December 31, 2007

• 2007 Recap: Bob Corritore would like to say “thank you” to all the friends, fellow musicians, blues fans, talent buyers, festivals, radio show hosts and program directors, record labels, magazines and e-publications, photographers, blues societies, The Blues Foundation, NARAS, Karen Leipziger, Tempest Recording, Porcupine Studios, Mona Watkins & The Rhythm Room, Rack Shack Barbeque, KJZZ, Bill Wax, Jim O’Neal, Michael Frank, Bruce Iglauer, Dick Shurman, Bob Koester, Dale Baich and Blue Witch Records, Randy Chortkoff and our friends at Delta Groove, Blind Pig Records, Scott Cable, VizzTone Records, Harry Turner, Terry Buckalew, Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars, Dave Riley, Tomcat Courtney, Bob Margolin, the Phoenix Blues Society, Scott Dirks, Paul Oscher, Kim Wilson, Jocelyn Richez,Michel Remond, Hohner Harmonicas, Joe Filisko, and my lovely Kim Danielson for making this another banner year. Though there were some sad losses of beloved artists and blues people, there were also great adventures, recording sessions, recognitions, airplay and CD sales, festivals and performances, musical growth, and lots of love and support.

• Great Year at KJZZ: Bob’s radio show Those Lowdown Blues on KJZZ turned 23 years old. It was honored by The Blues Foundation with a KBA Award (Keeping The Blues Alive) in which Bob went to Memphis to receive a special award. Every week, this is a time that Bob gets to play music from his vast collection of blues recordings. Some special shows that come to mind are:The annual Phoenix R&B show with Bob’s radio mentor John (“Johnny D”) DixonAn amazing on-air performance by Tomcat Courtney and Chris James Pinetop Perkins: The 94 year old blues piano master gave a two hour interview as we played and commented on many of his historical records with Earl Hooker, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Rogers, and others Jerry Lawson, former lead singer of The Persuasions, stopped by to share his latest release with his new A Capella group, Jerry Lawson & Talk Of The Town. Jerry’s interviews always include lots of delightful “on the spot” singing A weekend with guests Henry Gray, Billy Flynn, and Eddie Kobek joining Big Pete Pearson and The Rhythm Room All-Stars An interview and live performance with Phoenix’s blues boss, Big Pete Pearson Randy Chortkoff guesting and playing some of his spectacular productions from his Delta Groove record label and before A five-hour tribute to Chico Chism on the day of his passing frantically put together by Bob and his loyal blues assistant Jennifer Waters (thank you, Jennifer) which included loving commentary mostly received that day by Koko Taylor, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Sam Lay, Tail Dragger, Hubert Sumlin, Richie Villiger (formerly of the Lucerne Blues Festival), Johnny Rapp, Chris James and Patrick Rynn, Lil’ Ed, Kim Wilson, and many others. It was the hardest show ever on so many levels; but it was so important to give this great bluesman his due. He added so much to the Phoenix Blues Community and to the blues world at large A tribute show to the late Ike Turner, of which about four of the show’s five hours were focused on Ike’s amazing recorded contributions to blues. Many listeners commented that they never realized all that Ike had done: recordings with B.B. King, Elmore James, Howlin’ Wolf, Charlie Booker, Otis Rush, Jackie Brenston, Little Milton, Billy “The Kid” Emerson, Boyd Gilmore, Ike and Tina Turner, and much more A live on-air performance by Johnny Rawls where he went back to his gospel roots Thanks to Scott Williams and everyone at KJZZ for providing a safe and supportive home for a blues radio show.

• Press Recognition: Three blues magazines did feature articles on Bob Corritore: ABS Magazine (France), Blues Magazine (France), and Big City Blues (U.S.)Also great mentions with photos in Juke Blues (UK), Soul Bag (France), Twój Blues (Poland), Baker Street (France)Juke Blues Magazine (UK) did a spectacular article about my friend Middle Walter (by Dave Williams and Cilla Huggins) where they included my recollections plus photos and posters of Middle Walter from my archives Charlie Hussey interviewed Big Pete Pearson and Bob Corritore for his radio show, Blues Train, aired in Dublin, Ireland Living Blues interviewed Big Pete Pearson Cover Story on Big Pete Pearson in Virus De Blues (France) Voice of America ran features on both Big Pete Pearson and Bob Corritore Feature article on Big Pete Pearson in Blues News (Finland) Numerous mentions and features in BluesWax Plus great reviews of this year’s releases from all the blues magazines (thank you)

• CDs/DVDs Released: Big Pete Pearson / I’m Here Baby (Blue Witch) with The Rhythm Room All-Stars (Bob Corritore, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, and Brian Fahey) plus guests Ike Turner, W.C. Clark, Joey DeFrancesco, Johnny Dyer, Kid Ramos, Chico Chism, Johnny Rapp, and more. Produced by Bob Corritore.Pinetop Perkins / Born In The Honey (VizzTone) with one cut produced by Bob Corritore that features backing by Bob, Johnny Rapp, Paul Thomas, and Chico Chism.Nappy Brown / Long Time Coming (Blind Pig) with one cut featuring Bob Corritore, Henry Gray, Kid Ramos, Johnny Rapp, Mario Moreno, and Chico Chism. That one track was produced by Bob Corritore and the rest of the CD produced by Scott Cable. Various Artists / House Rockin’ & Blues Shoutin’ (Blue Witch) was produced by Bob Corritore & Clarke Rigsby and features live at the Rhythm Room performances by The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Robert Lockwood, Jr., Floyd Dixon, TheMannish Boys featuring Finis Tasby, Billy Boy Arnold, Sonny Rhodes, Paul Oscher, Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars, Louisiana Red, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, Johnny Dyer, Henry Gray, Kid Ramos, and Long John Hunter. Dave Riley & Bob Corritore / Travelin’ The Dirt Road (Blue Witch) produced by Bob Corritore.

• Recording Sessions: With Honeyboy Edwards, Pinetop Perkins, Duke Robillard, Henry Gray, Billy Flynn, Johnny Dyer,Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Diunna Greenleaf, Bob Margolin, Mookie Brill, Chuck Cotton, Eddie Kobek, Chris James & Patrick Rynn, Brian Fahey, David Maxwell, Sam Lay, Tomcat Courtney, Big Pete Pearson, Dave Riley, two Fabulous Thunderbirds live recording sessions; some sessions as a producer, some as a player, but most sessions in both roles.Thank you to my dear friend Clarke Rigsby of Tempest Recording for being my recording partner through the years, and for delivering the quality in recording and mixing. Thanks to John Wroble and Jeff Harris of Porcupine Studios for being my patient post production saints. Thanks to Dave Shirk of Sonorous Mastering for his amazing touch, and for Tony Amato of Amato Image Design for some spectacular and soulful cover art. A big thanks to Dale Baich, Beth Lipham, and Judy Marut from Blue Witch Records for three wonderful releases this year, and for their unbelievable ability to make a label a family. Thanks to Karen Leipziger for a stunning publicity campaign on this year’s three Blue Witch Releases. Also, thanks to the publicity teams at Blind Pig Records, VizzTone, and Delta Groove for their great efforts in putting the word out. Lots of great recordings in the pipeline and more announcements of releases to follow shortly.

• Passings: Susan Greenberg, Chico Chism (my longtime partner in blues and one of my closest friends), Crown Prince Waterford, Paul DeLay, Leroy Brown, Richard Cason, Carey Bell, Big Joe Duskin, Bill Perry, Walter “Sunny” Gaines,Jimmy “T-99” Nelson, Eddie Berner, Ernest Withers, Johnnie Mae Dunson, Gary Primich, Jerry Ricks, Ike Turner, Cotton Candy, Pookie Hudson (of the Spaniels), Luther Ingram, Zola Taylor (of The Platters), Nellie Lutcher, Chantel Rey (Michael Cloeren’s significant other), Backwards Sam Firk, Bois Sec Ardoin, Little Sonny Warner (who sang “There Is Something On Your Mind“), Lefty Bates, James Davis (Georgia Blues Artist), James B. Davis (of the Dixie Hummingbirds), Slim Hunt (of the Supreme Angels), Peter Dames, Esmond Edwards (Producer for Chess Records), Hy Weiss (owner of the Old Town Record label), John E. Johnson (of The Starlings and The Twilighters), Jimmy Cheatham,Joe Hunter (of the Funk Brothers), Jesse James Johnson AKA Jesse Brown (bassist for Bo Diddley), Dakota Staton,Alvin Batiste, Billy Richard (Of The Robins), Weepin’ Willie Robinson, and “Uncle John” Turner.We will miss you.

• Awards, Recognition, and Nominations: KBA Award: Bob Corritore‘s radio show was honored by The Blues Foundation with a KBA Award for public radio; it is awarded to individuals or groups who have furthered the cause of this music form.New Times Best Of Phoenix: The Rhythm Room received editorial awards for “Best Club For Blues” and “Best Gig Posters”, as well as Reader’s Choice Award for “Best Club For Blues”. KJZZ has yet again won the New Times Best Of Phoenix Reader’s Choice Award for “Best Blues / Jazz Radio Station”.Phoenix Mayor’s proclamation of “Bob Corritore Day“: Saturday, September 29, 2007 was proclaimed “Bob Corritore Day” in honor of Bob’s cultural contributions to the city. The particular day was chosen to coincide with Bob’s 51st birthday party. Big Pete #1 on Powerblues Radio Chart, January 2007: Click here for the chart listing. Powerblues is a classification made by French blues radio show hosts and appears both on the Powerblues website and in the popular French rock magazine Crossroads. Grammy® nomination under the Traditional Blues Category: The Pinetop Perkins CD On The 88’s – Live In Chicago onSagebrush Productions / VizzTone Label Group has made it into the final five in the Grammy® nominations under the Traditional Blues Category. On this CD are 9 live tracks recorded in Chicago, with a band that includes Willie “Big Eyes” Smith (drums), Bob Stroger (bass) and “Little Frank” Krakowski (guitar). Also included is one bonus studio track called “Rather Quit Her Than Hit Her” recorded in Phoenix by Bob Corritore (producer) and Clarke Rigsby (engineer), that features Pinetop backed by Chico Chism (drums), Johnny Rapp (guitar), Paul Thomas (bass), and Bob Corritore (harmonica). This is the first time that a recording with Bob’s harmonica playing has been up for a Grammy®! Blues Music Awards nominations: Bob Corritore is proud to be associated with many great projects nominated for awards this year: Dave Riley and Bob Corritore’s album Travelin’ The Dirt Road on Blue Witch Records was nominated as Acoustic Album of the Year, Pinetop Perkins‘ CD/DVD Born In The Honey on CDMojo was nominated for Best DVD of the year, House Rockin’ And Blues Shoutin!: Celebrating 15 Years Of The Rhythm Room on Blue Witch Records was nominated for Historical Album of the Year, and Nappy Brown’s album Long Time Coming on Blind Pig Records was nominated for Traditional Blues Album of the Year. Independent Music Awards nominations: Big Pete Pearson was nominated for Independent Music Awards in the category of “Best Blues Album” for I’m Here Baby on the Blue Witch record label, and “Best Blues Song of the Year” for the title cut of that record.

• Festivals and Great Gigs: Delta Groove Show at Gibson Beale Street Showcase in Memphis: Big Pete Pearson and Bob Corritore made a guest appearance with The Mannish Boys, in a star-studded show that included the amazing Delta Groove roster, as well as the Blue Bella label. Click here for photos taken that night, and here for the posterScottsdale Music Festival with Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars opening the day on the main stage and Dave Riley and Bob Corritore playing on the side stage in between setsArkansas Blues & Heritage Festival appearing as a guest of the Mannish Boys, playing harmonica behind two Johnny Dyer songs. Also made guest appearances on the sets of Diunna Greenleaf and Mississippi Spoonman & Carla Robinson KFFA live on-air performance with Dave Riley with hosts Terry Buckalew and Sonny Payne Dave Riley and Bob Corritore / Travelin’ The Dirt Road CD Release Party at the Delta Cultural Center Paul Butterfield Fund and Society’s Conference and Gathering in Clarksdale, Mississippi with the Sam Lay Blues Band where Bob also met and played with the talented young bluesman from St. Louis, Marquise Knox. Lucerne Blues Festival, Lucerne, Switzerland with Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars with special guest Bob Margolin Lionel Hampton Jazz Club in Paris, France with Big Pete and the All-Stars plus Bob Margolin Big Pete Pearson CD release party at The Rhythm Room Opening for Bobby Rush with Big Pete Pearson and The Rhythm Room All-Stars Down Home Blues Festival at The Rhythm Room appearing as house band on a show featuring Honeyboy Edwards, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Tomcat Courtney, Big Pete Pearson, Chris James, and Paris James Patrick’s II in San Diego with The Fremonts Liz Mandeville’s Chicago Blues Festival After-Party appearing with Aaron Moore and Barrelhouse Chuck Sam Lay Blues Band gig at The Rhythm Room with special guests David Maxwell and Big Pete Pearson Chief Schabuttie Gilliame’s 81st Birthday Party Great gigs with San Diego-based Tomcat Courtney at The Rhythm Room Opening for the Chicago Blues Reunion with Paris James in a small down-home combo setting Being called up on the Siegel-Schwall Band’s set at The Rhythm Room to perform a number with Sam Lay, followed by a harmonica romp with Corky Siegel, Marcy Levy, and myself all trading riffs Though the saddest day of the year, it was an honor to perform at Chico Chism’s repast and honor the man who has filled my life with great music, joy and friendship for over 30 years Bob Corritore’s Birthday Bash with Phillip Walker performing with Bobby Jones! Also on the bill was dear friend and fellow harpman Randy Chortkoff Mini Colorado tour with Big Pete Pearson Pinetop Perkins gig at The Rhythm Room Christmas Blues Party with Henry Gray, Billy Flynn, Big Pete Pearson, and The Rhythm Room All-Stars Playing at the Farm restaurant in Phoenix with Paris James and Big Pete Pearson Blues Harmonica Showcase – Calling up Bill Tarsha during my portion of the show to join me for a wild harmonica duet Sitting in with Fiona Boyes at The Rhythm Room A powerful night backing Roy Gaines at The Rhythm Room A cool evening with Mark Hummel and Johnny Dyer with Big Pete Pearson and The Rhythm Room All-Stars opening up at The Rhythm Room Playing a song with John Németh and Junior Watson at The Rhythm Room Blues For The City benefit show (put on by the Phoenix Blues Society) appearing with Diunna Greenleaf and Blue Mercy And of course, all the regular gigs with Big Pete Pearson and The Rhythm Room All-Stars at our home base, The Rhythm Room! Special thanks to Rhythm Room general manager Mona Watkins who runs The Rhythm Room with such love and dedication that it allows me to concentrate of being an artist and the travel that this entails. Mona, you are the best!
• Thank You: For your part in allowing this great year to happen. The new year brings the promise of more great shows, recordings, travel, new friendships and renewed bonds and the sacred gift of blues music. My humble appreciation for your support.Wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year,Bob Corritore

December 21, 2007

• Spectacular Send-off to Ike Turner: Kim and I flew into Los Angeles on Thursday, December 20, 2007 to attend our friend Ike Turner’s funeral, and went directly to the visitation at the Angelus Funeral Home. There lay Ike, in his favorite lilac suit with the gold sequins, which he wore when he accepted his 2007 Grammy® Award in the Traditional Blues Category. Around him were flower arrangements by dignitaries such as B.B. King, Pinetop Perkins, and Phil Spector. We sat in the chapel listening to Ike’s music being played, and spent about an hour reflecting on all of his great contributions to music. We met Margena Christian of Jet Magazine, who did Ike’s last interview, and who will run a feature on Ike in an upcoming issue of Jet Magazine. We ran into Roy Gaines at the visitation, who we spoke to at length in the lobby.The next day, the funeral was held at a simply beautiful church in the Compton area, called the City Of Refuge. Sitting with us were Roger Naber, Leon Blue, and James “Broadway” Thomas. In the row behind us was Roy Gaines and “Poo Poo Man” Anderson from the band Parliament. In front of us were Joe Bihari and his wife, who we had met in Memphis two years ago; who, before the service, shared some wonderful stories of traveling through the South with a teenage Ike Turner, and about Ike’s piano work on his B.B. King sessions. In front of Joe sat Phil Spector and his entourage. In the row in front of that and across the room sat Little Richard.The service had a strongly religious note, with preacher Edwin Perry reading from Psalms 18:1-2 and thanking God for the gift of Ike Turner. The Kings of Rhythm performed, with the great Ernest Lane, Ike’s childhood friend and fellow piano player, who, like Ike, also studied under Pinetop Perkins. The band performed “Caldonia” then “Rocket 88“, and served as a backing band to Lyricia Garnett, who sang “Nutbush City Limits” and then “Proud Mary”. Robert Johnson, owner ofRooster Blues and Ikon Records, first read a statement from Jerry Wexler, and then gave an eloquent speech about the record he and Ike collaborated on, which was right after Ike’s release from prison and the movie release. Robert said Ike could have easily just crawled under a rock, but instead, Ike had the courage to face all the obstacles in front of him. After Robert’s speech, Vera Hamilton sang a version of “I Will Always Love You”. After Vera’s song was a loving speech by Ike’s former wife Jeanette. Barbara Cole then sang “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”. Ike’s daughters Mia and Queen then read the reflection on Ike’s life, which was reprinted in the funeral program. Little Richard then began the testimonials, with great praise of his friend, as a person and as a talented musician. One of the many warm mentions from Little Richard’sspeech was of Ike Turner paying his mortgage note during a tough time for Richard, allowing him to stay in his home. Little Richard stated that he was so influenced by Ike Turner that he borrowed the piano intro of “Rocket 88” and made that the intro to “Good Golly Miss Molly”. Ike’s son, Ike Junior, then spoke of producing the record that was later Ike’s final, Grammy®-winning record. Risin’ With The Blues. Other speeches included a surprised Phil Spector (who stated he was not expecting to speak and therefore unprepared for a statement), who disputed the book “I, Tina” and the movie “What’s Love Got To Do With It?”. Phil was highly critical of Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement of the book, and spoke of Ike as one of the greatest guitar players he had ever known. Ollie Woodson of The Temptations sang a simply spectacular performance of “Walk Around Heaven” with a heartfelt delivery. Solomon Burke then gave a healing sermon, complete with song, in which he invited those in the audience to come to the altar to be personally saved, calling specifically for Phil Spector to join him (which he did – see picture here). Ike’s sons and daughters then spoke lovingly of their father. In addition, Ike’s manager, Phil Arnold, spoke of how Ike was unleashing numerous new projects, one of which was a new hybrid musical genre to be called “Blues-Hop” (which Phil referred to as “Blues on top and Hip-Hop on the bottom”). Ike’s lawyer, James Clayton, and “Poo Poo Man” Anderson then spoke. The service concluded with a processional by The Kings of Rhythm. Guests were met in the lobby by a New Orleans-style brass band, playing “When The Saints Go Marching In“, “Down By The Riverside“, and other brass band favorites. A repast was held at The Savoy, complete with a buffet, drinks, and fellowship, followed by live music. We were proud to go this event pay tribute to a man who gave the world so much music, and who gave us personal joy and friendship. A few more links on the services: from Yahoo! News, Associated Press, and from BluePower.com. Look for a new photo page soon on Bobcorritore.com memorializing Ike Turner, as well as scans of the memorial program. – Bob Corritore

December 15, 2007

• Little Walter To Be Inducted In Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame! This just announced: Little Walter will be among the 2008 inductees into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Little Walter’s induction will be under the “sideman” category. The late Marion “Little Walter” Jacobs is considered by many to the greatest harmonica player who ever lived, and his classic 1950s recordings a frontman and a sideman (with Muddy Waters, Jimmy Rogers, John Brim, and others) redefined the role of harmonica in blues. For more information on the Rock& Roll HOF’s website, click here. For more information on Little Walter, click here. For nice photos of Little Walter on Bob’s website, click here. Special thanks to Scott Dirks (Co-Author of Blues With A Feeling: The Little Walter Story) for making us aware of this news.
• Ike Turner Memorial Services: Please be informed that memorial services for the late Ike Turner will be held in Los Angeles next week:Viewing:Thursday, December 20, 2007 from 10am to 8pm Angelus Funeral Home 3875 South Crenshaw Blvd. (at West 39th St.) Los Angeles, CA 90008 (323)296-6666 Funeral Services: Friday, December 21, 2007, 11am Greater Bethany Community Church City Of Refuge 14527 South San Pedro St. (East  – Rosecrans Ave) Gardena, CA 90248 (310)516-1433

December 14, 2007

• 2008 Blues Music Awards Nominations: The 2008 Blues Music Awards nominations have been announced, and Bob Corritore is proud to be associated with many great projects nominated for awards this year. Dave Riley and Bob Corritore’s album Travelin’ The Dirt Road on Blue Witch Records was nominated as Acoustic Album of the Year. Pinetop Perkins‘ CD/DVD Born In The Honey on CDMojo was nominated for Best DVD of the year. House Rockin’ And Blues Shoutin!: Celebrating 15 Years Of The Rhythm Room on Blue Witch Records was nominated for Historical Album of the Year. Nappy Brown’s album Long Time Coming on Blind Pig Records was nominated for Traditional Blues Album of the Year. Congratulations to all the nominees; click here for a full list of nominations.
• Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers Perform Tonight: West Coast blues harmonica king Rod Piazza and his Mighty Flyers will appear at the Rhythm Room Friday, December 14, 2007. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Tickets are $15 in advance or day of show; advance tickets are available at the Rhythm Room, all Ticketmaster store locations, Charge by Phone: (800)745-3000, or Ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 8pm. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed.
• Bob’s Appearances Next Week: Bob Corritore will make two appearances next week. First on Tuesday, December 18, 2007, Bob Corritore will appear at the Rhythm Room as part of the Harmonica Showcase, which will also include Bill Tarsha, Bob Corritore, Jimmy Johnson, Larry Dee, Big Nick, Walkin’ Cane Mark, Robert Jackson, Blind Ronnie, Larry Polk, Gypsy, Lee Poole, John Cally, Dee, Barry Logan, Dwight Miles, Doc, Steve Passanelli, Paul Klapper, Hans Olson, Sugar Bear, Lenny Blues, Jerry Swartz, and many more! Doors open at 7pm, cover charge is $7. Then, on Thursday, December 20, 2007, Bob Corritore will appear at the Rhythm Room as part of the December Jazz & Blues Celebration, which will also honor Margo Reed’s Birthday, and Nancy Gee & Bill General’s Golden Anniversary. Performers include Margo Reed, Michael Reed, Nancy Gee, Big Pete Pearson, Bob Corritore, John Shea, Dan Hart, Sherry Roberson, Joel Robin, Delphine Cortez, and many more! Doors open at 6pm, cover charge is $10. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. These nights will be patio smoking only events; no indoor smoking will be permitted. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014.
• Upcoming Paul Oscher Show! Legendary harmonica master Paul Oscher will appear for an early show at the Rhythm Room Friday, December 21, 2007. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Doors open at 5pm; cover charge is $12.00, and the show will last from 6 to 8pm. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed. Immediately following the show will be Phoenix favorites, Sistah Blue, performing for the remainder of the evening.
• Weekend Recap/Henry Gray Revelation on KJZZ: It is always a great pleasure when blues piano master Henry Gray comes to town. Last weekend at the Rhythm Room was no exception. A great band was constructed that included Big Pete Pearson, Billy Flynn, Bob Corritore, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, Eddie Kobek, and of course, Henry Gray. Both nights were well attended and received. The next day both Billy and Henry had separate interviews on Bob’s radio show, Those Lowdown Blues on KJZZ in Phoenix. Henry Gray revealed some interesting information of interest to die-hard Chicago Blues fans. First, when we played “I Declare That Ain’t Right” from Chess Records, I asked Henry Gray about the harmonica playing, which was credited to Henry Strong. Henry Gray stated that it was Junior Wells playing the harmonica. If that is the case, then we wonder if there are any recordings available that feature harmonica player Henry Strong, who, at this point, has a mythical status in the history of Chicago Blues for being the replacement for Little Walter in Muddy Waters‘ band when Walter left to pursue a solo career based on the success of his hit, “Juke“. When asked about knowing Little Walter, Henry Gray stated that he knew Little Walter from Louisiana, and that they didn’t live very far apart. He said that he recalled seeing Little Walter perform then, at various functions where Walter would play unaccompanied (without a band). He also told a story about Little Walter, saying “Everything Little Walter did was fast. He talked fast, he walked fast, and he played fast.” Henry also told a story of driving Little Walter around where Walter put his foot over Henry’s and stepped down on the accelerator, forcing Henry to drive (you guessed it) fast. Henry also told stories of working withJimmy Reed, Jimmy Rogers, Dusty Brown, Howlin’ Wolf, and Morris Pejoe; it was a great interview. The next day we were in the studio with the same great band as the weekend, plus special guest Johnny Dyer. Big Pete, Henry Gray, and Johnny Dyer all took turns at vocals and Bob Corritore and Johnny Dyer switched back and forth on harmonica. Some very heavy Chicago Blues was captured during the recording session. A great four-day run that we hated to see end!
• 4 More Upcoming Harmonica Releases:

  1) Dennis Gruenling reports that he has produced a Tribute To Little Walter record with himself and other harmonica champions. Kim Wilson, Rick Estrin, and Steve Guyger are Dennis’s special guests.2) “Little Frank” reports that a forthcoming Willie “Big Eyes” Smith CD was recently recorded in Chicago. Willie, though best known as Muddy Waters‘ longtime drummer, is a beautiful harmonica player and vocalist. His son Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith played drums and produced the session, which also included Billy Flynn on guitar (and mandolin on one track), “Little Frank” on guitar, Bob Stroger on bass, and Barrelhouse Chuck on piano. Sounds like it could be a brilliant follow-up to Willie’s highly acclaimed Way Back CD on HighTone.

  3) Multi-instrumentalist and harmonica master Paul Oscher reports that he will be releasing his Live At The Rhythm Room CD in 2008. Simply an on set recorded over two nights in 2005.

  4) BluesWax reports that Wallace Coleman, former harmonica player in the late Robert Lockwood Jr.‘s band, teamed up with U.K. bluesman Dave Thomas for an album called Repossession Blues. Wallace is simply an amazing harmonica player.

• Bob Corritore Recordings in Living Blues Radio Charts: Dave Riley and Bob Corritore’s album Travelin’ The Dirt Road on Blue Witch Records was number 11 in October and number 15 in November. House Rockin’ And Blues Shoutin!: Celebrating 15 Years Of The Rhythm Room on Blue Witch Records was number 8 in October and number 9 in November. Nappy Brown’s album Long Time Coming on Blind Pig Records, in which Bob is on one cut as a player and a producer, was number 14 in October and number 2 in November. Thank you, Living Blues and to all of the radio show hosts around the world that have given such great support to these releases.
• Ike Turner Honored on Bob’s Radio Show This Sunday: The late great Ike Turner, who passed away on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 will be remembered on Bob’s radio show, Those Lowdown Blues, next Sunday, December 16, 2007. Please note that this show will also memorialize the 10 year anniversary of Jimmy Rogers’ passing. Listeners may hearThose Lowdown Blues anywhere in the world (real time Sunday nights from 6pm-11pm Phoenix time) via web streaming by clicking here, or on KJZZ in Phoenix at 91.5 FM in Phoenix, Arizona, 89.5 in Cottonwood, 90.1 FM in Prescott, 98.9 FM in Tucson, and 99.1 FM in Kingman.

December 12, 2007

• RIP Ike Turner – November 5, 1931 – December 12, 2007: It is with shock and sadness that we report the loss of our friend Ike Turner. Ike was 76. Ike was simply and definitively one of the most influential figures in blues music. In addition to being a great musician and entertainer, Ike was a great organizer and talent scout, and was responsible for launching the careers of B.B. King, Little Milton, Howlin’ Wolf, Elmore James, and, of course, Tina Turner. Ike was also credited for making the first Rock ‘N Roll record, “Rocket 88“, in 1951. Ike endured a terrible reputation due to Laurence Fishburn’svillainous and misleading depiction of him in the hit movie What’s Love Got To Do With It? with Angela Bassett playing Tina Turner. Ike was no angel; but, he was not that guy in the movie as was known to me by some cherished experiences I personally had with him, and from what Little Milton personally related to me. “Ike was a great man, and that movie did him wrong; It just didn’t happen that way” Little Milton once said to me. He also said, “If it wasn’t for Ike Turner, there would be no Little Milton“. Ike was a brilliant guitarist, pianist, songwriter, arranger and bandleader. Ike won a Grammy®last year in the Traditional Blues Category as a final validation of his great work. We will miss you, Ike.Please see these links for more information on his passing:USA Today article Click here for his complete discography with an amazing number of historic releases. Click here for some great photos of Ike celebrating his teacher, Pinetop Perkins, as Pinetop accepts a Lifetime Achievement Grammy® at the induction ceremony.

  – Bob Corritore

December 10, 2007

• RIP Jerry Ricks – May 20, 1940 – December 10, 2007: Sad News came today from Carey Wolfson that bluesman Jerry Ricks passed away. Jerry left us at 10:05am in his hospital room in Rijeka, Croatia. Jerry and his wife Nancy had been living in Croatia since early this year. He was diagnosed in September with a brain tumor. Jerry was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and began playing guitar in Philadelphia venues in the late 1950’s. Jerry had lessons from the legendaryLonnie Johnson and embraced all styles of traditional country blues. This beloved bluesman traveled extensively, played blues festivals all around the world, and recorded a number of beautifully constructed albums. Jerry was very involved in research and education as another way of advancing the word of the blues. In 1970, Jerry moved to Western Europe where he found great acceptance and performed regularly. He would come back to the States on a frequent basis to perform at numerous festivals and concert appearances. For a complete bio on this great bluesman’s life, please check out Jerry’s website by clicking here. We are grateful to this noble man for his accomplished work in the blues and we pray that his legacy will live on.

