before the recording session with the band “falling right into it” the next day. Corritore added that this track “is a really powerful way to revive the spirit of Muddy Waters!” Joining in the revival is Muddy’s former guitarist, Bob Margolin, the prolific Jimi “Primetime” Smith on second guitar, Bob Stroger on bass, Anthony Geraci on piano and Wes Starr on drums. This crew also plays together on “Just a Dream.”
94-year-old Bob Stroger continues his amazing run as the Energizer Buddy of the blues as he plays bass on a total of six tracks. Like so many of Corritore’s friends, he and “the finest bass player alive” go way back. Stroger is front and center on Doin’ the Shout’s closing track with his self-penned and poignant, “First Love.” Stroger is surrounded by a first-rate cast that includes Smith on guitar, Geraci on piano. Margolin on bass, and Starr on guitar.
Then, there’s 91-year-old Bobby Rush who does a bang-up job on his own composition, “I’ve Got Three Problems.” In typical funky Bobby Rush fashion, this tune talks about his difficulty in dealing with three demanding dames.
Corritore credits Rush as “the guy that brought funk to the blues” and added, “Bobby’s one of the greatest harp players alive today, but he never gets the recognition because he is such a powerful entertainer and singer.” Of course, Corritore handled the harp work on “I’ve Got Three Problems” with Rush complimenting his technique on this track.
Rush and Corritore’s work is further enhanced by a superb band of backing musicians. There’s the dynamic Dexter Allen along with the ubiquitous Jimi “Primetime” Smith on guitar. Chester Thompson provides the requisite dose of funk on B3 organ with the always-fabulous Steve Ferrone on drums.
Corritore’s frequent collaborator, Mr. John Primer, paints a lonely picture on “Twenty Room House.” This continues an impressive run of successful records that Corritore and Primer have made together. The pair recently received a Blues Music Award nomination for the “Best Traditional Blue Album” with their striking “Crawlin’ Kingsnake.
Whether it’s “Crawlin’ Kingsnake” or “Twenty Room House,” when Corritore and Primer collaborate “it’s a natural occurrence of playing in that Chicago blues language,” which Corritore is “very comfortable with.”
“Twenty Room House” is populated with a whole cast of high-level talent as Corritore and Primer are joined by Jimi “Primetime” Smith on guitar, Stroger on bass, Geraci on piano and Wes Starr on drums.
While Corritore is extremely comfortable with his mission of communicating Chicago blues to the masses, he also brought on amazing artists from other parts of the country. Detroit’s Thornetta Davis turns in a rousing rendition of “Say Baby Say,” which was first released in the fifties featuring fellow Motowner, Alberta Adams. Tia Carroll came to Phoenix by way of the Bay Area and slays with a sultry version of “I’ve Got to Be with You Tonight.”
Rounding out Doin’ the Shout’s remarkable roster is Francine Reed on “I’m Guess I’m a Fool.” Former Mississippi Heat member Carla Denise sings alongside Jimi “Primetime” Smith as they do a memorable rendition of his late mother Johnnie Mae Dunson’s “Same Old Thing.”
Blues Roadhouse (March 5, 2025)
Bob Corritore, who’s been a keeper of the big blues flame for decades, is back with another scorching album for your front burner.
“Doin’ the Shout” is another of Corritore’s masterful efforts to present fresh takes on the classic Chicago blues sound. He does it by using a seemingly endless supply of his talented Friends, who all just happen to be gifted musical veterans. And that includes Corritore himself, who weaves his magical harp throughout.
“Shout,” which VizzTone says is Corritore’s 30th release, is comprised of recording sessions from 2023 and 2024, and which represent a simply gorgeous collection of fine blues from extra-fine artists. And the album cover art, in the style of many Corritore releases, is its own artistic pleasure.
The Friends here include Bobby Rush, Thornetta Davis, Bob Stroger, Francine Reed, John Primer, Dave Keys, Nora Jean Bruso, Oscar Wilson, Tia Carroll, Bob Margolin, Jimi Primetime Smith, Carla Denise, Johnny Burgin, Kid Ramos, Johnny Main, Johnny Rapp, Anthony Geraci, Ben Levin, Lewis Nash, Steve Ferrone, Chester Thompson and Mark Earley.
The rollicking opening track “Say, Baby, Say” is a swinging take on a 1950 tune by Alberta Adams, done here by Thornetta Davis, with Corritore rocking his harp. The slow-blues scorcher “Woman Wanted” is handled by big-voiced vocalist Oscar Wilson of The Cash Box Kings, with Bob Margolin on steamy slide guitar. The title track follows, written and terrifically sung by Nora Jean Bruso.
The heartfelt ballad “I Guess I’m A Fool,” written by Memphis Slim (Peter Chatman), gets a soulful treatment from the ageless Francine Reed and mournful Corritore harp. Bruso struts in again with the powerful shuffle, “It’s My Life,” then Wilson returns with another wicked slow blues, “Just A Dream,” his vocal turning rich and soulful.
