December 31, 2006 – Reflecting on 2006

• Thanks to all the fans, DJs, talent buyers, promoters, labels, writers, venues, and festivals for their support. This year was a banner year for Bob Corritore, filled with CD releases, recording sessions, great live performances with great artists, travel, friends and family, my beautiful and loving girlfriend, awards and recognition, and some sad goodbyes to great elder statesmen of the blues no longer with us. Here is a list of Bob Corritore’s highlights for this year.

  CDs Released:

• Willie “Big Eyes” Smith / Way Back / HighTone (HCD8191) (Produced by Bob Corritore with Bob blowing harp on two cuts. Guest appearances by Pinetop Perkins, James Cotton, Bob Margolin, Calvin “Fuzz” Jones, Bob Stroger, Billy Flynn, and others).
• Floyd Dixon and Special Guests / Time Brings About A Change: A Floyd Dixon Celebration / HighJohn (Produced by Bob Auerbach, Kid Ramos, Clarke Rigsby, and Bob Corritore. This CD was Floyd’s last, and features Floyd, Pinetop Perkins, Johnny Tucker, Kid Ramos, Kim Wilson, Henry Gray, and more).
• Chico Chism / Chico Chism’s West Side Chicago Blues Party / SWMAF (03) (Bob compiled this collection of 70’s Chicago Blues associated with Chico to honor his longtime friend. This CD features Chico, Eddie Shaw, Hubert Sumlin, Detroit Jr., Highway Man, Billy Branch, Eddie Burks, Willie Davis, L.C. Roby, Dave Weld, Shorty Gilbert, and more)
• Pinetop Perkins / Born In The Honey / Sagebrush / CDMojo (A DVD and CD which includes one cut with Bob on harmonica)
• Various Artists / American Music: The HighTone Records Story / HighTone (HCD8195) (Three cuts produced by Bob, with one featuring Bob’s harmonica)

  Bob performed at the following blues festivals and high profile events:

• Bay-Car Blues Festival in Grande-Synthe, France with Big Pete Pearson & the Rhythm Room All-Stars
• Chicago Blues Festival with Louisiana Red – also backing Red were Chris James and Dennis Binder
• Marco Fiume Blues Passions Festival in Rossano, Italy with Louisiana Red, Little Victor, Sweet Betty, Jimmy Morello,Miss Sophie Kay, and Andrea Notti
• Thirsty Ear Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico with Louisiana Red
• Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival (Formerly the King Biscuit Blues Festival) in Helena, Arkansas with Dave Riley
• National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship Showcase at the Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland with Henry Gray and the Cats
• Music from the Gulf Coast Showcase at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. with Henry Gray and the Cats
• Southern Arizona Blues Heritage Festival in Tucson with Big Pete Pearson and the Rhythm Room All-Stars with Special Guest David Maxwell

  Other notable gigs and appearances:

• Rhythm Room 15 Year Anniversary with Big Pete Pearson, Chico Chism, Tail Dragger, Dave Riley, Paris James, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, The Rhythm Room All-Stars, and more
• Bob Corritore’s 50th Birthday Party at the Rhythm Room with Hubert Sumlin, Henry Gray, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Bob Stroger, “Little Frank” Krakowski, Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith, Chris James, Big Pete Pearson, and Little Victor. Special thanks to out of town guests Bob Auerbach (Los Angeles), Darlene Grimes (Los Angeles), Jocelyn Richez (France),Michel Remond (France), and Paul Hopkins (Chicago), and the 400+ other friends that made this an amazing night!
• Pinetop Perkins‘ Homecoming at Hopson Commissary in Clarksdale, Mississippi playing a set with Calvin “Fuzz” Jones, Bob Margolin, and Mookie Brill
• Chico Chism’s Christmas Party with Chico, Big Pete Pearson, Leon Blue, Tom Leavey, Brian Fahey, Texas Red, Ronnie Whitehead, and many others
• XM Satellite’s Bluesville A guest of Bill Wax for a 3-hour special on my music – Thank you Bill
• Also Great Rhythm Room Gigs with Pinetop Perkins, Louisiana Red, Bob Margolin, David Maxwell, and Johnny Dyer
• Scott Dirks‘ Harmonica Showcase at Smoke Daddy with Scott, Martin Lange, Big D., Joe Filisko, Dave Waldman, and Chris James and Patrick Rynn from the Rhythm Room All-Stars.
• Honeyboy Edwards‘ 91st Birthday Party at the Hothouse in Chicago with Louisiana Red, also performing were Honeyboy, Henry Townsend, Eddie C. Campbell, Dennis Binder, Rob Stone and the C Notes, and others.

  Recording Sessions with the following great artists (Some as a producer, some as a performer, and some as both at the same time):

• Floyd Dixon, Paul Oscher, Dave Riley, Pinetop Perkins, Henry Gray, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Billy Boy Arnold, Big Pete Pearson and the Rhythm Room All-Stars, Tail Dragger, Kid Ramos, Kim Wilson, David Maxwell, Bob Stroger, Johnny Dyer, Chris James, Clay Swafford, Little Victor, “Little Frank” Krakowski, and more.

  Awards and Recognitions

• KBA Award (Keeping the Blues Alive) for best Blues Radio (Public Radio) – Thanks to the Blues Foundation for this honor
• New Times Best of Phoenix Award to the Rhythm Room (Best Club for Blues) and KJZZ (Best Station for Jazz and Blues)
• 944 Magazine Platinum Award to the Rhythm Room
• Other Great Press and reviews in Living Blues, Blues Wax, Blues Revue, Big City Blues, Block Magazine, Soul Bag, ABS Magazine, Seventh Hour Blues, Blues Magazine, Elmore Magazine, Blues Art Studio, Blues Source, Phoenix New Times, Arizona Republic, GetOut Magazine, Real Blues, 944 Magazine, Phoenix Magazine, Juke Blues, Blues & Rhythm,Blues Rag, Blues Bytes, Blues Festival Guide, Blues & Co., La Gazette de Greenwood, La Route du Blues, Rollin’ & Tumblin’, Il Blues, and others.

  Passings

• Farewell to Robert Lockwood, Jr., Floyd Dixon, Jessie Mae Hemphill, H-Bomb Ferguson, Henry Townsend, Sam Myers,Clifford Antone, Homesick James, Bernard Williams, Ruth Brown, James Brown, Ahmet Ertegun, Tina Mayfield,Roosevelt Nettles, Snooky Pryor, Jay McShann, Etta Baker, Johnny Dollar, Bonnie Lee, Lou Rawls, Wilson Pickett, Clifton James, Willie Kent, Johnny Williams, and others – we thank them for all the great music that they left us.

  Thanks everyone for a truly blessed year – here’s to the promise of the new year – best wishes to all for 2007!

– Bob Corritore

December 25, 2006 – RIP James Brown

• James Brown Passes: It is with great sadness on this Christmas Day that we pass on the news of James Brown’s passing. Considered by many to be the “Godfather of Soul”, James Brown had his beginnings in R&B with his great band, The Famous Flames, and would later become one of the architects of funk music. His importance to music as we know it today cannot be overemphasized. For the complete Associated Press story, click here.

December 20, 2006 – Chico Chism Health Update

• Chico Chism Health Update: Our friend Chico Chism has been in tentative health lately. He remains in care of the staff at the Kivel Campus of Care, 3020 N. 36^th Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85018. Phone: (602) 956-3110. He has lost a lot of weight, and has been experiencing dementia. Chico is planning on making an appearance at his party, but it is unlikely that he will be in any kind of shape to play. Chico is very excited about this party, and if he wasn’t, quite frankly, the nurses wouldn’t allow him out of the care facility. Please be prepared for this when you see Chico. Let’s celebrate and honor this wonderful person who has blessed this community with his charm and talent. We will post information as we know more.

December 19, 2006 – Chico Chism Christmas Party This Friday at The Rhythm Room

• Chico Chism Christmas Party this Friday at the Rhythm Room: A huge lineup of great blues artists will honor Chico Chism at the Chico Chism Christmas Party, happening Friday, December 22, 2006 at the Rhythm Room. Just added to the bill are Paris James and Leon Blue. Texas Red will also be flying in from Los Angeles to make a guest appearance. Bassist Tom Leavey (of the Mannish Boys) will be in town to hold down the bottom. Arizona’s King of the Blues, Big Pete Pearson, as well as vocalists Ronnie Whitehead and George Bowman will make scheduled appearances. Johnny Rappand Mike Howard will be guitarists in the house band. Brian Fahey will be the drummer, and of course, Bob Corritore on harmonica. Chico Chism will be making various vocal appearances throughout the night, and will kick off the evening at 8:30 with the Flamekeepers (his current band). Chico will be selling copies of his CD, West Side Chicago Blues Party. Chico Chism is best known as Howlin’ Wolf’s last drummer. He has recorded with Sunnyland Slim, T.V. Slim, Eddie Shaw and the Wolf Gang, Bo Diddley, Jimmy Rogers, Henry Gray, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, Mojo Buford, Louisiana Red, Lil’ Ed, and countless others. Chico, now 79 years old, moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1986 to partner up with Bob Corritore, and to bring his Chicago blues drumming out west. Over the years, Bob and Chico have made numerous live performances and recording sessions together. In 2002, Chico suffered a stroke, which has limited his ability to perform. But he still gets up to sing a few numbers, and always brings the house down. Chico’s precious personality is dearly loved in Phoenix as it is any place where he has previously lived or played. This event takes place Friday, December 22, 2006 at the Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85014. Doors open at 7:30pm, admission is $6.00. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed. Check www.bobcorritore.com for many great photo pages of Chico Chism.
• Bob’s Annual Christmas Radio Show this Sunday on KJZZ: It’s that time of year again! On Sunday, December 24, 2006 from 6pm to 11pm Phoenix time, Bob Corritore will present his annual Christmas blues special. You can expect five hours of Christmas-themed blues, rhythm and blues, and soul with a few Christmas songs sung by blues artists thrown in for good measure. You can check out KJZZ in Phoenix at 91.5 FM in Phoenix, Arizona, 89.5 in Cottonwood, 90.1 in Prescott, 98.9 in Tucson, and 99.1 in Kingman. To hear Bob’s radio program Those Lowdown Blues anywhere in the world(real time) via web streaming, click here.

• Homesick James Funeral Arrangements: This information comes from the Blues Foundation website: Homesick’s wake and visitation are Friday, December 22, 2006 from 5pm to 7pm. His funeral is Saturday, December 23, 2006 at noon. Both take place at Barlow Funeral Home: 205 N. Main St., Covington, Tennessee, 38019-2103. For more information, call (901)476-9675.

• Tina Mayfield Funeral Arrangements: This information comes from the Blues Foundation website: Tina Mayfield passed away at her home with her family at her side on Thursday, December 14, 2006 at 10:40am. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 23, 2006, 11:00am, at the First A.M.E. Church located at 2270 S. Harvard, Los Angeles California, 90018. Please forward flowers/cards to Inglewood Mortuary. Video taping of the services will not be allowed. Please do not bring cell phone cameras or recorders. Further details and information on services for Tina Mayfield can be obtained by calling (661)267-0495.