December 7, 2007

• Traditional blues Grammy Nominations Announced! Pinetop Perkins CD with Bob Corritore on Harmonica in the Running! The Pinetop Perkins CD On The 88’s – Live In Chicago on Sagebrush Productions / VizzTone Label Group has made it into the final five in the Grammy® nominations under the Traditional Blues Category. Pinetop Perkins is now 94 years old, and is considered by many to be the greatest living blues piano player. On this CD are 9 live tracks recorded in Chicago, with a band that includes Willie “Big Eyes” Smith (drums), Bob Stroger (bass) and “Little Frank” Krakowski (guitar). Also included is one bonus studio track called “Rather Quit Her Than Hit Her” recorded in Phoenix by Bob Corritore (producer) and Clarke Rigsby (engineer), that features Pinetop backed by Chico Chism (drums), Johnny Rapp (guitar), Paul Thomas (bass), and Bob Corritore (harmonica). This is the first time that a recording with Bob’s harmonica playing has been up for a Grammy®. The complete listing of Grammy® nominees in the Traditional Blues Category is listed below:Pinetop Perkins On The 88’s – Live In Chicago Pinetop Perkins [Sagebrush Productions / VizzTone Label Group]Live…And In Concert From San Francisco Otis Rush [Blues Express, Inc.] 10 Days Out: Blues From The Backroads Kenny Wayne Shepherd Featuring Various Artists [Reprise Records] Old School Koko Taylor [Alligator Records] Last Of The Great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen: Live In Dallas Henry James Townsend, Joe Willie “Pinetop” Perkins, Robert Lockwood, Jr. & David “Honeyboy” Edwards [The Blue Shoe Project] Any of these fine releases have a good chance to win. This year’s traditional blues category is well represented with so many worthy veterans (Koko Taylor, Otis Rush, Honeyboy Edwards, Robert Lockwood, Jr., Henry Townsend, and Pinetop Perkins). Even the youthful Kenny Wayne Shepherd‘s CD is filled with great veteran special guests (Pinetop Perkins, B.B. King, Henry Gray, Jerry McCain, Hubert Sumlin, George “Wild Child” Butler, Henry Townsend, and more). Congratulations to all the nominees! For great photos of Pinetop Perkins from Bob’s website, click here and here. The 50th AnnualGrammy® Awards will be held Sunday, February 10, 2008 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, and broadcast live onCBS. How exciting to be involved in a Grammy® nominated release!

December 4, 2007

• Christmas Blues Party at Phoenix’s Rhythm Room This Weekend with Henry Gray, Billy Flynn, Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars, and More! This Friday and Saturday, December 7 and 8, 2007, the Rhythm Room presents a Blues Christmas Party with the extraordinary lineup of Henry Gray, Billy Flynn, Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars, plus Eddie Kobek. Henry Gray (now 82 years old) is one of the greatest living Chicago Blues pianists. His piano playing has been on definitive 1950s and 60s recordings by Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, Jimmy Reed,Jimmy Rogers, Billy Boy Arnold, Dusty Brown, Morris Pejoe, and others. Henry’s celebrated CD, Plays Chicago Blues,(produced by Bob Corritore) earned him four W.C. Handy Award nominations (now called Blues Music Awards), and a cover story in Living Blues Magazine. Billy Flynn is considered one of the greatest blues guitarists on the scene today, and is a frequently sought-after sideman, having been on records by Snooky Pryor, Jimmy Dawkins, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Kim Wilson, Little Arthur Duncan, Little Smokey Smothers, John Brim, Wallace Coleman, Willie Kent, and more.Eddie Kobek is a first call drummer in Chicago, working regular gigs with Billy Flynn, Jody Williams, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Nick Moss, and others. Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars include Phoenix’s legendary blues vocalist Big Pete Pearson, plus Bob Corritore on harmonica, Chris James on guitar and vocals, and Patrick Rynn on bass (Eddie Kobek will be filling in for vacationing Brian Fahey, The Rhythm Room All-Stars‘ regular drummer). Look for some real Chicago Blues to be played on these nights. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $10. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. These nights will be patio smoking only events; no indoor smoking will be permitted.
• Lucerne Blues Festival and Paris Photo and Commentary on the Web: Photos of Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars‘ shows at Lionel Hampton Jazz Club in Paris and the Lucerne Blues Festival in Switzerland (some including commentary) from earlier this month have appeared recently on the internet. Here are a few: On the Lucerne Blues Festival site, over 1000 photos of the 2007 Festival have been posted. Click here to go to the Gallery section of theLucerne Blues Festival website. More of Aigar’s Lucerne photos can be viewed here.  Dragan Tasic’s photos of theLucerne Blues Festival can be viewed here. Dragan’s photos of Big Pete and the band can be viewed here. Jocelyn Richez’s photos and commentary on Paris shows in Docteur Blues can be viewed here. Jukejoint Blues and Soul can be viewed (untranslated) (translated) Pat Delmar’s MySpace Site contains photos of the Fest; once on the site, click on the pics section. Do not forget to visit Jean Luc Vabres’ blog about Lucerne for Juke Joint Blues.
• Six New Blues Harmonica Releases! Look for some great releases with harmonica as a centerpiece, scheduled for release in early 2008:

  1) Andrew Galloway of Electro-Fi Records reports that a new Billy Boy Arnold has been recorded with a theme of John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson songs. Billy Boy was actually taught by Sonny Boy, and sings and plays this style better than anyone. Mel Brown and Billy Flynn are part of this promising new release.2) Michael Frank of Earwig Music reports that a new Honeyboy Edwards release will feature backing by a number of harmonica players including Bobby Rush, Johnny “Yard Dog” Jones, Billy Branch, Sugar Blue, and many others. Very exciting!

  3) Kevin Johnson of Delmark Records reports a Little Arthur Duncan CD and DVD is due out early next year. Little Arthuris one of the greatest veteran harmonica player/vocalists on the Chicago scene today, and his great band featuring Illinois Slim (my good friend) and Rick Kreher on guitars really has a special touch in backing him.

  4) Chicago Harmonica Project Vol. 2 – This forthcoming release on Severn Records follows the tradition of Vol.1 by presenting a group of singer/harmonica players. The harp players on this one are Little Arthur, Reginald Cooper, Charlie Love, Big D, Jeffrey Taylor, and Harmonica Hines. The band again includes Illinois Slim and Rick Kreher on guitars, Twist Turner on drums, and others.

  5) Frank Roszak reports that Delta Groove Records will be releasing a CD early next year by West Coast harmonica greatMitch Kashmar. This will be Mitch’s third CD for Delta Groove.

  6) Harmonica hellraiser RJ Mischo reports his new CD will be called King Of A Mighty Good Time, and will be released early next year on his own Challis label.

• Three New Great Reviews for Travelin’ The Dirt Road: The latest CD by Dave Riley and Bob Corritore has been getting great attention lately. Special thanks to Bill Wax’s “Bluesville” on XM Satellite Radio for their strong rotation of this CD. Here are three new online reviews just in. Click here for the review from Gibson Guitars, and here for the review fromRadio Ung. Also, David Barnard (AKA Dr. Feelgood) contributes reviews to a Canadian music magazine called Exclaim, which has published a review in the December issue. You can read it online here. All of these reviews are also available on BobCorritore.com – check the review page for Travelin’ The Dirt Road as well as many great new reviews of House Rockin’ And Blues Shoutin!: Celebrating 15 Years Of The Rhythm Room, also on Blue Witch Records.
• Dave Riley to Open for Etta James this Friday, December 7, 2007 in Monterey: Dave Riley will appear at the Golden State Theatre in Monterey, California doing an opening set for Etta James at 8pm. Dave will be appearing solo on this show. This event is supported by the Monterey Bay Blues Society. For more info on the show, click here. Also check out Dave Riley’s new website.

November 14, 2007

• Bob Corritore to Appear with Paris James Tonight at the Rhythm Room: Bob Corritore will do a guest set with Paris James on Wednesday, November 14, 2007. Look for some down-home blues on this night! The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Doors open at 7:30pm, cover charge is $3. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed.
• Pinetop Perkins to Appear at the Rhythm Room on Saturday: Widely acclaimed as the greatest living blues piano player, Pinetop Perkins, now 94 years old, will make a rare appearance at Phoenix’s Rhythm Room on Saturday, November 17, 2007, backed by Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Tickets are $20 in advance or day of show; advance tickets are available at theRhythm Room, all Ticketmaster store locations, Charge by Phone: (800)745-3000, or Ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 8pm. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed.
• Reverend Louis Overstreet on YouTube: During the 1950s and 1960s, Phoenix was home to many great musicians. One of the great artists based out of Phoenix was Reverend Louis Overstreet of the St. Luke’s Powerhouse Church Of God In Christ, who performed a down-home, blues infused gospel. Arhoolie Records had issued a beautiful album that documented this artist. Though Reverend Louis Overstreet has passed, his sons carry on the tradition of their father by holding services at the St. Luke’s Powerhouse Church Of God In Christ in Phoenix. Reverend Louis Overstreet was also a teacher and inspiration to Paris James. Recently, some unbelievable footage of Reverend Louis Overstreet from the 1960s has appeared on YouTube. Click these links (clip one, clip two, clip three) to see some Phoenix blues-based gospel.
• Paris and Lucerne Recap: As we get back from this wonderful trip of playing music, it is hard to summarize how great this trip was. Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars (Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Bob Corritore, Brian Fahey, and Patrick Rynn) were joined by the great Bob Margolin as our special guest for these dates. Our entourage included Bob Margolin‘s wife, Pamela, Big Pete’s guest, Kelly Beechler, and my lovely Kim Danielson, as well as Dale Baich and Beth Lipham of Blue Witch Records. We started the trip with three nights of performances at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Club, located in the heart of Paris at Le Meridien Hotel. This club is one of the most elegant venues I have ever seen. When you walk in, it looks like a movie set, with beautiful furniture, ambient lighting, and a gorgeous stage. You are also greeted by numerous photos of great artists, many of whom are our good friends (Ike Turner, Francine Reed,Shemekia Copeland, the late Willie Kent, Magic Slim, and more). Every night was well attended with great crowds, including a great representation of many of the who’s who in the French blues scene, including Xav from Baker Street,Jocelyn Richez, Michel Remond, Little Victor, Miss Sophie Kay, Thibaux Chopin, K-Led Ba’Sam, Romain Decoret from Guitarist Magazine (he interviewed Bob Margolin before Wednesday’s show), numerous people from Blues Again Magazine, Rene Malines from Virus De Blues, Claude Dannic from Soul Bag Magazine, and so many of our great friends, supporters, and blues publications and promoters stopped in to see us. Each night we performed two 90 minute sets. On the last night, we were able to hang with Mookie Brill and Chuck Cotton, who were touring with Nappy Brown (scheduled to perform in the upcoming days), and who also work regularly with Bob Margolin. Thank you, Didier Tricard, for allowing us the honor of working your fine venue. On Friday, we caught a plane from Paris to Mulhouse, and were greeted by Marcel and Hermann, our drivers, who took us to Lucerne. The ride was magnificent, with all of the characteristic Swiss architecture against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps. The Lucerne Blues Festival, which won a KBA Award (Keeping the Blues Alive) this year, has been called by many one of the greatest blues events in the world. It gathered a fantastic lineup of great artists including Koko Taylor, Janiva Magness, Zac Harmon, Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone, Coco Montoya,Sonny Rhodes, Paul Oscher, Mike Morgan and The Crawl featuring Lee McBee, Billy Branch and Sons of Blues, Philipp Fankhauser, The Chargers, Blues NETTwork, and others. Note that Willie King had cancelled his slot at the last minute due to health reasons, and did not appear at the festival. This festival drew some of the most prominent people in the blues community coming from all around the world, including labels, photographers, journalists, promoters, and fellow musicians. We performed twice; first on Friday night at the Grand Casino Luzern, playing two sets at the after-party starting at 1:30am and ending at 4:00am. Though this sounds rather late, the house was packed to the end when they actually had to clear the crowd who did not want to go home. We also played the opening slot of the main stage again at the Grand Casino Luzern on Saturday night (which, by the way, was the festival’s first ever sold-out night). A few random great moments include the surprise appearance by our dear friend Diunna Greenleaf, who kept it a secret from Bob Margolin and myself that she would be making it to the festival, meeting John Steadman of JSP Records, hanging out with fellow harp players Paul Oscher, Johnny Sansone, Lee McBee, Jeff Stone, and Billy Branch, seeing Maria Giulia Sorrentino of the Marco Fiume Blues Passions Festival (who gave Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars their first European gig), getting a kiss from Koko Taylor, seeing Koko call up Janiva Magness and Diunna Greenleaf to join her at the end of her set on Saturday, seeing our joyous friends, Richie and Theresa Villiger, in their native country, hanging out with Art Tipaldi and Donovan from the Blues Foundation, introducing Marino Grandi from Il Blues Magazine to Beth and Dale from Blue Witch, hanging out with Jean-Luc Vabres of ABS Magazine and Jacques Périn of Soul Bag Magazine, discussing our Irish-American rhythm section of Brian Fahey and Patrick Rynn with Charlie Hussey and his fun-loving group from Dublin, Ireland, Chris James enjoying his connoisseur chocolate shops of Switzerland, watching Bob Margolinsit in with Janiva‘s band at the Blues Brunch in the elegant Schweizerhof Hotel, and watching my lovely Kim joyously dancing on the side of the stage while I was playing on Friday night. But, one of the greatest parts of this trip, I feel, is that we, The Rhythm Room All-Stars, got to show the world the level of playing that we have achieved. It takes a complete band with everyone working together to put on the shows we played, and everyone played their best. Big Pete, as a front man and entertainer, seems to always rise to the occasion of a big stage, completely working the crowd. Thank you, Guido “Mojo” Schmidt, Martin “Mad Carl” Bruendler, Kurt Schuermann, Kurt Lotter, Gody “The Ear” Berger, and Mike “Get Shorty” Hauser of the Lucerne Blues Festival. On Sunday night, there was an elegant dinner for the artists, hosts, and sponsors of the festival, again at the Schweizerhof. Guido and Martin gave emotional speeches thanking all the participants in the festival. Art Tipaldi had a speech in which he said that the Lucerne Blues Festival had raised the bar for all blues festivals. After dinner, there was a brief jam session, where we all were able to perform in an informal way. The jam was led by Bob Margolin, and included performances by Diunna Greenleaf and Bob Margolin, Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone, Mike Morgan and The Crawl featuring Lee McBee, Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars with Paul Oscher, who did a chromatic harmonica duet with me as Big Pete Pearson sang “Tin Pan Alley”. On the flight home, the band agreed that this was one of our greatest musical experiences ever. We are all home safe and sound, with plenty of warm memories of this great trip. Photos to come soon! –Bob Corritore

November 1, 2007

• Bon Voyage Party This Weekend and Paris and Lucerne Next Week: Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars prepare to embark on an exciting and prestigious trip to Europe, playing at two fantastic venues. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars will appear at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Club at the Le Meridien Hotel on November 6, 7, and 8, 2007 in Paris; and Friday and Saturday at the world acclaimed Lucerne Blues Festival in Switzerland on November 9 and 10, 2007. The Rhythm Room All-Stars‘ regular lineup of Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Bob Corritore, Brian Fahey, and Patrick Rynn will also include special guest guitarist Bob Margolin, former member of the Muddy Waters Blues Band. Other acts appearing on the festival will be Koko Taylor, Janiva Magness, Willie King, Sonny Rhodes, Paul Oscher, Lee McBee, Billy Branch, and many others. For a complete lineup and more information about the Lucerne Blues Festival, click here. The band will celebrate its departure with a Bon Voyage party Friday and Saturday, November 2 and 3, 2007 at the Rhythm Room. Doors open at 8pm; cover charge is $7. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event.
• Big Pete Pearson  up for 2 Independent Music Awards! We are delighted to see that Big Pete Pearson is up forIndependent Music Awards in the category of “Best Blues Album” for I’m Here Baby on the Blue Witch record label, and “Best Blues Song of the Year” for the title cut of that record. Voting is open to the public, and we encourage our fans to put in some solid votes for us. Click here to vote for I’m Here Baby as Album of the Year, and click here to vote for I’m Here Baby as Song of the Year. For more information on voting and this wonderful release, click here to visit the Blue Witch records website. We also hope that nominators for the Blues Music Awards will remember Big Pete, Dave Riley, Bob Corritore, House Rockin’ & Blues Shoutin’’, and Nappy Brown as they do their first round nominations this week.
• Bob Corritore on Voice Of America: Doug Levine recently interviewed Bob Corritore for Voice of America Radio, for those unfamiliar with Voice of America, this is a syndicated radio broadcast that is aired all around the world. To find out more about Voice of America, click here for their website, and to specifically hear the interview and read about it, click here.
• Travelin’ The Dirt Road Media Reaction – Great Reviews in Blues Revue and Blues & Rhythm Magazines, and More:Bob Corritore’s latest collaboration with Dave Riley, Travelin’ The Dirt Road, has been getting some worldwide attention lately. Once again, thanks for all the great support we have received from radio hosts, print media, and from fans who have called or emailed to let us know how much they enjoy this release. We have just posted on www.BobCorritore.comtwo more great reviews from Blues Revue Magazine (thank you, Art Tipaldi), and from the UK publication, Blues & Rhythm (thank you, Norman Darwen). Click here to read these reviews. Also thank you to BluesWax for its recent rave review of the new Nappy Brown CD and for mentioning Bob Corritore’s participation on that disc. (Thank you again, Art Tipaldi.) To read this review, click here.
• Pinetop Perkins to Appear at the Rhythm Room Saturday, November 17: Widely acclaimed as the greatest living blues piano player, Pinetop Perkins, now 94 years old, will make a rare appearance at Phoenix’s Rhythm Room on Saturday, November 17, 2007, backed by Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Tickets are $20 in advance or day of show; advance tickets are available at the Rhythm Room, all Ticketmaster store locations, Charge by Phone: (800)745-3000, or Ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 8pm. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed.
• Christmas Blues Spectacular December 7 and 8: This just out: The Rhythm Room will have a Christmas Blues Extravaganza on Friday and Saturday night, December 7 and 8, 2007, with a spectacular lineup that includes host bandBig Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars, plus special guests Henry Gray, Billy Flynn, and Eddie Kobek. Eddie Kobek is Billy Flynn’s great drummer, filling in for the vacationing Rhythm Room All-Stars drummer, Brian Fahey. Nothing but an old-school, down-home blues party that Friday and Saturday night! Doors open at 8pm; cover charge is $10. TheRhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event.

October 18, 2007

• Saturday Appearance with Diunna Greenleaf at Phoenix Blues Society Event: Bob will perform on two songs with Diunna Greenleaf at the Blues For The City benefit show during Diunna’s performance from 9:20 to 10:45pm on Saturday, October 20. The 2 day event is put on by the Phoenix Blues Society, and takes place on Saturday October 20, and Sunday October 21, 2007. The Phoenix Blues Society has the following description of the event on their website: A cool new event, Blues For The City, will be held in downtown Phoenix on Saturday, October 20, and Sunday, October 21, 2007. The Saturday block party will be held on Jackson Street just south of US Airways Arena, with the Sunday show taking place in the courtyard at Alice Cooperstown. This event is “Help for its Kids”, and will benefit Rosie’s House, the Arizona School for the Arts, Young Sounds of Arizona, and the Phoenix Symphony Guild Youth Orchestra. Saturday’s show, which will run from 11:00 am until 11:00 pm, will feature Kal David & the Real Deal, Diunna Greenleaf & Blue Mercy, Eddie Turner, Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns with Jerry Lawson, Big Nick & the Gila Monsters, The Rocket 88s, The Chuck Hall Band, Jimmy Peyton’s Midnite Blues, Sir Harrison, Honeyboy Dupree & the Smokehouse Players, and Nina Curri. Sunday’s show, running from noon until 9:00 pm, will feature Zac Harmon, Alice Tatum, Hans Olson, Big Daddy D and the Dynamites, Scotty Spenner, Jim Glass Band, Mikel Lander, KC Blues Band, Soulcatcher, and The Top Cats. To purchase tickets for this event, click here. For more information on this and other great events, please check out the Phoenix Blues Society website by clicking here. Thanks to Phoenix Blues Society president Kyle Deibler for his tireless efforts to advance our blues community and his great worldly perspective of where Phoenix fits into the big blues picture.
• Gary Primich Memorial Announced: This just in from John Juke” Logan: “To my friends & associates who knew or knew of Gary Primich: Hey y’all… John Juke” Logan here… hope you are well & good… Possibly everyone receiving this is by now aware of the passing of my good friend & musical partner, intergalactic blues & jazz dynamo Gary Primich (if you are not, I am sorry to be the one to bring the news to you), on September 23, 2007. Those in Gary’s tight musical familia are already aware of the up-coming memorial & the details thereof; for those who are not, I’ve included the info below. Folks are coming from all corners of the globe to celebrate Gary’s life & body-of-work, & interpret that work into a gigantic musical tribute (he’ll no doubt be smilin’ – & playing along – from where he is in the “next experience”)… Gary Primich Memorial & Life-Celebration: Sunday, October 28, 2007, 8pm Saengerrunde Hall (“an 1866 German-immigrant-confederate-built public hall & bar”) 1607 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX 78701 Gary’s favorite charities (along with all the news that fits on his great career) are listed on www.GaryPrimich.com”. – John Juke” Logan

• New Tomcat Courtney Photo Page: Check out this great photo page of Tomcat Courtney, San Diego’s elder statesman of the blues. Now 78 years old, Tomcat was born in Waco, Texas where he grew up listening to the blues of Lightnin’ Hopkins and T-Bone Walker, both whom he knew personally. His father-in-law was the legendary Smokey Hogg. Tomcatis a stunning vocalist and guitarist, with a beautiful down-home approach to the blues. He relocated to California in the 1960s, first moving to Los Angeles; then, in the early 1970s, to San Diego, where he has lived since. He has become a prominent elder statesman of the San Diego blues community. Bob and Tomcat were introduced in 2007 by Chris James, who had played with Tomcat since the early 1980s (Chris joined Tomcat’s band at age 13). Bob Corritore has produced a beautiful Tomcat Courtney CD that will be released in early 2008. Please enjoy this collection of photos of the great Tomcat Courtney by clicking here.
• New Blue Witch Releases Getting Great Reviews and Airplay: Special thanks to all the radio show hosts and reviewers who are giving great support to the two latest releases on Blue Witch, House Rockin’ & Blues Shoutin’’ (various amazing blues artists recorded live at the Rhythm Room), and Dave Riley & Bob Corritore/Travelin’ The Dirt Road. To see theHouse Rockin’ & Blues Shoutin’’ reviews, click here, and to see the Travelin’ The Dirt Road reviews, click here. Thanks also to the fans and blues lovers for their enthusiasm regarding these releases.
• ABS Magazine Article in High Quality PDF Now on Website: Marcel Benedit of France’s ABS Magazine has sent over high quality PDFs of the 11 page Bob Corritore article from earlier this year. This is much easier to read than our previously scanned version. Click here to see the article in improved quality. Thanks to ABS Magazine for running such an in-depth interview on Bob, and for their great support of the blues.
• Smokin’ Joe Kubek Appears this Friday at the Rhythm Room: Our dear friends the Smokin’ Joe Kubek Featuring B’Nois King will play at the Rhythm Room on Friday. This band has recently signed with the great Alligator Records. Doors open at 8pm; cover charge is $10. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event.
• Photographer Ernest Withers Passes: This just in from BluesWax: “Ernest C. Withers, a photographer whose voluminous catalog of arresting black-and-white images illustrates a history of life in the segregated South in the 1950s and ’60s, from the civil rights movement to the Beale Street music scene, died on Monday, October 15, in Memphis. He was 85. The cause was complications of a stroke, said his son Joshua, of Los Angeles.” In addition to his work of great importance to the civil rights movement, Ernest C. Withers photographed many memorable blues images, including one ofHowlin’ Wolf, James Cotton, and Little Walter in a cotton field, and another of group photo of Bobby “Blue” Bland, Little Junior Parker, and Elvis Presley. He had a great humanity to his artful images and he left the world with a window to the reality of the Southern experiences of the past. God bless the great Ernest Withers.

October 11, 2007

• Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars This Weekend at the Rhythm Room: Please come see Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars as they perform Friday and Saturday, October 12 and 13, 2007 at their home base, the Rhythm Room. The band’s all-star lineup includes Big Pete Pearson, Chris James, Bob Corritore, Brian Fahey, and Patrick Rynn. Doors open at 8pm; cover charge is $7. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event.
• Fabulous Thunderbirds Live Session Last Weekend: Kudos to Kim Wilson and his great new lineup of the Fabulous Thunderbirds for a wonderful live recording session last weekend at the Rhythm Room. Phoenix’s award winning recording wizard, Clarke Rigsby of Tempest Recording, did a star job of capturing what is probably the best of a series of Fabulous Thunderbirds live recordings done over last 5 years at the Rhythm Room. Kim Wilson is completely thrilled with his current ensemble that features Kirk Fletcher and Johnny Moeller on guitars, Randy Bermudes on bass (formerly with Charlie Musselwhite) and Jay Moeller (brother of Johnny) on the drums. Kim and the T-birds effortlessly blazed through 2 marathon sets, the first one being 90 minutes long, and the second set over 2 hours. The house was packed, and the vibe was right. Kim had a ridiculously great harp tone, playing his majestic harp through a vintage Fender Concert and a separate rig of 2 speaker columns each, containing 4 vintage 8″ speakers and powered through a separate vintage Fender Concert amp. His sound and playing was just wild! Eventually, Kim will be releasing these live performance jewels which he has been stockpiling over the years.
• Delta Groove Site and Newsletter – Thanks to Rand Chortkoff and the Folks at Delta Groove Records for Their Constant Support: In the latest monthly newsletter, they feature a section on Bob’s birthday party at the Rhythm Room(click here to see), and in the photo section of their website, they have included a photo gallery of the recent Mannish Boys show in Helena at the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival, in which Bob made a guest appearance behind the greatJohnny Dyer for two numbers. To see these photos, click here. The Delta Groove label is now a little over three years old, and has a stunning catalog that includes releases by Rod Piazza, Mitch Kashmar, Lynwood Slim, Phillip Walker, TheHollywood Blue Flames, Kirk Fletcher, The Jackie Payne/Steve Edmondson Band, and many others. They just signed youthful guitar ace Sean Costello to the label. Check out their great website by clicking here, and while you are there, sign up for their great monthly newsletter.
• Great Reviews in Latest Issue of Living Blues: Wow! Three great reviews of CDs associated with Bob Corritore in the same issue! The feature of the review section is Nappy Brown‘s amazing comeback album, Long Time Coming, on Blind Pig Records. Note the Nappy CD is produced mostly by Scott Cable, but features one track that was produced by Boband features Bob’s harmonica work (thank you, Scott and Blind Pig Records, for including this track). Also, rave reviews for the two latest Blue Witch releases: Dave Riley & Bob Corritore / Travelin’ The Dirt Road, and House Rockin’ & Blues Shoutin’’ (featuring various artists all recorded live at the Rhythm Room). The Nappy review was by Lee Hildebrand, theDave and Bob review by David Whiteis, and the House Rockin’ review by Dave Ruthenberg. Thank you, Living Blues.
• Bob to Make Guest Appearance with Diunna Greenleaf on the “Blues For The City” Benefit Show Put On by The Phoenix Blues Society: Diunna just called Bob to invite him to perform on two songs with her on at the Blues For The City benefit show. The 2 day event is put on by the Phoenix Blues Society, and takes place on Saturday October 20, and Sunday, October 21, 2007. Diunna’s set takes place on the Saturday of this event. The Phoenix Blues Society has the following description of the event on their website: A cool new event, Blues For The City, will be held in downtown Phoenix on Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 21, 2007. The Saturday block party will be held on Jackson Street just south of US Airways Arena, with the Sunday show taking place in the courtyard at Alice Cooperstown. This event is “Help for its Kids”, and will benefit Rosie’s House, the Arizona School for the Arts, Young Sounds of Arizona, and the Phoenix Symphony Guild Youth Orchestra. Saturday’s show, which will run from 11:00 am until 11:00 pm, will feature Kal David & the Real Deal, Diunna Greenleaf & Blue Mercy, Eddie Turner, Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns with Jerry Lawson, Big Nick & the Gila Monsters, The Rocket 88s, The Chuck Hall Band, Jimmy Peyton’s Midnite Blues, Sir Harrison, Honeyboy Dupree & the Smokehouse Players, and Nina Curri. Sunday’s show, running from noon until 9:00 pm, will feature Zac Harmon, Alice Tatum, Hans Olson, Big Daddy D and the Dynamites, Scotty Spenner, Jim Glass Band, Mikel Lander, KC Blues Band, Soulcatcher, and The Top Cats. To purchase tickets for this event, click here. For more information on this and other great events, please check out the Phoenix Blues Society website by clicking here. Thanks to Phoenix Blues Society president Kyle Deibler for his tireless efforts to advance our blues community and his great worldly perspective of where Phoenix fits into the big blues picture.
• Bluesville XM Features House Rockin’ & Blues Shoutin’: Thanks to our dear friend Bill Wax of XM Satellite Radio’sBlues station, Bluesville, for featuring House Rockin’ & Blues Shoutin’’ in their “Picks To Click” for the week of October 13, 2007. House Rockin’ & Blues Shoutin’’ from the Blue Witch record label was produced by Bob Corritore & Clarke Rigsby and features live at the Rhythm Room performances by The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Robert Lockwood, Jr., Floyd Dixon, The Mannish Boys featuring Finis Tasby, Billy Boy Arnold, Sonny Rhodes, Paul Oscher, Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars, Louisiana Red, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, Johnny Dyer, Henry Gray, Kid Ramos, and Long John Hunter.
• Nappy Brown to Appear on A Prairie Home Companion: Nappy Brown will appear Saturday, October 20, 2007 on A Prairie Home Companion as they broadcast from Charlotte, North Carolina. Nappy will play selections from his new CD,Long Time Coming, on Blind Pig Records. The live appearance will include backing by some of the musicians appearing on this highly celebrated CD.
• Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars to Appear at the Silver City Blues Festival: Big Pete Pearson andThe Rhythm Room All-Stars will appear at the Silver City Blues Festival in Silver City, New Mexico on Saturday, May 24, 2008. The two other headliners on the festival are Zac Harmon and Sherman Robertson. Bob Corritore, Chris James, and Patrick Rynn appeared on this festival in 2000 as part of the Sam Lay Blues Band.