Bobby Rush lends his legendary talents to the session by writing and delivering a slyly libidinous “I’ve Got Three Problems,” with some deep blue Corritore harp and rolling B3 by Chester Thompson. Davis wrote her next tune, the joyously uptempo “That Don’t Appease Me,” with Dave Keys on piano. Tia Carroll offers the swampy “I’ve Got To Be With You Tonight,” from the Slim Harpo (James Moore) songbook, with stinging guitar from Kid Ramos and Johnny Main.
John Primer holds forth with the tough shuffle, “Twenty Room House,” featuring Anthony Geraci romping on piano. Jimi “Primetime” Smith and Carla Denise join on a romping duet, “Same Old Thing.” The closer is an original by Bob Stroger, the slow-dancing, belt-buckle polishing languid blues of “My First Love.”
Just because I didn’t mention him on every track, Corritore’s impeccable harp work enhances every song, while the multitudinous Friends add just the right blues notes.
“Doin’ the Shout” is an album packed with real-deal blues the way they were meant to be played — and meant to be heard — from the heart and soul of the music. Bob Corritore just keeps finding new ways to revitalize America’s classical music.
– Jim White
Washington Blues Society Newsletter (March 11, 2025)
Bob Corritore’s newest CD features 12 songs recorded by Clarke Rigsby at Tempest Recording in Tempe, Arizona, during nine recording sessions over 2023 and 2024.
Doin’ The Shout! features 19 different artists, each bringing extensive blues chops, collaborating in unique combinations, allowing them to excel on every track.
The songs are arranged to tell a story, like chapters in a book, with the central theme being love (or the loss of it). Each song tells its own story with unique vocals, musical themes and timings, making every song a strong contribution rather than just an album with a couple of standout tracks surrounded by filler. Each song centers on the vocals, with Bob’s Hohner harmonica embellishing around them enhancing the vocal statements. The contributions of each musician preserve the essential vibe and integrity of each song. Each song is so compelling that I could have written an article about each one (if only co-editors Polly O’Keary & Eric Steiner would have given me the space!). The track “I’ve Got Three Problems” pairs Bob Corritore with one of his heroes, Bobby Rush. In the recording, you can hear Bobby coaxing Bob to play his harmonica to capture a special mojo.
The last song, “My First Love” features a 93-year-old bassist Bob Stroger, who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame of The Blues Foundation in May. This track is a sweet, heartfelt expression of love and vulnerability.
Vince Ray designed the CD jacket, featuring instantly recognizable artwork. It’s his 7th album jacket, and it feels like vintage double vinyl album, complete with and detailed information that goes far beyond merely listing the tracks. Seven of the 12 songs feature female vocalists and Doin’ The Shout!’s set to release on February 28, 2025, so it’s perfectly timed for International Women’s Day on March 8. So many big names in blues come together on the CD, blending their history and artistry to create magic – 12 times over!
Bob Corritore reflects “In my blues journey, I keep reminding myself that I can raise the bar with each album. We put so much love into the album and hope the fans will love it back. I certainly do.
– Kirk Anderson
Blues Bytes (March 16, 2025)
I have always enjoyed the very high-quality compilations that Phoenix blues entrepreneur / harmonica player Bob Corritore has been putting out for the last couple of decades. The modus operandi is that when notable performers come to town to play at his iconic club, the Rhythm Room, Corritore assembles an all-star team of musicians to head to Clarke Rigsby’s Tempest Recording studio in Tempe to lay down multiple tracks covering a wide range of blues styles.
The latest collection of tunes from the Corritore archives is another great one, with a dozen cuts on Doin’ The Shout (SWMAF / VizzTone). It doesn’t open with the title cut, but the powerful voice of Chicago singer Nora Jean on this up-tempo 12-bar jump blues original will have you bouncing out of your seat and hitting whatever dance floor is nearby. Corritore contributes very fine harmonica playing here, as he does on all numbers. That Nora Jean number makes me want to hear more from her, and it just requires going down two spots on the disc for “It’s My Life,” a mid-tempo blues shuffle that has Arizona institution Johnny Rapp starring on slide guitar.
Let’s move on to another woman singer with a big voice, with the Queen of Detroit blues, Thornetta Davis, showing up twice. Ms. Davis opens the album with the Alberta Adams-penned blues shuffle, “Say Baby Say,” this one bringing in Johnny Burgin on guitar. We later hear her again on the uptempo “That Don’t Appease Me,” backed again by Burgin but this time adding the baritone sax of Mark Earley to provide a heavier sound. Davis is angry at that man, refuting any attempts that he has at getting back with her. Bay Area singer Tia Carroll shows up for one cut, the very slow Slim Harpo blues, “I’ve Got To Be With You Tonight,” with Corritore’s tasteful harmonica playing providing the intro, and Kid Ramos is the guest guitarist on this one. Phoenix area legend Francine Reed has appeared on many of these compilations, and she’s back with the slow, jazzy, late night blues, “Guess I’m A Fool,” with Ben Levin coming to town to provide the requisite piano accompaniment.