• Congratulations to the BMA Nominees: The Blues Music Award nominees have been announced. Congratulations to everyone who made it on the ballot. So many of Bob’s friends and musical associates are represented in these nominations. For a full list of nominees, click here. The Blues Music Awards are put on  by the Blues Foundation, and the award ceremony will take place on May 10, 2007 in Memphis. For more information, please click here. A photo page of last year’s Blues Music Awards has recently been added, you may visit the page by clicking here.
• Other New Photo Pages: Kevin Johnson of Delmark Records was so kind as to share a number of great vintage photos from the Delmark archives, which have been put up in Bob’s photo section. To see these photos, click here. Other new pages include a vintage photo of King Karl (click here) and more in session photos (click here).

December 16, 2006 – RIP Homesick James, Ahmet Ertegun & Tina Mayfield

• Homesick James Passes: Chicago blues legend Homesick James passed away Wednesday, December 13, at 11:15pm. He was in his mid-90s, but his own accounts of his age would vary. He passed away resting comfortably in his home in Springfield, Missouri. Funeral arrangements will be made by his family, and the funeral will take place on Saturday, December 23 in Covington, Tennessee, details forthcoming. This information comes to us from Michael Frank of Earwig Music.
• Ahmet Ertegun Passes: Ahmet Ertegun, founder and A&R man for Atlantic Records, passed in New York City on December 14 at age 83. He and his label were single-handedly responsible for recording some of the greatest hits in blues, such as Ray Charles, Ruth Brown, Big Joe Turner, and LaVern Baker. These are just a few of the great Blues and R&B artists that recorded for Atlantic. For the story of this man’s important life works, click here.
• Tina Mayfield Passes: Word just came in that Tina Mayfield passed away this week. Tina was the wife of Percy Mayfield, and also looked after Lowell Fulson after Lowell’s wife Sadie passed on. Tina was very outgoing and supportive of the blues and remained an easily accessible public figure, especially in California, until the last few years when cancer took its toll on her health.

  It is at times like these with so many recent passings that we can reflect on the privilege that we have had in knowing these people (either personally or through their music) and the responsibility that we now bear in keeping this music moving forward. God bless these people and may their memory live on forever.

December 12, 2006 – Bob Corritore Upcoming Events

• Bob Corritore to perform this Saturday with Big Pete Pearson at the West Valley Art Museum: Bob Corritore will be a special guest of the Big Pete Pearson Blues Band, Saturday, December 16, 2006 at the West Valley Art Museum, 17420 W. Avenue of the Arts, Surprise, AZ, 85374. The event starts at 7pm; admission is $10 for adults, $3 for children under 12, and $7 for students. For more information, call the museum at (623)972-0635.

December 3, 2006 – Bob Margolin at The Rhythm Room With The Rhythm Room All-Stars

• Bob Margolin appearing with the Rhythm Room All-Stars: Former Muddy Waters guitarist Bob Margolin graces the Rhythm Room All-Stars with a guest appearance this Friday and Saturday at the Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $7.00. Both nights will be patio smoking only events.
• New Photo Pages Up: Some great new photo pages are up on Bob’s photo section. Check back frequently for more great photos; new photos and pages to come!
• Recap of Robert Lockwood, Jr. Memorial Services: I was honored to attend the memorial services for RobertLockwood, Jr. in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. To see Robert’s beautiful family and the great life he had carved for himself in his hometown was uplifting and gratifying. The public viewing in the Old Stone Church, the touching memorial service in the Old Stone Church, the internment at the Riverside Cemetery, and the post-funeral repast at The Agora were a fitting tribute to a man who meant so much to so many people. One of the things that really impressed me was how the City of Cleveland had embraced Robert as the legend he is. Some new people I met at these gatherings were Jay Westbrook, the City Councilman who was partially responsible for naming a street in Cleveland after Robert, and giving Robert the keys to the city, Terry Stewart, President and CEO of the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, and Robert’s granddaughter Antunesia (Niecey) Harris, who was responsible for getting Robert his honorary doctorate from Case Western. Nick Amster served as a very congenial host and organizer. Robert Johnson’s grandson, Michael Johnson, had come to say a few words in honor of Robert. A number of guest speakers honored Robert in their own way, each contributing their heartfelt stories of Robert. Beautiful gospel music was performed at the service: Monalisa Hoare performed “Amazing Grace” and Tarah Davis performed two numbers, the sweet “Precious Lord”, and the stirring “Soon I Will Be Done With The Trouble Of The World”. A Cleveland-based harmonica player by the name of “Crazy” Marvin performed a beautiful harmonica instrumental spiritual number in honor of Robert. Later, Billy Branch who referred to himself as one of Robert’s “musical puppies” did a beautiful version of “Amazing Grace” on harmonica. Robert’s daughter, Natalie Lockwood, guided the proceedings with a strength and dignity that would have made her father proud. Among the attendees were all the members of Robert’s band, as were blues legend Honeyboy Edwards, Michael Frank of Earwig Music, Boston Blues DJ Henri Bellows (WMWM in Salem, MA), Steve Hecht of Piedmont Talent, Dick Waterman, Travis “Moonchild” Haddix, Dale Baich of Blue Witch Records,  Wallace Coleman, Mike Dyson of the Blue Shoe Project, Steve Zamborsky, owner of Fat Fish Blue where Robert had a regular Wednesday night gig for many years, Dusty Scott of Dusty Blues, and many friends we recognized from our annual trip to Helena for the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival. Click here to view a scan of the Memorial Services program or visit my news articles pages.

November 29, 2006 – Bob Corritore Honored With KBA Award From Blues Foundation

• Bob Corritore to be honored with KBA Award from Blues Foundation: This just in: Bob Corritore will be recognized by the Blues Foundation with a prestigious Keeping The Blues Alive Award for his blues contributions in Public Radio. His 5 hour weekly blues radio show “Those Lowdown Blues” on KJZZ-91.5FM airs Sunday nights from 6-11pm. The show can be heard in Phoenix at 91.5 FM or various frequencies throughout the state of Arizona (go to the web-site for these frequencies) , and can be heard via the internet streaming real time at www.kjzz.org. The show will reach its 23rd year in February, 2007. Bob wishes to thank Program Director Scott Williams and Station Manager Carl Mathusen for allowing Bob a safe and welcome home for his show, and for their years of support, and to the public radio listeners who have consistently shown support for Bob’s programming for so many years. Special thanks also to Jennifer Waters, Bob’s loyal assistant, who helps Bob with the behind-the-scenes work of producing a radio show. Bob will go to Memphis in early February to the award ceremony which will take place in conjunction with the International Blues Challenge, also put on by the Blues Foundation. Click here for the press release issued today by the Blues Foundation, including information about Bob, and the 20 other individuals and organizations that will also receive 2007 KBA Awards.

November 23, 2006 – Robert Lockwood Jr. Funeral Information

• Robert Lockwood, Jr. Funeral Information:

  Public Viewing: Friday, December 1st, 4pm to 8pm, at Old Stone Church, 91 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113, in downtown Cleveland. Phone: (216)241-6145

  Funeral: Saturday, December 2nd at 11am, also at Old Stone Church, 91 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113, in downtown Cleveland. Phone: (216)241-6145

  Sympathy cards may be sent to

  Mary Lockwood
  7203 Lawnview Ave.
  Cleveland, OH 44103

November 21, 2006 – RIP Robert Lockwood Jr.

• Robert Lockwood Jr. March 27,1915 – November 21, 2006: Robert Lockwood, Jr. passed away today at 5pm Ohio time in his hospital bed at University hospital at Case Western. He had been hospitalized and in critical condition since November 3^rd from a blood vessel that had burst in his head. He was 91. Robert Jr.’s history in the blues was of the highest stature and he was playing at his best till right before he fell ill. His bio is available on his website which is www.robertlockwood.com. He would not want us to be upset. I once called Robert Jr. to inform him that his long time friend Dave Myers had passed, and he could hear the sadness in my voice. He strongly reprimanded me for being upset, and said in his stern way: “That is just part of life and you have to accept that and move on”. Robert Jr. leaves us with the strength and pride that he had every day of his life. We will all miss him, but his music and legend will live on forever. Funeral information will follow as it is announced.

November 18, 2006 – Robert Lockwood Jr. Health Update

• Robert Lockwood Jr. Health Update: As you know from prior updates, Robert Lockwood, Jr. had a blood vessel burst in his brain on Friday, November 3, 2006. We have been sending information as we get it. This just in from Paul McCarthy of the Cleveland-based Honeybee Records: He heard this from Robert’s longtime bass player, Gene Schwartz, who has been visiting Robert every day. “Robert is still in critical condition but he is doing better. Though his lung had collapsed due to pneumonia, it was not punctured. He is not talking at this point, but he is out of intensive care”. More news will be sent as it comes in.

November 17, 2006 – RIP Ruth Brown

• Ruth Brown Passes: Just got the word from a tearful Janiva Magness that Ruth Brown passed away today. Janiva was scheduled to do a show on Sunday at House Of Blues Chicago celebrating women in the blues that would have featured Ruth. Also on that bill are Koko Taylor, Denise LaSalle, Irma Thomas, and others. Janiva reports that a week ago Ruth had to cancel her part of the show. That’s all I know at this point. So sorry to pass on so much bad news. No new information on Robert Lockwood, Jr.’s condition.

November 15, 2008 – Robert Lockwood Jr. Health Update

• This information about Robert Lockwood, Jr.’s health condition is just in from Steve Hecht of Piedmont Talent. (Prayers to Robert and his family.) “Robert is doing very poorly. One of his lungs collapsed last night. He is still in critical. Not looking very promising at all.”

November 14, 2006 – Robert Lockwood Jr. Health Update

• Robert Lockwood Jr. Health Update: Robert Lockwood, Jr. was hospitalized on Friday, November 3, 2006 for a burst blood vessel in his brain. This news just in via Dave Riley, who heard it today from Sonny Payne in Helena, Arkansas: Robert is now out of intensive care. He is still receiving food via IV. He is slurring when he speaks, and he cannot move one of his hands. The doctors are considering rehab. That’s what I know at this point, but I will keep you posted as more information comes in. Prayers to Robert.

November 9, 2006 – Robert Lockwood Jr. Health Update

• This just in from Steve at Piedmont Talent: “Robert Lockwood, Jr. is in critical but stable condition. Getting a little better each day, but still a long way to go.” We will keep you posted as any information comes to us.

November 8, 2006 – Harmonica Showcase Tomorrow

• Harmonica Showcase Tomorrow: Bob Corritore will participate in a Harmonica Showcase featuring 20 of Phoenix’s top players. The event is hosted by Bill Tarsha and the Rocket 88s; a listing of harmonica players is as follows in alphabetical order: Big Nick, Bill Tarsha, Blind Ronnie, Bob Corritore, Diana Lee, Dwight Miles, Gypsy, Harmonica Mark, John Calley, Johnny Tanner, Larry Dee, Larry Polk, Lee Poole, Mike Graves, Paul Klapper, Rob Hale, Roberto Jackson, Root Doctor, Roy Pinn, Rusty Walker, Sarge Lintecum, Walkin’ Cane Mark, and many more TBA! This show takes place tomorrow, Thursday November 9, 2006 at the Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix. Doors open at 7pm; showtime is 8pm. The cover is only $6, and it is a patio-smoking only event.
• Robert Lockwood, Jr. Hospitalized: The legendary Robert Lockwood, Jr. was hospitalized Friday night after a blood vessel burst in his head. He is currently in stable condition, but we do not know if a full recovery is in his diagnosis at this point. Mary Lockwood requests that you please do not e-mail or call. She is very busy going to the hospital and trying to sleep in between; and will not be able to answer your e-mail.Prayers please to Robert and his family. Also, please send him a get well card at:

  Robert Lockwood, Jr.
  7203 Lawnview Ave.
  Cleveland, OH 44103

  We will get you updates as we know more.