October 8, 2007

• Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival Trip Recap: As always, it is such a pleasure to visit Helena, Arkansas and attend one of the greatest blues festivals around. Though best known as the King Biscuit Blues festival, it has currently changed its name to the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival. Kim and I landed in Memphis on Wednesday morning, rented a car, and started our trip with lunch at King’s Palace on Beale Street. We stopped by Memphis Music Record Store, and were proud to see the Travelin’ The Dirt Road CD on display. It seemed to symbolize the great trip ahead. Then we stopped by to see our friend Ms. Zeno, who performs each afternoon on the courtyard of Silky O’Sullivan’s. Then it was down Highway  61 to Helena. After we checked in to our room, we stopped in to Bubba’s Blues Corner to consign some CDs and to hear Bubba Sullivan tell he great stories of Sonny Boy Williamson II, Robert Lockwood, Jr., and Sonny Payne. We were pretty exhausted from our travels so we kicked it early.

  On Thursday, we got our wake up call from Dave Riley who said that we were invited to perform on KFFA at 1pm hosted by the legendary Sonny Payne and co-host Terry Buckalew. That was followed by a call from Kim Wilson to go over some details for the Fabulous Thunderbirds live recording session at The Rhythm Room. We then got a call from Bill Barclaywho said he would not be able to make it to the fest this year as he was completing his documentary called “The Helena Story”, which has been a work in progress for the last 5 years. He said that he and his team were just weeks away from completing this film, and mentioned that a performance by Dave Riley and I had made the final cut. Also included will beCeDell Davis, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Sam Carr, Robert Lockwood, Jr., and John Weston, as well as archival footage ofRobert Nighthawk, Muddy Waters with James Cotton, Sonny Boy Williamson II, and Frank Frost. After talking with Bill, it was off the Delta Cultural Center and the studios of KFFA, where the legendary Sonny Payne interviewed Dave Riley and myself, and played a few selections from the new CD, as well as having Dave, myself, and Tom Coulson perform live on the air. It was a dream come true to play on King Biscuit Time, the legendary show that Sonny Boy Williamson II once played on! Then we stopped by the Isle Of Capri Hotel and Casino, to meet our dear friends Diunna Greenleaf and Bob Margolin, to work on some material for an upcoming studio session. Diunna is such a natural talent and such a beautiful soul. Bob is such a wealth of knowledge, and a brilliant guitarist and arranger. While we were there, we ran into Richie Villiger from the Lucerne Blues Festival, who showed me the souvenir CD for the forthcoming festival, and I was pleased to see that in addition to Big Pete’s version of “Tin Pan Alley”, they also included my instrumental version of “Naptown Blues” from the All-Star Blues Sessions CD. Then, it was off to the festival grounds, where it was great to see festival mastermind Jerry Pillow, who has created a legacy of amazing lineups over the years. Diunna Greenleaf and Bob Margolininvited me onstage for a well-received guest appearance on one song with Diunna’s band, Blue Mercy, in which Bob has been playing bass. I enjoyed playing off of their fine guitarist, Jonn Richardson. After the show, I ran into Carla Robinson, the widow of the great John Weston, who asked me if I would join her and Mississippi Spoonman for their noon Saturday set. We became aware that our friend Blues Sister Jeannie from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who we love seeing each year, had suffered a heart attack the day before, and had to be hospitalized. Latest word is that she was doing OK. We also ran into so many friends, including Henri Bellows (WMWM in Salem, MA), Pat Morgan, Rayne Gordon, Sean Carney, Jay Sieleman and Priscilla (Blues Foundation), Joe Whitmer (Blues Foundation), Peter Damen (of the Paul DeLay Band),David Horwitz, Jef Jaisun, and so many others. We did not stay to the end, however; as we still had a little sleep to catch up on. The next day (Friday), I had no performances so it was a fun hang and listen day. We were greeted upon arrival by dear friends RJ Mischo and “Little Frank” Krakowski. From there it was hello to Hugh Southard (Blue Mountain Artists), Gary Miller of Blues Source, Dirk Wissbaum from Big City Blues Magazine, Alligator Records chief Bruce Iglauer (who reported to us the passing of Chicago Blues Great Johnnie Mae Dunson, writer of “Big Boss Man”; for her obituary in the Chicago Tribune, click here), Wallace Coleman, Jimmy Markham (of Tulsa fame), Krickett of the Baton Rouge Blues Society,Dusty Scott of Dusty Blues, Lindsay Shannon Of BB’s Lawnside BBQ, Tammie King (photographer), Paul Kelso, Steve Cheseborough, Big Red, Onno Wink, our friends at GoorBlues, David Berntson of the Tulsa Blues Society, Dave Beardsley (of STLBlues.net), and so many others. We saw great performances by Sam Carr’s Delta Jukes (though Samwas not in the health to perform) with Dave Riley and Fred James fronting the band, A great set by Pinetop Perkins andBob Margolin with Bob Stroger, Richard Rosenblatt (blowin’ strong harp), Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Calvin Jones, andDiunna Greenleaf. Then great sets by Smokin’ Joe Kubek Featuring B’Nois King, and Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials. We called it after that in preparation for a busy Saturday. I woke up on Saturday to see the local paper with a photo on the front page of Dave Riley and I and a caption advertising our CD release party. (Click here to see a scan of the paper.) Then at noon, the day kicked into action with a guest appearance on the set of Mississippi Spoonman and Carla Robinson for a down home little romp with Terry Buckalew on the guitar. Though I had never played with this band, I found it fascinating to work off the spoon percussion as the center piece of the band Then it was off to the Delta Cultural Center Annex to set up for our CD release party. On route I was able to hear a few amazing songs from the main stage set of Willie King, who revived the spirit of Howlin’ Wolf in fine fashion. The CD release party for Travelin’ The Dirt Road on Blue Witch Records (produced by Bob Corritore) kicked off at 3pm to a packed hall, and Dave was in his usually rowdy form. We began the show as a duo performing five songs before calling upDave Riley, Jr. on bass, and Tom Coulson on drums. The audience was right there with us and everyone played great. It was wonderful to see so many friends stop by, including Bob Stroger, Rune Myhren (a fine harp player from Norway) Memphis harmonica great Billy Gibson, Jimmy Markham, photographer Pamela Martinez, and many others. Since it was a long hallway, there were many people that I did not see to acknowledge in this list. It was great to perform the songs from this CD, and see so much acceptance of this new release. After wrapping things up on this show, we stopped by the main stage to see the Robert Lockwood, Jr. tribute set featuring first the great Cleveland Fats playing guitar in true to formRobert Jr. style, and then the amazing Wallace Coleman, who is such a great harmonica player. Robert’s widow, Mary Lockwood, came down from Cleveland for the tribute and was presented with an award honoring her late husband. It was great to see Anson Funderburgh, whose set we missed. He spoke of his sadness in losing Sam Myers, and spoke of the joy of his new baby. He said that before Sam passed, he saw Anson’s new child, and was rubbing the baby’s feet in a loving way. Anson said he will always cherish this memory. Willie “Big Eyes” Smith kicked off his set with an amazing version of “Juke“, with a killer band that included Bob Stroger on bass, Eddie Kobek on drums, and “Little Frank” on guitar. We had to leave right after that to change clothes and freshen up for that evening’s performance with The Mannish Boys. After showering (it was a long hot day) and putting on my favorite suit, Kim and I headed back to the fest where I hung out in the backstage area. It is always so great to see all The Mannish Boys, who both individually and collectively, I have done so many great things with over the years. I always love to connect with Johnny Dyer, who has been my harmonica mentor for many years now. We hung out back stage playing harmonica together. These days, Johnny prefers to just sing and have other harmonica players blow behind him. He loves to sing Jimmy Rogers and Muddy Waters songs, which of course call for harmonica backing. So The Mannish Boys did their normal spectacular show, with Kid Ramoskicking it off with a great instrumental, Randy Chortkoff singing and playing harp on a few (killer Jimmy Reed-style harmonica), Franck Goldwasser singing an intense version of Hound Dog Taylor’s “I’m Gone”, and then time for Johnny Dyer who hit the stage with the band’s namesake song with Rand on Harp. Then Johnny performed “You’re Sweet” withScott Dirks playing some magnificent 3^rd position work, and then I was called up to play two with Johnny (a Jimmy Rogerssong, and a slow Muddy song with Frank playing powerful slide guitar). It was such a pleasure to play off of Johnny’s great down home vocals and this great band’s interaction. What a great moment! Finis Tasby then finished out the set with his unbelievable vocals. A big thank you, Randy Chortkoff, for this wonderful opportunity, and for your kindness and generosity in allowing me this great moment with your champion band. After the show, we hung out at Bubba’s Blues Corner before calling it a spectacular day. The next day Kim and I eased into the Pinetop Perkins’ homecoming bash at Hopson’s Plantation in Clarksdale, which has become a post-fest tradition. There was an embarrassment of musical riches there, with performances by Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Bob Stroger, Super Chikan, Bob Margolin, Eugene “Hideaway” Bridges, RJ Mischo, Billy Gibson, Diunna Greenleaf, “Little Frank” Krakowski, Terry “Harmonica” Bean, Guitar Mikey, Marquise Knox (who just turned 17), Kenny Neal, Calvin Jones, and many others. I played a few at the adjacent Shack Up Inn with Cedric Burnside (my dear friend and the grandson of R.L. Burnside) and Lightnin’ Malcolm. We did a few raw deep Mississippi blues, and it was a blast! This was right after a set by the cantankerous and always brilliant T-Model Ford. The trip was completely satisfying, and an amazing gathering of blues people. I look forward to next year’s festival.

  – Bob Corritore

October 2, 2007

• Going to The Biscuit: It’s that time of year again for another spectacular trip to Helena, Arkansas to participate in the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival, formerly known as the King Biscuit Blues Festival. This is Bob and Kim’s fifth time attending the festival; the first time was 2003, when Bob appeared with Louisiana Red.  Kudos to Jerry Pillow for putting together the festival’s great lineup. Always a great part of attending this festival is the chance on Friday at noon to hear Sonny Payne broadcast his famous “King Biscuit Time” radio show live on KFFA. On Saturday, October 6, 2007, to celebrate their new release on Blue Witch Records, Travelin’ The Dirt Road, Dave Riley and Bob Corritore will host a CD release party in conjunction with the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival at the Delta Cultural Center Annex, 223 Cherry Street, Helena, AR, 72342, and admission is free! There will be a one-hour performance starting at 3pm, followed by a CD signing. Thanks to Terry Buckalew (from the Delta Cultural Center) for his work there behind the scenes. Later that night,Bob Corritore will make a guest appearance on Mannish Boys set at Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival at 10:30pm on the main stage.  Bob will play harmonica behind Johnny Dyer on a Jimmy Rogers number. Thanks to Randy Chortkoff for including Bob. Rand and all The Mannish Boys have always treated Bob as one of their family. Then, on Sunday, Bob will have the honor of attending Pinetop’s homecoming celebration at Hopson’s Plantation in Clarksdale, Mississippi. There is a big commissary, which has been converted into a bar, and once again, this year the host band is Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, including many special guests such as Pinetop Perkins (of course), Bob Margolin, and many more. Special thanks to Patricia 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, makes sure that this event is flawlessly organized; kudos to Pat.
• Fabulous Thunderbirds Live Recording at the Rhythm Room: On Friday, October 5, 2007, Kim Wilson and his Fabulous Thunderbirds return to The Rhythm Room to do yet another in a series of live recording sessions at The Rhythm Room. This time they boast their newest member, guitarist Johnny Moeller, who replaces Nick Curran in the current lineup of the band. Clarke Rigsby will record the evening, for a forthcoming Fabulous Thunderbirds Live at The Rhythm Room release, a culmination of all of their live sessions to date. Tickets are $20 in advance or day of show; advance tickets are available at the Rhythm Room, all Ticketmaster store locations, Charge by Phone: (800)745-3000, or Ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 8pm. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed.
• More New Times Best Of Phoenix Awards: The Rhythm Room has yet again won the New Times Best Of Phoenix Reader’s Choice Award for “Best Club For Blues”, and KJZZ has yet again won the New Times Best Of Phoenix  Reader’s Choice Award for “Best Blues/Jazz Radio Station”. Thank you, New Times readers, for these honors.
• Gary Primich Funeral Information: Services will be held for Gary Primich on October 28, 2007. For more details, check back later to GaryPrimich.com. Gary’s wonderful website includes photos, discography, equipment lists, and more; and a “Stories From The Road” section that takes the reader into Gary’s life on the road. We miss you, Gary.
• Media Reaction to New Blue Witch Releases: Thanks to all the blues radio show hosts who have been playing Dave Riley & Bob Corritore / Travelin’ The Dirt Road and House Rockin’ & Blues Shoutin’’, and all the journalists who have given these releases glowing reviews. To see some of the reviews of Travelin’ The Dirt Road, click here, and for reviews of “House Rockin’ & Blues Shoutin’’, click here.

September 30, 2007

• Tonight on Those Lowdown Blues: Tune into to Bob’s radio show tonight, as during the first three hours he will include memorial sets by late harmonica great Gary Primich, who passed away one week ago today (we miss you Gary). Then, the last two hours will feature an interview with Delta Groove Records label chief Randy Chortkoff, who will share some stories and music from his phenomenal traditional (yet contemporary) blues label. Randy is also a great band leader and harmonica man, whose group, The Mannish Boys, is considered one of the greatest touring blues festival acts on the scene today. Randy is a longtime friend of Bob’s, and this part of the show will include music produced by Randy by The Mannish Boys, Mitch Kashmar, Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers, Lynwood Slim, The Insomniacs, The Jackie Payne/Steve Edmondson Band, Phillip Walker (who, by the way, put on an amazing show last night at Bob’s birthday bash), and more! Listeners may hear Those Lowdown Blues anywhere in the world (real time Sunday nights from 6pm-11pm Phoenix time) via web streaming by clicking here, or on KJZZ at 91.5 FM in Phoenix, 89.5 FM in Cottonwood, 90.1 FM in Prescott, 98.9 FM in Tucson, and 99.1 FM in Kingman.

• Thank you, New Times! The Rhythm Room has yet again won some New Times Best Of Phoenix Awards! The Rhythm Room received an award for “Best Club For Blues” and “Best Gig Posters”. Thank you, New Times, for this honor.

September 26, 2007

• Bob’s Birthday this Saturday at the Rhythm Room: Please join Bob as he celebrates his 51st birthday on Saturday, September 29, 2007 at the Rhythm Room, with great entertainment provided by Delta Groove recording artist Phillip Walker and his fantastic band. Look for guest appearances during the night by Randy Chortkoff, Bobby Jones, Leon Blue,Big Pete Pearson, Chris James, Patrick Rynn (of The Rhythm Room All-Stars), and more… Other guests of honor will include Bob Auerbach of HighJohn Records, Dale Baich and Beth Lipham of Blue Witch Records, Jerry Lawson, former lead singer of The Persuasions, Alvin Battle, former bass player for Dyke & The Blazers, Kyle Deibler of the Phoenix Blues Society, Jennifer Waters (Blues Assistant at KJZZ), and many other dear friends, family, and honored guests. Of course, the birthday boy will making an appearance on harmonica in the second set of the night. This party will coincide with the Phoenix Mayor’s proclamation of “Bob Corritore Day”. (Thanks to Richard Kelleher for making this happen.) To see GetOut Magazine’s online article of this proclamation, click here. Anyone who has attended Bob’s previous parties knows that these events are talked about for years to come! Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $10. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. This show will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be permitted.
• Bob Appearing with The Fremonts in San Diego: On Friday, September 28, 2007, Bob Corritore will appear at Patrick’s II in San Diego with The Fremonts, filling in for the vacationing Troy Sandow (The Fremonts’ great harmonica player).
• Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars Lineup to Include Special Guest Bob Margolin for Upcoming European Tour: Long time Muddy Waters guitarist Bob Margolin will join Big Pete Pearson and The Rhythm Room All-Stars for a string of European dates this November. Bob Margolin will replace guitarist Johnny Rapp, who will be unable to make the trip due to ongoing health issues. We are delighted to add Bob Margolin’s spectacular blues guitar playing to our high profile European dates. The combination of Bob Margolin and Chris James together is a rare presentation of the Chicago blues two-guitar tradition, with both these gentlemen being masters at that bag. The European tour includes appearances in Paris in the Lionel Hampton Jazz Club at the Le Meridien Hotel on November 6, 7, and 8, and at the Lucerne Blues Festival in Switzerland on November 9 and 10, 2007. For these dates, The Rhythm Room All-Stars’ complete lineup will be Big Pete Pearson, Bob Corritore, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, Brian Fahey, and our special guest, Bob Margolin (a true all-star lineup). For more information about the great roster of talent appearing at this year’s Lucerne Blues Festival, click here.

September 24, 2007

• RIP Gary Primich 4/20/58-9/23/07:  It is with great sadness that we report that harmonica great Gary Primich passed away suddenly on Sunday, September 23, 2007 in his home base of Austin, Texas. He was 49. Gary was a spectacular artist who was considered among the greatest of harmonica players. He had become a respected member of the Austin music community. Gary recorded CDs for Amazing Records, Antone’s, Black Top, Electro-Fi, and Flying Fish. Gary also appeared as a sideman on records with Steve James, Candye Kane, Tish Hinojosa, Omar & The Howlers, Doyle Bramhall, Sr., Libbi Bosworth, Nick Curran, Jesse Dayton, and others.

  Bob first met Gary in Chicago around 1980 when Gary was playing rhythm guitar (not harmonica) in Byther Smith’s band.Bob stopped in at their gig with Willie Buck, and Willie and Bob sat in for a few with the band. That started a long friendship that continued on through the years, though Bob had lost touch with Gary as of late. Gary included Bob on the special thanks of two of his CDs (My Pleasure on Amazing Records and Travelin’ Mood on Flying Fish). Gary was a kind man and a greatly gifted harmonica player. For Gary‘s website, click here. For a complete bio of Gary Primich, click here.

September 19, 2007

• A Wonderful Weekend of Blues: This weekend, Bob Corritore will appear at two major blues events: The Rhythm Room’s 16 Year Anniversary Party & Blue Witch Records Double CD Release Party at the Rhythm Room on Friday and Saturday, September 21 and 22, 2007, and the Scottsdale Music Festival in Scottsdale, Arizona on Sunday, September 23, 2007. More information about these great events:

  Friday, September 21 and Saturday, September 22, 2007 – Bob Corritore will appear at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix, AZ as part of the Rhythm Room 16 Year Anniversary Party & Blue Witch Records Double CD Release Party for Dave Riley &Bob Corritore/Travelin’ The Dirt Road and House Rockin’ & Blues Shoutin’’. The party will happen at The Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix, on Friday and Saturday, September 21 and 22, 2007. The Rhythm Room, which opened September 18, 1991, will be celebrating 16 years of presenting live music in Phoenix. For a look at The Rhythm Room website, and the simply amazing lineup of talent booked for the fall, please click here. Cover charge for the Anniversary/CD Release Party is only $6, with Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars (with Big Pete Pearson,Chris James, Bob Corritore, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp) and Dave Riley & Bob Corritore performing. CDs will be available for sale both nights. Doors open at 8pm, and Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. These nights will be patio smoking only events, no indoor smoking will be permitted.

  Sunday, September 23, 2007 – The Scottsdale Music Festival‘s first day is dedicated to jazz, and the second to blues. The September 23, 2007 blues lineup includes The Robert Cray Band, Blues Traveler, Taj Mahal, Koko Taylor, Eric Johnson, Candye Kane, and Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars. Gates open at 10 am, with music kicking off at 11am. The event website includes all details, and can be viewed by clicking here. Since Bob will be playing on Sunday, Bob pre-taped his radio program, Those Lowdown Blues, to run in its Sunday night slot. The following Sunday, Bob will be back live in the studio with fresh sounds. Listeners may hear Those Lowdown Blues anywhere in the world (real time Sunday nights from 6pm-11pm Phoenix time) via web streaming by clicking here, or on KJZZ at 91.5 FM in Phoenix, 89.5 FM in Cottonwood, 90.1 FM in Prescott, 98.9 FM in Tucson, and 99.1 FM in Kingman.

September 13, 2007

• The Week in Recap: This amazing week of great times and accomplishments began with last Sunday’s Down Home Blues festival at the Rhythm Room, which was huge success in both attendance and performance. The show featured the 92 years-young Honeyboy Edwards, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Big Pete Pearson, Tomcat Courtney, The Rhythm Room All-Stars (as the host band), and Paris James. The program was fast paced, as we briskly rotated featured artists to give everyone their time in the spotlight. The show finished with Honeyboy, taking everyone to the deepest of blues with a brilliant and energetic set that included Willie “Big Eyes” Smith on the drums. Willie also did a great set of harp and vocals before settling into the drums. Many people were turned on to Tomcat Courtney, who had a set early in the program.Tomcat, who is 78 years old, was born in Waco, Texas and is a contemporary of Lightnin’ Hopkins. He plays and sings in a down-home blues style all his own, and has an amazing ability to tell a story in the songs he writes. In addition to all the great music that night, David Horwitz had a spectacular blues photo show on the patio with over a thousand amazing images of blues greats.

  The next day was at Tempest Recording Studio (owned and operated by the great Clarke Rigsby), where we laid down some heavy tracks with Honeyboy backed by a small electric combo. These tracks included a hypnotic version of theMemphis Minnie classic “Bumble Bee” and the romping Robert Lockwood, Jr. evergreen “Take A Little Walk With Me”. Such songs have a transcendental effect when performed by a man who was there as they were being created. Thanks toMichael Frank and Earwig Music for allowing us the honor of bringing Honeyboy in the studio. We then recorded a few songs with Texas blues veteran Tomcat Courtney to complete an album project slated for release early next year (which will be Tomcat’s first national release!). Tomcat brought to the session a new song about New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which was simply a masterpiece. Willie “Big Eyes” Smith (who played drums on the session) said of the song during the playback, “That’s one that a lot of people will be covering”. Big Pete Pearson stopped in and contributed a song that added another great moment in a wonderful and productive day in the studio. Then on Thursday, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, Kim Danielson, and I headed to Clarksdale, Mississippi to the 2007 Paul Butterfield Fund and Society’s Conference and Gathering. This event also was an awards presentation and a birthday party to Paul’s son, Gabriel Butterfield (who is, by the way, a fine drummer). We (Chris, Patrick, and I) went there to perform behind our former bandleader, Sam Lay, who received an award at the event. Special Thanks to Gabriel Butterfield and his lovely wife Salli Squitieri, who created and executed an amazing event. We performed each of the four nights at different venues in Clarksdale, including Ground Zero, The Depot Blues Club & Restaurant, The Commissary at Hopson’s Plantation, and Club 2000. Sam Lay brought pianist Bob Riedy with him from Chicago, and it was an honor to perform withBob Riedy, after being a big fan of his Chicago Blues Band during the 1970s. Riedy was a pioneering figure in the early 70s, creating a niche for blues bands on Chicago’s North side with his RMR Productions. It was also great to meet Rod Hicks, who played bass in the horn-driven later version of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. I also really enjoyed hanging with Alan Bloomfield (the brother of Michael Bloomfield), 16 year old Marquise Knox (who is a brilliant traditional blues singer and guitarist, and an understudy of Henry Townsend, Louisiana Red, and Honeyboy Edwards), Ellen Foster (of theRiver City Blues Society of Richmond, VA), Dave Beardsley (of STLBlues.net), Zack Pomerleau (a 14 year old passionate harmonica player whose main influence was Paul Butterfield), Gashouse Dave, and many other great people too numerous to name. In addition to the nightly playing, we were able to enjoy many of Clarksdale’s blues stops, including the Shack Up Inn, Cat Head Delta Blues and Folk Art, owned by Roger Stolle (where I actually purchased a 78 of Big Walter Horton’s“Hard Hearted Woman”), The Riverside Hotel (where Bessie Smith died, and where John Lee Hooker, Robert Nighthawk, and Muddy Waters stayed), and The Delta Blues Museum (complete with the actual cabin that Muddy once lived in). For a great review of the Clarksdale experience, including a photo section on the STLBlues.net web site, click here. On Monday, it was back to Phoenix, where that night we went to the Rhythm Room to see my friend Duke Robillard and his amazing band. The next day, we were back at Tempest Recording, combining Duke and his band with Big Pete Pearson to cut a few tracks to add a special spice to next Big Pete CD. Most of the tracks on this new CD will feature backing by The Rhythm Room All-Stars and our Chicago Blues based sound, but the Duke session will provide a jazzy, uptown foil to round out this forthcoming disc. Highlights of the session included “I’ll Drink Your Bathwater Baby” (featuring Big Pete at his saucy best and a great Duke Robillard guitar solo), and a remake of Pete’s late 60’s record “Heartaches”, a slow, passionate minor blues. Being in a studio situation with Duke was pure joy, as his musical knowledge is so vast that literally anything is possible. Then that night, we all met at the Rhythm Room to see James Hunter perform a great set. Duke mentioned that he andJames sat next to each other at the Grammies® last year, and both he and James had a nomination in the traditional blues category. That sums up an amazing and fulfilling week of blues activity. –Bob Corritore

• Chief to Celebrate his 81st Birthday this Saturday at the Rhythm Room: On Saturday September 15, 2007, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame will be celebrating his 82nd birthday at the Rhythm Room, with the Big Pete Pearson Blues Bandperforming. Chief has recently been through great health ordeals, including a two-month hospital stay involving a heart condition, pneumonia, and kidney failure. Chief is feeling much better, but his performances must be limited. Chief  will be performing a short set at his birthday (health permitting), and will be joined by his friend Bob Corritore on harmonica. Doors open at 8pm; cover charge is $6. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event.
• Randy Chortkoff, Bobby Jones and Leon Blue Added to Lineup of Bob’s Birthday Celebration on September 29, 2007: Please join Bob as he celebrates his 51st birthday on Saturday, September 29, 2007 at the Rhythm Room, with great entertainment provided by Delta Groove recording artist Phillip Walker and his fantastic band. Look for guest appearances during the night by Randy Chortkoff, Bobby Jones, Leon Blue, Big Pete Pearson, Chris James, Patrick Rynn(of The Rhythm Room All-Stars), and more. Of course, the birthday boy will making an appearance on harmonica in the second set of the night.
• Mayoral Proclamation of Bob Corritore Day: Thanks to Richard Kelleher for making this happen. What a surprise! Not much to say, except click here to see the proclamation. This day will coincide with Bob‘s birthday party at the Rhythm Room. To see GetOut Magazine’s online article, click here.
• Blue Witch Records Releases Two New CDs this week! Blue Witch Records just released two CDs on September 11, 2007. One of them is House Rockin’ & Blues Shoutin’’, a CD that celebrates 15 years of live blues at the Rhythm Room,including performances by Fabulous Thunderbirds, Robert Lockwood, Jr., The Mannish Boys featuring Finis Tasby, Long John Hunter, Floyd Dixon, Kid Ramos, Louisiana Red, Billy Boy Arnold, Paul Oscher, Big Pete Pearson & the Rhythm Room All-Stars (Bob Corritore’s band), Sonny Rhodes, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, Henry Gray, Johnny Dyer and more. The other new album is by Dave Riley & Bob Corritore, Travelin’ The Dirt Road. Click here for House Rockin’ & Blues Shoutin’’reviews, and here for the Travelin’ The Dirt Road reviews. More reviews and station play lists are coming in every day, again, a heartfelt thank you for this support. Special thanks to the many DJs around the world who are playing the two new Blue Witch Records releases.
• Eddie Berner Passes: Avid Chicago blues fan and fixture, Eddie Berner, also known as “Chicago Eddie” or “crazy Eddie” (said lovingly), passed away September 10, 2007 after a long illness. For over thirty years, he actively cheered on the blues of his hometown. Despite mental disabilities, he was always a regular at the many blues clubs and events around Chicago, and had an encyclopedic knowledge of the city’s blues scene. There will be a memorial service held Sunday, September 16, 2007 from 6-9pm at the B.L.U.E.S. Club on Halsted. His sincere love of this music was a constant in the Chicago Blues scene, and he will be greatly missed by all of us that knew him. To sign his guestbook in the Chicago Tribune, click here.