One last woman singer featured on Doin’ The Shout is Chicago vocalist Carla Denise, harmonizing with Jimi Primetime Smith on the mid-tempo blues, “Same Old Thing.” JPS also contributes a very nice guitar solo. Now, on to the men at the front of the stage. One of my favorite Chicago blues cats is Oscar Wilson, best known as the front man for the Cash Box Kings, and we get two solid Chicago blues songs. Wilson places his own personal classified ad for his need for a lover on “Woman Wanted,” highlighted by wonderful Elmore-style slide guitar from Bob Margolin and nice piano work from Anthony Geraci. Wilson later packs a bundle of blues into the slow tune, “Just A Dream,” a B.B. King original.
The first single from the album is a real keeper, with Bobby Rush appearing on “I’ve Got Three Problems,” a mid-tempo funky blues on which Corritore’s harmonica fills wrap nicely around Rush’s vocals. Of course, his three problems all result from that trio of women in his life.
Wrapping up this powerful collection are two Chicago blues legends who have been included on many of Corritore’s recordings. John Primer handles both vocals and lead guitar on “Twenty Room House,” an up-tempo blues shuffle that has our man lamenting the fact that he’s got all this space in his house and no one with whom to share it. That’s the blues, folks. Geraci returns on piano on this number. Corritore and Primer have worked together quite often in recent years, with their 2024 album Crawlin’ Kingsnake being one of the best of the 2024 blues season, and they really have developed the ability to get the best out of each other.
Our other blues legend is nonagenarian Bob Stroger, who continues to defiy his age. In addition to backing other singers on this album with his always steady bass playing, Mr. Stroger steps to the mic for the autobiographical slow blues, “My First Love.” It’s a lovely song that serves as an excellent closing number for this compilation.
Doin’ The Shout is now an essential purchase for every blues fan. You’re likely reading this website because you are already a confirmed blues aficionado, so it goes without saying that you will want to be playing this album over and over. As l’ve done in reviewing past compilations from Corritore, I recommend you get the disc with all of the liner notes, songwriting credits, and backing musicians.
One of the best of the year!
– Bill Mitchell
Back To The Roots (Belgium) (March 2025)
Jullie weten ondertussen wellicht wel dat harmonicaspeler Bob Corritore ook de eigenaar is van de Rhythm Room, de vermaarde bluesclub in Phoenix, Arizona. En het is jullie ook bekend dat Bob telkens de kans zich aandient, tijd uittrekt om met de artiesten die in zijn club komen spelen ook de studio in te duiken. Het resultaat van die sessies komt heel regelmatig aan de oppervlakte middels een fraaie, gevarieerde cd onder de noemer ‘Bob Corritore And Friends’. Voor deze cd’s maakt Bob gebruik van het VizzTone-promotienetwerk maar eigenlijk verschijnen ze op het label SWMAF Re-cords. Minder bekend is dat SWMAF staat voor Southwest Musical Arts Foundation.
Dat is een non-profitorganisatie die zich tot doel stelt muzikaal bewustzijn te vergroten door middel van optredens, opnames en educatie. De klemtoon ligt op bluesmuziek.
De aan SWMAF verbonden artiesten treden vaak op ten voordele van kansarme bevol-kingsgroepen. Oprichter en voorzitter van SWMAF is… inderdaad, Bob Corritore! Bobs vrienden op deze nieuwe, schitterende cd zijn Oscar Wilson, Bobby Rush, Thornetta Davis, Bob Stroger, Nora Jean Wallace, John Primer, Francine Reed, Tia Carroll, Jimi ‘Pri-metime’ Smith, Carla Denise, Bob Margolin, Duke Robillard, Kid Ramos, Johnny Burgin, Johnny Rapp, Anthony Geraci, Ben Levin, Dave Keyes en Mark Earley. Deze namen alleen al volstaan om een beetje bluesliefheb-ber van de stilistische variatie en kwaliteit van dit album te overtuigen.
– Franky Bruneel
Cultura Blues (Mexico) (April 1, 2025)
El inigualable Bob Corritore, es uno de los armonicistas de blues más activos y respetados de la escena actual. Su estilo de la vieja escuela para tocar, que aprendió cuando era joven directamente de muchos de los pioneros originales del Chicago Blues, lo lleva adelante con pasión. Bob también es ampliamente reconocido por sus muchos papeles en la escena del blues, como líder de banda, propietario de un club, productor discográfico, presentador de programas de radio, precursor de una fundación artística y escritor ocasional.
Estuvo rodeado de grandes armonicistas como: Big Walter Horton, Little Mack Simmons, Louis Myers, Junior Wells, Big John Wrencher y Carey Bell, y recibió consejos y apoyo de muchos de ellos, para lo relacionado al instrumento. En 1991, Bob abrió el ahora famoso club de conciertos de Blues and Roots, ‘The Rhythm Room’. Los mejores artistas han actuado regularmente en su club a lo largo de los años y también han sido grabados en sesiones espectaculares que Bob ha publicado paulatinamente en su colección «Bob Corritore And Friends».