November 2, 2006 – Rhythm Room All-Stars at The Rhythm Room This Weekend

• Rhythm Room All-Stars to appear this weekend at the Rhythm Room: Check out the Rhythm Room All-Stars (with Big Pete Pearson, Bob Corritore, Chris James, Johnny Rapp, Patrick Rynn, and Brian Fahey) as they appear this Friday and Saturday at the Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix. Show time is about 9:15pm, and the cover is $6. This is a patio only smoking show, so non-smokers can enjoy a smoke-free environment while hearing their blues!
• Pinetop Recap: What a joy to play with blues master Pinetop Perkins. The Rhythm Room All-Stars had a wonderful time playing with this blues piano legend last Friday at the Rhythm Room. Pinetop,  at 93 years old, is still in top form; he mesmerized his audience with his charm and musical touch. Fans of Pinetop can check out his great recently recorded works: Pinetop plays on Willie “Big Eyes” Smith’s Way Back on HighTone Records and Time Brings About A Change: A Floyd Dixon Celebration (with Floyd Dixon, Henry Gray, Kim Wilson, Kid Ramos, and Johnny Tucker) on HighJohn Records. We love you, Pinetop!
• Chris James starts recording his solo release! Rhythm Room All-Stars guitarist/vocalist Chris James has done the first session towards his first solo record. Chris is no stranger to recording as he has appeared on recordings with Sam Lay,Jody Williams, and Rob Stone and the C-Notes, and will be on the upcoming Big Pete Pearson CD I’m Here Baby out January 9, 2007 on Blue Witch Records. But, these recordings feature Chris as sideman; anyone who has seen Chris lead the first part of each set with the Rhythm Room All-Stars before Big Pete takes the stage knows Chris‘s power and charisma. Chris is a great traditional blues guitarist who specializes in Chicago blues, but in addition he is a zesty singer and a great frontman. So, last Monday Chris gathered some of his musical friends including Patrick Rynn (his brother in the blues), Eddie Kobek (from Gary), Julien Brunetaud (a brilliant young French pianist in the U.S. for a series of gigs arranged by Lisa Otey) , Fabrice Bessouat (a great drummer from France), Johnny Rapp, Hurricane Carla Brownlee, and Bob Corritore. Chris performed a wide array of styles, including harp-driven down home Chicago blues, slide guitar, sax-driven Elmore James cuts, and Kansas City Swing on the jazzy side of the blues. Chris tells us that this record is slated for eventual release on the Earwig Record label out of Chicago.
• New Floyd Dixon Photos just added to www.bobcorritore.com: Click here to see some additional photos from the recording of Time Brings About A Change: A Floyd Dixon Celebration. Check back regularly to Bob’s photo section as new photos and pages are added all the time!
• BluesWax Mention: Special thanks to BluesWax, an amazing online blues magazine which mentioned Bob and his recent productions and projects in the News column. They also referred to Bob as “one of today’s most valuable Blues entrepreneurs”. Thank you to BluesWax for this wonderful support. To subscribe to BluesWax (it’s free!), click here.

October 26, 2006 – Pinetop Perkins at The Rhythm Room This Friday

• Pinetop Perkins This Friday (Tomorrow): The Grammy® Award Winning Pinetop Perkins appears at the Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix, Friday, October 27. Doors open at 8pm. Pinetop is now 93 years old; still playing and singing at the top of his game! Many consider Pinetop Perkins the greatest living blues piano player. To see photos of Pinetop honored at the Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Awards Banquet, click here. The Rhythm Room All-Stars will back up Pinetop, and the All-Stars perform the opening set. The Rhythm Room All-Stars feature Big Pete Pearson with Bob Corritore, Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp. Do not miss this show!
• Goodbye, Snooky: Legendary Bluesman Snooky Pryor left us on October 19, 2006. Snooky was 85 years old. Snooky was a pioneer of postwar Chicago Blues, and the first harmonica player to record amplified harmonica in the late 1940s. Snooky was a great singer, player, and stage personality, and a solid and principled person. Snooky will be deeply missed. Snooky had been in poor health for the last few years, and had retired from playing. Bob has nothing but respect for this man, and Bob considered him a friend and a teacher. Click here for a photo of Snooky and Bob backstage at the Wickenburg Blues Festival, where both performed. We love you, Snooky!
• Great Press: A great review of Rhythm Room All-Stars‘ show at the Bay-Car Blues Festival in France appears in issue # 42 of Blues Magazine (a French publication): www.bluesmagazine.net. Two great reviews have appeared about the CD Chico Chism’s West Side Chicago Blues Party: 1970s recordings from Chico’s Cher-Kee label combined with Eddie Shaw & The Wolf Gang’s Simons’ Label Sides. Thanks to Big City Blues Magazine and the French online Blues Magazine Docteur Blues. Click here to see the French Review. Click here to see the CD artwork, and click here to see some great photos related to this release. Chico’s CD was researched and compiled by Bob Corritore, and is available at any of Bob’s or Chico’s gigs, and online at Bluebeat Music.
• Fabulous Thunderbirds Live Recording Session Announced! Mark your calendar: Friday, January 26, 2007 and Saturday, January 27, 2007. Kim Wilson and his Fabulous Thunderbirds will do a live recording session at the Rhythm Room. The current lineup with Kim Wilson, Nick Curran, Kirk Fletcher, Ronnie James Weber, and newest member Jay Moeller is dynamic and fresh. These live sessions will be produced by Kim Wilson, Bob Corritore, and Clarke Rigsby, to be combined with two previous live recordings that the T-Birds did at the Rhythm Room with prior lineups. The idea is to compile from all of these sessions, and have a super CD of spectacular highlights. Tickets are on sale soon from Ticketmaster!
• Photos Posted From Our Appearance At The Bay-Car Blues Festival (France): The festival site has just added some beautiful images from our appearance last April in France. Go to http://www.bay-car.com/album/index.php, then select Menu Principal, then select Festival 2006, then select Big Pete Pearson. The site displays 38 photos of Big Pete and Rhythm Room All-Stars.
• Grammy® Hopefuls: This week, NARAS voting members will decide who moves from the long list to the short list for Grammy® consideration. Those that make it to the short list are thus officially “Grammy® Nominated’. This year, two of Bob’s productions made it to the long list in the Best Traditional Blues category, and Bob hopes the productions survive the first round voting process. These CDs are Willie “Big Eyes” Smith’s Way Back on HighTone Records, and Time Brings About A Change: A Floyd Dixon Celebration (with Floyd Dixon, Pinetop Perkins, Henry Gray, Kim Wilson, Kid Ramos, and Johnny Tucker) on HighJohn Records. If you are a voting NARAS member, please consider a vote for these.
• Fun In Tucson: Special thanks to everyone at the Southern Arizona Blues Heritage Foundation for including the Rhythm Room All-Stars in their Festival Lineup October 15, 2006. What a great festival! We had a blast, and our performance was  very well received. It was great to see our friends, both old and new, in Tucson. Thanks also to Marty Kool and KXCI for their support, and for airing our live performance.

October 8, 2006 – David Maxwell Arizona Appearances & Arkansas Recap

• Special Guest David Maxwell joining the Rhythm Room All-Stars for the Tucson Blues Heritage Festival and other dates around the state: The Rhythm Room All-Stars will be joined this week by one of the world’s premier blues piano players, David Maxwell. David is best known for his masterful work with his longtime associate, James Cotton; but he has played piano with just about everybody in the business. The Rhythm Room All-Stars are honored to have this blues champion as a guest keyboardist for this week’s gigs. The fun starts Friday night for a gig at the Rhythm Room, doors open at 8pm, showtime is 9:30pm, and a mere $6.00 cover gets you in the door. The Rhythm Room All-Stars feature Big Pete Pearson, with Bob Corritore, Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp. Then on Saturday, it’s a free festival pre-party at the Hotel Arizona, 181 West Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ, 8pm to 10:30pm. The next day, Sunday afternoon, features a slot at the Tucson Blues Heritage Festival at DeMeester Performance Center, Reid Park, Tucson, AZ. A Free festival! Also appearing will be Marcia Ball, Leon Kittrell & the Statesboro Blues Band, and more! This festival is put on by the Southern Arizona Blues Heritage Foundation. The park address is 1100 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716, and the event lasts from 11:30am to 7pm.
• Arkansas Trip Recap: Once again, another spectacular trip to Helena, Arkansas, to participate in the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival, formerly known as the King Biscuit Blues Festival. Kudos to Jerry Pillow for a great lineup this year, as always. This is Bob and Kim’s fourth time attending the festival, the first time was 2003, when Bob appeared withLouisiana Red.  This year, Bob played a stirring set with the Dave Riley Blues Band at the Robert Lockwood, Jr. Heritage Stage on Friday night. Bob and Dave also performed an informal gig at the Delta Cultural Center Annex on Saturday afternoon. On Friday at noon, Bob and Kim went down to KFFA to hear Sonny Payne broadcast his famous “King Biscuit Time” radio show. Sonny had Robert Lockwood, Jr. as his special guest, and Bob was touched and surprised to hear the show opening with “Meet Me In The Bottom” from Robert’s album The Legend Live, recorded live at the Rhythm Room in 2003. It’s always good to see so many old and new friends including Henri Bellows (WMWM in Salem, MA), Marcel Benedit and his crew from France (ABS Magazine), David Berntson (Crossroads Learning Experience), Blues Sister Jeannie (Tulsa, OK), Terry Buckalew (from the Delta Cultural Center), Steve Cheseborough, Jeffrey Dyson (Blue Shoe Project), Michael “Blind Dog” Gatewood, Bruce Iglauer (Alligator Records), Cheryl Koehne (KAJX), Mike Livermore (Mississippi Valley Blues Society), Johnny Mac (WDVX), Paul McCarthy (Honeybee Entertainment), Gary Miller (Bluessource), Charles Ragsdell, Jay Sieleman and Priscilla (Blues Foundation), Hugh Southard (Blue Mountain Artists),Bubba Sullivan (from Bubba’s Blues Corner), Harry Turner (Savoy Music), Mr. & Mrs. “V” (KPFT), Richie Villiger (Lucerne Blues Festival), Joe Whitmer (Blues Foundation), Dirk Wissbaum, and so many others. Some of the musicians that Bob enjoyed seeing and spending time with were dear friends, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, Kim Wilson & The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Robert and Mary Lockwood, Pinetop Perkins, Carla Robinson, Bob Margolin, Mookie Brill, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, “Little Frank” Krakowski, Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith, Paul DeLay, Anson Funderburgh, Eddie & Vaan Shaw, Sweet Betty, Junior Markham, Michele (Midnight Blues Band), and many more. Then, on Sunday, Bob made an annual trip to Pinetop’s homecoming celebration at Hopson’s Plantation in Clarksdale, Mississippi. There is a big commissary, which has been converted into a bar, and this year the host band was Willie “Big Eyes” Smith. So many special guests appeared, including the Paul DeLay band, Pat Wilder, Michael Burks, Eddie and Vaan Shaw, Pinetop Perkins, Bob Margolin, and many more. Bob was called up for a prime slot playing with Calvin “Fuzz” Jones (vocals), Mookie Brill(bass), Bob Margolin and “Little Frank” Krakowski (guitars), and dear friend Clay Swafford (piano). Special thanks toPatricia Morgan, who promotes this event each year. Pat is the manager of Pinetop Perkins and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith.Pat is a simply amazing woman, who, in addition to the demands of looking out for Pinetop, made sure that this event was flawlessly organized; while making the rounds and making sure that all of the guests were acknowledged and taken care of. Kudos to Pat. Monday, on the way back to Phoenix, Bob and Kim stopped to visit the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum in Little Rock. The museum is a reflection of the hopes and dreams of that time, and makes you feel proud to be an American.