August 30, 2007

• Down Home Blues Festival: This Sunday, September 2, 2007 (Labor Day weekend), the Rhythm Room proudly presents a Down Home Blues Festival featuring an amazing lineup of legendary and veteran artists. Appearing at the festival will beHoneyboy Edwards, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Tomcat Courtney, Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars, andParis James; plus, there will be a blues photo show and sale by award winning blues photographer, David Horwitz. This show marks a rare Phoenix appearance by the legendary Honeyboy Edwards, now 92 years old. Honeyboy was friends with Robert Johnson, and performed throughout the South in the 1930s and 1940s before settling in Chicago, where he now resides. His music is a glimpse into the deep past of the blues. Joining the lineup will be Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, best known as the long time drummer in Muddy Waters’ band. Willie will be performing a set on vocals and harmonica, and backing Honeyboy Edwards on the drums. Also on the show will be the 78 year old Texas bluesman, Tomcat Courtney, who is an amazing singer and guitarist, somewhat reminiscent of Lightnin’ Hopkins. The host band for the evening will be The Rhythm Room All-Stars, and their featured vocalist, Big Pete Pearson, will contribute a set to the night’s proceedings. The show will open with a set by Phoenix’s own Paris James, who personifies the down-home blues tradition. Please come early and stay late, because the show will move quickly from act to act, and you wouldn’t want to miss any part of this. Doors open at 7pm for this show. Tickets are $15 (advance or day of show), with advance tickets available at the Rhythm Room, all Ticketmaster store locations, Charge by Phone: (800)745-3000, or Ticketmaster.com. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Delicious Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. This night will be patio smoking only, no indoor smoking will be permitted.
• Bo Diddley Photo Page Added: Check out our new tribute page to the great Bo Diddley, a legend in both blues and Rock ‘N Roll. The page features both vintage and contemporary photos of Bo, including a beautiful shot of Bo and Chico Chism. To see this page, click here. Also check out new photos on the Magic Slim page, and a new page devoted to France’s Virus De Blues Big Pete Pearson cover.
• Great Airplay and Press on New Releases: Special thanks to the many DJs around the world who are beginning to play the two new Blue Witch Records releases, House Rockin’ & Blues Shoutin’’, a various artists blues compilation celebrating the Rhythm Room 15 year anniversary, and the new album by Dave Riley & Bob Corritore, Travelin’ The Dirt Road. Also thanks to recent press on both these releases, in Big City Blues, Blues Festival E-Guide, Supporting the Blues on MySpace, MusicForAmerica.org, and In A Blue Mood Blogspot. Click here for House Rockin’ & Blues Shoutin’’ reviews, and here for the Travelin’ The Dirt Road reviews. More reviews and station play lists are coming in every day, again, a heartfelt thank you for this support.
• September 11^th Blues: Louisiana Red’s impassioned “September 11^th Blues”, from the No Turn On Red CD on HighTone Records, commemorates this unfortunate American tragedy. As we approach the sixth anniversary of September 11, 2001, we encourage our readership to take a listen to this song in this week of remembrance.
• Bob’s Friend Guitar Ray Appearing at the Rhythm Room Saturday: Bob’s friend, Guitar Ray from the Netherlands, will make his first Phoenix appearance on Saturday, September 1, 2007 at the Rhythm Room. Bob had the honor of sharing the lineup with Ray at the 2006 Marco Fiume Blues Passions Festival in Rossano, Italy. To see photos from this festival, click here. Ray is a fine guitar player with a modern blues touch, who works frequently in Europe fronting his own band,Guitar Ray and the Rhythm Dukes, and with The Backbones. Also appearing on the bill will be the Anna Warr and Bad News Blues Band, both from Tucson. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $7. Delicious Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. This night will be patio smoking only, no indoor smoking will be permitted.
• Fall Gigs: Check out the following list of Bob’s amazing 2007 Fall schedule:

  Sunday, September 2, 2007 – (Labor Day weekend), Bob Corritore will appear at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix, as a part of the Down-Home Blues Festival featuring a champion lineup of four legendary masters of traditional blues: Honeyboy Edwards, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Tomcat Courtney, and Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars (Bob Corritore,Chris James, Johnny Rapp, Patrick Rynn, and Brian Fahey). Tickets are $15 (advance or day of show), with advance tickets available at the Rhythm Room, all Ticketmaster store locations, Charge by Phone: (800)745-3000, orTicketmaster.com. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. Doors open at 7pm for this show.

  Saturday, September 8, 2007 – Bob Corritore will appear at Hopson’s Commissary in Clarksdale, MS as part of The Paul Butterfield Fund and Society’s second annual Conference & Gathering in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Bob Corritore will play with the Sam Lay Blues Band reunion, which will be part of a large lineup that includes Gabriel Butterfield, Rod Hicks(Former bassist with Paul Butterfield, as well as Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder), Marshall Drew, Vince Scardina, Roy Moore, Mark Hutchison, Eric Hughes, Zack Pomerleau, and more. Sam Lay will be reunited with Chris James, Patrick Rynn, and Bob Corritore, who all worked together in the Sam Lay Blues Band. For more information on becoming a member of the Paul Butterfield Fund and Society and attending this conference, click here for the general website, or herefor the MySpace site. Thanks to Salli Squitieri and Gabriel Butterfield for organizing this wonderful event.

  Saturday, September 15, 2007 – Bob Corritore will appear at Chief Schabuttie Gilliame’s 82nd Birthday Party at theRhythm Room, as a special guest with Big Pete Pearson backing Chief. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $6. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. This night will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be permitted.

  Friday, September 21, and Saturday, September 22, 2007 – Bob Corritore will appear 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, cover charge is $6. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. These nights will be patio smoking only events, no indoor smoking will be permitted.

  Sunday, September 23, 2007 – The Scottsdale Music Festival will take place September 22-23, 2007 with the first day dedicated to jazz, and the second to blues. The September 23, 2007 blues lineup includes The Robert Cray Band, Blues Traveler, Taj Mahal, Koko Taylor, Eric Johnson, Candye Kane, and Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars. Gates open at 10 am, with music kicking off at 11am. The event website includes all details, and can be viewed by clicking here. Only 2500 tickets will be sold to this event. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on June 29, 2007; but subscribers to this newsletter can get discounted pre-sale tickets. There will be an email forthcoming with instructions on getting these first call discounted tickets. Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars are proud to be a part of this major event.

  Friday, September 28, 2007 – Bob Corritore will appear at Patrick’s II in San Diego with The Fremonts, filling in for the vacationing Troy Sandow (The Fremonts’ great harmonica player).

  Saturday, September 29, 2007 – Bob Corritore‘s Birthday Bash!! Bob Corritore will appear at Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ as a special guest with Phillip Walker. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $10. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. This show will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be permitted.

  Saturday, October 6, 2007 – To celebrate their new release on Blue Witch Records, Travelin’ The Dirt Road, Dave Rileyand Bob Corritore will host a CD release party in conjunction with the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival at the Delta Cultural Center Annex, 223 Cherry Street, Helena, AR, 72342, and admission is free! There will be a one-hour performance starting at 3pm, followed by a CD signing.

  Saturday, October 6, 2007 – Bob Corritore will make a guest appearance on Mannish Boys set at Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival at 10:30pm on the main stage.  Bob will play harmonica behind Johnny Dyer on a Jimmy Rogers number. Thanks to Randy Chortkoff for including Bob. Rand and all The Mannish Boys have always treated Bob as one of their family.

  Friday, October 12, and Saturday, October 13, 2007 – Bob Corritore will appear 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, cover charge is $7. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. These nights will be patio smoking only events, no indoor smoking will be permitted.

  Friday, November 2, and Saturday, November 3, 2007 – Bon Voyage party for the Rhythm Room All-Stars’ Swiss appearance! Bob Corritore will appear 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, cover charge is $7. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. These nights will be patio smoking only events, no indoor smoking will be permitted.

  Tuesday-Thursday, November 6-8, 2007 – Big Pete Pearson and The Rhythm Room All-Stars will appear in Paris at theLionel Hampton Jazz Club at the Le Meridien Hotel on November 6, 7, and 8, 2007. This will be right before their appearances at the Lucerne Blues Festival in Switzerland on November 9 and 10, 2007.

  Friday and Saturday, November 9-10, 2007 – Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars will appear at the highly acclaimed Lucerne Blues Festival in Lucerne, Switzerland.

  Friday, December 8 and Saturday, December 9, 2007 – Bob Corritore will appear 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, cover charge is $7. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. These nights will be patio smoking only events, no indoor smoking will be permitted.

August 28, 2007

• Bo Diddley Suffers Heart Attack; Rock Pioneer is in Stable Condition: This just in from NME (Note that Bo Diddley recently suffered a stroke May 13, 2007):

  “Bo Diddley suffered a heart attack during a medical check-up in a Florida hospital and is now in stable condition, his spokeswoman said today (August 28). The 78-year-old rock pioneer felt ill during his checkup at North Florida Regional Medical Center, and was transferred to the emergency room where the heart attack occurred. He then underwent a surgical procedure to help the blood flow to his heart, reports Reuters. Diddley, whose real name is Ellas Bates, has been ailing in recent months. He suffered a stroke in May that impaired his ability to speak, and has lost toes to diabetes. The rhythm guitar style he pioneered has influenced several major rock bands including The Rolling Stones and U2.” –NME Please check back soon to Bob Corritore’s photo pages for a new tribute page to Bo Diddley.

August 22, 2007

• Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars Perform this Weekend in Phoenix: Please come see Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars as they perform Friday and Saturday, August 24 and 25, 2007 at their home base, the Rhythm Room. The band’s all-star lineup includes Big Pete Pearson, Chris James, Bob Corritore, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp. Doors open at 8pm; cover charge is $6. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event.
• Bob Corritore to Make Guest Appearance With The Mannish Boys at the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival:Mannish Boys bandleader Randy Chortkoff has invited Bob Corritore to play harmonica on a number backing Johnny Dyersinging a Jimmy Rogers’ number as part of The Mannish Boys’ headlining set Saturday, October 6, 2007 on the main stage at the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival. To read more about this spectacular festival, check out their website by clicking here. The Mannish Boys are simply an amazing band, masterfully combining the very best West Coast players in a revue performance that is pure blues excitement. The Mannish Boys have always gone out of their way to make Bobfeel like part of their family. The Mannish Boys’ CD Big Plans on the Delta Groove record label, is a contemporary yet completely traditional blues masterpiece. Please check out Delta Groove’s great website, featuring an amazing photo and film clip section. Thank you, Randy, for this invitation. Bob will also perform earlier that day (3pm) with Dave Riley at theDelta Cultural Center Annex, 223 Cherry Street, Helena, AR, 72342 for a CD release party for the new CD on Blue Witch Records, Travelin’ The Dirt Road.

• House Rockin’ and Blues Shoutin’ Rave Review in Big City Blues: Thanks to Big City Blues Magazine and reviewerDirk Wissbaum for the very first review of House Rockin’ & Blues Shoutin’’ on Blue Witch Records, a CD that celebrates 15 years of live blues at the Rhythm Room. The soon to be released CD (September 11, 2007 release date) includes live at the Rhythm Room performances by Fabulous Thunderbirds, Robert Lockwood, Jr., The Mannish Boys featuring Finis Tasby, Long John Hunter, Floyd Dixon, Kid Ramos, Louisiana Red, Billy Boy Arnold, Paul Oscher, Big Pete Pearson & the Rhythm Room All-Stars (Bob Corritore’s band), Sonny Rhodes, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, Henry Gray, Johnny Dyer and more. Dirk and Big City Blues Magazine rate the CD with five hats, which is the highest rating possible. To see this review, please click here.
• Janiva Magness Signs With Alligator Records: Congratulations to
  Bob’s dear friend and former band mate, Janiva Magness, for her recent signing with Alligator Records. Janiva has always had a burning desire to succeed in the blues business, and it is so gratifying to see her reach her goals. Her last CD, Do I Move You? on Northern Blues, was a brilliant and soulful work that showed a fully realized Janiva (special thanks to Fred Litwin of Northern Blues for his nurturing care and spectacular promotion of Janiva). In 2006 and 2007, Janiva received Blues Music Awards for “Contemporary Female Blues Artist of the Year”. This latest news of Janiva’s signing with Alligator is symbolic, in that it unquestionably puts her at the top of the blues game. A little history: In 1985, Bob recruited Janiva to the Phoenix-based Blues Connection Band (perhaps one of her first bands), where her strong vocals were featured as part of a revue that also included Bob Tate (who became Janiva’s mentor) and Chief Schabuttie Gilliame. A year later Janiva and Bob co-founded Janiva Magness & The Mojomatics (a recent Alligator press release speaks of this as her first band). Janiva Magness & The Mojomatics would rise to local notoriety around Arizona winning the New Times “Best Of Phoenix” Award in the blues band category. To see some great band shots from these early days in Janiva’s career, click here. Janiva would later find a home in Los Angeles, a move that proved fruitful for her. She made her first records there; both as a leader and as a high profile special guest (you can find her work on CDs by Kid Ramos, Kirk Fletcher, R.L. Burnside, and her husband, Jeff Turmes). She has appeared on numerous labels including Evidence, Fat Possum, Fat Head, Delta Groove, Pacific Blues, Blues Leaf, Tige, CrossCut, Black Top, and most recently, Northern Blues. Look for her Alligator debut release in 2008. Bob has watched Janiva’s well-deserved rise to success with admiration. Janiva is a great inspiration to so many of us, as she has shown that hard work combined with real talent can be rewarded. Congratulations Janiva, you have earned it! To see Janiva’s beautiful website, click here.
• New issue of Living Blues Features Nappy Brown Cover Story and Living Blues Award Winners: In anticipation of Nappy Brown’s new CD Long Time Coming on the Blind Pig record label, Living Blues has a brilliant article on Nappy Brown written by Scott M. Bock, complete with great vintage and contemporary photos of this blues master. Bob plays harmonica on one track of this CD. Also in the issue is a photo layout from the 1969 and 1970 Ann Arbor Blues Festivalsby Stanley Livingston, featuring a great photo of Albert King hugging Robert Lockwood, Jr., as well as images of Junior Wells, Johnny Young, Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Johnny Shines, and more. Congratulations to all the recipients of the Living Blues Awards, and particularly to those who have been musical collaborators over the years with Bob: Lil’ Ed,Henry Gray, Bob Stroger, and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith. Thanks also for honoring the late Carey Bell and his son, Lurrie, with an award.
• Forthcoming Discount on Tickets for Blues Day of Scottsdale Music Festival: Be on the lookout for a special ticket discount for the blues day of the Scottsdale Music Festival. An email for a one day only two-for-one ticket sale will be coming in the next day or so. The Scottsdale Music Festival will take place September 22-23, 2007 with the first day dedicated to jazz, and the second to blues. The September 23, 2007 blues lineup includes The Robert Cray Band, Blues Traveler, Taj Mahal, Koko Taylor, Eric Johnson, Candye Kane, and Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars. Gates open at 10 am, with music kicking off at 11am. The event website includes all details, and can be viewed by clicking here.
• Over 1500 photos Now on BobCorritore.com:  For those new to this newsletter, please take a moment to check out Bob Corritore’s website at www.bobcorritore.com. In particular, Bob takes pride in an extensive photo section, covering many subjects in the blues and in Bob’s long musical career. Photos are constantly being added to this section; most recently, Bob added some vintage photos of Louis Myers and Freddie Below on the Aces Tribute Page. Other pages include photos from Bob’s 1979 recording session with Little Willie Anderson, photos of Pinetop Perkins receiving hisGrammy® Lifetime Achievement Award, great party pics from the last three years of Blues Music Awards, various performance pictures, and artist tribute pages. Bob hopes you will take a moment to stop by and enjoy some of these photos. Bob’s website also includes articles, reviews, a complete discography, as well as an archive of all Bob’s previous newsletters.

August 17, 2007

• Dave Riley/Bob Corritore CD Release Party during Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival announced! October 6, 2007, 3pm Delta Cultural Center Annex: The Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival (formerly known as the King Biscuit Blues Festival) is an amazing gathering of mostly traditional blues artists in the heart of the legendary city of Helena, Arkansas. Helena is most famous as the home of Rice Miller, AKA Sonny Boy Williamson II. Helena is where Sonny Boy performed the King Biscuit Time live radio broadcasts on KFFA, heard throughout the South. Helena was also the home at points in time to great bluesmen, like Robert Lockwood, Jr., Frank Frost, John Weston, Pinetop Perkins, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, and Dave Riley. This is the place where Dave Riley and Bob Corritore met, and began a musical partnership that has resulted in their new CD on Blue Witch Records, Travelin’ The Dirt Road. To celebrate this new release, they will host a CD release party in conjunction with the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival. The party is on Saturday, October 6, 2007, 3pm at the Delta Cultural Center Annex, 223 Cherry Street, Helena, AR, 72342, and admission is free! There will be a one-hour performance starting at 3pm, followed by a CD signing. Also appearing in Helena in that period are Pinetop Perkinswith Bob Margolin, Willie King, Jimmy “Duck” Holmes, Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets, Sam Carr’s Delta Jukes (featuring Dave Riley), Blinddog Smokin‘ with Bobby Rush, Smokin’ Joe Kubek featuring B’Nois King, Dave Weld, and more. For a complete lineup, click here. Please support this fantastic blues festival, and while there, attend the Dave Riley/Bob Corritore CD release party.
• Rhythm Room 16 Year Anniversary and Double CD Release Party, September 21 and 22, 2007: For those in Phoenix, please come to a Blue Witch Records Double CD Release Party for Dave Riley & Bob Corritore/Travelin’ The Dirt Road and House Rockin’ & Blues Shoutin’’. The party will happen at The Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix, on Friday and Saturday, September 21 and 22, 2007. The Rhythm Room, which opened September 18, 1991, will be celebrating 16 years of presenting live music in Phoenix. For a look at The Rhythm Room website, and the simply amazing lineup of talent booked for the fall, please click here. Cover charge for the Anniversary/CD Release Party is only $6, with Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars (with Big Pete Pearson, Chris James, Bob Corritore, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp) and Dave Riley & Bob Corritore performing. CDs will be available for sale both nights.
• Blue Witch Records Spotlighted on Blues Foundation Website: Thanks to the Blues Foundation for spotlighting this great Phoenix-based blues label making a worldwide impact. To see the feature on Blue Witch Records, click here.
• Fabulous Thunderbirds Live Recording Session, Friday, October 5, 2007 at the Rhythm Room: Kim Wilson and hisFabulous Thunderbirds return to The Rhythm Room to do yet another in a series of live recording sessions at The Rhythm Room. This time they boast their newest member, guitarist Johnny Moeller, who replaces Nick Curran in the current lineup of the band. Clarke Rigsby will record the evening, for a forthcoming Fabulous Thunderbirds Live at The Rhythm Room release, a culmination of all of their live sessions to date. Tickets are $20 in advance or day of show; advance tickets are available at the Rhythm Room, all Ticketmaster store locations, Charge by Phone: (800)745-3000, or Ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 8pm. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed.
• Carol Fran Update: This update on Carol Fran in from Holly Bullamore of Bullamore Artist Management (who managesCarol). In a previous newsletter, we reported that Carol (recovering from a stroke) had resumed performing, but was not back to playing piano yet. Holly writes: “I thought I’d mention to you that Carol is playing piano again, she’s just taking slowly, as she still has a little trouble playing piano and singing at the same time. So, she’ll take a solo here and there and play instrumentals. We’re confident that with time, she’ll be back to full speed.”
• France’s Blues Magazine Features Bob Corritore Online: Francois Pfeiffer’s great magazine, called Blues Magazine,has just put up a nice post featuring Bob Corritore on their website (Click here to see). To find out more about this magazine including features, subscriptions, and more, click here. Thanks to Francois Pfeiffer, Claude Jandin, and everyone at Blues Magazine.

August 14, 2007

• This just in from Karen Leipziger/KL Productions: Phoenix, AZ – Blue Witch Records is proud to announce the release ofHOUSE ROCKIN’ AND BLUES SHOUTIN’! Celebrating 15 Years of the Rhythm Room and DAVE RILEY and BOB CORRITORE TRAVELIN’ THE DIRT ROAD on September 11, 2007.

  HOUSE ROCKIN’ AND BLUES SHOUTIN’! celebrates 15 years of Phoenix, AZ’s Roots and Blues Concert Club, TheRhythm Room. The 14 tracks, recorded live, features THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS, ROBERT LOCKWOOD, JR.,FLOYD DIXON, THE MANNISH BOYS featuring FINIS TASBY, LOUISIANA RED, HENRY GRAY, BILLY BOY ARNOLD, PAUL OSCHER, JOHNNY DYER, KID RAMOS, SONNY RHODES, BIG PETE PEARSON and The RHYTHM ROOM ALL-STARS, BOB CORRITORE, CHIEF SCHABUTTIE GILLIAME, and LONG JOHN HUNTER, and represents highlights of performances at the club recorded between 1997 and 2006. Produced by harmonica player/club owner BobCorritore, HOUSE ROCKIN’ AND BLUES SHOUTIN’! takes you through a varied program of the many artists and shades of blues that can be heard nightly at The Rhythm Room. These sides capture the great blues artists interacting with great blues audiences and the magical moments that resulted. Guitar player/singer DAVE RILEY and harmonica player BOB CORRITORE’s TRAVELIN’ THE DIRT ROAD takes the listener on a musical journey through the Delta. Produced by Bob Corritore, TRAVELIN’ THE DIRT ROAD features 10 original tracks of powerful down home blues, including 8 Dave Riley compositions and two (“I’m Not Your Junkman” and “Doggone Blues”) written by his friend (and former band mate), the late John Weston. Dave and Bob met three years ago, and quickly became fast friends and musical collaborators. They have a natural blues chemistry, with Riley’s gritty Mississippi vocals and down home blues guitar, and Corritore’s passionate, full-toned harp playing; and the result is a musical joy and exuberance all too seldom heard. KBA Award-winning triple threat harmonica player/producer/club owner BOB CORRITORE’s deep and varied blues history is highlighted on the new Blue Witch Records releases. Growing up in Chicago, Bob began playing harmonica at age 13, learning from some of Chicago’s blues legends — Big Walter Horton, Junior Wells, Louis Myers, and others. Bob performed around Chicago with some of the city’s greatest bluesmen. In 1981, he relocated to Arizona. His harmonica appears on over 25 recordings. Bob’s played with many of the blues greats, including Jimmy Rogers, Bo Diddley, Sam Lay, Pinetop Perkins, Honeyboy Edwards, R.L. Burnside, Koko Taylor, and Willie Dixon. As a Grammy®-nominated producer, BobCorritore lives to be in the studio, and has a history of production credits on over 36 CDs. The CDs he’s produced have earned a solid reputation among fans of traditional blues. In addition, Bob hosts a weekly radio show, “Those Lowdown Blues” on KJZZ in Phoenix, AZ, and is the owner of The Rhythm Room. Born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, guitar player/singer/songwriter DAVE RILEY spent his formative years playing and singing Gospel music. He moved to Chicago’s West Side as a teenager, living near Maxwell Street and its vibrant Blues scene. After joining the Army, he played in a military band traveling from base to base entertaining the troops and opening USO shows. In the mid-90s, Riley met Blues legends Sam Carr, Frank Frost, and John Weston. They formed a friendship and a musical bond, which lead Riley back to the Delta and back into Blues full time. HOUSE ROCKIN’ AND BLUES SHOUTIN’! and TRAVELIN’ THE DIRT ROAD are the second and third releases this year by Phoenix, AZ-based Blue Witch Records. The earlier release, Blues shouter BIG PETE PEARSON’s acclaimed I’M HERE BABY! (February 2007) “Represents the best of vintage and modern blues.” (Ron Wynn/Nashville City Paper) Blue Witch Records is distributed by Burnside Distribution. FOR REVIEW COPIES OR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Karen Leipziger/KL Productions (615)297-4452, klpzgr@earthlink.net RECORD COMPANY: Blue Witch Records, P. O. Box 352, Phoenix, AZ 85001 www.bluewitchrecords.com

August 10, 2007

• Tail Dragger Health Update: Tail Dragger is doing quite well after experiencing a mild heart attack on July 31, 2007. Bobspoke with him by phone yesterday, and Tail Dragger reports that he was just back from the hospital, where the had a second stint put in (the first was put in a week ago when he went to the emergency room). Tail Dragger was feeling good, and reported that the doctor says he will be able to resume business as usual in about two weeks. Tail Dragger was looking forward to a forthcoming tour of Europe and Australia later this year, with a great band that includes Lurrie Bell,Eddie Taylor Jr., and Martin Lange. You can send Tail Dragger get-well cards to the following address:

  James Jones 1657 N. Latrobe Chicago, IL 60639

• Carol Fran Resumes Performing: Some other encouraging news is that Carol Fran has started performing again. Carolhad suffered a stroke in March, and has been recovering at home. Carol’s Friend Robin Overton reports that though Carolis still unable to play piano, she is back to singing, and did a show last week in Houston.
• Bob Corritore Feature Article from France’s Blues Magazine Now Online: Check out the 5-page Bob Corritore feature article/interview from France’s Blues Magazine by Francois “Frankie Bluesy” Pfeiffer and Jocelyn Richez. The article includes some beautiful full color graphics and some previously unpublished photos. We have just added this to the articles section of Bob’s web-site (www.bobcorritore.com), and you can see it by clicking here.
• Correction – Delmark – DVD Filming Dates: This in from Kevin Johnson of Delmark concerning last week’s information about forthcoming Delmark DVD filmings: The Dave Specter shows have not been taped (August, not July!) They will be August 20, 2007 with Sharon Lewis, and August 21, 2007 with Jimmy Johnson and Tad Robinson. Details about the Little Arthur Duncan filming are still forthcoming.
• Bob Corritore’s Birthday Party Announced: Please join Bob as he celebrates his 51st birthday on Saturday, September 29, 2007 at the Rhythm Room, with great entertainment provided by Delta Groove recording artist Phillip Walker and his fantastic band. Look for guest appearances during the night by Big Pete Pearson, Chris James, Patrick Rynn (of TheRhythm Room All-Stars), and more. Of course, the birthday boy will making an appearance on harmonica in the second set of the night.
• Rhythm Room All-Stars to Perform With Pinetop Perkins: Just announced: The legendary Pinetop Perkins will be appearing on Saturday, Nov 17, 2007 at the Rhythm Room. Pinetop Perkins will be accompanied on this evening by TheRhythm Room All-Stars with Chris James, Johnny Rapp, Patrick Rynn, Bob Corritore, and Brian Fahey, with Big Pete Pearson opening each set. Pinetop Perkins, now 94 years old, is considered by many to be the greatest living blues pianist. To see some great photos of Pinetop getting a lifetime achievement Grammy® Award in 2005, click here, and for a great photo section of pics of Pinetop Perkins, click here.

August 1, 2007

• Tail Dragger Suffers Mild Heart Attack: Kevin Johnson of Delmark Records reports that West Side Chicago blues singer (and Howlin’ Wolf disciple) James “Tail Dragger” Jones had a mild heart attack on Monday night. Kevin’s e-mail stated the following:

  “Tail Dragger had a very mild heart attack last night, but he is doing all right. Bertha (Tail Dragger‘s wife) called me today, told me he had been experiencing some chest pains, and went to his Doctor; his doctor said ‘There is nothing wrong with your heart’! The pain got worse, so he drove himself to the emergency room. Bertha said his appetite is great, and the hospital is checking on his progress. Tail Dragger is at West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park, IL.” Bob and Tail Dragger have a long friendship. Bob first met Tail Dragger at a tribute to Howlin’ Wolf at the 1815 Club in Chicago (where Wolf regularly played), the day after Wolf died. Bob would then see Tail Dragger shows with Eddie Taylor and Big Leon Brooks in his band. Bob would later record Big Leon Brooks; and, for the recording session, Bob borrowedTail Dragger‘s PA as an amplifier for Leon‘s harp. This CD is currently available on Earwig Records. Bob also played withTail Dragger around Chicago in the late 70s and early 80s (often at the Delta Fish Market). They still keep in touch, and occasionally do shows together. Tail Dragger‘s most recent CD/DVD, My Head Is Bald on Delmark, is a brilliant example of Tail Dragger‘s great live show. Prayers for a full and speedy recovery for the great Tail Dragger.

• Delmark Records to Produce Three New Chicago Blues DVD/CDs: As is typical for this fine label, they are documenting the true tradition of Chicago Blues with three DVD filmings forthcoming. This is the latest per Kevin Johnson:

  Byther Smith: Friday, August 17, 2007 at Natural Rhythm Social Club, 2000 W. 59th St., Chicago, IL 60636 Little Arthur Duncan with special guest Little Al Thomas – Details TBA Dave Specter already filmed with Sharon Lewis at Rosa’s, and with Jimmy Johnson and Tad Robinson at Buddy Guy’s Legends. Special thanks to label Chief Bob Koester for his dedication to preserving Chicago Blues as it is performed in the blues club environment. To check out the Delmark website, click here; and to see photo pages from the Delmark photo archives, click here and here.