Todos los álbumes que forman parte de la colección son grandiosos: Don’t Let The Devil Ride! (2018), Do the Hip-Shake Baby! (2019), Spider in My Stew(2021), Down Home Blues Review (2022), You Shocked Me (2022), Women in Blues Showcase (2023), High Rise Blues (2023), Somebody Put Bad Luck On Me (2023), y Phoenix Blues Rumble (2023). En esta ocasión, Bob nos deleita con un nueva edición que reúne algunas canciones grabadas en nueve sesiones que tuvieron lugar entre 2023 y 2024: Doin’ The Shout (2025).
Lista de canciones: 01. Say Baby Say; 02. Woman Wanted; 03. Doin’ The Shout; 04. I Guess I’m A Fool; 05. It’s My Life; 06. Just A Dream; 07. I’ve Got Three Problems; 08. That Don’t Appease Me; 09. I’ve Got To Be With You Tonight; 10. Twenty Room House; 11. Same Old Thing; 12. My First Love.
El elenco de músicos que se encuentran en el álbum es espectacular. Además de que Bob Corritore toca la armónica en todos los temas, Jimi «Primetime» Smith toca la guitarra en diez pistas (excepto en la 4 y 9). La obra comienza con la alegre tonada Say Baby Say, con Thornetta Davis en la voz, Bob Stroger en el bajo, Johnny Burgin en la guitarra, Wes Starr en la batería y Dave Keyes en el piano. El vocalista Oscar Wilson, el guitarrista Bob Margolin y el pianista Anthony Geraci enaltecen el gran blues Woman Wanted, con la base rítmica de Stroger y Starr. La potente canción principal Doin’ The Shout, presenta a Nora Jean en la voz con Johnny Rapp en la guitarra, a Yahni Riley en el bajo y Brian Fahey como baterista.
El suave y jazzero I Guess I Am a Fool, cuenta con Francine Reed en la voz, Duke Robillard en la guitarra y Ben Levin en el piano; con la base rítmica de Ben Headquist en el bajo y Lewis Nash en la batería. Nora Jean y Johnny Rapp hacen que las cosas resalten de nuevo con la movidita It’s My Life, regresan Riley y Fahey en los ritmos. Wilson, Margolin, Stroger, Starr y Geraci vuelven a formar equipo para el electrizante blues lento Just A Dream. Bobby Rush declara I’ve Got Three Problems, con Dexter Allen añadiendo la guitarra, con Steve Ferrone: batería y Chester Thompson en el B3.
Con la misma alineación de la primera pieza aparece la movida y también alegre That Don’t Appease Me. Tia Carroll canta la sensual I’ve Got To Be With You Tonight, con Kid Ramos y Johnny Main en las guitarras, además en la sección rítmica, Stephen Hodges: batería y Bill Stuve: bajo. John Primer toca la guitarra y canta en Twenty Room House, con Anthony Geraci al piano y los ritmos de Stroger y Starr. Jimi “Primetime” Smith da un paso adelante para un dueto vocal con Carla Denise en Same Old Thing, con Geraci, Stroger y Starr, repitiendo en sus respectivos instrumentos. Bob Stroger canta en My First Love, con Bob Margolin asumiendo las responsabilidades del bajo, Starr en la batería y Geraci nuevamente al piano.
Por supuesto, la armónica de Bob está omnipresente en todo la obra, pero nunca interfiere con sus invitados. Una excelente lección para tomar en cuenta por los armonicistas en general. Este es simplemente otro magnífico álbum de antología. Muy recomendable para todos los amantes del ‘verdadero’ blues.
Calificación: 9.5 Excelente
– José Luis García Fernández
Historia Del Blues (Columbia) (April 1, 2025)
Cada disco que presenta el armonicista Bob Corritore es un homenaje al blues, una muestra clara del amor que tiene un músico que ha dado toda su vida por este género, razón por la que sus producciones siempre son bien recibidos, tanto por los fanáticos como por la crítica, y “Doin’ the shout” no es la excepción.
“Doin’ the shout” es el álbum treinta de Corritore y está integrado por 12 temas que se grabaron en nueve sesiones entre 2023 y 2024, con una impresionante lista de destacados músicos y cantantes de la escena del blues. Con solo ver que en la banda base están Dexter Allen, Jimi Primetime Smith(guitarras), Chester Thompson (órgano B3) y Steve Ferrone (batería) ya uno se da buena cuenta del tremendo disco al que se enfrenta.
Dentro de los colaboradores de “Doin’ the shout” se encuentran figuras como Bobby Rush, Francine Reed, John Primer, Tia Carroll, Kid Ramos y muchos otros, lo que refleja la capacidad de Corritore para reunir talento de alto calibre en sus proyectos. Su armónica está presente en todas las pistas, complementando y realzando las interpretaciones de sus invitados sin eclipsarlas. Además, encontramos músicos como Bob Strogeren el bajo, Anthony Geraci en el piano y Wes Starr en la batería que aportan su maestría en varios temas, creando un sonido cohesivo y auténtico.