October 3, 2006 – Back to the Biscuit & Birthday Recap

• Back To The Biscuit! This week Bob will be appearing at the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival (formerly known as the King Biscuit Blues Festival). This town is deep in the heart of the heritage of the blues and is most famous as the place where Rice Miller, AKA Sonny Boy Williamson, did his daily live performances on KFFA Radio. Bob will be appearing with Dave Riley on Friday, 10/6 at 7pm on the Robert Lockwood Jr. Heritage Stage, and Saturday, 10/7 at 3:15pm at the Delta Cultural Center Annex, 223 Cherry Street, Helena, AR, 72342. Other acts appearing are: Sam Carr,Robert Lockwood, Jr., Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Eddie Shaw & The Wolf Gang, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Pinetop Perkins & Bob Margolin, Sweet Betty, Robert Belfour, and many more. For a complete lineup press here. On Sunday 10/8, Bob will be heading to Hopson’s Plantation in Clarksdale, Mississippi, to the annual Pinetop Perkins Homecoming hosted by Bob Margolin. This event is always amazing with all the musicians being called up to perform. Our friend, pianist Clay Swafford, will be part of Bob Margolin’s house band at this event.
• Birthday Recap: Thanks to the 400 plus people who attended Bob Corritore’s 50th Birthday Party at the Rhythm Room. The music was great and included performances by Hubert Sumlin, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Henry Gray, Bob Stroger, Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith, “Little Frank” Krakowski, Bob Corritore, Big Pete Pearson, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, and Little Victor. Kim saw to it that she and 24 other girls all held two cupcakes each with lighted candles for Bob to individually blow out. People came from all over the country, including three people who flew in from Paris specifically to attend this event. Bob Auerbach of HighJohn Records came in from California and presented Bob with a gift of the late Floyd Dixon’s personal harmonica. It was heartwarming to see the reunion of Hubert Sumlin and Chico Chism, who were inseparable throughout the night. Thanks to all for the love and support! The next day, Hubert Sumlin joined Bob on his radio show for a great 2 and a half hour interview, in which he demonstrated the guitar parts he developed for the classic recordings he made with Howlin’ Wolf, as well as many fascinating and illuminating stories of the good old days.
• Big Pete Pearson CD Cover Art Check out the artwork for the forthcoming Big Pete Pearson CD I’m Here Baby, which will be nationally released January 9, 2007 on Blue Witch Records. There will be a CD release party featuring Big Pete and the Rhythm Room All-Stars on January 12 and 13 at the Rhythm Room. This is simply an amazing CD by a great talent that is long overdue for national attention. In addition to backing by the Rhythm Room All-Stars (Bob Corritore, Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp), the CD features guest appearances by Ike Turner (on guitar!),W.C. Clark (Big Pete’s cousin), Kid Ramos, Johnny Dyer, Joey DeFrancesco, Chico Chism, Clay Swafford, Richard Innes, and others.

September 28, 2006 – Bob Corritore’s 50th Birthday Party & Upcoming Performances

• Please come to Bob Corritore’s 50th Birthday Party!!!!!!!! Rhythm Room, Saturday, September 30, 2006 – 8pm doors. With Hubert Sumlin, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Henry Gray, Bob Stroger, Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith, “Little Frank” Krakowski, & a special appearance by the birthday boy himself! What a party! $12 Cover
• RIP to our friend Henry Townsend, a great bluesman and a sweet person who died this Sunday. He was 96 and had recorded in every decade since the 1920s. Bob recorded a 4 song session with Henry in 2002 which is as of yet unreleased.
• Bob recorded a couple songs this week with his friend Little Victor, as a guest on Victor’s upcoming CD. other guests include Johnny Rapp, Mario Moreno, Brian Fahey, and Bill Tarsha. Victor is a great down home bluesman with a very unusual style.
• Special thanks to the New Times critics and readers who chose the Rhythm Room as the “Best Place To Hear Live Blues” in its annual “Best Of Phoenix” issue.
• Bob’s other upcoming dates:Friday, October 6, 2006 – Appearing at the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival with Dave Riley, 7pm, at the Robert Lockwood Jr. Heritage Stage.

  Saturday, October 7, 2006 – Appearing in a duet setting with Dave Riley at the Delta Cultural Center Annex, 223 Cherry Street, Helena, AR, 72342, at 3:15pm.

  Friday, October 13, 2006 – Appearing at the Rhythm Room, Phoenix, AZ with Very Special Guest David Maxwell plus the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp.Doors open at 8pm.

  Saturday, October 14, 2006 – Festival Kickoff Party at Hotel Arizona, 181 West Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 8pm to 10:30pm with Very Special Guest David Maxwell plus the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp.

  Sunday, October 15, 2006 – Tucson Blues Heritage Festival at DeMeester Performance Center, Reid Park, Tucson, AZ. A Free festival! Also appearing will be Marcia Ball, Leon Kittrell & the Statesboro Blues Band and more! This festival is put on by the Southern Arizona Blues Heritage Foundation The park address is 1100 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716 and the event lasts from 11:30am to 7pm – with Very Special Guest David Maxwell plus the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp.

  Friday, October 27, 2006 – Appearing at the Rhythm Room, Phoenix, AZ with Pinetop Perkins, plus the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp.. Doors open at 8pm.

  Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4, 2006 – Appearing at the Rhythm Room, Phoenix, AZ with the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp. Doors open at 8pm.

  Friday, December 8 and Saturday, December 9, 2006 – Appearing at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp. Doors open at 8pm.

September 18, 2006 – Washington Recap

• Washington Trip Recap: I’m writing this from the Watergate Hotel, after a gig with Henry Gray’s band at the Kennedy Center. I just finished a week of wonderful events, including performances with my long time friend, Henry Gray; who, during this week, was awarded a Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. This is the highest honor that any artist can achieve in America!

  The week started as we met with our friend Bill Wax, and his lovely wife Sheila, as their houseguests for the first three days. Bill is program director of XM Satellite Radio’s Bluesville Station, and is involved with the Blues Foundation. On Wednesday, after getting a grand tour of XM Satellite Radio’s fantastic facility, Bill Wax led me through a three-hour interview, in which we covered the history of my record productions. I had never had such an interview before, and it was wonderful to reflect on the 27 years of projects I have produced. Bill is such a champion radio personality, and fan of the blues, that he made this interview a fun and smooth ride.

  On Thursday, Kim and I went to the morning ceremonies at the Cannon Building, next to Congress in Washington, D.C., where Henry Gray was presented with his award, along with a host of other great musicians and artisans who were also honored. Among the other award recipients were Mavis Staples, the Tremé Brass Band, painters, weavers, storytellers, musicians in the genre of bluegrass, and Finnish music, Puerto Rican instrument makers, and Hawaiian Hula dancers. Henry looked at the top of his game as he proudly received his award. That night, it was back to Bill Wax’s house, where he and his wife prepared a fantastic meal: his special family recipe for Maryland Crab Cakes. Joining the dinner was Blues Foundation board member Steve Simon, who is the proprietor of the St. John Blues Festival in the Virgin Islands.

  Friday, it was on to our hotel in Bethesda, for a day of dress rehearsal followed by a night of fantastic presentation at the Strathmore Center for the Performing Arts. Emceeing the event was American Routes host Nick Spitzer from NPR. American Routes is aired Saturday nights on KJZZ. It was an honor to perform with Henry on the grand stage, and to be included as part of a fantastic show with so many great artists. This was the first time I ever got to spend time with Mavis Staples, whose company I thoroughly enjoyed.

  Saturday morning, we moved to the Watergate Hotel, to a suite provided for us for the next three days by the Kennedy Center. That afternoon, I was blessed to join Henry Gray’s band, performing at the Kennedy Center as part of a huge presentation of artists from along the Gulf Coast Highway. Other acts included in this show were Nancy Griffith, Marcia Ball, Geno Delafose, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, The Wild Magnolias, Super Chikan, The Blind Boys Of Alabama, and once again, our new friends, the Tremé Brass Band. Henry’s set met with a warm and enthusiastic response.

  Sunday was a day off for us, and Kim and I had lunch with the Rhythm Room All-Stars former piano player, our dear friend Matt Bishop, who is pursuing his doctoral research at the Smithsonian Institution. After a great lunch, Matt gave us a personal tour of the National Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian. Afterwards, Kim and I visited the Lincoln Memorial and the National Archives, where we were overwhelmed with emotion seeing the original documents of theDeclaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Thirteenth Amendment.

  Then today (Monday), we had Henry’s spotlight performance once again at the Kennedy Center, which was both well attended and well received. What an honor to visit our nation’s capital, especially to go as a performing artist! Thanks to Henry Gray and his manager and bass player, Andy Cornett, for including me in this great experience.

• Paris on Tuesday: I will stop in for a guest set on Paris James’ show, Tuesday, September 19, 2006. The show is a benefit concert for the Robert Johnson Blues Foundation. You can see a film clip of Paris and I performing live on Paris’ MySpace site.

• Rhythm Room All-Stars with Special Guest Little Victor This Weekend: Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Bob Corritore, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp perform this Friday and Saturday at the Rhythm Room; doors open at 8pm. Doing an opening set and joining the band for a guest appearance later both nights will be down-home blues specialist Little Victor. Victor has lived in Memphis, Austin, Italy, and is currently living in Paris. The Rhythm Room All-Stars will not be carrying a piano player for this weekend’s gig. Please note that Clay Swafford, who joined the band some months back, has found the travel to be interfering with his day gig, therefore Clay will not join the All-Stars on their future dates. Clay is a wonderful talent and a great friend, and we would like to thank him for his outstanding contributions to our band.

• Dave Riley Date Added to Arkansas Trip: In addition to the Festival performance Friday, 7pm at the Robert Lockwood Stage at the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival, Bob and Dave Riley will also perform on Saturday at 3:15 at the Delta Cultural Center Annex, 223 Cherry Street, Helena, AR, 72342.