• Big Pete online article from Finland’s Blues News: Note that this article was mentioned in the Bob Corritore Newsletter of July 8, 2007, but we just found it online version. To see this online article complete with great photos from Bob’s archives, click here.
• Australian Airplay: Thanks to Henry Prokop from Brisbane, Australia for featuring Big Pete Pearson/I’m Here Baby onBlue Witch Records (Produced by Bob Corritore) on his blues and roots radio show called Honky Tonk Blues on 101.1FM.
• Lineup Additions to September 2, 2007 Down Home Blues Festival Plus David Horwitz Blues Photo Show: On Sunday, September 2, 2007 ( Labor Day weekend), the Rhythm Room will host a Down Home Blues Festival withHoneyboy Edwards, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Tomcat Courtney, Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars, and — just added, an opening set by Paris James. Plus – a blues photo show and sale featuring the stunning and extensive work of award winning blues photojournalist David Horwitz. David has traveled the country for many years capturing great images of the blues tradition. David’s show will feature literally hundreds of his great photos, and will take place on the patio of the Rhythm Room that night. Tickets are sale now for this event: $15 (advance or day of show), with advance tickets available at the Rhythm Room, all Ticketmaster store locations, Charge by Phone: (800)745-3000, orTicketmaster.com. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. Doors open at 7pm for this show.
• Chief 82nd Birthday Party Announced: On Saturday September 15, 2007, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame will be celebrating his 82nd birthday at the Rhythm Room, with the Big Pete Pearson Blues Band performing. Chief has recently been through great health ordeals, including a two-month hospital stay involving a heart condition, pneumonia, and kidney failure. Chief is feeling much better, but his performances must be limited. Chief  will be performing a short set at his birthday (health permitting), and will be joined by his friend Bob Corritore on harmonica. Doors open at 8pm; cover charge is $6. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event.
• Tickets on Sale for Blues Day of Scottsdale Music Festival with Incredible Lineup! The Scottsdale Music Festivalwill take place September 22-23, 2007 with the first day dedicated to jazz, and the second to blues. The September 23, 2007 blues lineup includes The Robert Cray Band, Blues Traveler, Taj Mahal, Koko Taylor, Eric Johnson, Candye Kane, and Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars. Gates open at 10 am, with music kicking off at 11am. The eventwebsite includes all details, and can be viewed by clicking here. Only 2500 tickets will be sold to this event. To purchase tickets, click here. Thank you, KSLX, for supporting and mentioning Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars specifically.
• Phoenix Blues Society Meeting on Saturday at Rhythm Room Before Zac Harmon Show: The Phoenix Blues Society holds its next meeting at the Rhythm Room (1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014) on Saturday, August 4, 2007. Doors open at 8pm, followed by the meeting at 8:30pm, and a concert by Zac Harmon immediately afterward (PBS members receive discounted admission). Rack Shack Barbeque will be available for purchase. By the way, Zac Harmon will be part of the lineup at the Lucerne Blues Festival, which also includes Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars, as well as Koko Taylor, Janiva Magness, Willie King, Sonny Rhodes, Paul Oscher, Lee McBee, Billy Branch, and many others.

July 31, 2007

• Jimmy “T-99” Nelson Passes at 88: This just in from the Supporting The Blues MySpace site (this information also appears on Wikipedia):

  “Jimmy “T-99” Nelson, the last of the real-deal blues shouters, died on Sunday July 29, 2007 of cancer at St. Dominic’s Nursing Home in Houston. Born in 1919, Jimmy “T-99” Nelson had a recording career that spanned over 50 years and established Jimmy as one of the true elder statesman of American music. Nelson got his start singing in church. In 1941, he saw a performance by Big Joe Turner, and realized he wanted to sing the blues. Big Joe taught Jimmy about singing, performance, and the music business. Jimmy, in turn, absorbed the shouting style of his mentor. From 1951 through 1961, Nelson released eight singles with the Bihari Brothers‘ Modern/RPM label. The biggest of these was the classic “T-99 Blues” (which refers to old Texas Highway 99), which debuted in June 1951. It stayed on the national R&B charts for twenty-one weeks, and reached #1. In 1952, Nelson had another RPM hit with “Meet Me With Your Black Dress On”. Nelson began touring and performing with bands led by Joe Liggins and Roy Milton, and playing venues, including theApollo and Howard Theaters. Nelson cut singles for a number of labels including Kent, Chess, Music City, Paradise, and All Boy. In 1955, Nelson met and married his Nettie (also deceased) and adopted Houston as his hometown. For the next 20 years,Nelson settled down and took a job working construction, though he continued to write songs and sit in with bands. In the 1980s, Nelson came to the wider attention of blues fans when Ace issued ten of his sides on an album. Nelson since has resumed touring and has released two albums, including 1999’s “Rockin’ And Shoutin’ The Blues” (Rounder Records) and “Take Your Pick” (Nettie Marie Records/2002). In 2004, Ace recently released “Cry Hard Luck” featuring re-issues of Nelson‘s Kent & RPM recordings from 1951-1961. After a long period of dormancy, Nelson launched a successful comeback in 1998. His late-period song “I’m Sure Going to Miss Show Business” was discovered by Elvis Costello, who played a recording of Nelson‘s version at the close of all his shows on his 2003 world tour. Nelson was a fantastic singer, the last of his kind, and one of the finest songwriters the blues has ever known.” Thanks to Rob Lehrian, of the Supporting The Blues MySpace site, for the above obituary. To see another informative Jimmy “T-99” obituary, by Andrew Dansby from Chron.com, click here.

July 25, 2007

• Bob Corritore to Appear with the Fremonts This Weekend: The Fremonts featuring Mighty Joe Milsap will appear this Saturday night at the Rhythm Room with special guest Bob Corritore subbing for their regular harmonica player Troy Sandow (an excellent harmonica player) who will be vacationing during that time. This show will be special also, as Mighty Joe’s relatives gather at the Rhythm Room for a Milsap family reunion. The Fremonts are a great band specializing in the swamp blues of Excello Records. Bob looks forward to playing in this style with the band. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $6. Rack Shack barbeque will be available for purchase.
• Last Week Recap: A few great moments from last week:

  1) During set the break at the Ronnie Baker Brooks show last Wednesday, Bob conversed with Ronnie about how his dad,Lonnie Brooks was very supportive of Bob during the mid 1970s. Bob was just getting his start on harmonica at that point, and Lonnie would regularly call Bob up to play full sets with him at his Chicago club appearances. To see a photo of Boband Lonnie playing together at the Wise Fool’s Pub during that time, click here. These were some of the first regular club performances Bob would make in Chicago, and this was before Lonnie was signed to Alligator Records, and Lonnie was playing more of a traditional Chicago blues repertoire. After telling this story, Ronnie invited Bob to start out the second set with him. Ronnie Baker Brooks and Bob played as a duo, and performed “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” and a Lightnin’ Hopkins style song. Big fun!

  2) Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars had a great weekend of playing at the Rhythm Room. On Friday, they opened for the amazing Bobby Rush who lived up to his 2006 Blues Hall of Fame Entertainer Award and 2007 Soul Blues Male Artist of the Year Blues Music Award, and on Saturday Pete and The All-Stars played the full night on their own. Both nights were full houses, rowdy crowds, and great playing.

  3) Bishop Greg Stepney, who is the son of the great blues drummer Billy Stepney, was a guest on Bob’s Sunday night blues radio show, Those Lowdown Blues on KJZZ. (Listeners may hear Bob’s radio program, Those Lowdown Blues,anywhere in the world (real time Sunday nights from 6pm-11pm Phoenix time) via web streaming by clicking here, or onKJZZ at 91.5 FM in Phoenix, 89.5 FM in Cottonwood, 90.1 FM in Prescott, 98.9 FM in Tucson, and 99.1 FM in Kingman.

  4) Bob featured blues recordings featuring Billy Stepney’s drumming including sides backing Memphis Slim, Little Walter (Billy played on the session that yielded the Little Walter classic “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright”), Sonny Boy Williamson II, and the American Folk Blues Festival 1963 (where Billy backed up Memphis Slim, Muddy Waters, Otis Spann, Victoria Spivey, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, and Sonny Boy Williamson II). Bob had met Greg Stepney at this summer’sChicago Blues Festival through James Cotton, and Greg was in Phoenix on some church business. Greg shared some insight into his father, including telling the story of how his father passed away on the bandstand while playing with James Cotton. Greg said that this radio tribute to his dad provided closure for him. Greg mentioned that many of the sides played he had not heard before. It was a nice tribute to Billy Stepney, a champion of blues drumming.

• Two Rhythm Room All-Stars to Appear with Jody Williams at This Weekend’s Pocono Blues Festival: Chris James and Patrick Rynn from The Rhythm Room All-Stars will appear this Sunday at The Pocono Blues Festival, reuniting with their former boss Jody Williams. The Pocono Blues Festival, now in its 16th year, is put together by tireless blues advocate Michael Cloeren, and is the East Coast’s biggest blues event, featuring a stellar lineup of top national blues acts over a 3-day period (Friday, July 27, 2007 to Sunday, July 29, 2007). In addition to Jody Williams, the festival featuresIrma Thomas, Phillip Walker, Otis Clay, Mac Arnold, Mark Hummel’s Harmonica Blowout W/Lazy Lester & Billy Boy Arnold, Jimmy Johnson, Deitra Farr, Andrew “Jr. Boy” Jones, Boo Boo Davis, Big George Jackson, and more. For more information on The Pocono Blues Festival, click here.

• Bob Corritore ABS Magazine Article Now Online: Please check the amazing 11 page Bob Corritore interview / article by Jean-Luc Vabres in France’s ABS Magazine with great photos. The article is in French, but the English version is also now online. To see the article complete with great photos and graphics, click here. To see the original English e-interview before being transcribed to French, click here. Special thanks to Jean-Luc Vabres and Marcel Benedit from ABS Magazine.

July 18, 2007

• Bobby Rush Appearing Friday at the Rhythm Room with Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars Opening: Although Bobby Rush’s music speaks for itself, his outrageous stage show complete with bootylicious shake dancers is truly an event not to be missed! Click here to see a short video clip of Bobby’s stage show. Bobby Rush appears this Friday, July 20, 2007 at the Rhythm Room. Opening the show will be a set by Big Pete Pearson & TheRhythm Room All-Stars. Plus, our dear friend Nick Yeager will be celebrating his birthday! Doors open at 8pm for this show. Tickets are $15 (advance or day of show), with advance tickets available at the Rhythm Room, all Ticketmaster store locations, Charge by Phone: (800)745-3000, or Ticketmaster.com. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event.
• Rhythm Room All-Stars Appear Saturday at the Rhythm Room: Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars appear at the Rhythm Room this Saturday, July 21, 2007. Our All-Star lineup includes: Big Pete Pearson on vocals, Chris James on guitar and vocals, Bob Corritore on harmonica, Brian Fahey on drums, Patrick Rynn on bass, and Johnny Rapp on guitar. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $6. Rack Shack barbeque will be available for purchase.
• A Few New Online Reviews: Francis Rateau reviewed Big Pete Pearson in Crossroads Magazine; click here to read this review. Peter Lauro reviewed the new Pinetop Perkins CD/DVD Born In The Honey, on CDMojo (Bob’s harmonica work with Pinetop is included on one track of the CD and in the DVD soundtrack); to read this review, click here.
• Bill Perry Passes: Blind Pig Records reports that guitarist Bill Perry passed away on Tuesday, July 17, 2007. Perry was best known for his work with Richie Havens, and for his four releases on the Blind Pig label. Bill died at his apartment in Sugar Loaf, New York, with no official cause cited. He was 49 years old. Rest in peace, Bill Perry.

• Jessie Mae Hemphill Headstone Dedication Ceremony: This news comes to us from Olga Wilhelmine Mathus, a long-time advocate of Jessie’s music, and founder of the Jessie Mae Hemphill Foundation: On July 30, 2007, a headstone will be dedicated at the grave of blues and gospel artist Jessie Mae Hemphill, who died on July 22, 2006, and was buried a week later on July 30, 2006. Hemphill, who was born October 18, 1923, was best known as a blues guitarist, songwriter and vocalist, and in this capacity toured widely in Europe, and won several W.C. Handy Awards (later renamed Blues Music Awards) for her recordings. For many years, Jessie also performed as drummer in fife and drum bands, a long-established musical tradition in her native North Mississippi. Her grandfather was Sid Hemphill, a multi-instrumentalist who was recorded by Alan Lomax for the Library of Congress. The dedication ceremony will take place beginning at 4:45pm at the Senatobia Memorial Cemetery, which is located on Highway 51 South in Senatobia. Reverend John Wilkins, the son of early blues and gospel recording artist Robert Wilkins, will lead a prayer service, after which attendees are invited to join in a group performance of Hemphill’s “Lord Help the Poor and Needy.” The tombstone was donated in part by the Rodgers Funeral Home in Coldwater, Mississippi, with additional expenses provided by funds raised for funeral expenses following Hemphill’s death. “By erecting this tombstone, we wanted to publicly memorialize the important contributions to North Mississippi Blues traditions made by Jessie Mae”, says Olga Wilhelmine Mathus, who founded the Jessie Mae Hemphill Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of North Mississippi music. Jessie’s music was timeless, and we wanted to ensure that people can discover and learn about Jessie’s music and the musical traditions of Jessie’s family for generations to come.
• Thanks, Blues Art Studios and Blues For Peace: Special thanks to two great online blues publications, Blues Art Studio and Blues For Peace, for reprinting this newsletter on their site. To see Blues Art Studio, click here. To see Blues For Peace, click here.

July 10, 2007

• Phoenix Down-Home Blues Festival With Legendary Lineup Announced! On Sunday, September 2, 2007 (Labor Day weekend), the Rhythm Room in Phoenix, Arizona will host a Down-Home Blues Festival featuring a champion lineup of four legendary masters of traditional blues: Honeyboy Edwards, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Tomcat Courtney, and Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars (Bob Corritore, Chris James, Johnny Rapp, Patrick Rynn, and Brian Fahey). Tickets are $15 (advance or day of show), with advance tickets available at the Rhythm Room, all Ticketmaster store locations, Charge by Phone: (800)745-3000, or Ticketmaster.com. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. Doors open at 7pm for this show.
• Nappy Brown Cover Art Unveiled: Check out the new cover of the forthcoming Nappy Brown release, Long Time Coming on Blind Pig Records (Sept 25, 2007 street release date). Bob Corritore’s harmonica will be featured on one track (“Aw, Shucks, Baby”) with all-star band including Henry Gray, Kid Ramos, Chico Chism, Johnny Rapp, and Mario Moreno. Other artists appearing on this spectacular CD include Junior Watson, Bob Margolin, John Németh, Mookie Brill, Sean Costello,Big Joe Maher, Jim Pugh (of the Robert Cray Band), and more. Thanks to producer Scott Cable for putting together one of the most amazing comeback albums the blues has seen in many years. To see the cover, click here.
• Chief Out Of Hospital! Chief Schabuttie Gilliame is finally home after over two months in the hospital for a heart condition and its complications. Chief’s wife Beverly just called to say the Chief is feeling better, and Chief hopes to get back to performing soon. Chief is now receiving dialysis 3 times a week. To see some photos of Chief and the cover art of Chief’sCD Snakes Crawls at Night, on the Random Chance record label, click here.

July 8, 2007

• Paul Butterfield Fund & Society Event In Clarksdale To Include A Reunion Of The Sam Lay Blues Band: The Paul Butterfield Fund and Society will host its second annual Conference & Gathering in Clarksdale, Mississippi from September 6, 2007 to September 10, 2007. There will be a welcoming dinner, a mini film festival (featuring rare footage and interviews of Paul Butterfield), a birthday party (it is Paul’s son Gabriel’s birthday), and jam, Award presentations, various excursions to neighboring blues landmarks, and much more. On Saturday, September 8, 2007 at Hopson’s Commissary as part of Gabriel’s birthday Jam, the Sam Lay Blues Band reunion will be part of a large lineup that includesGabriel Butterfield, Rod Hicks (Former bassist with Paul Butterfield, as well as Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder),Marshall Drew, Vince Scardina, Roy Moore, Mark Hutchison, Eric Hughes, Zack Pomerleau, and more. Sam Lay will be reunited with Chris James, Patrick Rynn, and Bob Corritore, who all worked together in the Sam Lay Blues Band. For more information on becoming a member of the Paul Butterfield Fund and Society and attending this conference, click here for the general website, or here for the MySpace site. Thanks to Salli Squitieri and Gabriel Butterfield for organizing this wonderful event.
• Rod Hicks Mugged: This just in from Gabriel Butterfield: Famous bass master Rod Hicks (bassist with Paul Butterfield,Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder), was mugged and robbed on July 4th. Rod was walking back from the grocery store, and was surrounded by three people who proceeded to rob and beat him. Support can be shown by sending cards to:

  Rod Hicks
  287 King Street, Suite 4
  Detroit, MI 48202

  Gabriel reports that Rod is still planning to make it to the above-mentioned PBFS event.

• Colorado Tour With Big Pete Pearson: Bob will appear next weekend as a guest of the Big Pete Pearson Blues Band in a tour of southwestern Colorado. On Friday, July 13, 2007,  Bob Corritore will appear at the Community Concert Hall in Durango, Colorado with the Big Pete Pearson Blues Band. On Saturday, July 14, 2007, Bob Corritore will appear at the Cortez City Park in Cortez, Colorado with the Big Pete Pearson Blues Band. Both nights will be a great show in a beautiful area of the country.
• Big Pete Pearson Feature Article In Finland: The Finnish blues magazine Blues News included a 2-page article on Big Pete Pearson by Pete Hoppula in its latest issue (#225). This article contains a number of great photos of Pete, including the cover of Big Pete’s latest CD, I’m Here Baby on Blue Witch Records (produced by Bob Corritore). To read more about this publication and to see the cover with a mention of Big Pete, click here. Also included in this issue is a review of the Pinetop Perkins CD/DVD Born In The Honey, on CDMojo (Bob’s harmonica work with Pinetop is included on one track of the CD and in the DVD soundtrack).
• Delmark Records Chief Bob Koester Honored At 2007 Jazz Journalists Association Awards: Bob Koester, owner of Chicago’s Jazz Record Mart and Delmark Records, was honored in New York on June 28 at the 2007 Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Awards. Bob Koester was presented with a “Team Award” for “activists, advocates, altruists, aiders, and abettors of jazz”. For a complete list of all of this year’s winners, which include artists, radio, photographers, authors, and more, click here. Bob Koester has been a leading advocate for both blues and jazz in Chicago since the late 1950s. Bob Koester’s record store, Jazz Record Mart, is perhaps the greatest retail outlet for jazz and blues in the world. Bob Koester’s label, Delmark Records, has released half a century of landmark recordings in both blues and jazz. In addition to Bob Koester’s many great achievements, Bob Koester has mentored generations of music movers and shakers, including Bruce Iglauer of Alligator Records, Amy Van Singel (formerly of Living Blues Magazine), Michael Frank of Earwig Music,Chuck Nessa of Nessa Records, and Bob Corritore. Bob Corritore has put together a couple great photo pages of images from the Delmark blues files. To see these pages, click here and here. Congratulations to Bob Koester, and thanks to this great man for all he and his efforts have done to enrich our lives.
• New Photo Pages On BobCorritore.com: Bob’s experiences at the 2007 Blues Music Awards in Memphis and the Delta Groove/Blue Bella All-Star Blues Revue are chronicled on two new photo pages: to see these numerous photos and the fun had by all, click here and here.

June 27, 2007

• Big Pete Pearson Cover Story In Virus de Blues: The new issue of the French blues magazine Virus De Blues featuresBig Pete Pearson on the cover, and includes an interview with Big Pete. The interview was done by our dear friend, Jocelyn Richez last year while we in Grande-Synthe, France for our performance at the Bay-Car Blues Festival. To see this beautiful cover, click here.
• Bob Corritore Interview In Blues Magazine: The latest issue of the French publication called Blues Magazine features a 5-page interview with Bob Corritore. This interview was also conducted last year at the Bay-Car Blues Festival in France by magazine editor Francois “Frankie Bluesy” Pfeiffer. Additional questions were answered later by email. To see the cover with a mention of Bob, click here.

• Article About Forthcoming Dave Riley/Bob Corritore CD Appears On The Supporting The Blues Website: The Supporting The Blues website on MySpace has become a news blog, that reflects various subjects in today’s blues world. The page includes announcements, CD reviews, festival dates, and beautiful blues photos. This site recently posted an article anticipating the forthcoming September CD release of Dave Riley & Bob Corritore / Travelin’ The Dirt Road on Blue Witch Records. This article gives a detailed bio of both artists, shows the new CD cover, and speaks highly of the promise of this musical combination. To see this article, click here, and to see the Supporting the Blues home page, click here. Thanks to Rob Lehrian, the man behind the scenes at the Supporting The Blues MySpace site, for the kind words and for his wonderful website.
• Big Pete Pearson CD And Pinetop Perkins CD/DVD Reviewed In Poland! The latest issue of the Polish blues publication, Twój Blues, features rave reviews of Big Pete Pearson/I’m Here Baby on Blue Witch Records (Produced byBob Corritore) by Piotr Gwizdala. Piotr also reviewed the latest CD/DVD by Pinetop Perkins, Born In The Honey, which features one previously unreleased 1997 studio track by Pinetop backed by Chico Chism, Bob Corritore, Johnny Rapp, and Paul Thomas. Thank you, Twój Blues.
• Photo Of Chris James And Patrick Rynn (Of The Rhythm Room All-Stars) Appears In Soul Bag Magazine: The latest issue of the French blues magazine Soul Bag features an article on Earwig Music recording artist Dennis Binder.Dennis is a legendary pianist and vocalist best known for his 1950s recordings with Ike Turner. Bob had the pleasure of working with Dennis Binder last year at the Chicago Blues Festival, where they (along with Chris James) were part of Louisiana Red’s backing band for Red’s set on the Louisiana Stage. The next day, Chris James and Patrick Rynn (of TheRhythm Room All-Stars) were on hand to help in making Dennis Binder’s latest effort, Hole In That Jug, on the Earwig label (produced by Michael Frank). A photo from this session appears in the June issue of Soul Bag Magazine. Along with Chris and Patrick in the photo are Dennis Binder, James Wheeler, Rodney Brown, and Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith, who were all on the record. Thanks to Soul Bag Magazine for including these two members of The Rhythm Room All-Stars in the photos used, and for mentioning Big Pete Pearson / I’m Here Baby in their popular blues CD listing, “Star War”.
• Sonny Rhodes, Candye Kane, And A Sunny Gaines Memorial Tribute At The Rhythm Room This Weekend: Our dear friends appear in back to back shows this weekend at the Rhythm Room. Legendary lap steel guitar master Sonny Rhodes appears Friday, June 29, 2007, and Candye Kane has her CD Release Party on Saturday, July 30, 2007 (forGuitar’d and Feathered on the Ruf Record Label). The late Rhythm Room Barbeque Master “Sunny” Gaines will be honored with a memorial tribute on Sunday, July 1, 2007, with a huge lineup of his many musical friends performing. Special thanks to guitarist Mike Howard for his efforts in organizing this tribute. For more information on these events, go to www.rhythmroom.com. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at each of these events.

June 22, 2007

• Pre-sale Tickets for the Scottsdale Music Festival Now Available: Discounted pre-sale tickets for the Scottsdale Music Festival are available now until June 28, 2007. Ticket sales to the general public will start on Friday, June 29, 2007. Note that the two-day Festival will include jazz on Saturday September 22, 2007 and blues on Sunday, September 23, 2007. The blues lineup is spectacular, and will include The Robert Cray Band, Blues Traveler, Taj Mahal, Koko Taylor, Eric Johnson, Candye Kane, and Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars. For more information, and to order discounted pre-sale tickets, click here.
• Sunny Funeral Information: Funeral Services for Walter “Sunny” Gaines (former Rhythm Room barbeque master) will be on Monday, June 25, 2007 at:

  Bethesda Community Baptist Church
  906 East Jones Avenue
  Phoenix, AZ 85040
  (602)276-1006

  Viewing 9:00am; Service 10:00am

  On Sunday, July 1, 2007, the Rhythm Room will host a musical tribute to Sunny with many special guest artists. Doors will open at 6:30pm, and a minimum donation of $5 is asked to help Sunny’s family with funeral expenses.

• Thank you, Jocelyn: French Blues promoter (and our dear friend) Jocelyn Richez has included a mention of our forthcoming shows in Paris on Route Du Blues, his great blues website. Click here to see his forum. Big Pete and The Rhythm Room All-Stars will appear at The Lionel Hampton Jazz Club at Hotel Le Meridien in Paris on November 6, 7, and 8, 2007, right before their appearance at the Lucerne Blues Festival in Switzerland on November 9 and 10, 2007.
• Thank you, BluesWax: Thanks to BluesWax, the great online weekly blues magazine for their constant support and for the numerous mentions in the most recent newsletter. BluesWax is a free weekly blues publication with a broad and encouraging approach to the blues world. You can find out more about BluesWax by clicking here.
• Thank you, Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival: Boston Blues DJ Henri Bellows (WMWM in Salem, MA) just emailed to mention that Bob Corritore is thanked on the web-site of The Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival, which takes place this year October 4, 5, and 6, 2007 in Helena, Arkansas. Bob has a great history with this festival, having appeared there in 2003 with Louisiana Red, and in 2005 and 2006 with Dave Riley. The Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival is simply an amazing festival, in one of most important towns in the history of the blues. To see their website, click here.
• Dave Riley/Bob Corritore Album Art Complete: You have seen the cover, but now the rest of the album art is done. For a preview of what Dave Riley / Bob Corritore Travelin’ The Dirt Road on Blue Witch Records will look like, click here. CD release party forthcoming.
• And, Don’t Forget to See Big Pete Pearson and the Rhythm Room All-Stars Tonight and Tomorrow at the Rhythm Room! Thank you.

June 21, 2007

• Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars at the Rhythm Room This Weekend: Check out the Rhythm Room house band, Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars at their home base this Friday and Saturday, June 22-23, 2007. Our All-Star lineup includes: Big Pete Pearson on vocals, Chris James on guitar and vocals, Bob Corritore on harmonica, Brian Fahey on drums, Patrick Rynn on bass, and Johnny Rapp on guitar. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $6. These nights will be patio smoking only events, no indoor smoking will be permitted. Rack Shack barbeque will be available for purchase. The band has a few new original songs that we have just added to our repertoire, and will be included in this weekend’s performance. To see some great quotes of Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars and their new album, I’m Here Baby on Blue Witch Records, click here and go to “Press & Media”.

June 17, 2007

• Former Rhythm Room Barbeque Master Passes: Many of you remember the great Walter “Sunny” Gaines. He was the guy with the straw hat, the big smile, the Barbeque smoker parked behind the Rhythm Room, and had a constant crowd of people around him. Quite frankly, he was a master of some of the tastiest BBQ ever crafted. He addressed everyone as “Big Time”, and created friendships with all his customers (One night he and James Harman stayed up till 5 in the morning in deep and hysterical discussion). He cooked BBQ at the Rhythm Room for over 5 years before retiring about 4 years back. We remember fondly those days, and his spectacular recipes. The current BBQ at the Rhythm Room (the Rack Shack) upholds the great tradition that Sunny started. We just received word from Mike and Aleida Howard that Sunny passed away this afternoon at 1pm. He died peacefully with family close by. We will miss you, Sunny. Funeral information forthcoming.

June 15, 2007

• Blues Day Lineup of Scottsdale Music Festival Announced – Fantastic Talent Roster Includes Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars: The Scottsdale Music Festival will take place September 22-23, 2007 with the first day dedicated to jazz, and the second to blues. The September 23, 2007 blues lineup includes The Robert Cray Band, Blues Traveler, Taj Mahal, Koko Taylor, Eric Johnson, Candye Kane, and Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars. Gates open at 10 am, with music kicking off at 11am. The event website includes all details, and can be viewed by clicking here. Only 2500 tickets will be sold to this event. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on June 29, 2007; but subscribers to this newsletter can get discounted pre-sale tickets. There will be an email forthcoming with instructions on getting these first call discounted tickets. Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars are proud to be a part of this major event.
• Paris Dates at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Club Added to Lucerne trip: Big Pete Pearson and The Rhythm Room All-Stars will appear in Paris at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Club at the Le Meridien Hotel on November 6, 7, and 8, 2007. This will be right before their appearances at the Lucerne Blues Festival in Switzerland on November 9 and 10, 2007. This club is famous for its amazing lineup of talent, which has included all of the greatest names in jazz and blues. Our friend Didier Tricard, who made these arrangements, is an amazing individual who has been involved in bringing in great talent to France for many years. Didier is also the man responsible for producing all of the great records from the Isabel Record label, which included issues by Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Little Milton, Magic Slim, Big Moose Walker, Willie James Lyons, Lefty Dizz, Johnny Dollar, Sammy Lawhorn, Otis Rush, Jimmy Dawkins, and many others. We are honored to be appearing at such a prestigious venue in the heart of magnificent Paris! Thank you, Didier.
• Big Pete & Rhythm Room All-Stars to Open for Bobby Rush: The Bobby Rush Revue, complete with his bootylicious dancing girls, will appear on Friday, July 20, 2007 for a rare and exciting concert at Phoenix’s Rhythm Room Concert Club. Sharing the bill will be Big Pete Pearson and The Rhythm Room All-Stars, who will do an opening one hour set at 9 pm. Tickets are only $15, and can purchased at the club, all Ticketmaster store outlets, or online at Ticketmaster.com. By the way, on June 11, 2007, Bobby Rush participated in a session for Earwig Music, lending his great harmonica work to four Honeyboy Edwards songs. Earwig plans to release a new Honeyboy Edwards CD later this year, and highlights of this session will surely appear.
• New Living Blues Magazine includes Big Pete Pearson Interview & More: Please check out the new Living Blues Magazine (issue #190 June 2007) which includes a 2-page interview with Big Pete Pearson by Mark Coltrain, with three photos by Daniel Swadener included. Thank you, Living Blues, for this feature. Also in that issue, Big Pete Pearson’s new release, I’m Here Baby on Blue Witch Records, placed # 18 in April and # 24 in May in the Living Blues radio charts. Note that Pete has maintained a 4-month presence in these very competitive charts, and in March, he was #11. Thank you to all the reporting blues DJs from all around the world who have made this happen. Also in the latest issue of Living Blues is a Chico Chism obituary. Note that the forthcoming August issue will have Nappy Brown on the cover in preview of his highly anticipated CD forthcoming on the Blind Pig record label. Bob‘s harmonica will be featured on the song ” Aw, Shucks, Baby” on Nappy’s new release.
• Thank You, Juke Blues Magazine: Thanks to Cilla Huggins, Dave Williams and everyone at Juke Blues Magazine from the U.K. The latest issue (#63) features many items connected to Bob and his projects.

  1) Dave Williams, who had visited Arizona and California, wrote an article called “What’s Happening Out West”, which starts out with a great photo of Big Pete Pearson and Bob Corritore “tearing it up” at the Rhythm Room (photo by David Blake).