“Doin’ the shout” de Bob Corritore tiene interpretaciones llenas de energía y mucha autenticidad, que conjugan con la variedad de estilos que encontramos, desde blues de Chicago hasta boogie y Funky blues. Tal vez tanta diversidad pueda ser un aspecto crítico, pero de cualquier manera es una producción de calidad y pasión.
CANCIONES RECOMENDADAS: Say baby say, Woman wanted, Doin’ the shout, I’ve got three problems.
Bman’s Blues Report (April 3, 2025)
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Doin’ The Shout!, from Bob Corritore & Friends and it’s cooking! Opening with shuffle, Say Baby Say, Thornetta Davis is upfront on lead vocal and I really like her style. With my pal Johnny Burgin on guitar, Dave Keyes on piano, Bob Corritore on harmonica, Bob Stroger on bass and Wes Starr on drums, this is a great opener. Woman Wanted features Oscar Wilson on lead vocal and Muddy Waters like slide work by guitar wiz Bob Margolin. I really do love his loose slide and with Stroger on bass, Anthony Geraci on piano, and Starr on drums, this is a super track. Francine Reed has an unmistakable voice and her addition on I Guess I’m A Fool is a terrific idea. With Duke Robillard adding lush guitar, Corritore up with key harmonica lead, Ben Levin on piano, Ben Hedquist on bass and Lewis Nash on drums, this is a solid soul track. Wilson is back on lead vocal on Just A Dream and it really lays in the groove. His vocals are rich and with Stroger on bass, Corritore’s soulful wailing on harmonica, Margolin really digging in on guitar, Geraci on piano and Starr on drums, this is one of my favorites on the release. Tia Carroll is upfront on I’ve Got To Be With You Tonight and her voice is perfect paired with Kid Ramos, Johnny Main and Jimi Primetime Smith on guitars, Bill Stuve on bass and Stephen Hodges on drums. Slamming shuffle, Twenty Room House, features John Primer on lead vocal and guitar paired with Corritore’s stellar harmonica work and backed by Geraci on piano, with Stroger on bass and Starr on drums. A real mover. wrapping the release is My First Love featuring Stroger on lead vocal, backed by Geraci on piano, Starr on drums, Margolin on bass, Smith on guitar and Corritore on harmonica. This is certainly one of the best of the Friends series by Corritore. Pick one up!
Todo Dia Um Blues (Brazil) (April 8, 2025)
Bob Corritore: o gaitista das colaborações certeiras
Se você curte um blues com pegada clássica, sopro rasgado e alma de bar enfumaçado, Bob Corritore é um nome que já devia estar na sua playlist há tempos. Produtor, gaitista de mão cheia e figura essencial da cena de Chicago Blues moderna, Bob é aquele cara que, quando aparece nos créditos, você já sabe que vem coisa boa.
E ele não para. Em fevereiro deste ano, soltou mais um álbum: “Bob Corritore and Friends – Doin’ the Shout”, uma verdadeira celebração do blues em sua forma mais viva, orgânica e cheia de groove.
Quem é Bob Corritore, afinal?
Nascido em Chicago em 1956, Bob teve seu primeiro contato com a gaita aos 12 anos, quando ouviu ninguém menos que Muddy Waters. Foi o suficiente pra acender a chama. Na juventude, ele mergulhou no circuito blues da cidade, tocando com monstros como Louis and Dave Myers, Willie Dixon e Pinetop Perkins.
Mas foi ao se mudar pra Phoenix, no Arizona, que Bob virou peça fundamental do cenário blues contemporâneo. Lá ele fundou o Rhythm Room, casa de shows lendária que já recebeu os grandes nomes do gênero. Além de músico, Bob também é produtor e curador de projetos que resgatam aquela sonoridade crua e visceral do blues de raiz.
O som de um verdadeiro colaborador
Se tem uma coisa que define o estilo de Bob Corritore é parceria. Ele é mestre em reunir músicos lendários pra criar álbuns coletivos que soam como sessões de estúdio dos anos 50, com aquela vibe espontânea, cheia de alma e sem pressa.
Seus discos são como festas sonoras: cada faixa traz um vocalista diferente, uma levada distinta, mas tudo costurado pela sua gaita expressiva e inconfundível.
“Doin’ the Shout!”: Uma Celebração do Blues
Lançado em 28 de fevereiro de 2025, “Doin’ the Shout!” é uma coleção vibrante de 12 faixas que destacam a habilidade de Bob em reunir talentos excepcionais para criar música autêntica e emocionante. O álbum foi gravado em 2023 e 2024 no Tempest Recording, em Tempe, Arizona, sob a direção de Clarke Rigsby.