• David Maxwell to Be Special Guest of the Rhythm Room All-Stars in October: October 13 through 15, David Maxwell will appear with the Rhythm Room All-Stars at their performances at the Rhythm Room, Tucson’s Hotel Arizona, and theTucson Blues Heritage Festival. David Maxwell is one of the top touring piano players around, and has had recent notoriety for his brilliant work backing James Cotton.

September 10, 2006 – Bob Corritore to Perform With Henry Gray at The Kennedy Center

• Bob Corritore to perform with Henry Gray at the Kennedy Center. Bob will be playing harmonica with the great Henry Gray on two concerts at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.: on Saturday September 16, and Monday September 18^th. Henry will be receiving a fellowship award from the National Endowment for the Arts on Thursday, September 14, and these shows honor Henry’s achievement. Bob will be playing in the place of Brian “B.B.” Bruce, who has been Henry’s touring harmonica player for years. Brian was hospitalized recently with a diagnosis of cancer. Prayers to Brian.
• Henry Gray at the Open House Arts Festival: Saturday, September 16^th: Open House Arts Festival featuring Arts Along the Gulf Coast Highway. This event also features Nancy Griffith, Marcia Ball, Geno Delafose, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, The Wild Magnolias, Tremé Brass Band, Super Chikan, The Blind Boys Of Alabama, and many more. The event starts at noon, and the Henry Gray set starts at 2pm on the Millennium Stage North.
• Henry Gray at the Kennedy Center: Monday, September 18th is a featured Henry Gray performance at 6pm. See the Kennedy Center schedule for more details. If you can’t attend in person, you may view the event live starting at 6pm Eastern Time by clicking here.

September 7, 2006 – Dave Riley & Bob Corritore This Saturday at The Rhythm Room

• Appearing With Dave Riley at The Rhythm Room This Saturday. Bob will be appearing Saturday, September 9th at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with Dave Riley playing as a guest on the middle set. Doors open at 8pm.

• Radio Blues. Bob will be in Washington DC on Wednesday September 13th as a guest on Bill Wax’s “Bluesville” on XM Satellite Radio at 3pm Eastern Time (1pm Arizona time). The show will be broadcast worldwide. Bob will feature the recordings he has produced many of which he plays harmonica on.

• Henry Gray to receive a National Heritage Fellowship Award from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The Fellowship is the country’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts. The Fellowship Award Ceremonies will be held in Washington D.C. in September 14th 2006. Bob will be there to applaud his dear friend on this great moment.

• Big Pete Pearson CD To Be Released On Blue Witch Records on Jan 9th, 2007. The deal has just been inked! Look for Big Pete Pearson‘s I’m Here Baby to be available shortly after the first of the year. This CD features the Rhythm Room All-Stars (Big Pete Pearson, Bob Corritore, Chris James, Johnny Rapp, Clay Swafford, Patrick Rynn, and Brian Fahey) with special guests Ike Turner, W.C. Clark (who is Big Pete’s younger cousin), Johnny Dyer, Kid Ramos, Chico Chism, Joey DeFrancesco, and more!

• Pinetop Perkins DVD Just Released On CD Mojo! You can now get Pinetop Perkins Born In The Honey, an hour long biography complete with interviews, bio and concert footage directly from CD Mojo. Bob produced and is playing harmonica on one song in the soundtrack which is featured in its entirety on the bonus CD that comes with each DVD.

• Great Press! Special thanks to Michael Senft and the Arizona Republic for a beautiful and reflective article which previewed the Rhythm Room’s 15 year anniversary party. This article was the cover story of last Saturday’s entertainment section. The party was a great success both musically and attendance wise and good, blues lovin’ rowdy time was had by all. This 2 page article definitely got the word out. Thanks also to all the fans of the Rhythm Room and their loving support of the music for all these years!

• Willie “Big Eyes” Smith featured in Blues Revue: Also special thanks to Blues Revue magazine for an amazing feature article on Willie “Big Eyes” Smith that speaks the praises of his new CD Way Back on HighTone Records (and produced by Bob Corritore). In this article Willie is quoted as saying “I had more fun doing this particular record than all the rest of them. It just felt right.”

• Bob appears on cover of Wavelength Magazine: Also thanks to friends of public radio for the cover story (complete with photo) in Wavelength Magazine on Bob Corritore’s Radio Show. Bob hosts the weekly radio program Those Lowdown Blues on KJZZ (Sunday nights from 6 until 11 on 91.5 FM in Phoenix, Arizona, 89.5 in Cottonwood, 90.1 in Prescott, 98.9 in Tucson, 99.1 in Kingman). Now hear Bob’s radio program Those Lowdown Blues anywhere in the world via web streaming. Click here to listen on the web. Bob’s show airs 6 to 11 pm Mountain Standard Time each Sunday Night. Read all about Bob’s show on the KJZZ site.

August 30, 2006 – Bob Corritore to Play With Louisiana Red at Thirsty Ear Festival

• Bob to play with Louisiana Red at the Thirsty Ear Festival: Bob Corritore will appear with Louisiana Red Saturday, Sept 2nd at the Thirsty Ear Festival in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The event takes place at Eaves Movie Ranch. Red and Bob’s set kicks off the Saturday lineup with a 1:30pm performance time. This huge roots music festival also features Honeyboy Edwards, Dave Alvin & The Guilty Men, Richard Johnston, Eddie Turner, Greg Brown, The Be Good Tanyas,Po’ Girl, Patty Griffin, T. Broussard & The Zydeco Steppers, Hazel Miller, and other roots, blues, folk, and bluegrass bands. Click here for a full schedule. Tickets at (505)988-1234.
• Rhythm Room 15 Year Anniversary Party: Rhythm Room 15 Year Anniversary Party This Sunday Night! Sunday, September 3rd, the Rhythm Room throws a blues party to celebrate its 15 year anniversary. Doors open at 6:30 pm Paris James kicks off a half hour solo set to open the show, and will be releasing his new CD at the event. Then the Rhythm Room All-Stars take the stage and do their set featuring Chris James making way for Big Pete Pearson. Then sets follow by Dave Riley, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, and the amazing Tail Dragger. $10 cover. Patio smoking only.
• Bob to appear with Dave Riley at the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Fest: Check out Dave Riley and Bob Corritore appearing at the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival in Helena, Arkansas with Dave Riley, 7pm, at the Robert Lockwood Jr. Heritage Stage, on Saturday October 6th.
• Upcoming Floyd Dixon release on HighJohn Records: The High John Records release Time Brings About A Change – A Floyd Dixon Celebration: this CD was produced by Bob Auerbach, Kid Ramos, Clarke Rigsby, and Bob Corritore live at the Rhythm Room on June 1st and 2nd of this year. Floyd would pass away July 26th, not even 2 months after this recording was made. The CD features great performances by Floyd Dixon and a crack band lead by Kid Ramos and special guest appearances by Pinetop Perkins, Henry Gray, Johnny Tucker, and Kim Wilson.
• Little Victor’s premier Arizona appearance: Bob‘s friend Little Victor (a great down home blues guitar man) will be coming to Phoenix in September to produce his next CD which will include special guests Johnny Rapp and Bob Corritore.Little Victor is a well traveled bluesman who has lived in Memphis, Austin, Italy and his current home of Paris, France.Bob and Victor appeared together last July in Rossano, Italy at the Marco Fiume Blues Passions Festival. Victor will also be making guest appearances Sept 22, 23 and 30 at the Rhythm Room.
• Bob included in HighTone Boxed Set: On September 12th, HighTone Records will release its commemorative box set called American Music: The HighTone Records Story. This collection will include 4 CDs (one each for blues, country, rock and singer/songwriters), a DVD and a 124-page book by noted music writer Lee Hildebrand. This label started in 1983 and has become the world’s premier roots music label. This box set reflects the long history of this label and serves as a testament to its many achievements. On the blues disc, you can find 3 of Bob‘s productions: Kim Wilson / Eyesight To The Blind (live at the Rhythm Room), Louisiana Red / September 11th Blues and Henry Gray / How Could You Do it (featuring Bob on harmonica). Bob Corritore will always feel indebted to HighTone, who believed in Bob as both an artist and a producer. The 1999 release of Bob Corritore / All-Star Blues Sessions brought great attention and credibility to Boband paved the way for many other recording projects to see the light of day. Bob currently has 5 of his projects released on this grand and noble label. Thanks so much to Bruce Bromberg, Larry Sloven, Deb Letner and Darrell Anderson ofHighTone. You can see this box set, get a complete track listing, and pre-order this release by clicking here.

August 23, 2006 – Upcoming Performances

• Rhythm Room All-Stars to play this weekend: Come see the Rhythm Room All-Stars this Friday and Saturday night at their home base, the Rhythm Room! Here is a complete list of upcoming Bob Corritore performances:
• This weekend: Friday, August 25 and Saturday, August 26, 2006 – Appearing at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, Clay Swafford, and Johnny Rapp. Doors open at 8pm.
• Saturday, September 2, 2006 – Appearing at the Thirsty Ear Festival in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with Louisiana Red. Also appearing at this festival will be Honeyboy Edwards, Dave Alvin, Richard Johnston, Eddie Turner, Greg Brown, The Be Good Tanyas, Po’ Girl, and other roots, blues, folk, and bluegrass bands. Tickets at (505)988-1234.
• Sunday, September 3, 2006 – Appearing at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ as part of a huge lineup for the Rhythm Room 15 year anniversary celebration with the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, Clay Swafford, and Johnny Rapp. Doors open at 6:30pm.
• Saturday, September 9, 2006 – Appearing at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with Dave Riley. Doors open at 8pm.
• Wednesday, September 13, 2006 – Bob will appear on Bill Wax’s “Bluesville” on XM Satellite Radio at 1pm. The show will be broadcast worldwide.
• Tuesday, September 19, 2006 – Appearing at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with Paris James. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Robert Johnson Foundation. Doors open at 8pm.
• Friday, September 22 and Saturday, September 23, 2006 – Appearing at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, Clay Swafford, and Johnny Rapp. Doors open at 8pm.
• Saturday, September 30, 2006 – The birthday boy himself makes a guest appearance at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ as part of Bob Corritore‘s 50th Birthday Gala. Headliners include Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Henry Gray, and Hubert Sumlin. Doors open at 8pm.
• Friday, October 13, 2006 – Appearing at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, Clay Swafford, and Johnny Rapp. Doors open at 8pm.
• Saturday, October 14, 2006 – Festival Kickoff Party at Hotel Arizona, 181 West Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 8pm to 10:30pm with the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, Clay Swafford, and Johnny Rapp.
• Sunday, October 15, 2006 – Tucson Blues Heritage Festival at DeMeester Performance Center, Reid Park, Tucson, AZ. A Free festival! Also appearing will be Marcia Ball, Leon Kittrell & the Statesboro Blues Band, and more! This festival is put on by the Southern Arizona Blues Heritage Foundation The park address is 1100 S. Randolph Way, Tucson, AZ 85716 and the event lasts from 11:30am to 7pm – with the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, Clay Swafford, and Johnny Rapp.
• Friday, October 27, 2006 – Appearing at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with Pinetop Perkins, backing Pinetop with the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, Clay Swafford, and Johnny Rapp. Doors open at 8pm.
• Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4, 2006 – Appearing at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, Clay Swafford, and Johnny Rapp. Doors open at 8pm.
• Friday, December 8 and Saturday, December 9, 2006 – Appearing at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, Clay Swafford, and Johnny Rapp. Doors open at 8pm.

