Reviews from these publications are listed below in chronological order. Scroll to see all reviews.
Blues News (Netherlands)
Keys And Chords (Belgium)
Blues News (Netherlands) (March 14, 2026)
Harmonica master Bob Corritore returns with Ernestine Blues, a major new collaboration album featuring Johnny Rawls, Sugaray Rayford, Tia Carroll, Bob Stroger and more. The first single, “I Love the South,” pairs Corritore with soul-blues legend Johnny Rawls and sets the tone for a powerful release arriving April 10, 2026 on VizzTone.
Bob Corritore & Friends Announce Ernestine Blues — Star-Studded Blues Album Arrives April 10 on VizzTone
Few modern blues artists collaborate as naturally—and as successfully—as harmonica master Bob Corritore. With Ernestine Blues, his latest album under the banner of Bob Corritore & Friends, the Arizona-based blues champion gathers an extraordinary lineup of vocalists and musicians from across the contemporary blues scene.
Set for release on April 10, 2026 via VizzTone, the album brings together powerful voices and seasoned bands for a collection of story-driven songs that move comfortably between classic Chicago blues, early R&B, Mississippi country blues, and soul-blues traditions.
First Single: “I Love the South” with Johnny Rawls
The first taste of the album arrived on March 13, 2026 with the release of “I Love the South“, a collaboration between Corritore and soul-blues legend Johnny Rawls. The pairing proves once again how naturally Corritore’s expressive harmonica fits within the rich textures of Southern soul.
Rawls’ church-raised vocals carry the song with warmth and authority, while Corritore’s feel-good harmonica lines weave through a tight rhythm section and a joyful chorus of female gospel singers. The result is a bright, uplifting Mississippi-inspired anthem that celebrates the easy living and musical heritage of the American South.
A Who’s Who of Modern Blues
Ernestine Blues was recorded between 2023 and 2025 and features an impressive list of guest artists. Among them are Sugaray Rayford, Bob Stroger, Tia Carroll, Oscar Wilson, Willie Buck, Teeny Tucker, Pat Thomas, and Johnny Rawls, alongside standout musicians including Kid Ramos, Bob Margolin, Billy Flynn, Anthony Geraci, Ben Levin, Doug James and many more.
Each track highlights a different voice and style, with Corritore’s harmonica acting as the connective thread. His long-standing reputation for bringing out fresh, heartfelt performances from established blues singers shines throughout the album.
From deep Chicago blues grooves to soulful Southern storytelling, Ernestine Blues plays like a guided tour through the many branches of the blues tradition—honoring the roots while celebrating the vitality of today’s blues community.
Keys And Chords (Belgium) (April 10, 2026)
Acclaimed harmonica master Bob Corritore returns with Ernestine Blues, a powerful new release featuring an all-star lineup of today’s leading blues artists, including Pat Thomas, Sugaray Rayford, Bob Stroger, Tia Carroll, Johnny Rawls, Oscar Wilson, Tony Coleman, Willie Buck, Bob Margolin, Teeny Tucker, Kid Ramos, Billy Flynn, Anthony Geraci, Ben Levin, and many more.
Marking a compelling new chapter in Corritore’s celebrated blues journey, Ernestine Blues is a showcase of extraordinary collaborations that highlight both the depth of the genre and the artistry of its finest contemporary voices. Anchored by Corritore’s signature harmonica work, the album pairs storytelling songs with exceptional vocal performances and world-class musicianship, creating a rich and dynamic listening experience.
Renowned for his ability to inspire and elevate his collaborators, Corritore draws out fresh, deeply expressive performances from each guest artist—often revealing previously unheard dimensions of their musical voices. The result is a collection that feels both timeless and immediate, rooted in tradition while alive with creative energy.
Spanning the spectrum of blues, Ernestine Blues moves seamlessly from Corritore’s foundation in classic Chicago blues to explorations of early R&B, Mississippi country blues, and soul-infused sounds. Each track captures the distinct character and authenticity of its style, offering listeners a guided journey through the genre’s enduring legacy and evolving spirit.