Destaques do Álbum
“Say Baby Say“: A faixa de abertura apresenta a poderosa voz de Thornetta Davis, acompanhada por Johnny Burgin na guitarra e Dave Keyes no piano. A energia contagiante desta música prepara o terreno para o restante do álbum.
“Woman Wanted“: Aqui, Oscar Wilson assume os vocais, com Bob Margolin deslizando na guitarra slide e Anthony Geraci no piano, criando uma atmosfera que remete aos clássicos do Chicago Blues.
“Doin’ the Shout!“: A faixa-título é uma celebração animada com Nora Jean nos vocais, trazendo uma performance cheia de vida que encapsula o espírito do álbum.
“I’ve Got Three Problems“: Bobby Rush brilha nesta faixa, trazendo seu estilo inconfundível e humor característico, enquanto Dexter Allen adiciona riffs de guitarra envolventes.
“That Don’t Appease Me“: Thornetta Davis retorna com uma performance intensa, apoiada por Johnny Burgin na guitarra e Mark Earley no sax barítono, adicionando uma camada extra de profundidade sonora.
Por que ouvir?
Porque esse disco é blues da melhor safra, tocado por quem respira o gênero há décadas. Pra quem curte blues tradicional, gaita expressiva, colaborações de peso e aquela vibe de jam session entre amigos que só querem tocar com alma, esse álbum é tiro certo.
English translation:
Bob Corritore: the harmonica player with the perfect collaborations
If you like classic blues, a snazzy wind and a smoky barroom soul, Bob Corritore is a name that should have been on your playlist for a long time. A producer, a great harmonica player and an essential figure in the modern Chicago Blues scene, Bob is the kind of guy who, when he appears in the credits, you know something good is coming.
And he never stops. In February of this year, he released another album: “Bob Corritore and Friends – Doin’ the Shout”, a true celebration of the blues in its most lively, organic and groovy form.
Who is Bob Corritore, anyway?
Born in Chicago in 1956, Bob had his first contact with the harmonica at the age of 12, when he heard none other than Muddy Waters. That was enough to light the flame. In his youth, he immersed himself in the city’s blues circuit, playing with legends such as Louis and Dave Myers, Willie Dixon and Pinetop Perkins.
But it was when he moved to Phoenix, Arizona, that Bob became a fundamental part of the contemporary blues scene. There he founded the Rhythm Room, a legendary concert venue that has hosted the great names of the genre. In addition to being a musician, Bob is also a producer and curator of projects that rescue that raw and visceral sound of roots blues.
The Sound of a True Collaborator
If there’s one thing that defines Bob Corritore’s style, it’s partnership. He’s a master at bringing together legendary musicians to create collective albums that sound like studio sessions from the 1950s, with that spontaneous, soulful, and unhurried vibe.
His albums are like sonic feasts: each track features a different vocalist, a distinct groove, but everything is tied together by his expressive and unmistakable harmonica.
“Doin’ the Shout!”: A Celebration of the Blues
Released on February 28, 2025, “Doin’ the Shout!” is a vibrant collection of 12 tracks that showcase Bob’s ability to bring together exceptional talent to create authentic and moving music. The album was recorded in 2023 and 2024 at Tempest Recording in Tempe, Arizona, under the direction of Clarke Rigsby.
Album Highlights
“Say Baby Say”: The opening track features the powerful vocals of Thornetta Davis, accompanied by Johnny Burgin on guitar and Dave Keyes on piano. The infectious energy of this song sets the stage for the rest of the album.
“Woman Wanted”: Here, Oscar Wilson takes over on vocals, with Bob Margolin gliding on slide guitar and Anthony Geraci on piano, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of classic Chicago blues.
“Doin’ the Shout!”: The title track is a lively celebration with Nora Jean on vocals, delivering a lively performance that encapsulates the spirit of the album.
“I’ve Got Three Problems”: Bobby Rush shines on this track, bringing his signature style and signature humor, while Dexter Allen adds engaging guitar riffs.
“That Don’t Appease Me”: Thornetta Davis returns with an intense performance, backed by Johnny Burgin on guitar and Mark Earley on baritone sax, adding an extra layer of sonic depth.
Why listen to it?
Because this album is blues at its finest, played by someone who has been breathing the genre for decades. For those who enjoy traditional blues, expressive harmonica, great collaborations and that jam session vibe with friends who just want to play with soul, this album is a sure thing.
Chicago Blues Guide #2 (May 1, 2025)
Marty Gunther’s Red Hot & Blues Reviews.
It’s hard to believe that Bob Corritore can outdo himself after his stellar recent releases, Crawlin’ Kingsnake and Phoenix Blues Rumble, but the harp player/producer does just that here. It’s composed of 12 tasty, star-studded takes culled from recording sessions conducted during the past two years.
The 30th album in his illustrious career, Corritore shines backing up special guests Thornetta Davis, Bobby Rush, Nora Jean Wallace, Bob Stroger, John Primer, Oscar Wilson, Johnny Burgin, Kid Ramos, Anthony Geraci, Ben Levin and a bevy of talent that extends from Arizona to the East and West Coasts.