August 16, 2006 – Louisiana Red Plays Arizona This Weekend

• Louisiana Red plays Arizona this weekend: The legendary Louisiana Red, one of the last great masters of the down-home blues tradition will perform in Phoenix and Tucson this weekend. Friday night catch Red at the Rhythm Room with full band backing including Bob Corritore on harmonica, Chris James on second guitar, Patrick Rynn on the bass, and Brian Fahey on the drums. Then on Saturday night, Red performs at an early show Club Congress in a duo setting with Bob on harmonica. Please note that this show starts promptly at 6:30 and will be over by 8:30.
• Way Back #1 on Living Blues chart: Check out the latest issue of Living Blues Magazine. It is the one with Buckwheat Zydeco on the cover. Willie “Big Eyes” Smith‘s HighTone CD Way Back (produced by Bob Corritore) made #1 for the June Radio chart and #9 for the July chart. Special thanks to all the DJs around the world who have supported this CD with great airplay.
• Upcoming Floyd Dixon release on HighJohn Records: The new Floyd Dixon CD Time Brings About A Change…A Floyd Dixon Celebration will be released by High John Records on Sept 5th. In addition to great performances by Floyd, this CD features musical magic by Henry Gray, Pinetop Perkins, Kim Wilson, musical director Kid Ramos, and more. This CD production team consists of Bob Auerbach, Kid Ramos, Clarke Rigsby, and Bob Corritore. Check out the latest issue of Living Blues for a beautiful photo and mention as well as a full-page color ad for this release. Check the photo section to see the CD cover and photos from the live concert from which these recordings came.

August 7, 2006 – Bob to Appear With Big Pete Pearson at West Valley Art Museum

• Bob to appear with Big Pete Pearson at the West Valley Art Museum: I will be appearing with Big Pete Pearson at the West Valley Art Museum this Thursday, August 10th at 7pm. I hope to see all my West Side friends there.
• Upcoming Floyd Dixon release on HighJohn Records: Last Friday, Bob Auerbach (owner of High John Records) and Kid Ramos flew into Phoenix to join Clarke Rigsby and myself in the mixing of the forthcoming Floyd Dixon record. This will be a live CD from the Floyd Dixon Piano Summit concert that took place June 1 and 2 at the Rhythm Room. The CD will include great performances by Floyd Dixon, Pinetop Perkins, Henry Gray, Kid Ramos, and Johnny Tucker, with special guest Kim Wilson (appearing on the Pinetop and Henry cuts), and a rhythm section of Larry Taylor and Richard Innes, plus a horn section (on the Floyd, Kid, and Johnny Tucker cuts). As we all know, Floyd passed away on Wednesday, July 26th. High John Records is planning to rush release this CD in late September. The title will be Time Brings About A Change: A Floyd Dixon Celebration. Simply fantastic performances. More details and a sneak peek at the album art coming soon. A companion DVD of these performances plus interviews will be released at a later date yet to be determined.
• Bob to play with Henry Gray in Washington, D.C.: Kim and I will be heading to the nation’s capital to see Henry Gray get his National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellowship Award on September 14th. We head into town a day early and I will make a guest appearance on Bill Wax’s “Bluesville” on XM Satellite Radio on Sept 13th.
• Bob to play with Louisiana Red at the Thirsty Ear Festival: Bob will perform with his longtime friend Louisiana Red on Sept 2nd at the Thirsty Ear Festival in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This huge roots music festival also features Honeyboy Edwards, Dave Alvin & The Guilty Men, Richard Johnston, Eddie Turner, Greg Brown, The Be Good Tanyas, Po’ Girl, Patty Griffin, T. Broussard & The Zydeco Steppers, Hazel Miller, and other roots, blues, folk, and bluegrass bands.Tickets at (505)988-1234.
• Rhythm Room 15 Year Anniversary Party: On Sunday, September 3rd, the Rhythm Room throws a blues party to celebrate its 15 year anniversary. Doors open at 6:30 pm Paris James kicks off a half hour solo set to open the show. Then the Rhythm Room All-Stars take the stage and do their set featuring Chris James making way for Big Pete Pearson. Then sets follow by Dave Riley, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, and the amazing Tail Dragger. $10 cover. Patio smoking only.
• Bob’s 50th Birthday Party: Save this date! Bob Corritore will have his 50th birthday party on Saturday, September 30th at his club the Rhythm Room. Doors at 8pm and music kicks around 9:15. Music will include Willie “Big Eyes” Smith and his great band with Bob Stroger (Bob Corritore‘s longtime friend), “Little Frank” Krakowski, and Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith,along with special guests Hubert Sumlin (just added) and Henry Gray! Bob will make an appearance on harmonica at a point in the night. Cover price is only $12.
• Rhythm Room All-Stars to play free festival in Tucson: FREE FESTIVAL IN THE PARK — Southern Arizona Blues Heritage Foundation announces a FREE family-friendly day-long music festival with national and regional artists. Artists scheduled include: Marcia Ball, Leon Kittrell & the Statesboro Blues Band, Scott Holt, Big Pete Pearson with Bob Corritore & the Rhythm Room All-Stars, Hans Olson, the King Bees, Apocalypse Horns, and the winner of the SABHF Blues Challenge. Date: October 15, 2006. Time: 11:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Place: DeMeester Performance Center, Reid Park. Price: FREE! Contact: Gary Bagnoche (520) 349-0899; Pat Desmond: (520) 577-9497; or Char Rogers (520) 325-3893 or E-mail: info@azblues.org

• BluesWax mentions: Thank you to Blueswax, the great online blues magazine for their mention of the Bernard Williams Memorial show at the Rhythm Room and the announcement that pianist Clay Swafford has joined the Rhythm Room All-Stars. To sign up for this free publication click here.

July 27, 2006 – Rhythm Room All-Stars at The Rhythm Room This Weekend

• Rhythm Room All-Stars play this weekend: See the Rhythm Room All-Stars this Friday and Saturday, July 28th and 29th, at their home base, the Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ, 85014. The doors open at 8pm, and the band starts around 9:30pm. On this weekend, the Rhythm Room All-Stars welcome new member: pianist Clay Swafford. Clay hails from Alabama and at the ripe young age of 22, has already worked in the bands of Bob Margolin, Mark Hummel, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, and has studied under Pinetop Perkins and Dave Maxwell. Clay is an expert at Chicago blues piano, and we look forward to the contributions he will bring to the sound of the band. Special thanks toMatt Bishop for his many years in the All-Stars, and the great piano that he gave to us on every performance. Matt leaves the band to pursue his intensified doctoral studies in Anthropology. Best of luck to Matt always!
• Italy recap: Just returned this week from a festival appearance at the Marco Fiume Blues Passions Festival, located in the town of Rossano, Italy. Last year I performed at this festival with Big Pete Pearson and the Rhythm Room All-Stars. This year, I was on the bill playing with Louisiana Red and Little Victor. This was the first European appearance I had ever played with Louisiana Red, though Red and I had been doing shows together since 1980. In addition to playing a rousing set with Red and Little Victor, I was called on to the stage to play with Jimmy Morello, Miss Sophie Kay, Sweet Betty, and Andrea Notti. I was amazed by the warm reception that I again received from the Italian audiences. Special thanks toLittle Victor for setting this up for me, and to Maria Giulia Sorrentino for the beautiful festival that she throws every year as a memorial to her son, Marco Fiume. It was wonderful to meet so many of the great European musicians who appeared on the bill. There were bands from the Netherlands, France, Italy, and the U.S. on the lineup. I especially enjoyed Miss Sophie Kay, and J.B. Boogie featuring the wonderful piano of Julien Brunetaud, both from France, and the Backbonesfeaturing Guitar Ray and Debbie Lee from the Netherlands. It was great to be reunited with Jimmy Morello, who I had played with in Phoenix with Buddy Reed and the Rip It Ups some 16 years ago. A surprise knockout was Sweet Betty Journey, whose captivating set was a real crowd pleaser. It was a treat to hang out and play with Thibaux Chopin, andTony Stelmaszack, as well as Philippe Briere (of The Hoodoomen), who are all fine harmonica players. What a great time!
• Some passings in the blues: It is with great sadness to announce the passings of Sam Myers, Jessie Mae Hemphill, and Floyd Dixon. Each of these wonderful players brought great artistry, personality, and grace to the blues. We will miss each of them greatly.
• Way Back review: Special thanks to Britain’s Blues And Rhythm Magazine writer Ray Templeton for his glowing review of Way Back. This record was produced by Bob.
• Bob to play with Louisiana Red in Tucson: Just added: a Tucson date on August 19th at Club Congress, Bob and Louisiana Red will appear as a duo at this show. The night before, at the Rhythm Room, Bob will play with Red in a full band setting.

• Bernard Williams Memorial Concert: Please come out to the Rhythm Room and support the Bernard Williams memorial benefit show on Monday, July 31. Bernard was the saxophone player in Dyke And The Blazers, as well as a fellow band mate of Bob‘s in Big Pete‘s band. The proceeds will benefit Bernard’s family, and many exciting bands will pay tribute to this great musician including Soul Power, Big Pete Pearson, Bob Corritore, George Bowman, Roger White & Sariah Soul,Lucius Parr & Street Life, Alvin Battle (bassist for Dyke And The Blazers), Lawrence Carroll (Formerly of MotownRecords), Fire In The Sky, Dr. Fish, The Whitehead Brothers, and many special guests. Doors open at 7pm and a minimum donation of $5 is asked.

July 10, 2006 – RIP Bernard Williams

• Bernard Williams passes: Rhythm and Blues sax master Bernard Williams passed away last week from complications from leukemia and diabetes. Bernard was best known as the tenor sax man in Dyke And The Blazers, the famous Phoenix based soul pioneering group that did the original Funky Broadway. His funeral will be Wed, July 12th, 11am at Webber’s Eastlake Mortuary, 1715 E. Jefferson, Phoenix, AZ 85034. If you need more information contact Alvin Battle 602-332-0517.

• Ace Records releases vintage Phoenix tracks: Ace Records UK will be releasing a 2 CD Dyke & The Blazersretrospective in late September, with one CD of all the Phoenix recordings that feature Bernard on sax. Bob played with Bernard in Big Pete Pearson’s Blues Band in the early ’80s and photos of Bernard are up on Bob Corritore’s web-site at this link and this link.

• Bernard Williams Memorial Concert: There will be a memorial show for Bernard featuring many of his musical friends atThe Rhythm Room on July 31. So far the line-up includes Soul Power, George Bowman, Lucius Parr & Street Life, Big Pete Pearson, Bob Corritore, and many others not yet confirmed.

• Bob appears this week with Paris James: Bob will play a guest set with Paris James this Thursday at the Rhythm Room. Please come check it out.

• Great Floyd Dixon photos: Check out the new pics on www.bobcorritore.com of the Floyd Dixon Piano Extravaganza that took place on June 1 and 2 of this year. To see these photos click here.