  2) Middle Walter feature article: When Dave was visiting, he saw a show poster of Middle Walter hanging at Bob‘s home and immediately had the idea of an article. Of course, everyone knows of harmonica greats Little Walter and Big Walter, but very few have heard of the obscure Middle Walter, who was a fine harmonica player in his own right, and a friend ofBob Corritore. So Juke Blues Magazine put together a definitive Middle Walter article with photos that Bob and Jim O’Neal provided from their archives, and a spectacular graphic layout. This article is simply beautiful; it could not have been done any better.

  3) Very positive reviews of three of Bob‘s productions: The Reed Family Album – Blood Harmony: A Cappella on Southwest Musical Arts Foundation Records. Big Pete Pearson – I’m Here Baby on Blue Witch Records. Floyd Dixon and Special Guests/Time Brings About A Change: A Floyd Dixon Celebration/HighJohn (Bob was part of a production team on this one that also includes Bob Auerbach, Kid Ramos, and Clarke Rigsby).

  4) Chico Chism obituary written by Bob Corritore, with an amazing photo of Chico from 1979 by Jim Simpson. Other obits in this issue include Robert Lockwood, Jr., Homesick James, Snooky Pryor, Ruth Brown, Jay McShann, Ahmet Ertegun,and more. Thanks so much, Juke Blues Magazine, for the coverage and recognition.

• Thank you, Big City Blues: Thanks to Shirley Mae Owens, aka Sugar Mae, for mentioning Big Pete Pearson and Bob Corritore in her column in Big City Blues Magazine documenting her blues travels. In this column, she speaks of our inclusion (as well as the many other great artists) in the Delta Groove All-Star Blues Revue that took place on May 11, 2007, at the Gibson Beale Street Showcase in Memphis immediately after the 2007 Blues Music Awards.
• Chief Health Update: Blues singer Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, who was hospitalized earlier this year for a heart condition, was released last week only to have to return because of an intestinal issue, which was probably as a result of his dialysis. Chief has insisted on being released home to Buckeye (a community just west of Phoenix), but the visiting nurses don’t go out there. Chief is finally accepting that he will need to move into Phoenix, or will end up staying in a hospital. Although Chief is having these health issues, Chief’s spirit is good. Chief is able to walk around with a walker (just a matter of rebuilding strength), and is writing songs and singing to other patients. Special thanks to Chief’s friend Anita Arden, who keeps us in the loop concerning Chief’s medical situation.

June 12, 2007

• Chicago Blues Festival Recap: Bob had a great trip visiting his old home town of Chicago during the Chicago Blues Festival, attending a number of blues clubs and events, and making two club performances.

  The city of Chicago is Bob‘s old blues stomping grounds where Bob was born and raised, and had his blues upbringing. The Chicago Blues Festival has become an annual trip for Bob; last year Bob got to play the festival with Louisiana Red. This year, it was more of a vacation, and an opportunity to see some old friends and make some new ones. After a day of travel on Wednesday, Bob and his girl Kim settled in to their room at the Congress Plaza Hotel on Michigan Avenue. Later that night, Bob went to the Carey Bell Memorial Tribute over at Buddy Guy’s Legends, hosted by Lurrie Bell. The house was filled with musicians, many of which got up to play. Lurrie Bell, after losing his wife and then his father, has been through a lot; yet Lurrie was looking strong emotionally, and playing strong musically. The next day, Bob and Kim went to the festival, and started his day catching a great set of down home blues by John Primer, accompanied by Matthew Skoller on acoustic harmonica. After saying hi to many of his friends, Bob settled in at the memorial discussion panel, which honored many of Bob‘s fallen blues heroes, with Chico Chism among the bluesmen and women recently passed. As planned, Bob met up and sat with Chico’s daughter, Audrey Dunson, as well as Chris James and Patrick Rynn (Bob‘s band mates in The Rhythm Room All-Stars). The panelists included Bob Porter, Michael Frank of Earwig Music, Jim O’Neal, and a feisty Larry Hoffman. Bob Porter started out the tribute eloquently with stories ofRuth Brown. Michael Frank continued with some great reflections on H-Bomb Ferguson and Henry Townsend. Jim O’Neal brought out some great reminiscences of Chico Chism, including telling a story of how Chico approached Jim and his then wife, Amy, in the 1970’s to be the West Side’s Living Blues representative. At that time, Jim and Amy O’Neal were the editors of Living Blues Magazine, (which was based in Chicago, before the magazine moved to Mississippi). Jim told of how they printed special business cards with Chico’s name and a title of “West Side Chicago Representative”. Unbeknownst to Jim and Amy, Chico organized a West Side review show honoring Living Blues Magazine. Jim mentioned that he had to show up, because his name was listed on the handbills as one of the many featured guests of that evening. For those of you who knew Chico, we hope this story brings a smile to your face, as it represents Chico’s gregarious and supportive personality. Larry Hoffman then told stories of Robert Lockwood, Jr. Also mentioned at the panel were Carey Bell, Floyd Dixon, Sam Myers, Homesick James, Jessie Mae Hemphill, Snooky Pryor, and others. Later that night, Bob stopped by Rosa’s to catch a little of James Wheeler’s show, which at that point had become an informal jam. It was great to see Chris James and Patrick Rynn performing with their old friend, Rob Stone, in a reunion of most of the old lineup of the C-Notes. Joining them on drums was Bob’s friend, Fabrice Bessouat. The next day’s agenda was unhurried in preparation for a big night. Bob started out at the Sand Bar in Brookfield Park, seeing Bob‘s friend, Scott Dirks, and his band, Chicago Bound, and making a guest appearance for three numbers. Then it was off to Smoke Daddy, where Billy Flynn was holding court. While Bob was there, Billy called up special guest Jody Williams, who was recovering from back surgery. Jody performed a spellbinding set featuring Jody’s amazing guitar tone and technique. In the house that night were Dave Waldman, Martin Lange, Dick Shurman, Justin O’Brien, Jimmy Sutton, and many others. Bob’s final stop of the night was to the Hideout, to wish Honeyboy Edwards a happy 92^nd birthday. The show was winding down when Bob got there, but Bob was able to say hi to Billy Branch, who had performed a reportedly brilliant set backing Honeyboy earlier that night, along with Chris James, Patrick Rynn, and Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith.Bob also saw Bill Dahl, who mentioned that he was writing the liner notes for the forthcoming Nappy Brown Blind Pig release (of which Bob’s harmonica will be featured on one cut). Also at this party were Jocelyn Richez, Claude Dannic, K-Led Ba’Sam, Steve Arvey, and of course, promoter Michael Frank of Earwig Music. The next day, Bob hit the festival, and caught a little bit of Drink Small before checking out the Chicago Blues Harmonica Project, which had a backing band that included Bob’s long time friends Illinois Slim and Twist Turner, and Rick Kreher. This show was a preview for a CD that will be out later this year on Severn Records, and featured harmonica players Little Arthur, Charlie Love, Big D., Jeffery Taylor, Mervyn “Harmonica” Hinds, and Reginald “Little” Cooper, backed by Rick Kreher, E.G.McDaniel, Mark Brumbach, Twist Turner, and Illinois Slim. From there, Bob went to his gig at The Taste Entertainment Center as part of a show organized by Liz Mandeville, in conjunction with Big City Blues Magazine, calledLiz’s Blues Fest After-Party. The Taste Entertainment Center was a wonderful venue, with two separate rooms. On one side were Liz Mandeville & the Blue Points with the Supernatural Horn Section, with special guest Charlie Love. The other room featured sets of traditional piano blues, with the night being kicked off by Bob’s friend, Barrelhouse Chuck. Chuck called Bob up to perform for four songs with him. Chuck’s set was followed by Liz’s performance in the ballroom, which then was followed by a set by Aaron Moore, backed by Chris James, Patrick Rynn, and Bob Corritore. Special thanks toLiz Mandeville for a great show, and for including Bob, Chris, and Patrick in this lineup. On Sunday, Bob began the day saying hi to his friend, Henry Gray, and watching his set on the Louisiana Stage. From there, Bob stopped in to say hi to James Cotton, and to see James’s set on the Front Porch Stage. James was looking good and sounding strong. Bob caught most of a set by Mississippi guitarist/vocalist Jimmy “Duck” Holmes, backed byLightning Malcolm on drums. Jimmy is from Bentonia, Mississippi, and plays in a very beautiful down home style, and did a few numbers by fellow Bentonian Skip James. Then, Bob went to the Petrillo Band Shell, for a tribute to Sunnyland Slim, that included Big Time Sarah, Bob Stroger, Steve Freund, Barrelhouse Chuck, Sam Burckhardt, and others. That was followed by a Howlin’ Wolf Tribute, featuring Henry Gray, Lafayette “Shorty” Gilbert, James Cotton, Eddie Shaw, Hubert Sumlin, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Abb Locke, Willie Young, and others. The festival ended on Sunday night with Bobby Rush’s high-energy funk show, complete with his three bootylicious bombshell dancers, and their sexy choreography. Bob had pre-taped his radio program, Those Lowdown Blues, to run in its Sunday night slot. Next Sunday, Bob will be back live in the studio with fresh sounds from Chicago. Listeners may hear Those Lowdown Blues anywhere in the world(real time Sunday nights from 6pm-11pm Phoenix time) via web streaming by clicking here, or on KJZZ at 91.5 FM in Phoenix, 89.5 FM in Cottonwood, 90.1 FM in Prescott, 98.9 FM in Tucson, and 99.1 FM in Kingman. There were so many things that Bob did not see at this festival, as four or five things would always be happening simultaneously. Thanks to Barry Dolins for continually providing a well-thought out and intriguing lineup year after year. Thank you to all the friends both old and new that were a part of the 2007 Chicago Blues Festival experience: Robert Jr. Whitall of Big City Blues Magazine, Bruce Iglauer of Alligator Records, Kevin Johnson of Delmark Records, Andy Duncan, son of the Kilborn Alley Blues Band, The Eddie Taylor family (Larry, Tim, Demetria & Milton), Cadillac Zack, Gregory Stepney (legendary drummer and Billy Stepney‘s son), Richie and Theresa Villiger of the Lucerne Blues Festival, Didier Tricard (of Le Meridien’s Lionel Hampton Jazz Club), Jean-Luc Vabres, Marcel Benedit and Jean-Pierre Urbain from ABS Magazine, Dave Leucinger of WORT 89.9 FM, Eddie Vaan Shaw, Charles Hayes (of Delta Blues Hog & Kuul Bluus Band), Aaron Cohen (Associate Editor of Downbeat Magazine), Doug Waltner (former booking agent for Louisiana Red),Geir Hovig (Norwegian Blues Radio Host), Karen Hanson, author of the book Today’s Chicago Blues, Robert Barclay (CMU public Radio), Franklin Goza of WBGU, Black Jack of the Chicagoland Blues Society, Dusty Scott of Dusty Blues, Jay Reil of Jay Reil & Associates, Scott Bock (writer for Living Blues), Matthew Socey, blues host of WFYI, Frank Bandy (AKA “Right Hand” Frank) of Teardrop Records, Arnie Storm of Blue Storm Music, Dale Haviland (bass player and photographer), Jeff and Laura Diamond of The Front Porch Blues Show on KDVS, David Beardsley of STL Blues, “Little Frank” Krakowski, Chris Harper, Kurt Swanson (blues photographer), Jillina Pope, Big Rockin’ Daddy, Jim Themelis, David Whiteis, Mark Zaretsky of the Cobalt Rhythm Kings, Bob Stroger, and many, many others too numerous to mention. June 6, 2007

• Bob Corritore to Appear on Forthcoming Nappy Brown/Blind Pig Release: A couple weeks ago, producer Scott Cable called Bob to see about some Nappy Brown photos for a CD that Scott had just produced. Scott is best known for his work as a guitarist and friend to Carey Bell, and Scott had a hand in putting together Carey‘s last CD/DVD release with Carey’s son Lurrie, called Gettin’ Up Live on the Delmark record label. During a nice conversation about Nappy, Bob mentioned that he done some sessions with Nappy, and had some great unissued material in the vaults. Scott said Blind Pig was looking for one more fast number to round out the release, and so it was. A rocking version of “Aw! Shucks, Baby” was recorded in 2002, complete with Henry Gray on piano, Chico Chism on drums, Kid Ramos and Johnny Rapp on guitars, Mario Moreno on bass, and Bob Corritore on harmonica, and will be a part of this new release. This, by the way, is a spectacular CD, with Nappy singing at the top of his game, with an amazing lineup of players, including: Junior Watson,Bob Margolin, John Németh, Mookie Brill, Sean Costello, Big Joe Maher, Jim Pugh (of the Robert Cray Band), and more.Bob is honored to be associated with this amazing release, and with the legendary Blind Pig record label. Thank you,Scott Cable, as well as Jerry Del Giudice and Edward Chmelewski (of Blind Pig). To see the Blind Pig press release, click here.
• Dave Riley / Bob Corritore CD Cover Art Unveiled: The cover art for Dave Riley and Bob Corritore CD, Travelin’ The Dirt Road, is now completed! The CD design is by Tony Amato of Amato Image Design, and the photos are by Jen Taylor and Scott Allen. It was shot on a dirt road in Walls, Mississippi on May 10. This CD, which contains some great performances of deep Mississippi blues, will be out on the Blue Witch record label later this year. To see this cover, click here.
• Sam Lay Doing Well: Legendary Chicago bluesman Sam Lay is feeling good, and is almost fully recovered from his bout with Bell’s Palsy this past March. Sam has resumed solo dates, and will be on tour with the Siegel-Schwall Band and the Chicago Blues Reunion later this summer. Bob looks forward to seeing his dear friend during his trip this week to the Chicago Blues Festival.

June 3, 2007

• Bob Corritore and Chris James to appear with Aaron Moore at Taste Entertainment Center during Chicago Blues Festival: By invitation of Michael Frank of Earwig Music and Liz Mandeville, Bob Corritore and Chris James will do a guest set playing behind veteran blues piano great Aaron Moore at Liz’s Blues Fest After-party beginning at 11pm on Saturday, June 9, 2007 at The Taste Entertainment Center, 63rd & Lowe in Chicago’s New South Side. For those not familiar with Aaron’s stunning piano work, check out his recorded work on the Delmark label, as well as his playing behind Cleveland Fats on the Honeybee Record label. The event will have two music rooms, with Liz and her band, Liz Mandeville & the Blue Points with the Supernatural Horn Section appearing in one room, and Aaron Moore and Barrelhouse Chuck alternating sets in the other. This event is in conjunction with Big City Blues Magazine. For more information on this event, please check Liz’s website by clicking here.
• Chief Health Update: Chief Schabuttie Gilliame is still dealing with health issues. After about a month in various hospitals, Chief was released briefly on the condition of dialysis twice a week, only to find that he needed to go back in the hospital. Chief is in good spirits, but he is still struggling to get better. Though Chief went in initially for a heart condition, apparently many other health issues are also being dealt with. For those unfamiliar with Chief’s stunning blues style, and the CD Snakes Crawls At Night on Random Chance Records (produced by Bob Corritore), please check out song samples on Chief’s MySpace by clicking here.
• Irish Radio Interview to be Aired June 10: Charlie Hussey from the radio show Blues Train out of Dublin, Ireland just emailed to let us know that the interview he did in Memphis last month with Big Pete Pearson and Bob Corritore will be aired on Sunday, June 10, 2007. More information on Charlie’s radio show is available by clicking here. Thank you, Charlie.
• Photos Page Now Up for 2006 Marco Fiume Blues Passion Fest (Italy): We have just put up a new photo page showing some highlights from the 2006 Marco Fiume Blues Passions Festival in Rossano, Italy. This festival honors the late blues guitarist Marco Fiume, who was a friend of Bob’s. Little Victor invited Bob to join his band for this event in backing Louisiana Red. Victor was keenly aware of Red and Bob’s long history, and orchestrated their first European appearance together (thank you, Little Victor). Also in the festival’s lineup were Sweet Betty, Jimmy Morello, Miss Sophie, The Backbones, The Hoodoomen, and many others. The joyous time had by all is reflected in these photos, and can be viewed by clicking here. This was the second year that Bob appeared at the festival. For a look at the 2005 photos from this festival, click here.
• Big Walter Horton Photo Page Just Added! Check out this beautiful photo collection of one the greatest harmonica players of all time. Click here to view these images.
• Delta Groove MySpace Adds Photo Article on BMAs and the Memphis Showcase: Check out Josh Temkin’s Blog, complete with photos about the Blues Foundation’s 2007 Blues Music Awards and the Delta Groove All-Star Blues Revue “West Coast Meets Chicago” that took place on May 10-11, 2007 in Memphis. Included among many great photos of many great blues artists is a shot of Big Pete Pearson and Bob Corritore performing at the Delta Groove show. Thanks, Randy Chortkoff (president of Delta Groove Productions), for including Big Pete and Bob in your showcase. To see this photo article, click here.
• Today Was Jimmy Rogers’ Birthday: Today is the birthday of the late Jimmy Rogers, an architect of Chicago blues who created some of the greatest blues ever recorded. Songs like “That’s All Right”, “Ludella”, “You’re The One”, “The Last Time”, “Goin’ Away Baby”, “Out On The Road”, “Sloppy Drunk”, “Money, Marbles, and Chalk”, “Rock This House”, “Chicago Bound”, and “What Have I Done” will forever define the Chicago blues genre. Jimmy was born June 3, 1924 in Ruleville, MS, and died on December 19, 1997. Jimmy would have been 83 years old today. Bob was friends with Jimmy, and played and recorded with him. Bob considers his association with Jimmy the high point of his long career in the blues. Check out Bob’s photo tribute to Jimmy Rogers by clicking here. Bob’s radio show, Those Lowdown Blues, will include a number of sets tonight of Jimmy’s music. Please take a moment to remember the greatJimmy Rogers on his birthday. Listeners may hear Bob’s radio program, Those Lowdown Blues, anywhere in the world(real time Sunday nights from 6pm-11pm Phoenix time) via web streaming by clicking here, or on KJZZ at 91.5 FM in Phoenix, 89.5 FM in Cottonwood, 90.1 FM in Prescott, 98.9 FM in Tucson, and 99.1 FM in Kingman.

May 20, 2007

• Paris James and Bob Corritore with Very Special Guest Big Pete Pearson this Tuesday at the Farm: Bob Corritorewill appear at The Farm at South Mountain, 6106 S. 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85042, with Paris James and Big Pete Pearson. Call (602)276-6360 for further information.
• Chico Chism Birthday Memorial This Wednesday at the Rhythm Room: Hosted by George Vaught and the Flamekeepers, who were Chico’s very last band. Bob will make a brief appearance with Big Pete Pearson and guitarist Mike Howard at this event honoring the late Chico Chism. This event takes place at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ; doors open at 7pm, a minimum donation of $5 is asked (goes toward unpaid funeral expenses). This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be permitted.
• Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars with Guest Guitarist Little Frank This Friday & Saturday at the Rhythm Room: The Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson are excited to have “Little Frank” Krakowski join us for the weekend as he is a deep Chicago blues guitarist. You may know his playing from his excellent performances on the Willie “Big Eyes” Smith CD Way Back on the HighTone Record label, Little Frank plays regularly in the Willie “Big Eyes” Smith Blues Band and also works with Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, and Kim Wilson. This event takes place at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ; doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $6. These nights will be patio smoking only events, no indoor smoking will be permitted.
• Special Thanks To The Cascade Blues Association: In the last two issues of Portland, Oregon’s Cascade Blues Association Newsletter, they ran a two-part feature of commentary on the late harmonica master Paul deLay. Special thanks to president Greg Johnson for including Bob’s reflections on this great bluesman in this feature.

May 17, 2007

• Bo Diddley Health Update: This just in from the Associated Press, 7:30 pm Thursday, May 17, 2007: OMAHA, Neb. (AP) Four days after suffering a stroke, Bo Diddley walked around the intensive-care unit at Creighton University Medical Center, and doctors were encouraged that the singer-song writer-guitarist would be able to perform again, his manager said. The 78-year-old Diddley told his audience that he wasn’t feeling well during a show in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Saturday night. Diddley’s manager, Margo Lewis, said she had The Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer taken to the hospital by ambulance when he appeared disoriented at the Omaha airport on Sunday. Though Diddley’s speech is impaired, he’s made significant progress.

May 17, 2007

• Bo Diddley Hospitalized: This just in: Blues and Rock & Roll legend Bo Diddley is in intensive care after suffering a stroke, following a performance in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The AOL entertainment site has this information posted as of this morning:

  “Veteran singer and songwriter Bo Diddley is in intensive care after suffering a stroke. The 78-year-old guitarist and Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer was said to be in a “guarded” condition at Creighton University Medical Centre in Omaha, Nebraska, said Susan Clary, a publicist for the musician’s management team. Diddley, who has a history of hypertension and diabetes, was taken to hospital on Sunday following a concert in Council Bluffs, Iowa, in which he became disoriented, she said. Tests indicated that the stroke affected the left side of his brain, impairing his speech and speech recognition. Clary said she has no other details on Diddley’s condition, or how long he would be in intensive care. Diddley, with his black glasses and low-slung guitar, has been an icon in the music industry since he topped the R&B charts with “Bo Diddley” in 1955. His other hits include “Who Do You Love”, “Before You Accuse Me”, “Mona” and “I’m a Man”.Diddley was inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1987, and was given a lifetime achievement Grammy in 1998.” Bo Diddley’s impact on the world of blues and rock and roll cannot be overstated. Bob Corritore has had a long history withBo Diddley. Bob regularly organized back-up bands for and performed with Bo when he was coming into Phoenix for concert dates during the 80s and 90s. Bo Diddley also made a guest appearance on Bob Corritore’s All-Star Blues Sessions on HighTone Records (a 1999 CD release), where Bo contributed a zesty remake of his classic “Little Girl”. Let’s hope and pray for a speedy and full recovery for this musical icon whose famous songs are so close to our hearts. To access Bo Diddley’s website, click here. Here are some links to some photos of Bo that are on Bob’s website: Bo Diddley and Bob in the studio: click here Bo in Performance: click here Bo and Bob performing at the Mason Jar in 1990: click here Bo Diddley in session (without hat): click here

May 15, 2007

• What a Week! After an amazingly busy week filled with travel back and forth to Memphis, the 2007 Blues Music Awards, the Delta Groove Revue, three recording sessions (one with Diunna Greenleaf and the Bob Margolin Band and two withTomcat Courtney), a photo shoot, a radio interview, and gigs with Bob Margolin with Diunna Greenleaf, Big Pete Pearson,and Tomcat Courtney, we finally can settle down enough to resume the newsletter.
• Big Joe Duskin Passes: Cincinnati Blues pianist and vocalist Big Joe Duskin left us on Sunday, May 8, 2007. We found out about this after we sent out the notice of Carey Bell’s passing (Big Joe and Carey passed away on the same day), and we were unable to send out a news blast in a timely fashion, as we were preparing for travel. For a complete bio on Big Joe Duskin, please refer to the Yellow Dog Records web site by clicking here. Bob had the pleasure of sitting next to Big Joe in 2005 at the Hall Of Fame dinner the night before the Handy Awards (now called Blues Music Awards). Click here to see a photo of Big Joe at that event.
• Last Week’s Trip To Memphis: After flying in Tuesday night, Kim and I settled into our room at the Memphis Marriott in preparation of the busy week ahead. We started our activities Wednesday with a lunch at Automatic Slim’s with our friendSteve Simon, best known as the person behind the St. John Blues Festival in the Virgin Islands, and also a board member of the Blues Foundation. Afterwards, we stopped in to the Blues Foundation office to say “hi” to Executive Director Jay Sieleman. Then, we headed back to the hotel, where the lobby seemed to be the hangout. That night we attended the Charter Members Dinner, which was also the awards presentation for the Blues Hall Of Fame. As was typical of the entire trip, this was a great reunion of longtime blues friends, and an introduction to some new ones. The event was hosted by blues radio heroes Bob Porter and Bill Wax, who were consummate emcees. The night featured memorable speeches by inductees Bobby Blue Bland, Dave Bartholomew, Dr. John, Dick Waterman, Scott Dirks, Ward Gaines, andMark Carpentieri. We sat with Bob Auerbach (of HighJohn Records) and Johnny Tucker on one side of us, and Pat Morganand Pinetop Perkins on the other. It was also great to see Mary Lockwood (Robert Jr.’s widow), who we had not seen since the funeral (though we have kept in touch by phone). It was especially exciting to see our close friend Scott Dirks(along with Ward Gaines) accept the award for Classics of Blues Literature for the Little Walter biography, Blues With A Feeling. Click here for a complete list of all the Blues Hall Of Fame inductees from this year’s event.

  The next morning began with a photo shoot for the new Dave Riley and Bob Corritore CD, which will be called Travelin’ The Dirt Road, and will be out later this year on Blue Witch Records. Dave said he knew a pretty little dirt road just 20 minutes outside of Memphis in Walls, Mississippi (just before Tunica). Jen Taylor and Scott Allen were the photographers, andDave was cracking us all up with his rowdy humor. From there, we went back to the hotel, where we attended a press conference for this year’s nominees. It was especially great to see so many of our close friends up there on the nominees panel (Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Bob Stroger, Janiva Magness, and on and on). Please note that while all this is going on, you could not get from one place to the other without saying hello to at least 20 people (the mark of a great party gathering). Then, Big Pete and I enjoyed a half-hour interview with Charlie Hussey for his radio program called Blues Train in Dublin, Ireland, Then, it was off to the Blues Music Awards, a wild marathon party where people from all parts of the industry gather (artists, promoters, club owners, publicists, labels, radio show hosts, journalists, festivals, managers, producers and, most importantly, fans). The night was filled with award presentations, speeches, live music by every sub-genre in the blues and a memorial section. We sat at the table with Big Pete Pearson, Candye Kane, Bill Stuve, and others, which was a blast. Dave Riley was also in attendance. It was great to see all the respect and recognition that Big Pete was shown as a result of his current release I’m Here Baby, on Blue Witch Records In this year’s memorial section our fallen heroes were remembered with a slide presentation. It was sad to say goodbye to so many, including Floyd Dixon, Robert Lockwood, Jr., Carey Bell, Big Joe Duskin, Homesick James, Henry Townsend, Tina Mayfield, Jessie Mae Hemphill, Ruth Brown, Ahmet Ertegun, Paul deLay, Clifford Antone, H-Bomb Ferguson, and our beloved Chico Chism (who was the final goodbye in the presentation). Among the highlight performances that night: a rowdy, sexy show-stopper by Bobby Rush complete with his big-booty dancing girls, a touching ballad by Irma Thomas backed by Marcia Ball on the piano, a deep country blues performance by John Long, a stompin’ set of Chicago Blues by Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials, a tight soul revue led by The Jackie Payne/Steve Edmondson Band with guests Johnny Rawls, Sugar Pie DeSanto, Frankie Lee, and more, a great harmonica romp with Mark Hummel, Kim Wilson, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith,Johnny Dyer, Mitch Kashmar, and Magic Dick, a great Chicago blues set by Nick Moss & The Fliptops with guests Zora Young, Eddie Taylor Jr., and many more. The big winner of the night was Charlie Musselwhite, who took home four awards. The late Robert Lockwood, Jr. won Traditional Blues Male Artist Of The Year, and Mary Lockwood was there to receive it. Willie “Big Eyes” Smith got Best Blues Drummer, Eddie Shaw got Best Blues Horn player, Hubert Sumlin got best blues guitar, and Mookie Brill got the Blues Bass award. Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials received the Best Blues Bands award. It was great to see my friend Janiva Magness win Contemporary Blues Female Artist Of the Year for the second year in a row. To see a complete list of winners click here. The 2007 Blues Music Awards was a memorable and historic night. Special thanks to The Blues Foundation’s Executive Director Jay Sieleman, and everyone who works behind the scenes to put on this event. The next day was all about the Second Annual Delta Groove All-Star Blues Revue. The event was sub-titled “West Coast Meets Chicago”, as it combined the roster of artists from Delta Groove Music with that of Blue Bella Records out of Chicago (run by Nick and Kate Moss). Delta Groove chief Randy Chortkoff and his team put together a well organized, musically amazing showcase that include non-stop great performances from start to finish (all tough, no fluff). The event was co-hosted by Bill Wax, of XM Satellite Radio’s Bluesville Station and Brett Fleming of WEVL 89.9 (Memphis). This was a player’s event, and Big Pete Pearson and I were honored to be among the great list of featured performers, which also included The Mannish Boys (with the all star lineup of Finis Tasby, Johnny Dyer, Kid Ramos, Paris Slim, Bobby Jones, Kirk Fletcher, Tom Leavey, Richard Innes, Leon Blue, and Randy Chortkoff who played some great Jimmy Reed-style harp in the set), Nick Moss & The Fliptops with guests Eddie Taylor Jr. and Bill Lupkin (former Jimmy Rogers harp player), The Hollywood Blue Flames (featuring killer harp by Big Al Blake, the legendary Larry Taylor on bass, and a great unscheduled appearance by Kim Wilson), Mitch Kashmar (playing masterful, definitive West Coast harmonica), Kilborn Alley Blues Band, Johnny Long, and The Jackie Payne / Steve Edmondson Band. So many great harmonica players were in the audience of this event, including Memphis kingpin Billy Gibson, Scott Dirks, Manu from the French blues bandMalted Milk, R.J. Mischo, Dave Gonzalez (Chicago Blues Angels), and more. It was also great to see my dear friendWesley Race at this event. Big Pete and I were given prime time as we ended The Mannish Boys‘ set, with two well-received numbers, complete with top-notch backing. Thanks to Randy, Frank, Josh, Kate, Nick, and everyone at Delta Groove and Blue Bella for their kindness and generosity in allowing us on this fantastic show. For a look at this event’s show poster now up in the photo section of www.bobcorritore.com, click here. Photos from the showcase, as well as theBlues Music Awards, will be added to the website soon!