Don’t miss “Say Baby Say,” “Woman Wanted,” “Doin’ the Shout,” “I Guess I’m a Fool,” “Just a Dream,” “I’ve Got Three Problems,” “That Don’t Appease Me,” “Twenty Room House,” “Same Old Thing” and “My First Love.”
– Marty Gunther
Blues News (Finland) (May 2025)
meisen ehtymättö-
mälle levyjen tuotantosaagalle ei näy loppua.
Eikä toki tarvitsekaan, koska tasalaatuisuus
on ollut aina, ja niin tälläkin kertaa, hyvin tunnusomaista. Hänen viime aikojen produk-
tionsa ovat olleet myös ulkoiselta anniltaan
hyvinkin näyttävia ja suorastaan koukuttavia
verrattoman kansigraafikko Vince Ray’n ansi-osta. Tuotokset ovat tosin olleet visuaaliselta ilmeeltään niin samanhenkisiä, ettei levyjä
oikein tahdo erottaa toisistaan.
Julistan heti alkajaisiksi CD-uutuuden
milteipa ainoan kritiikkini. Kansitekstit on
nimittäin printattu niin järjettömän pienellä
ja haperolla fontilla, ettei ainakaan meitsin, (kieltämättä ikääntyneillä) silmillä selviä niistä kunnialla. Kappaleiden nimet pystyn juuri ja juuri lukemaan, mutta esiintyjä- ym. tietojen tulkkaus on koko lailla mahdotonta. Kaiken tuon oleellisen tiedon selvittääkseni piti CD:n kansipahvit ensin skannata laadukkaalla skannerilla ja tulosta ne sitten lähes 100 % suurennoksena, jotta pystyin selvittämään tekstityksen salaisuudet.
Hieman tilastotietoa: Levyn anti on poi-mittu peräti yhdeksästä (!) levytyssessiosta
parilta viime vuodelta (2023-24). Solisteja ja säestäjia on CD:n 12 kappaleella massiivinen
joukkio. Vokalisteja on kaikkiaan 10, joista miesten ja naisten osuus on tasapuolisesti fifti-fifti, eli “miituu”-liikkeellä ei pitäisi olla
aihetta barrikadeille. Kitaristeja on levylläjopa
yhdeksän, pianisteja ja basisteja neljä kumpai-siakin, sekä rumpaleita viisi. Koko joukkiota ei tietenkään pysty tassa esitteleman, mutta totta kai munnarimaestro Bob Corritore itse on vahvasti framilla kautta CD:n.
Levyn naisenergiasta vastavat Thornetta
Davis, Nora Jean (Bruso), Francine Reed, Tia Carroll sekä Carla Denise. Heistäjykevä-äänisin tykittäjä Nora Jean töräyttää kaksi vauhdikasta omaa sävellystään, It’s My Life sekä levyn nimi-kappaleen Doin’The Shout. Thornetta Davisille on puolestaan suotu CD:n avaajan rooli; kap-pale on Alberta Adamsin rivakka Say Baby Say, sekä toisena vetona hänen oma sävellyksensä
That Don’t Appease Me, jolla silläkin on riuska menoja meininki. Ruudinsavun laskeuduttua
Francine Reed tulkitsee rennon ja rauhallisen oloisena Memphis Slimin sävelmän Guess I’m A Fool. Tia Carroll puolestaan versioi seksik-kään houkuttelevasti Slim Harpo -lainan /’ve Got To Be With You Tonight. Leideistä selvästi vaatimattomimmat mainesanat annan omiin korviini hermostuttavan kimakkaääniselle
Carla Deniselle, joka duetoi kitaristi Jimi Prime-time Smithin kanssa CD:n toiseksi viimeisellä
raidalla Same Old Thing
Miehen köriläistä tuulisen kaupungin yksi
kovimmista “stand up” -vokalisteista, Oscar
Wilson paukuttaa Bob Margolinin huiman slidekitaran säestämänä tanakkaa perus-
Chicagoa St. Louis Jimmyn Woman Wanted
-kutsuhuudolla. Pari raitaa myöhemmin
Wilson palaa kehiin huomattavasti seestei-semmissä merkeissä tulkitessaan B.B. Kingin
Just A Dream-kaipuun.CD:n ilmapiiri kääntyy
välilläfunkahtavampaan suuntaan,kun vanha
kehäkettu Bobby Rush vetäisee tyylilleen to-
tutun naisongelmistaan kertovan kappaleen
I’ve Got Three Problems. Hän on tällä kertaa jättänyt huuliharputtelut Bob-kaimalleen.
Corritoren vakkarikumppani John Primer on itseoikeutettuna mukana levyllä, eikä
tietenkään petä kuulijoita blues-shufflella
Twenty Room House. CD:n päätös on pyhitetty aivan ansaitusti lempeä-ääniselle blues-ikoni-ikäpresidentti Bob Strogerille, joka hoitaa kolmevarttisen CD:n hienostuneesti niin sanotusti himaan omalla sävellyksellään My First Love, joka on naiiveista lyriikoistaan huolimatta oiva lopetus jälleen hienolle Bob
Corritore -produktiolle. Koskahan saamme lisää?