• Bob to play the Marco Fiume Blues Passions Fest in Italy with Louisiana Red: Bob will be off to Italy next week for a festival appearance on July 23rd with Louisiana Red and Little Victor at the Marco Fiume Blues Passions Festival in Rossano. This will be Bob’s first European appearance with Red. They have been playing together for 25 years here in the States.

June 29, 2006 – Rhythm Room All-Stars at The Rhythm Room This Weekend

• Rhythm Room All-Stars play this weekend: Please come out for our performance on Friday and Saturday, June 30 and July 1st, to the Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix, to see the band at their home base. The Rhythm Room All-Stars include Big Pete Pearson, Chris James, Johnny Rapp, Matt Bishop, Patrick Rynn, Brian Fahey, and Bob Corritore! Doors at 8pm, and showtime is 9:15pm with a $6 admission charge.

• Great photos of Bob and Louisiana Red at the Chicago Blues Fest: Check out BluesSource.com’s new photos from the Chicago Blues Festival 2006 including some of Bob‘s performance backing Louisiana Red by clicking here. BluesSource.com is a great blues site run by the great Gary Miller – (AKA DJ Gary).

• Rhythm Room All-Stars to back Pinetop Perkins for Rhythm Room performance: Just announced! the Rhythm Room All-Stars will be backing the Grammy award winning blues piano legend Pinetop Perkins for an Oct 27th show at the Rhythm Room. You can expect some great Chicago blues on this night!

• Way Back Reviews: Special Thanks to Living Blues and Blues Revue magazines for their recent glowing reviews of the new Willie “Big Eyes” Smith CD Way Back on the HighTone Record Label and produced by Bob Corritore. Special thanks also to all the DJs around the world who are supporting this release with extensive airplay. These reviews will be added shortly to the review section of www.bobcorritore.com.

• Bob’s upcoming performances: Check out Bob’s current gig schedule; there are a number of new dates just added!

June 19, 2006 – Willie “Big Eyes” Smith CD Release Party & Chicago Recap

• Willie “Big Eyes” Smith CD Release Party: This Friday, June 23rd at the Rhythm Room, it is the Willie “Big Eyes” Smith CD Release Party. Appearing in Willie’s all-star band will be Bob Stroger, Henry Gray, and more! His new CD Way Back on the HighTone label has been receiving outstanding reviews from all around the world! Willie hits the stage at 9:30pm. The Phoenix Blues Society will have their monthly meeting at the Rhythm Room earlier that night at 8:30pm, and Willie will make a guest Q&A speaking appearance.
• Henry Gray awarded a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship: Congratulations to Henry Gray as the recently announced recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellowship.
• Upcoming Rhythm Room All-Stars dates: The next appearance of the Rhythm Room All-Stars will be Friday and Saturday, June 30 and July 1 at the Rhythm Room. I always look forward to playing with these great blues players.
• Chicago highlights: Back from the Chicago Blues Festival, here is a look at some of the highlights of the trip in the order in which they occurred:

• Sitting in at Rosa’s on Wednesday, June 7th backing Eddie Taylor, Jr., performing 2 of his dad’s classics with Barrelhouse Chuck on the piano, Joel Foy on second guitar, and Patrick Rynn on bass.
• Spending a good hour in the backstage green room with Koko Taylor and hearing her joyously singing us some of the new songs she wrote for her upcoming record for Alligator Records.
• Hanging with Robert Lockwood, Jr. backstage before his brilliant set on Saturday. Robert was holding court and feeling good; it is always a pleasure to see this great man.
• Playing at the Scott Dirks early evening showcase Saturday at Smoke Daddy, with a non-stop sequence of great harmonica appearances by Scott, Martin Lange, Big D., Joe Filisko, and the great Dave Waldman. I was able to play my part of the show with my friends Chris James and Patrick Rynn from the Rhythm Room All-Stars.
• Performing a set with Louisiana Red at the Honeyboy Edwards 91st birthday party Saturday, June 10th at the Hothouse. In addition to Honeyboy’s and Red‘s sets, there were performances by Henry Townsend, Eddie C. Campbell, Dennis Binder, Rob Stone and the C Notes, and others.
• A great feeling, down-home set with Louisiana Red at the Louisiana Stage on Sunday, June 11^th. We played as a trio withRed, Chris James, and I. Dennis Binder joined us on the last three songs, providing some brilliant old-school piano accompaniment. This set was very well received and a part of it ended on the 10pm news on Chicago’s Channel 5.
• Seeing my dear friend Illinois Slim play some beautiful guitar behind great sets by Little Arthur and Tail Dragger at a Delmark Records showcase at Buddy Guy’s Legends on Sunday Night. It was great also to reconnect with my friend Bob Koester (the owner of Delmark Records) and his lovely wife Susan.
• Thanks to David Whiteis for including my name in the acknowledgments section of his new book Chicago Blues: Portraits and Stories.

• Bob featured in Block Magazine: Thanks also to Block Magazine from the Netherlands for the Lex Jansen Article onSammy Lawhorn, in which they include a section about the 1979 Little Willie Anderson recording session. This session was the first I ever produced, and it included Sammy Lawhorn as part of an all-star cast that also included Robert Lockwood, Jr., Freddy Below, Jimmie Lee Robinson, and Willie Black. Later in that same issue of Block is an article on the Pinetop Perkins Homecoming at Hopson’s Plantation in Mississippi from October of last year. In this article they mention my performance at this event, and show a great photo of my girlfriend, Kim Danielson and I.
• Bob to play at in Rossano, Italy: Just announced! I will be appearing with Louisiana Red at the Marco Fiume Blues Passions Festival in Rossano, Italy on July 23rd. Special thanks to my friend Little Victor for getting this set up.
• Tune in to Those Lowdown Blues on KJZZ: Please remember my radio show Those Lowdown Blues each Sunday Night from 6 to 11pm (Phoenix time) on KJZZ 91.5FM. You can hear it anywhere in the world on the internet at kjzz.org.

June 9, 2006 – Sweet Home Chicago

• Sweet Home Chicago: I am writing this from Chicago. The other night I went to Rosa’s to see my friend Barrelhouse Chuck, a fine piano player, and a student of Sunnyland Slim. He called me up to play most of a set and called up Eddie Taylor, Jr. Back in my Chicago days, I knew Eddie Taylor, Sr. well and got to hear, perform with, and record this great blues guitar player. It was an honor to play with Eddie’s son, who sings and plays so much like his father.

• Bob to appear at Scott Dirks’ Harmonica Showcase at Smoke Daddy this weekend: I will be playing at the Scott Dirks harmonica showcase at Smoke Daddy from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Scott Dirks is a fine harmonica player, bandleader, record producer, and the co-author of Blues With A Feeling: The Little Walter Story. Also on the bill will be the great Dave Waldman, Martin Lange, Big D., and others.

• Bob to appear with Louisiana Red at the Chicago Blues Festival: Then on Sunday, I will be playing a set with Louisiana Red from 1:30 to 2:30 at the Louisiana Stage at the Chicago Blues Festival. This will be a down-home trio with Red, Chris James, and me. If you are in this area, please come by and see these shows.

May 31, 2006 – Floyd Dixon Blues Piano Extravaganza This Weekend at The Rhythm Room

• Floyd Dixon Blues Piano Extravaganza: This Thursday and Friday, June 1st and 2nd at the Rhythm Room promises to be one of the most amazing blues gatherings of the year, as three of the greatest piano legends get together for a DVD filming and live recording session! The show revolves around Floyd Dixon, the West Coast blues piano pioneer, most famous for the original recording “Hey Bartender”. Floyd, along with Amos Milburn and Charles Brown, were considered the three most important West Coast piano players of the 1950’s. Floyd is the last surviving West Coast piano legend. Co-headlining the bill will be the Grammy Award winning Pinetop Perkins, who is now 92. Pinetop, best known for his long tenure in the Muddy Waters band, was also one of the original Biscuit Boys, with Sonny Boy Williamson II and made vintage recordings with Robert Nighthawk and Earl Hooker during the 1950’s. Rounding out the bill is the great Henry Gray, and his powerhouse Louisiana-meets-Chicago piano style. Henry Gray, known for his long association with Howlin’ Wolf, participated in some of Wolf’s greatest recordings, such as “I Ain’t Superstitious”, and “Goin’ Down Slow”. The backing band, led by Kid Ramos on guitar, includes the legendary Larry Taylor on bass and Richard Innes on drums. Harmonica Master Kim Wilson, a special guest on both nights, will play harp behind Pinetop Perkins and Henry Gray. The Kid Ramos band will open up the show, including guest appearances by Fred Kaplan, Johnny Tucker, and Lynwood Slim. Kid Ramos is the musical director of this event. Kid will head a production team that also includes Bob Corritore and Clarke Rigsby. Bob Auerbach, the owner of High John Records, is the event’s executive producer. Filming the event will be John Gibson and his crew. Clarke Rigsby of Tempest Recordings will record both evenings of music. This production will come out as a future CD/DVD release on High John Records. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, Arizona, 85014. Free parking is available on the premises. There are no advance tickets to this show, and seating will be on a first come, first seated basis. This is a patio smoking only event, and barbecue will be available for purchase. Admission price is $15 per night per person. Doors open at 7:30pm on Thursday, June 1, and 8pm on Friday, June 2. TheRhythm Room phone number is (602)265-4842. For further information, visit www.rhythmroom.com.

May 23, 2006 – Kickin’ It With Paul Oscher

• Kickin’ it with Paul Oscher: I am writing this from Paul Oscher’s house in Venice Beach, California. We have been reviewing material and making some final decisions for his “Live At The Rhythm Room” CD that will be released either late this year or early 2007 on Paul’s Blues Fidelity label.

• Rhythm Room All-Stars this weekend: Please come this weekend to see the Rhythm Room All-Stars as we play this Friday and Saturday night at the Rhythm Room at 1019 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix. This band includes Big Pete Pearson, Chris James, Johnny Rapp, Matt Bishop, Patrick Rynn, and yours truly. We will be in the Studio on Thursday knockin’ out some new songs.

• Floyd Dixon Blues Piano Extravaganza: Just added to the June 1 & 2 Floyd Dixon Blues Piano Extravaganza will be a guest appearance by Kim Wilson, who will lend his brilliant harmonica to the songs of Pinetop Perkins and Henry Gray.Kid Ramos will lead the band, which includes Larry Taylor, Richard Innes, and a horn section. John Gibson and his crew will be filming both evenings, and the great Clarke Rigsby will be recording. Do not miss this one!

• Clifford Antone passes: It is with great sadness that I pass on the news of Clifford Antone’s passing. Everyone who loves the blues owes a huge debt to this amazing man. Thank you, Clifford. You made the world a better place.