• Chief Schabuttie Gilliame Health Update: The Chief is still hospitalized, but is slowly recovering. He was transferred from Phoenix Baptist Hospital to the Arizona Heart Institute, where he is getting more specific help, and will hopefully be released later this week. Chief Schabuttie Gilliame suffered a heart attack with complications from a respiratory infection a few weeks ago. A thank you goes out to the many musicians and fans, and to organizer Tommy Grills, who participated in a fundraiser for Chief last Sunday at the Rhythm Room.
• Press Recognition: Thanks to Blues Revue Magazine, whose latest issue (June/July) includes glowing reviews of Big Pete Pearson‘s I’m Here Baby on Blue Witch Records (by Eric Thom) and Chico Chism’s West Side Chicago Blues Party(by Michael Cala), as well as remembering Paul deLay and Chico Chism in their obituary section (by Kenneth Bays). Thanks also to the always supportive BluesWax (a great on-line blues magazine) for numerous mentions. Thanks to Vicente “Harmonica” Zumel, who has been featuring Big Pete on his radio show. Look for a forthcoming interview with Big Pete Pearson in Living Blues Magazine.
• Lil’ Ed Photo Page Added: Check out the new photo page featuring Bob’s dear friend Lil’ Ed, who is the nephew of the legendary J.B. Hutto. This page includes photos of Ed with Willie Dixon, Koko Taylor, H-Bomb Ferguson, Albert Collins, and more, as well as candid shots of Ed that highlight his fun-loving personality. Also included is photo of Ed embracing his lovely wife, Pam, on their wedding day. Special thanks to Kelly Littleton (Ed’s great drummer) for sharing some of his great photos. To see this page, click here.
• John Németh and Junior Watson to Appear Friday at the Rhythm Room: Check out our friends John Németh andJunior Watson this Friday, May 18, 2007 at the Rhythm Room. They will surely deliver a great set of top-notch traditional blues and R&B. John’s new CD, Magic Touch on Blind Pig, has been getting glowing reviews. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $9. In compliance with A.R.S. § 36-601.01., in effect 1 May 2007, this will be a patio smoking only event; no indoor smoking will be permitted.
• Big Pete Pearson to Open for Buddy Guy this Sunday at the Mesa Arts Center: Fans of Chicago Blues Legend Buddy Guy will be treated Phoenix Blues Legend Big Pete Pearson, who will open the show in a duet setting with guitarist Mike Howard. The event is at the Mesa Arts Center on Sunday, May 20, 2007 at 7:30pm. Tickets may be purchased by clicking here.
• Big Pete Pearson CD Now Available from KJZZ: You can now pick up Big Pete Pearson‘s I’m Here Baby online fromwww.kjzz.org by clicking here. Sales support the station. Other Bob Corritore-produced CD available from KJZZ are theBlues On My Radio CD, and The Reed Family Album – Blood Harmony: A Cappella.
• This Week on Bob’s Blues Radio Show: Featured this week on Bob’s radio show, Those Lowdown Blues on KJZZ-91.5FM, will be an extensive tribute to the legendary Chicago blues harmonica master Carey Bell. Note that last week’s show was pre-recorded in advance to allow the trip to Memphis, so it did not reflect the recent passings. Carey Bell‘smusic as a frontman and a sideman will be included throughout the show, with last hour being completely devoted to highlights of this stunning artist’s huge body of recorded work. Also featured will be a tribute to the late Big Joe Duskin, some reflections on the Blues Music Awards, as well as the music of the late Chico Chism, who would have been 80 years old on May 23, 2007 (A musical birthday tribute to Chico happens May 23, 2007 at the Rhythm Room with many special guests).

May 7, 2007

• Blues Harmonica Master Carey Bell Passes (November 14, 1936 to May 6, 2007): It is with great sadness that we pass on the news that blues harmonica master Carey Bell died of heart failure last night at 9:30pm at Kindred Hospital in Chicago. He was 70 years old. Carey had been hospitalized three weeks ago in a diabetic coma. The doctors were able to revive him and get his vital signs to a pretty good place, but they found many other health problems, and had told Bob and Susan Koester that Carey was not likely to leave the facility. This news comes at a time of great loss for the blues, as so many of the masters of this genre are leaving us. Our thoughts and prayers are with Carey‘s son Lurrie, who also recently lost his wife, Susan Greenberg.

  Born in Macon, Mississippi in 1936, Carey Bell learned harmonica at early age. He would move to Chicago to stay with his godfather, pianist Lovie Lee. While in Chicago, he befriended both Little Walter and Big Walter Horton who became major influences in his style. He worked in the bands of Johnny Young, Honeyboy Edwards, Earl Hooker, Willie Dixon, andMuddy Waters early on in his Chicago career. Carey’s 1969 debut album, Blues Harp on Delmark Records showed him to be a brilliant singer and harmonica player with a unique mastery of the chromatic harmonica. This album elevated Carey beyond sideman status to that of a band leader, Three years later he was featured on the Alligator release Big Walter Horton with Carey Bell, which cemented his stature as one of the windy city’s top harmonica men. Carey would go on to record albums on other labels such as JSP, Blind Pig, ABC Bluesway, and Rooster Blues. He also made great recordings as a cherished sideman with the greatest of Chicago Blues artists including Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater, Eddie Taylor, Sunnyland Slim, Louisiana Red, Earl Hooker, Robert Nighthawk, Eddie C. Campbell, W.W. Williams, Little Mack Simmons, Big Walter Horton, Lovie Lee, Johnny Littlejohn, Bob Margolin, Jimmy Rogers, Bob Riedy,Buster Benton, and others. Carey also was a part of historic gathering called Harp Attack on Alligator Records, which put Carey together with fellow Chicago blues harp masters Junior Wells, James Cotton, and Billy Branch. Carey and his son Lurrie had just released a magnificent CD and DVD on Delmark Records called Gettin’ Up, which will stand as the final work of his brilliant career. We will miss Carey Bell and the great joy that his warm personality and his live performances gave us. His legacy is secure as a master of Chicago blues and his stunning recordings will live on forever as definitive works.

May 1, 2007

• Bob to Appear with the Bob Margolin Band and Diunna Greenleaf this Saturday! On Saturday, May 5, 2007, Bob willappear at the Rhythm Room as a special guest of the Bob Margolin Band with Diunna Greenleaf. The band includesMookie Brill on bass and Chuck Cotton on drums. Not only is this day coincidentally Cinco de Mayo, Rhythm RoomGeneral Manager Mona Lisa will also celebrate her birthday on this day, and the event is being billed as ¡Cinco de Mona!in her honor. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $10 ($2 discount for Phoenix Blues Society Members with valid membership card). This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be permitted.
• Chief Health Update: Chief Schabuttie Gilliame is recovering nicely. Last week, the staff at Phoenix Baptist Hospital took him out of critical care and put him in a regular hospital room. The hospital staff are talking about discharging Chief later this week. In addition to the heart condition, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame was suffering with pneumonia, complicated by his asthma. Thank you to all the folks who sent cards and called. Prayers to Chief. The Rhythm Room will host a benefit forChief on Sunday, May 13,  2007, hosted by Nightshift featuring Tommy Grills, who Chief has been playing with recently. Doors open at 6pm, a minimum donation of $5 is asked to cover Chief’s medical expenses. Many special guests will play, including: Hans Olson, George Bowman, Paris James, Blind Dog Blues Band, Nina Curri, Dr. Mark Lanus, Elmer Scott, Rick Berkshire, Sage Gentlewing & Runaway Train, Billy Parker of Blackwood & Poor Alfred, Billy Brett of Clare Voyants,Jonathan Miller of Cirque du Soleil/Rakes, Johnny Tanner, Ronnie and Gary Whitehead, Kati Ingino, Walkin’ Cane Mark,Scotty Spenner, Larry Dee, Michael Nitro, Rich Arnold, and the Rhythm Room All-Stars with Big Pete Pearson, Chris James, Bob Corritore, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, Johnny Rapp, and many, many other special guests not yet announced.
• Thanks, Candye Kane: Thanks to Candye Kane for including Bob and his girl Kim in the special thanks of her dynamic new CD. The disc is titled Guitar’d and Feathered and features Candye in the context of various guest guitarists who all bring a unique flavor to the proceedings. Guests include Junior Watson, Kid Ramos, Bob Margolin, Jeff Ross, Sue Foley,Heine Anderson, Dave Alvin, Ana Popovic, Bob Brozman, Popa Chubby, and more! This CD was produced by Bob Margolin and Candye, and is on the Ruf record label. Good work, Candye!
• Thanks, Back To the Roots Magazine: Producer Jon Tiven (who produced records by Wilson Pickett, Delbert McClinton, B.B. King, and many others) just e-mailed to say that the latest issue of Belgium’s Back To The Roots Magazine includes a photo taken at last year’s Blues Music Awards of Steve Cropper (of Booker T & The MGs fame), Jon, and Bob Corritore together.
• Getting Ready For The Blues Music Awards in Memphis and The Delta Groove Revue: The best blues party of the year happens each year in Memphis at the Blues Foundation’s presentation of the Blues Music Awards show. We as an industry look forward to getting together annually to recognize, celebrate, and reflect on that year’s achievements in blues music. So many great musicians, producers, promoters, radio show hosts, blues societies, publicists, managers, booking agents, photographers, and fans gather to share their common bond in the blues. The event takes place Thursday, May 10, 2007, at the Memphis Cook Convention Center. Big Pete Pearson and Bob Corritore will perform in Memphis the following night as part of the Delta Groove All-Star Blues Revue “West Coast Meets Chicago” with a simply amazing lineup that includes Phillip Walker, Mitch Kashmar, John Long, Hollywood Blue Flames, and The Mannish Boys, plus special guests Big Pete Pearson & Bob Corritore, The Jackie Payne/Steve Edmondson Band, Nick Moss & The Fliptops with guests Eddie Taylor Jr. & Bill Lupkin, and the Kilborn Alley Blues Band. The show will be co-hosted by Bill Wax, ofXM Satellite Radio’s Bluesville Station and Brett Fleming of WEVL 89.9 (Memphis). On this showcase, Rand Chortkoff combines highlights from his label and its friends (thank you Rand) and Nick and Kate Moss‘ Blue Bella label. It all takes place at the Gibson Beale Street Showcase – 145 Lt. George Lee Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38103. Cost : $12 Doors open at 5:30pm – Get there early! First band kicks off at 6:00pm! $12 in advance www.gibsonmemphis.com and at the Gibson Pure Retail Store, $15 at door (cash only at door). Big Pete and Bob will make a guest appearance as part of The Mannish Boys‘ set.
• Chicago Blues Festival Lineup Announced, Chico Chism Honored in Memorial Discussion Panel: The annualChicago Blues Festival takes place June 7-10 at Grant Park in Chicago. The festival is produced by Barry Dolins, Mayor’s Office of Special Events. This year’s lineup can be seen by clicking here. Of special note will be what is being billed as “Centennials Memorial”, happening on Thursday, June 7, 2007, from 4:00pm to 5:30pm at the 7-11 Route 66 Roadhouse. At this panel discussion, Jim O’Neal, Larry Hoffman, Michael Frank, and Bob Porter remember annual honorees and the passing of legends. This year’s panel discussion will highlight deceased legends Homesick James, Henry Townsend,Robert Lockwood, Jr., Ruth Brown, Snooky Pryor, and Chico Chism. Special thanks to Barry Dolins for including our beloved Chico Chism, who frequently participated in performances in past year’s festival lineups. Other appearances of note in this year’s festival include Aaron Moore, a Muddy Waters Tribute (including Mojo Buford, John Primer, Rick Kreher,Calvin “Fuzz” Jones, Barrelhouse Chuck, and Muddy Waters, Jr.), Koko Taylor, Carey and Lurrie Bell (by the way, the new CD/DVD on Delmark by Carey and Lurrie is a brilliant release), Johnnie Mae Dunson, Billy Branch’s Sons of the Blues 30th Anniversary Reunion, Chicago Harmonica Project (with Little Arthur Duncan, Charlie Love, Big D, Harmonica Hines,Reginald Cooper, and others, with a backup band that includes Bob’s longtime friends, Illinois Slim, Rick Kreher, and Twist Turner), Drink Small, Elmore James, Jr. and Cadillac Zack, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Irma Thomas, Magic Slim and the Teardrops, James Cotton, Henry Gray, Honeyboy Edwards, Lil’ Howlin’ Wolf, Bobby Rush, a tribute to Howlin’ Wolf (withHubert Sumlin, Eddie Shaw, Abb Locke, Henry Gray, Jody Williams, Little Smokey Smothers, Shorty Gilbert, and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith), and many others.
• Ronnie Whitehead MySpace: Check out the new MySpace page for Phoenix soul great, Ronnie Whitehead. Ronnie and his musical family are an institution in Phoenix, it is only fitting that these fine performers now have a presence on the web. In addition to Ronnie’s soul-drenched performances, Ronnie has also emceed shows for the Fabulous Thunderbirds,Rudy Ray Moore, and others. To see this page, click here.

• Bob’s Gig Schedule:

  Saturday, May 5, 2007 – Bob Corritore will appear at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ as a special guest of the Bob Margolin Band with Diunna Greenleaf. The band includes Mookie Brill on bass and Chuck Cotton on drums. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $10 ($2 discount for Phoenix Blues Society Members with valid membership card). This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be permitted.

  Friday, May 11, 2007 – – Bob Corritore will appear with Big Pete Pearson at the Second Annual Delta Groove All-Star Blues Revue “West Coast Meets Chicago”. This event is associated with The Blues Foundation’s 2007 Blues Music Awards, which take place the night before (May 10, 2007). The spectacular lineup includes Phillip Walker, Mitch Kashmar,John Long, Hollywood Blue Flames, and The Mannish Boys, plus special guests Big Pete Pearson & Bob Corritore, The Jackie Payne/Steve Edmondson Band, Nick Moss & The Fliptops with guests Eddie Taylor Jr. & Bill Lupkin, and theKilborn Alley Blues Band. The show will be co-hosted by Bill Wax, of XM Satellite Radio’s Bluesville Station and Brett Fleming of WEVL 89.9 (Memphis). On this showcase, Rand Chortkoff combines highlights from his label and its friends (thank you Rand) and Nick and Kate Moss‘ Blue Bella label. It all takes place at the Gibson Beale Street Showcase – 145 Lt. George Lee Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38103. Cost : $12 Doors open at 5:30pm – Get there early! First band kicks off at 6:00pm! $12 in advance www.gibsonmemphis.com and at the Gibson Pure Retail Store, $15 at door (cash only at door).
  
  Saturday, May 12, 2007 – Bob Corritore will appear at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with Tomcat Courtney. The backing band includes Chris James, Patrick Rynn, and Brian Fahey. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $8. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be permitted.
  
  Sunday, May 13, 2007 – Bob Corritore will appear at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ as part of the Chief Schabuttie Gilliame benefit show. (Chief has been hospitalized for a heart condition) Doors open at 6pm, a minimum donation of $5 is asked (goes towards Chief’s medical expenses). This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be permitted.
  
  Tuesday, May 22 – Bob Corritore will appear at The Farm at South Mountain, 6106 S. 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85042, withParis James and Chief Schabuttie Gilliame. Call (602)276-6360 for further information.
  
  Wednesday, May 23 – Bob Corritore will appear at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ as part of the Chico Chism Memorial Birthday Tribute. Doors open at 7pm, a minimum donation of $5 is asked (goes toward unpaid funeral expenses). This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be permitted.
  
  Friday, May 25, and Saturday, May 26, 2007 – Bob Corritore will appear at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with theRhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $6. These nights will be patio smoking only events, no indoor smoking will be permitted.
  
  Friday, June 22, and Saturday, June 23, 2007 – Bob Corritore will appear at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with theRhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp.Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $6. These nights will be patio smoking only events, no indoor smoking will be permitted.
  
  Friday, July 13, 2007 – Bob Corritore will appear at the Community Concert Hall in Durango, Colorado with the Big Pete Pearson Blues Band.
  
  Saturday, July 14, 2007 – Bob Corritore will appear at the Cortez City Park in Cortez, Colorado with the Big Pete Pearson Blues Band.
  
  Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21, 2007 – Bob Corritore will appear at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with theRhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp.Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $6. These nights will be patio smoking only events, no indoor smoking will be permitted.
  
  Saturday, July 28, 2007 – Bob Corritore will appear at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ, filling in for the vacationing Troy Sandow (The Fremonts’ great harmonica player). This show will coincide with The Fremonts’ singer Mighty Joe Milsap’s family reunion, taking place in Phoenix. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be permitted.
  
  Friday, August 24, and Saturday, August 25, 2007 – Bob Corritore will appear at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with theRhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp.Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $6. These nights will be patio smoking only events, no indoor smoking will be permitted.
  
  Friday, September 21, and Saturday, September 22, 2007 – Bob Corritore will appear 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, cover charge is $6. These nights will be patio smoking only events, no indoor smoking will be permitted.
  
  Friday, November 2, and Saturday, November 3, 2007 – Bon Voyage party for the Rhythm Room All-Stars’ Swiss appearance! Bob Corritore will appear 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, cover charge is $6. These nights will be patio smoking only events, no indoor smoking will be permitted.
  
  Friday and Saturday, November 9-10, 2007 – Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars will appear at the highly acclaimed Lucerne Blues Festival in Lucerne, Switzerland.

April 22, 2007

• Chief Schabuttie Gilliame Health Update: Chief seems like he is in good spirits and is eager to get better. He has an infection in two of the chambers of heart and the hospital has him on antibiotics via IV. He is still in the critical care unit.Chief has had a history of heart condition and asthma. He is under the careful watch of the doctors. Prayers to Chief. The Rhythm Room will host a benefit for Chief on Sunday, May 13,  2007, hosted by Nightshift featuring Tommy Grills, whoChief has been playing with recently. Many special guests to be announced will also play, including Bob Corritore. Doors open at 6pm, a minimum donation of $5 is asked to cover Chief’s medical expenses.
• Rhythm Room All-Stars Appear This Weekend: Big Pete Pearson and the Rhythm Room All-Stars play this Friday and Saturday, April 27-28, 2007 at the Rhythm Room, Phoenix, AZ, 85014. The Rhythm Room All-Stars feature Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Bob Corritore, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $6. These nights will be patio smoking only events, no indoor smoking will be permitted.
• Lucerne Lineup Announced: The Lucerne Blues Festival has just officially announced its lineup for this year’s festival taking place on Nov 2nd through 11th, 2007 in Lucerne, Switzerland. This year’s musical program boasts (in the order listed on the festival’s website) Koko Taylor & Her Blues Machine, Billy Branch & The Sons Of Blues, Coco Montoya,Paul Oscher, Zac Harmon, Janiva Magness, Philipp Fankhauser & Band with Sonny Rhodes, ‘A Tribute to Johnny “Clyde” Copeland‘, Willie Walker & The Butanes, Mike Morgan & The Crawl Featuring Lee McBee, Willie King, Big Pete Pearsonand the Rhythm Room All-Stars, and Jumpin’ Johnny Sansone. The Lucerne Blues Festival is considered to be among the top blues festivals anywhere and blues fans from all over the world will be in attendance. The festival won a Keeping the Blues Alive Award from The Blues Foundation earlier this year. Big Pete and the Rhythm Room All-Stars are honored to be a part of this magnificent event. To read more about this festival click here.

April 19, 2007

• Chief Schabuttie Gilliame Hospitalized: Chief Schabuttie Gilliame was hospitalized today with a heart condition. He is currently in the Critical Care Unit at Phoenix Baptist Hospital. You can send get-well cards to this address:

  Schabuttie Gilliame / Patient
  Phoenix Baptist Hospital
  2000 W. Bethany Home Rd.
  Phoenix, AZ 85015
  (602)249-0212

  Chief seemed fairly brisk this afternoon, but seemed to have some complications with his asthma as the day progressed.Chief, who has unconventional religious leanings, says that he is praying to the Gods of Voodoo and to Allah Jesus that he will be okay. More updates on Chief’s situation as we know more. Blues fans will know Chief Schabuttie Gilliame from his brilliant album, Snakes Crawls at Night, on the Random Chancerecord label. Here is Chief’s story from the liner notes of that record: “I loves to sing and I loves peoples.” Around Phoenix we affectionately call Schabuttie Gilliame by “The Chief”. He resides in a small community just west of town called Buckeye and plays regularly in Phoenix and around California. Born in Egypt on September 15, 1925, Chief was blues schooled in Arkansas and Louisiana before bringing his unique musical perspective to Arizona some 25 years ago. A stout, jolly man who calls voodoo his religion, Chief is a lover of big-legged women and he claims to have 7 wives and 17 children. He speaks with a heavy African accent, writes from right to left, and sings with a gravelly voice that has been likened to Howlin’ Wolf. A natural on the stage or in the studio, Chief entrances himself in his singing while delivering his message with great passion. I have been a fan, sideman, and friend to Chief since I moved to Phoenix in 1981. Here, at last, is an example of Chief’s fine work in 10 exciting performances of his original songs, with a top notch lineup of backing musicians. When it comes to writing, singing, and entertaining the blues, Schabuttie Gilliame is definitely “The Chief” around these parts. –Bob Corritore

  The Rhythm Room will host a benefit for Chief on Sunday, May 13^, 2007, hosted by Nightshift featuring Tommy Grills, whoChief has been playing with recently. Many special guests to be announced will also play. Doors open at 6pm, a minimum donation of $5 is asked to cover Chief’s medical expenses.

• Rhythm Room Live Anthology CD Art Complete: Speaking of Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, he will be featured on one song of the new anthology of live recordings celebrating 15 years of the Rhythm Room. On this CD, Chief sings his original song, “Monkey Meat”, never before released. He is accompanied on that track by Johnny Dyer, Henry Gray,Johnny Rapp, Paul Thomas, and Steve Cushing (a great blues drummer best known for his national radio show, Blues Before Sunrise, which is nationally syndicated). Also on this CD are The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Robert Lockwood, Jr.,The Mannish Boys featuring Finis Tasby, Long John Hunter, Floyd Dixon, Kid Ramos, Louisiana Red, Billy Boy Arnold,Paul Oscher, Big Pete Pearson & the Rhythm Room All-Stars (Bob Corritore’s band), Sonny Rhodes, and more. The artwork for this CD is complete, and you can get a sneak preview by clicking here. Artwork courtesy of Tony Amato of Amato Image Design. This CD will be released on Blue Witch Records, and the release date will be announced shortly.
• Thank You, Delta Groove Records: As many of you know, Big Pete Pearson and Bob Corritore have been added to theSecond Annual Delta Groove All-Star Blues Revue “West Coast Meets Chicago” on Friday, May 11, 2007, the day after The Blues Foundation’s 2007 Blues Music Awards in Memphis. The event takes place at Gibson Beale Street Showcase – 145 Lt. George Lee Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38103. Cost : $12, doors open at 5:30pm – get there early! First band kicks off at 6:00pm! $12 in advance www.gibsonmemphis.com and at the Gibson Pure Retail Store, $15 at door (cash only at door).. We want to thank Rand Chortkoff and all of the staff of Delta Groove for including us in such a generous way in their promotion. They have a beautiful slideshow/banner ad that is making its way all around the internet. To view the slideshow, click here. Big Pete and Bob are very excited to be performing among these great musicians in this blues industry oriented event. By the way, the new Mannish Boys record, Big Plans, will be out shortly, and it’s a fantastic CD of straight-ahead West-Coast/Chicago blues.
• Thank you, Big City Blues Magazine: Robert Jr. Whitall and Shirley Mae Owens are huge supporters and participants in the blues scene, and their great magazine, Big City Blues, is a reflection of this. In the latest issue of Big City Blues, they review Big Pete Pearson‘s I’m Here Baby on Blue Witch Records in a glowing light. You can read the review by clicking here. On the Big City Blues website, there is a great photo of Kim Wilson and Amanda as well as an interview featuring Kim Wilson talking about the album Time Brings About A Change: A Floyd Dixon Celebration on HighJohn Records. Also, on the Big City Blues MySpace site (maintained by blues musician Steve Arvey), the Dave Riley and Bob Corritore MySpace is the featured “MySpace Artist of the Week”. Though this happened last week, it is still up as such, and you can see this site by clicking here. They feature a song off the new Dave Riley & Bob Corritore CD, which will be out later this year on Blue Witch Records, who plans to have it out right before the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival, which is where Bob and Dave Riley first met.
• Chico Chism Memorial Show Announced: May 23, 2007, would have been the late Chico Chism’s 80^th birthday. On this day, many of Chico’s friends will gather at the Rhythm Room to pay tribute to our recently deceased friend. The show will be hosted by Chico’s last Phoenix band, George Vaught and The Flamekeepers. Bob Corritore and many of Chico’s musical friends will perform at this event. A minimum donation of $5 is asked, which will go to some of the unpaid costs associated with Chico’s funeral last January.
• More Great Press for Big Pete Pearson: Big Pete Pearson‘s new album, I’m Here Baby on Blue Witch Records, has continued to make news. As mentioned above, it just received a glowing review from Big City Blues. In the April issue of Living Blues Magazine, just out, we find that Big Pete Pearson was number 22 in the February Living Blues Radio Chart, and number 11 in the March chart. Thank you to all the stations across the country and around the world who have given this record their support. Big Pete Pearson was recently filmed and interviewed for the Travel Channel, and is being presented as an integral part of the Phoenix cultural landscape. We recently posted some new reviews of Big Pete Pearson on the review section of www.bobcorritore.com, including a great review from the French ABS Magazine. Big Pete Pearson and the Rhythm Room All-Stars will perform at the Lucerne Blues Festival (in Switzerland) later this year, and Big Pete Pearson and guitarist Mike Howard will do an opening set as a duo for the May 20^th Buddy Guy show at the Mesa Arts Center.

April 8, 2007

• Paris James and Bob Corritore Perform this Wednesday! When Paris James and Bob Corritore get together, it is always a back porch blues party. Paris and Bob perform together in a duo setting this Wednesday, April 11, 2007, at the Rhythm Room. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $3. Barbecue will be available for purchase. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed. This night will also be a birthday party for our dear friend Daniel Swadener, a great photographer whose work is interspersed among the photo pages of www.bobcorritore.com.
• New Aces Photo Page! The Aces were considered the top Blues backing unit in Chicago. Its basic lineup included brothers Louis and Dave Myers, and in its definitive form, Fred Below on drums, though at times there would be other drummers. What made The Aces so special is that they seemed to fit into any Chicago Blues lineup, and raised the musicianship to that genre’s apex. Formed initially with Junior Wells as their singer/harmonica player, this band became most famous when Little Walter left Muddy Waters and struck out on his own, choosing The Aces for his backup band. The recordings made with Little Walter and The Aces would define the direction of the Chicago Blues harmonica band format, and are considered evergreen classics. Throughout the 1950s, up until the 1970s, The Aces would appear on a multitude of recording sessions, both as a standalone band and a crack backing unit. Click here for some memorable vintage photos and clippings of The Aces and their associates. The majority of these photos come from Scott Dirks, who scanned them from Dave’s personal collection. Scott Dirks is a fine harmonica player, and the co-author of the book Blues With A Feeling: The Little Walter Story, which, by the way, will be inducted into the Blues Foundation’s Blues Hall Of Fame, in a special awards dinner in Memphis May 9, 2007 (the night before the Blues Music Awards). Thank you, Scott Dirks, for these photos and for all you do for the blues.
• New Koko Taylor Out On Alligator: It is always cause for celebration when the queen of Chicago blues releases a new CD. This album is called Old School, and features Koko’s amazing vocals on each of the 12 songs, 5 of which are new Koko Taylor originals. Special guests include Bob Margolin and Billy Branch (our friends), who lend their musical expertise to the proceedings. The brilliant cover and back photos by Marc Norberg perfectly capture the glorious sweetness of this great blues woman. Also included on the inside is a mid 1950’s photo of Koko, friends, and family at Slyvio’s, with theMuddy Waters band playing in the background. We have added these photos to our Koko Taylor photo page courtesy of Tim Kolleth of Alligator Records. Click here to see this photo page.
• Sam Lay and Carol Fran Health Updates: Bob talked this week to his good friend Sam Lay, who had a recent health scare with what was ultimately diagnosed as Bell’s Palsy. Sam has regained about 95% of his speaking ability, and appears in good spirits, but states that it will be a little while yet before he will be resuming gigs. Carol Fran’s friend Robin Overton reports the following about Carol, who recently suffered a stroke: “I spoke to Carol and she sounded great, her speech is back, and more important, her memory is well intact. We talked about many inside jokes, with her reminding me of some of the funniest ones. We are planning a benefit her at the Mojo Lounge in Fremont, California on May 13, 2007 (Mothers’ Day), as Carol has been such an influence with so many, she is the mother figure for many musicians.” Glad to have some good news regarding these two precious blues artists.

April 1, 2007

• Big Pete and Bob Corritore Added to Delta Groove Showcase: Big Pete Pearson and Bob Corritore have been added to the Second Annual Delta Groove All-Star Blues Revue “West Coast Meets Chicago” on Friday, May 11, 2007. Rarely does a showcase of this magnitude happen in blues music. This event is associated with The Blues Foundation’s 2007 Blues Music Awards, which take place the night before (May 10, 2007). The spectacular lineup includes Phillip Walker,Mitch Kashmar, John Long, Hollywood Blue Flames, and The Mannish Boys, plus special guests Big Pete Pearson & Bob Corritore, The Jackie Payne/Steve Edmondson Band, Nick Moss & The Fliptops with guests Eddie Taylor Jr. & Bill Lupkin, and the Kilborn Alley Blues Band. The show will be co-hosted by Bill Wax, of XM Satellite Radio’s Bluesville Station and Brett Fleming of WEVL 89.9 (Memphis). On this showcase, Rand Chortkoff combines highlights from his label and its friends (thank you Rand) and Nick and Kate Moss‘ Blue Bella label. It all takes place at the Gibson Beale Street Showcase – 145 Lt. George Lee Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38103. Cost : $12 Doors open at 5:30pm – Get there early! First band kicks off at 6:00pm! $12 in advance www.gibsonmemphis.com and at the Gibson Pure Retail Store, $15 at door (cash only at door). Big Pete and Bob are honored to make a brief appearance as part of the great lineup of this amazing show.Delta Groove Productions was started in 2004 and quickly became a major force in the blues music world, with a series of spectacular blues releases, a world class marketing team and aggressive artist tour support, The label draws from a stable of the West Coast’s finest players and has become a refuge of artistic expression, combining a traditional approach to playing with a contemporary production style. This label has become owner Rand Chortkoff’s mission in life, and he works passionately to present his inventive and unique vision of the blues. We applaud his successful efforts and look forward to more of his fine releases.