– Pertti Nurmi
Blues In Britain (U.K.) (May 2025)
Those familiar with Bob Corritore’s output will know what to expect here, an album of straight-ahead Chicago blues with a varied cast list. As ever, Corritore’s harmonica is at the service of the song, always on point and never showboating – add in a wide range of expert blues players and you have the ideal base for a great album. It’s a mixture of classic blues and originals brought to the sessions by the artists involved, as is the title track, one of two Nora Jean Wallace songs featuring her powerful vocals. Another singer with two tracks is Detroit’s Thornetta Davis who delivers a brilliant version of Alberta Adams’ ‘Say Baby Say’ which swings from start to finish with Dave Keyes’ sparkling piano, Johnny Burgin’s subtly jazz-inflected guitar and Bob’s own solo statement. Thornetta’s jumping ‘That Don’t Appease Me’ is another winner, the only track here with sax, played by Mark Earley. The third person with two vocals is recent visitor to these shores, Chicago’s Oscar Wilson: St Louis Jimmy’s ‘ Woman Wanted’ features Bob Margolin channelling his inner Muddy with some savage slide as Oscar delivers a tough vocal, his second tune the more relaxed ‘Just A Dream’ from BB King’s repertoire. The other six tracks include a lovely reading of Memphis Slim’s ‘I Guess I’m A Fool’ sung by veteran blues and jazz singer Francine Reed, with appropriately late night accompaniment from Duke Robillard and young pianist Ben Levin, and a classic bit of Bobby Rush who tells us that ‘I’ve Got Three Problems’ and, surprise, surprise, they are “My woman, my girlfriend and my wife”! Another nonagenarian, Bob Stroger, plays bass on six tracks here, and Tia Carroll sounds great on a Slim Harpo slow blues, as does John Primer on ‘Twenty Room House’, a Bobby Bland tune with Primer’s fluent guitar and Anthony Geraci’s rocking piano, one of the standouts here. Finally, that frequent collaborator with Bob C, Jimi ‘Primetime’ Smith duets with Carla Denise on one of his mother’s tunes, ‘Same Old Thing’. Traditional blues fans will enjoy this set of brilliantly played classic Chicago blues.
– John Mitchell
Soul Bag Magazine (France) (April/May/June 2025 issue)
**** (four stars)
Les réserves inépuisables de Bob Corritore lui permettent de publier des disques qu’on peut choisir au hasard en étant sûr de déguster de bonnes tranches de blues. Il réunit ici des faces de 2023 et 2024 avec Thornetta Davis, Oscar Wilson, Nora Jean Wallace, Francine Reed, Bobby Rush, Tia Carroll, John Primer, Carla Denise et Bob Stroger au chant, et un aréopage de musiciens, dont Duke Robillard, Kid Ramos, Jimi Primetime Smith, Bob Margolin ou Anthony Geraci. Le blues est jump, Chicago, gospel, cocktail, funky, loui-sianais, sur tous les rythmes, interpré-té avec un dynamisme et une fraîcheur qui maintiennent l’intérêt. La voix de Thornetta Davis a le velouté d’une peau de pêche sur That don’t appease me avec son solo de sax baryton, Nora Jean Wallace emporte tout dans le gospel qui donne son titre au disque, avec un solo terrien plutôt rare chez Bob Corritore, Bobby Rush est sans surprise excellent sur le funky blues l’ve got three problems, Tia Carroll est louisianaise sur l’ve got to be with you tonight. Bob est à son habitude pertinent et efficace, avec une discrétion qui l’honore.
– Christophe Mourot
Take Effect (October 13, 2025)
9 out of 10
The harmonica wizard Bob Corritore is surrounded by some very specials guests for these 12 songs that were recorded between 2023 and 2024.
“Say Baby Say” opens and uses Thornetta Davis’ soulful and playful voice alongside Corritore’s lively mouth harp amid the flowing blues, and “Woman Wanted” follows with Oscar Wilson’s soaring voice that’s expressive and suits the spirited guitar.
Closer to the middle, “Its My Life” comes with an infectious energy via Nora Jean’s animated pipes and the thumping drums, while “I’ve Got Three Problems” comes with some funk nods amid Bobby Rush’s distinct voice, the meticulous harmonica and bouncy bass.
“Same Old Thing” and “My First Love” exit the listen. The former swings with fun and benefits from Jimi ‘Primetime’ Smith and Carla Denise’s singing that is complemented by plenty of rhythm, and the latter uses Bob Stroger’s gritty vocals and Corritore’s meticulous mouth harp in the southern influenced finish.
The is Corritore’s 30th album, and like everything he’s been a part of, it’s full of timeless and authentic blues that’s fleshed out with the perfect balance of precision and spontaneity.
Bob Corritore - Official Website 