May 16, 2006 – Memphis Recap

• Memphis Recap: I just came back from Memphis where I attended the Blues Foundation’s Blues Music Awards (formerly known as the Handy Awards). It was great to see so many friends get recognized with awards (Janiva Magness, Kim Wilson, Paul Oscher, Charlie Musselwhite, Hubert Sumlin, Eddie Shaw, and the late Little Milton to name a few). My longtime friend and partner in the blues, Big Pete Pearson, was also there. We were honored to meet such legends asBobby Robinson (Fire and Fury Records), Joe Bihari (Modern Records), and Steve Cropper (of Booker T and the MGs fame). The next night we went down to Clarksdale to the Willie “Big Eyes” Smith CD Release Party at Ground Zero (Morgan Freeman’s Blues Club). Willie and his band, with Little Frank on guitar, sounded great! Pinetop Perkins was on hand, as well as Bob Stroger. At one point in the night, Sam Carr and Hubert Sumlin sat in; and it was simply unbelievable!

• Willie “Big Eyes” Smith CD Release Party: Speaking of Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, his CD was released last week and great reviews are arriving every day. Check out the web site for some of the highlights of these (more added regularly). National airplay has been great (special thanks to Bob Porter, Bill Wax and many others for their support of this record). People are saying that they feel this is Willie’s best effort to date.

• Chico Chism’s Birthday Party: DO NOT MISS CHICO CHISM’S BIRTHDAY / CD RELEASE PARTY this Saturday, May 20th at the Rhythm Room. Chico has been in poor health this last year, so please honor this great blues man by stopping by his birthday party, hosted by the Rocket 88s with appearances by many special guests including Big Pete Pearson, George Bowman, Roger White, Hans Olson, yours truly, and many more. Additional Information on this release is in the photo section of www.bobcorritore.com, including photo pages of the album art, rare photos found in the research of this CD, and our long standing Chico Photo Page.

• Great upcoming shows at the Rhythm Room: Also at the Rhythm Room this weekend are Bob’s friends Lil’ Ed and The Blues Imperials on Friday May 19th, and Charlie Musselwhite with an opening set by Paris James on Sunday, May 21st.

• Floyd Dixon Blues Piano Extravaganza: Please mark June 1st and 2nd on your calendars, as it is a very special event at the Rhythm Room. We will be presenting Floyd Dixon’s Blues Piano Extravaganza with Floyd, Pinetop Perkins, and Henry Gray. The backing will be a tailor-made west coast band with Kid Ramos, Larry Taylor, Richard Innes, and a horn section. The event will be recorded and filmed for CD / DVD release. Kid Ramos will be the musical director, and will lead a production team that also includes Clarke Rigsby and yours truly. Bob Auerbach of High John Records is the executive producer. Do not miss this historic, one-time event.

• Bob to play with Louisiana Red at the Chicago Blues Festival: Just announced! Louisiana Red and Bob Corritore will perform as a duo at the Chicago Blues Festival on June 11th. Stop by and check out the set.

May 6, 2006 – Review of Rhythm Room All-Stars in France

• Review of Rhythm Room All-Stars’ concert in France: Here is a review of our well-received April 29 appearance in France. We had a wonderful time and opened many doors.

• Blues Music Awards in Memphis: I am looking forward to attending the Blues Music Awards on May 11th in Memphis.Big Pete Pearson will also be making it to the awards this year. then on May 12th I will be in Clarksdale, Mississippi at Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero blues club. This night will feature Willie “Big Eyes” Smith Blues Band with special guest Pinetop Perkins and a CD release party for Way Back.

April 22, 2006 – Bon Voyage Party for Rhythm Room All-Stars This Saturday

• Bon Voyage Party for the Rhythm Room All-Stars: Come out to a Bon Voyage Party at the Rhythm Room for the Rhythm Room All-Stars this Saturday, April 22, as they depart for France to play the Bay-Car Blues Festival in Grande-Synthe, France. Playing in the band are Big Pete Pearson, Chris James, Bob Corritore, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, Matt Bishop, and Johnny Rapp. Doors open at 8pm and the music will start at approximately 9:15pm; the cover charge will be $6.00. Smoking will be permitted on the outdoor patio only, and barbeque will be available for purchase. *Bonus – newly designed Rhythm Room All-Stars stickers will be available for purchase!

• Other Rhythm Room All-Stars dates: Other dates for the Rhythm Room All-Stars are 5/26, 5/27, 6/30, 7/1, 7/28, 7/29, 8/25, 8/26, 9/3, 9/22, 9/23, and 10/13. All shows are at the Rhythm Room. Doors open at 8pm and the music will start at approximately 9:15pm; the cover charge will be $6.00. Smoking will be permitted on the outdoor patio only, and barbeque will be available for purchase. The All-Stars will play at the Tucson Blues and Heritage Festival on 10/15.

• Chico Chism’s Birthday Party: On Saturday May 20, 2006 at the Rhythm Room, Bob Corritore will be appearing as part of an all-star lineup for the Chico Chism birthday and CD release party with Big Pete Pearson. Many other bands will play including Chico, the cover charge will be $6, barbeque will be available for purchase, and smoking will be permitted on the outdoor patio only.

• Floyd Dixon Blues Piano Extravaganza: On June 1 and 2 at the Rhythm Room, there will be a Floyd Dixon Blues Piano Extravaganza with Pinetop Perkins, Henry Gray, Fred Kaplan, and more backed by the Kid Ramos Band including Larry Taylor, Richard Innes, and a horn section! This event will also be a live Recording and documentary filming! Smoking will be permitted on the outdoor patio only, and barbeque will be available for purchase.

• Willie “Big Eyes” Smith CD Release Party: On June 23 at the Rhythm Room, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith will have a CD Release Party, with Special Guest Henry Gray. Cover will be $10, barbeque will be available for purchase, and the event will be patio smoking only.

• Bob plays with Louisiana Red at the Thirsty Ear Festival: Bob Corritore will be playing at the Thirsty Ear Festival on 9/2 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with Louisiana Red. Also appearing at this festival will be Honeyboy Edwards, Dave Alvin, Richard Johnston, Eddie Turner, Greg Brown, The Be Good Tanyas, Po’ Girl, and other roots, blues, folk, and bluegrass bands.

• Great upcoming shows at the Rhythm Room: Mark the following dates on your calendar: Andre Williams 5/4, ABHOFInduction Ceremony 5/7, Bobby “Blue” Bland 5/11, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials 5/19, Charlie Musselwhite 5/21, Johnny Rawls 6/10, Jason Ricci 8/2, Super Chikan 8/2, Rhythm Room 15 Year Anniversary Party 9/3, Smokin’ Joe Kubek Featuring B’Nois King 9/23, Bob Corritore’s Birthday Gala 9/30. All acts will be appearing at the Rhythm Room. Check the website (http://www.rhythmroom.com) or call (602)265-4842 for more details.

March 23, 2006 – Rhythm Room All-Stars This Weekend at The Rhythm Room

• Rhythm Room All-Stars this weekend: Please Come see the Rhythm Room All-Stars this Friday and Saturday, March 24 and 25th at the Rhythm Room at 1019 E. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix. This band’s great lineup includes Big Pete Pearson, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, Johnny Rapp, Matt Bishop, Brian Fahey, and Bob Corritore. This show starts at 9:30, is a patio only smoking night, and the cover is only $6.

• Sessions and more: Sorry it has taken so long between e-mail outs…Seems like I am about as busy as I could possibly be with record producing and playing (as well as owning and booking a music venue and hosting a radio show). I am looking forward to Willie “Big Eyes” Smith’s release on HighTone on May 9th, and a Chico Chism reissue of his 70’s Chicago recordings with a release date of May 20th. I have been in the studio with Paul Oscher mixing a “Live At The Rhythm Room” CD in which Paul plays and sings beautifully. I just found out that I will have 3 songs that I produced (one that I am playing on) in the HighTone Box set (3 CDs plus a DVD). Included will be Henry Gray “How Could You Do It”, Kim Wilson “Eyesight To The Blind”, and Louisiana Red “September 11th Blues”. I am working on a Rhythm Room Blues #2 CD to celebrate the club’s 15 year anniversary. I am reviewing live recordings by Robert Lockwood, Jr., Kim Wilson,Billy Boy Arnold, Long John Hunter, CeDell Davis, Paul Oscher, Sonny Rhodes, Louisiana Red, Henry Gray, Kid Ramos, Big Pete Pearson with the Rhythm Room All-Stars, Johnny Dyer and more. There are lots of updates on the web site www.bobcorritore.com, including many new photo pages for you to enjoy. Special thanks to my beautiful girlfriend, Kim Danielson, for all her work on this site! I am looking forward to playing in France at the Bay-Car Blues Festival on April 29th. On June 1st and 2nd we will be recording and filming a very special tribute to Floyd Dixon at the Rhythm Room for a release on High John Records. Joining Floyd in this concert will be the Kid Ramos band with a horn section, and the Rhythm Section of Larry Taylor and Richard Innes, as well as fellow piano legends Pinetop Perkins and Henry Gray.

  That’s it for now. See you at the Rhythm Room this Friday and Saturday. I am looking forward to playing some good Chicago blues harmonica for you. Please note my upcoming performance dates on my website. Thank you for your support!

January 12, 2006 – Paul Oscher Live Recording Session at The Rhythm Room

A very special invitation to all of my friends in music:

• Paul Oscher live recording session at the Rhythm Room: This Friday and Saturday, January 13th and 14th, you are invited to attend an early evening concert at the Rhythm Room. This concert will feature a live recording session, for a future live album, with Paul Oscher. Paul Oscher is a harmonica hero of Bob’s. Paul was Muddy Waters’ harmonica player from 1967 to the early 1970’s. Paul’s current solo format features him on vocal, guitar, piano, and harmonica in a neck-rack. The concert will be free for those who enter the club from 7 to 8pm. After 8pm the charge per person will be $6. Barbeque will be served and the concert will be patio smoking only (no indoor smoking). After Paul’s early set the Rhythm Room All-Stars will play, featuring Big Pete Pearson, Chris James, Bob Corritore, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, Matt Bishop, and Johnny Rapp.

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• Bob to perform with Dave Riley: Bob will also play a set with Dave Riley at the Rhythm Room on Sunday, January 15th from 1:20pm to 1:50pm, at the Phoenix Blues Society’s Meeting & Potluck benefiting IBC Challenge winners Tom Walbank & The Ambassadors and Danny Rhodes. Doors open at 12:00pm with music from 1:00pm to 5:30pm; with many bands including: The KC Blues Band, Sistah Blue, Danny Rhodes, The Chuck Zeigler Band, Mikel Lander, The Jim Glass Band, and Tom Walbank & The Ambassadors. A donation of $8.00 is asked, plus bring a potluck dish to share!

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  Then stay around afterwards for the Coco Montoya concert!

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• New photo pages: There are three new photo pages up on BobCorritore.com! One is the artwork for the Japanese Release of the All-Star Blues Sessions on P-Vine, and the other two are additional performance and offstage photos. Enjoy the pictures and check back often for new photo pages!

January 4, 2006 – Bob Corritore & Dave Riley at The Rhythm Room This Friday

• Bob plays with Dave Riley: This week, come see Bob play at the Rhythm Room on Friday, January 6th at 9pm with Dave Riley during the middle set.

• New Rhythm Room All-Stars picture: Check out the new picture of the Rhythm Room All-Stars.

• New photos of Bob’s radio show: A new photo page has been added featuring the highlights of the 20th anniversary celebration for “Those Lowdown Blues“.