• New Dave Riley and Bob Corritore MySpace Page! Those who have attended any of Dave Riley and Bob Corritore’s performances at the Arkansas Blues & Heritage Festival (formerly known as the King Biscuit Blues Festival) or at the Rhythm Room know that when these two players combine forces, it is a down home blues explosion. Visit their MySpace site and check out the story of these two, along with some photos and some sound clips from their forthcoming CD called Travelin’ The Dirt Road.

March 28, 2007

• Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars appearing this Friday and Saturday at the Rhythm Room: Bob Corritore to perform Friday and Saturday at the Rhythm Room with Big Pete Pearson & the Rhythm Room All-Stars. The lineup will include Big Pete Pearson, Bob Corritore, Chris James, Johnny Rapp, Patrick Rynn, and special guest Gregg Shuck, who will substitute for our regular drummer, Brian Fahey. Gregg is a spectacular drummer who plays in theMinneapolis-based Lamont Cranston Band, and was the drummer on Texas Red‘s second CD Nothing Can Save Me Now on Cold Wind Records. Doors open both nights at 8pm, cover charge is $6. These nights will be patio smoking only events, no indoor smoking will be permitted.
• Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars to Appear at the Lucerne Blues Festival in Switzerland: We were just given the OK to make the announcement. Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars will appear at the highly acclaimed Lucerne Blues Festival in Lucerne, Switzerland on Friday and Saturday, November 9-10, 2007. The complete lineup of the Lucerne Blues Festival is soon to be announced, and will be included in a forthcoming newsletter. We are honored to be asked to participate in one of the best blues festivals in the world! Thank you, Lucerne Blues Festival.
• Feature article on Bob Corritore in France’s ABS Magazine: Simply an amazing article has just been published in the most recent issue of ABS Magazine from France. This feature is 11 pages long (wow!), with numerous photos, a complete discography, and an in-depth interview highlighting Bob’s long and prolific career in the blues. This is the most detailed interview done with Bob to date, and has great stories about Bob’s early record productions in Chicago, the Chicago blues scene of the 1970s, Bob’s friendships with Robert Lockwood, Jr., Chico Chism, and Louisiana Red, moving to Arizona,Bob’s radio show, Bob’s harmonica influences, and Bob’s current recording projects. This issue also contains articles on Phillip Walker, blues fiddle, Odell Harris, and much more. To find out more about ABS Magazine, click here. Thank you to writer and interviewer Jean-Luc Vabres, and publication director Marcel Benedit.
• Chico Chism highlighted in Blues and Rhythm Magazine: The late bluesman, Chico Chism is honored in England’s Blues and Rhythm Magazine with an obituary written by editor Tony Burke, and a glowing review of Chico Chism’s West Side Chicago Blues Party written by Mike Stephenson. Also in this issue are features on Artie “Blues Boy” White, Carl Martin, and much more. To find out more about Blues and Rhythm Magazine, click here.
• More European Radio Support For Big Pete Pearson: Special Thanks to Poland’s Przemek Draheim, for his airplay support on Radio Sfera. Przemek has been playing Big Pete Pearson‘s I’m Here Baby on Blue Witch Records and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith’s Way Back. You can hear a podcast of the show that features these releases by clicking here. Also special thanks to France’s Robert Heibler of Radio Grille Ouverte – 88.2 for making Big Pete Pearson‘s I’m Here Baby # 1 in his current chart listing. For more information on his show, click here.
• A Successful Blues Fundraiser on KJZZ: Special thanks to the many people who called in their pledge of financial support during Bob’s blues radio show. We exceeded our goals during each of the three hours that we raised funds. Thanks also to Tomcat Courtney, who gave KJZZ listeners an amazing live on air performance of deep country blues after the fundraiser. Thanks also to KJZZ, who has provided a safe home for Bob’s radio show for over 23 years. Listeners may hear Bob’s radio program, Those Lowdown Blues, anywhere in the world (real time Sunday nights from 6pm-11pm Phoenix time) via web streaming by clicking here, or on KJZZ at 91.5 FM in Phoenix, 89.5 FM in Cottonwood, 90.1 FM in Prescott, 98.9 FM in Tucson, and 99.1 FM in Kingman.
• Cover Art for New Rhythm Room Live Blues Compilation Unveiled: Click here to see the cover design by Tony Amato of Amato Image Design for the forthcoming CD, called House Rockin’ And Blues Shoutin!: Celebrating 15 Years Of The Rhythm Room. This CD will be out later this year on Blue Witch Records. It contains fantastic live performances by TheFabulous Thunderbirds, Robert Lockwood, Jr., The Mannish Boys featuring Finis Tasby, Floyd Dixon, Louisiana Red, Big Pete Pearson & Rhythm Room All-Stars, Bob Corritore, Henry Gray, Billy Boy Arnold, Paul Oscher, Johnny Dyer, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, Long John Hunter, Kid Ramos, Sonny Rhodes, and more!

March 22, 2007

• Down-home Blues with Tomcat Courtney this Friday at the Rhythm Room: Down-home blues master Tomcat Courtney will perform at the Rhythm Room on Friday, March 23, 2007. Tomcat grew up in Texas around Lightnin’ Hopkins, played in Freddie King’s band, and eventually moved to San Diego, California to become that town’s blues father figure. Tomcat will be backed by Chris James, Patrick Rynn, Brian Fahey, and Bob Corritore of the Rhythm Room All-Stars. Click here to see the flier for this event. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $8. Barbecue will be available for purchase. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed.
• When Hollywood and the Blues World Meet (Thank you, Rand Chortkoff): Delta Groove Label Chief Rand Chortkoff has had his hand in Hollywood movies for many years now. However, Randy recently expanded his role to become the executive producer of a new movie called “What Love Is”, which had its Red Carpet Gala Premiere in Hollywood, Tuesday March 20, 2007, at the Directors Guild of America on Sunset Boulevard. This hysterical romantic comedy stars Sean Astin, Mars Callahan, Gina Gershon, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Anne Heche, Tamala Jones, Matthew Lillard, and others. Kim and I were delighted to receive Rand’s invitation, and share this great moment in our friend’s life. We had never been to a Hollywood movie premiere before. It was a grand event, with not only movie stars, but also many of Rand’s musical friends: Johnny Dyer, Finis Tasby, Kid Ramos, Janiva Magness, Kirk Fletcher, Scott and Michelle Dirks, Phillip Walker,Jackie Payne and Steve Edmondson, Larry Taylor, Leon Blue, Bobby Jones, Al Blake, Lynwood Slim, Jerry Del Giudice and Edward Chmelewski (of Blind Pig Records), Rob Rio, Cam Hayden and Carrol Dean of the Edmonton Labatt’s Blues Festival, and others. Afterwards, the party went to Avalon, with music by The Mannish Boys, Jackie Payne and Steve Edmondson, Hollywood Blue Flames, Rick Holmstrom, Bobby Jones, and others. A great time was had by all!
• More Great Reviews and Radio Support for Big Pete’s CD (Roots Music Report, Baltimore Blues Rag, Soul Bag Magazine, and More!): Big Pete Pearson‘s I’m Here Baby on Blue Witch Records appears this week at #22 (last week, it was #20) on the Roots Music Report – Blues Radio Chart! You can check out this chart by clicking here. An abbreviated version of this chart also appears in the Blues Festival E-Guide’s weekly online newsletter. You can sign up for this newsletter by clicking here. Special thanks to Daniel Rozanski for his glowing review of Big Pete Pearson‘s I’m Here Baby in the Baltimore Blues Rag. Thanks to France’s Soul Bag Magazine, both for its four star review by Daniel Léon, and for including a track from I’m Here Baby in a CD sampler that comes with each issue. Click here to read both these reviews. Thanks to Mary Flynn (Billy Flynn’s beautiful wife who hosts a radio show on WPNE Wisconsin Public Radio), for letting us know that she has added Big Pete to her play rotation. Norman Thompson, who hosts Smokestack Lightnin’ on WUCF, 89.9FM, Orlando, Florida, has been very supportive of this record. In addition, Charlie Lange has included this new release for sale in his great online blues CD store, Blue Beat Music, and he is giving this record spins on his blues show onKUSP. For a larger list of radio stations that have let us know that they are playing this CD, click here.
• KJZZ Fundraiser for “Those Lowdown Blues” this Sunday: Speaking of radio, Bob will have his blues show’s annual fundraiser this Sunday for the first three hours (6-9pm) of his weekly 5-hour blues program. Please consider supporting this blues show by calling (480)834-5627 or (800)266-1111, or pledge online at www.kjzz.org. Your continued support of  Bob’s show has allowed the show its 23-year run. Listeners may hear Bob’s radio program, Those Lowdown Blues,anywhere in the world (real time Sunday nights from 6pm-11pm Phoenix time) via web streaming by clicking here, or onKJZZ at 91.5 FM in Phoenix, 89.5 FM in Cottonwood, 90.1 FM in Prescott, 98.9 FM in Tucson, and 99.1 FM in Kingman.
• Richard Cason Passes: Sorry to report that Richard Cason, keyboard player in the legendary Dyke & The Blazers band, passed away Monday, March 19, 2007 in Los Angeles, after a long battle with cancer. Richard was born in Phoenix in 1948, and though he left to pursue his musical endeavors, he kept close ties to his hometown. His musical resume includes songwriting, producing and session work with some of the top names in R&B, including: The Temptations, Z.Z. Hill, Mel Waiters, The Fifth Dimension, Sam and Dave, Johnnie Taylor, and many others. He was behind the scenes of so many of R & B’s great moments. For a bio of his life, click here. Thank you, Richard. You made Phoenix proud. You will be missed.

March 18, 2007

• Sam Lay Update: Corky Siegel reports this morning that Sam Lay’s test results indicate Bell’s Palsy, which is a virus and not a stroke. This is a much easier recovery and we are relieved.

March 18, 2007

• Sam Lay Hospitalized: It is very hard to make this announcement, as Sam Lay is our dear friend. Sam was admitted into Chicago’s Mount Sinai Hospital on Friday, March 16, 2007, with symptoms resembling a stroke (one side of his face is without feeling, and he is having a hard time swallowing and speaking clearly). This information comes from Rob Stone and Chris James as of yesterday afternoon. We were waiting for test results before we sent out a newsletter, but then this information came to us additionally from Salli Squitieri & Gabriel Butterfield of The Paul Butterfield Fund and Society:”We just got off the phone with Sam Lay. He went into the hospital last night with the symptoms of a stroke, and is undergoing testing. He phoned us in a very concerned manner this morning from his hospital room, and he was being transferred to another room at the time he called. Several performances had to be canceled because of this emergency, and he is very disheartened with that. We just obtained permission from him to release this information. We thought everyone would like to know, and we are hoping that everyone will please send Get Well cards and Lots of Love to: Mt Sinai Hospital Patient: Sam Lay (RM 506) 1500 South California Blvd Chicago, IL 60608 Thank you and hugs to all, Salli Squitieri & Gabriel Butterfield The Paul Butterfield Fund and Society (PBFS) 1107 Key Plaza # 335 Key West, Florida 33040 butterfieldsociety@yahoo.com http://www.myspace.com/pbfs Thank you, Salli and Gabriel. By the way, Gabriel is the son of Paul Butterfield, and a fine drummer who cites Sam as a major influence. Sam Lay is considered by many to be one of the greatest Chicago Blues drummers of all time. He worked in Cleveland during the 50’s before coming to Chicago to become the drummer in Little Walter’s band. Howlin’ Wolf recruited Sam to be his drummer in 1960, and Sam stayed in Wolf’s band for 5 years recording classics like “Killing Floor”, Little Red Rooster”, “I Ain’t Superstitious”, and many others. From there, Sam worked in the original Paul Butterfield Blues Band, appearing on the cover of the first record in his classic silver shoes, and making his vocal debut with a rousing version of “Got My Mojo Working”, now considered a classic performance. He was the drummer on the Muddy Waters’ concept album “Fathers and Sons”, combining an old and new generation of blues players (Muddy and Otis Spann representing the old, and Lay,Butterfield, and guitarist Mike Bloomfield representing the new). Sam Lay made a guest appearance on the title track ofBob Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited, and appeared at the Newport Folk Festival at Dylan’s first electric concert backed by the Butterfield Blues Band. He was the drummer on James Cotton’s classic first album on Verve. Sam Lay also recorded behind Lightnin’ Hopkins, The Chambers Brothers, Sunnyland Slim, and many others. Sam has put out his own albums released on Blue Thumb, Telarc, Appaloosa, Random Chance, and other labels. Sam has been working and recording most recently in the Siegel-Schwall Band, and with the Chicago Blues Reunion. He has a completed a yet unreleased album produced by Bob Corritore, currently being prepared for issue in 2008. Sam Lay recently played drums as a guest artist on Chris James‘ forthcoming record, due out later this year. Bob Corritore appeared in Sam Lay’s band for dates in 2000 and 2001, along with fellow Rhythm Room All-Stars Chris James and Patrick Rynn, who spent seven years on the road with Sam. Some examples of Bob’s work with Sam are on the album Rhythm Room Blues (a live blues compilation), in which Sam plays two tracks. That lineup just reunited for a memorable show at the Rhythm Room January 19, 2007, which found Sam in top form. Sam is a dear friend, and is considered like family to those of us who know him. Prayers forSam Lay’s full recovery.

March 14, 2007

• Carol Fran Health Update: This relieving news comes from Carol’s friend, Robin Overton. Robin tells us:  “I spoke with Carol this morning (13 March, 2007). She is in a rehab center until going home next week. She is doing well. She has her speech back, and is getting up and walking. She has promised to stay on her medications. She is having trouble swallowing, but she has for some time. The doctors want her on silence for a while, which is hard for her. They think it will be about three months. I am sure she will be back stronger than ever. I will keep you updated, but all news is good for now. Carol’s nephew is staying with her, and I will be going out to give him a break.”  Thank you, Robin, for this update.

• Leroy Brown Correction: Jon McDonald wrote in to correct us that Leroy Brown passed away on Sunday, 11 March, 2007, and not Monday, 12 March, 2007, as was previously reported. Thank you, Jon.
• Upcoming Press: These media items are in the pipeline, so please look out for them:  1) A feature article/interview on Bob Corritore in the next issue of ABS Magazine from France. This article comes with many photos of Bob’s past, and a complete discography of Bob as a player and producer. You can read more about this issue and ABS Magazine by clicking here.  2) A Middle Walter article in the next issue Juke Blues, featuring photos and show posters from Bob’s collection, and quotes from Bob on his friend. In case you have not heard of Middle Walter, he was a fine Gary-based harmonica player that Bob was friends with while still living in Chicago.  3) A review of Big Pete Pearson‘s new CD I’m Here Baby on Blue Witch Records (produced by Bob Corritore) by Eric Thom in the next issue of Blues Revue.  4) An interview with Big Pete Pearson about his new CD I’m Here Baby on Blue Witch Records (produced by Bob Corritore) on Voice Of America radio.

• Thank You, Bill Wax: Much appreciation to Bill Wax, of XM Satellite Radio’s Bluesville Station for his heavy rotation ofBig Pete Pearson‘s new CD I’m Here Baby on Blue Witch Records (produced by Bob Corritore). We are glad that you like the record. Thanks for your support.
• St. Patrick’s Day Blues Party with the Fremonts This Saturday: Check out San Diego’s roots-blues champions The Fremonts this Saturday, March 17, 2007, at the Rhythm Room. This band features Mighty Joe Milsap on vocals, and a strong group of players that specialize in the Excello Records swamp-blues sound. Cover charge is $6, and drink specials will be available throughout the night. Doors open at 8pm. Barbecue will be available for purchase. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed.

March 12, 2007

• Carol Fran Suffered a Stroke: Georgette Jolivette (King Karl’s widow) called today to report that Carol Fran just suffered a stroke. Georgette had no details, but just that news. Carol has been residing recently in Lafayette, Louisiana. She recorded classic sides for the Excello and Goldband record labels during the late 1950s and early 1960s, and then made more recent recordings for the Black Top and JSP record labels in partnership with her late husband, guitar great Clarence Hollimon (the JSP record was lovingly produced by Jimmy Morello). Carol has spent a lot of time in Phoenix, and Bob Corritore has produced 2 sessions by her of some yet-unreleased material (not enough for a full record). Carol is one of the greatest living female blues singers, and a sweet and loving person. Prayers to our friend. You can see Carol’s MySpace page with song clips by clicking here.
• Leroy Brown Passes: Scott Meyer (former bass player with the Eddy Clearwater band) reports that Leroy Brown has passed away today (3/12/07), after a long battle with cancer. Leroy got his start in the Doo-Wop music genre. He is best known to blues fans for his association with Eddy Clearwater. Leroy was a part of Eddy’s stage show during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, and is best known for the duet he sang with Eddy, “A Little Bit Of Blues And A Little Bit Of Rock And Roll.” Leroy was a trusted friend to Eddy Clearwater, and served as a manager at Eddy’s short-lived nightclub, Reservation Blues. Leroy was an integral part of the Chicago blues scene, and will be remembered fondly.

March 8, 2007

• Paul DeLay Passes: This unfortunate news comes to us from the Oregonian, of Paul deLay’s passing. Below is the obituary they ran:Paul deLay, the larger-than-life Portland bluesman who redefined the harmonica and its musical potential, died this morning at Providence Portland Medical Center from end-stage leukemia diagnosed just days before. He was 55. “He was the most inventive harmonica player in the history of the planet,” says John Mazzocco, who played bass with deLay for several years in the 1990s. “He was gifted — he had incredible tone, but more important, he could look at things differently than any other harmonica player. He was the best in the world.” “He was the best harmonica player in the blues world,” says bassist Jimmy Lloyd Rea, from Baker City. “His big body — mind, heart and soul — was in every note he ever played.” DeLay recorded a dozen albums in his four-decade career, won several music awards and was nominated for a W.C. Handy Award. He and his band toured constantly, and his last show was just last Saturday — a benefit show at Klamath Fall’s Ross Ragland Theater. “What amazes me is the energy he brought to the show,” says guitarist Pete Dammann, who played in deLay’s bands for the past two decades. “He wasn’t pirouetting onstage, but he was joking and yakking with the crowd, and he played hard. We did two long sets, and nobody had any idea anything like this was going on.” Neither did deLay. After that show, Dammann says, deLay felt under the weather, presumably from bronchitis he’d suffered on the band’s recent jaunt to Mexico for several benefit shows. But doctors found that deLay was suffering from leukemia so advanced that his organs began shutting down and he lapsed into a coma from which he apparently never recovered. Paul Joseph deLay was born Jan. 31, 1952 in Portland, where he lived all his life. In the early 1970, he and then-drummer Lloyd Jones and guitarist Jim Mesi formed an electric blues band called Brown Sugar and played to eager crowds up and down the West Coast. They laid the foundation for Portland’s reputation as one of the country’s great blues towns. Nineteen seventy-six saw the formation of the Paul deLay Blues Band, which toured hard for more than a decade. At the same time, deLay suffered from alcohol and cocaine problems. In January of 1990, deLay was busted for cocaine trafficking and eventually served time in the federal prison in Sheridan. But before that sentence, deLay cleaned up and started writing and recording his own music with a new band. While deLay was in prison, his band played on as the No Delay Band, and it was waiting when he got out. They went on to record ground-breaking albums such as “Ocean of Tears” and “Nice and Strong,” and Evidence Records released his two post-bust albums – evidence that whoever said there are no second acts to American lives had never heard of Paul deLay.

March 2, 2007

• New Chico Chism and Chicago Blues Photo Pages Added: A new 2-page photo section honoring the late Chico Chismhas just been added to www.bobcorritore.com. Included are photos of Chico with Jimmy Rogers, Homesick James,Johnny Copeland, John Brim, Little Mack Simmons, Big Pete Pearson, Sam Taylor, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, Chico at the Grand Canyon, and much more. These photos celebrate this great blues artist and friend who brought so much joy to the people who knew him. To see these pages click here. Also just added is a page called Chicago Blues 1970’s to Early 1980’s Part 3, which includes great photos of Good Rockin’ Charles, Hip Lankchan, Big Walter Horton, Willie Buck, Junior Wells, a 1980 ad for B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted, and more! To see this page click here.
• Bob Corritore Featured In Big City Blues Magazine’s Radio Issue: Big City Blues Magazine featured an interview and photo of Bob in their February/March radio issue. This issue spotlights various blues DJs, including Steve Cushing, Bill Wax, Domenic Forcella, Norm Rosen, Shemekia Copeland, Tom Marker, Vicente “Harmonica” Zumel, Pervis Spann, and more! The photo included in this issue is one of Louisiana Red and Bob after an on-air interview. Editors Robert Jr. Whitall and Shirley Mae Owens are avid blues fans who really get out to the festivals and events, and this wonderful magazine reflects their unique and intimate insight into this music as a scene. Thank you, Big City Blues Magazine. Bob’s radio show, “Those Lowdown Blues”, is aired Sunday nights from 6-11pm (Phoenix time) on KJZZ 91.5FM, and can be heard around the world via online streaming by going to www.kjzz.org. Bob’s radio program recently received a Keeping the Blues Alive award in Memphis. Photos of the awards presentation have been posted on the Dusty Blues website and can be seen by clicking here.
• More Great Big Pete Pearson Reviews and an NPR Podcast! Big Pete Pearson‘s new CD I’m Here Baby on Blue Witch Records (produced by Bob Corritore) continues to receive great reviews. The most recent are from Blues In Britain and the Phoenix New Times. To see these and other reviews of this release, click here. In addition, GetOut Magazine just did a feature story on Big Pete and showed his photo on the cover of that week’s issue. To read this feature, click here. Thanks to writers Chris Hansen Orf (GetOut), Mark Keresman (New Times), and Mick Rainsford (Blues In Britain) for their kind words. Also, check out this recent NPR podcast originating from affiliate station WXPN (Philadelphia) about Big Pete and the CD by clicking here.

Bob’s Scheduled Performances In March:

• Sunday, March 11, 2007 – Appearing Noon-2pm at the West Valley Art Museum with the Big Pete Pearson Blues Band.
• Friday, March 23, 2007 – Appearing at the Rhythm Room, Phoenix, AZ with Texas-born, San Diego-based down-home bluesman Tomcat Courtney. Tomcat is a veteran vocalist and guitarist who plays the real deal old school blues. Tomcat was a major influence of Rhythm Room All-Stars‘ guitarist Chris James, who joined Tomcat’s Band as a teenager. On this night, the backing band will include Chris James, Patrick Rynn, Brian Fahey, and Bob Corritore. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $8.
• Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31, 2007 – Appearing at the Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ with the Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, with Chris James, Patrick Rynn, Johnny Rapp, and guest drummer Gregg Shuck from the Minneapolis-based Lamont Cranston Band. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $6.

February 20, 2007

• Alvin Youngblood Hart Brings His Deep Blues to the Rhythm Room Wednesday, February 20, 2007: Country blues master Alvin Youngblood Hart makes a rare valley appearance this Blues Blast week as a solo country blues artist Wednesday, February 21, 2007, 7pm at the Rhythm Room. Alvin Youngblood Hart’s beautiful and spellbinding voice, combined with his deep understanding of the fine points of country blues guitar, are sure to deliver a champion performance tomorrow night. Opening set by Paris James and Bob Corritore. Doors open at 7pm, advance tickets are $18, or $22 on the day of the show. Advance tickets are available at the Rhythm Room, all Ticketmaster store locations, charge by phone: (800)745-3000, or www.ticketmaster.com. Barbecue will be available for purchase. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed.
• Rolling Fork Revue to Play Blues Blast Kickoff Party Friday, February 23, 2007 at the Rhythm Room: In 2004, Johnny Dyer released Rolling Fork Revisited on Mountaintop Productions. This record was spectacular in that it recreated the sound and feel of Muddy Waters’ 1950’s recordings. Johnny took on the role of vocalist only (even though he is one of the world’s top harmonica players), while Mark Hummel (also an amazing harmonica player) handled the Little Walter harmonica parts, and Rusty Zinn provided his classic Chicago blues guitar playing. Saturday’s Blues Blast Kickoff show at the Rhythm Room will capture some of the magic of that record, as is rarely put together in a live concert date. The Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, Chris James, Bob Corritore, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp will do an opening set before turning it over to the Rolling Fork Revue, featuring Mark Hummel & His Blues Survivors, Johnny Dyer, and Rusty Zinn. This night will showcase some truly great blues harmonica. Cover charge is $12. Doors open at 8pm. Barbecue will be available for purchase. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed.
• Roy Gaines to play Blues Blast Pre-Party Saturday, February 24, 2007 at the Rhythm Room: Texas blues guitar powerhouse Roy Gaines takes over the Rhythm Room for two sets on Saturday night as a special guest of The Rhythm Room All-Stars. Big Pete Pearson, backed by The Rhythm Room All-Stars (Chris James, Bob Corritore, Brian Fahey,Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp) will provide an opening set, before turning it over to our special guest, fellow Texan Roy Gaines. Roy is one of the most dynamic guitar players and vocalists on the scene today. His records from the fifties are considered classics. He has continued to grow as a bluesman for life. Don’t miss the perfect Blues Blast Pre-party! Cover charge is $10. Doors open at 8pm. Barbecue will be available for purchase. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed.
• Blues Blast 2007 Information: Make sure and check out the Phoenix Blues Society’s website for a complete list of allBlues Blast related items and events, lineup, and venue information. Kudos to Kyle Deibler and the Phoenix Blues Society for putting on our annual big blues party. After Blues Blast 2007 at the Mesa Amphitheatre, an After-party for Blues Blast will take place at the Rhythm Room Sunday, February 25, 2007: Blues Blast ticket holders and event staff get in free, otherwise the cover is only $3. Honeyboy Dupree and the Smokehouse Players will host the After-Party and Celebrity Jam Session. Doors open at 7pm. Barbecue will be available for purchase. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed.
• Big Pete Pearson gets rave reviews in Living Blues, Blues Source, and Southland Blues Magazines: Click here to read these and other reviews of I’m Here Baby. Special thanks to Jim DeKoster, (Living Blues), Blue Barry (Blues Source), and Jim Santella (Southland Blues) for the kind things they had to say.

February 12, 2007

• Ike Turner wins Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album! Congratulations to our friend, Ike Turner, who received a Grammy® Award in the category of Traditional Blues Album for Risin’ With The Blues on Zoho Records. Ike is one of the most influential figures in the history of blues music, and in addition to being a great bandleader, guitarist and pianist, he was the talent scout who jumpstarted the careers of Howlin’ Wolf, B.B. King, Little Milton, and many others! Bob Corritore and Ike met through Little Milton at the W.C. Handy Awards (now the renamed Blues Music Awards, which are awarded each year by The Blues Foundation) in 2000, and that introduction eventually led to Ike’s guest appearance on Big Pete Pearson‘s I’m Here Baby on Blue Witch Records (produced by Bob Corritore). Click here for a photo of Bob and Ike at the recording session. Click here for some photos of Ike in 2005 celebrating his friend and mentor, Pinetop Perkins, as Pinetop was receiving a lifetime achievement Grammy®. Congratulations also to Irma Thomas, who won under the category of Contemporary Blues Album.
• New YouTube Clip Of Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars: This little clip shows our band getting down to some deep blues at the Southern Arizona Blues Heritage Festival at the Reid Park Bandshell, October 14, 2006. Special thanks to Blue Witch Records for posting this. To watch this video, click here. To book The Rhythm Room All-Stars at your festival, please contact Harry Turner at his new national booking agency, H.L. Turner Company.
• Big Pete Pearson CD Media Reaction! A few reviews have already come in with praise of the recent release of Big Pete Pearson‘s I’m Here Baby on Blue Witch Records. In case you are new to this newsletter, Big Pete Pearson is a great Phoenix blues singer, that up until now has been Phoenix’s best kept secret. He grew up in Austin, and is the older cousin of W.C. Clark. Big Pete settled in Phoenix in the 1950’s, and has long been the town’s “King of the Blues”. This new release features Big Pete‘s amazing vocals with his touring band, The Rhythm Room All-Stars (Bob Corritore, Chris James, Johnny Rapp, Patrick Rynn, and Brian Fahey), plus special guests Ike Turner (on 2 tracks), W.C. Clark (on 2 tracks), Joey DeFrancesco (on 2 tracks, Kid Ramos (on 2 tracks), Johnny Dyer (on one track) and Chico Chism (on 2 tracks). To see some of the recent reviews, click here. Thanks to Larry Rodgers of the Arizona Republic for his four star review of the CD (click here) Check out this rather funny website giving props to Big Pete, Blue Witch Records, and Bob from Radio Netrock.
• Jimmy Reed Book: Will Romano’s book Big Boss Man: The Life & Music Of Bluesman Jimmy Reed is now out on Backbeat books. This great book contains many insights on Jimmy Reed, and his often unspotlighted partner, Eddie Taylor. Essential reading for lovers of Chicago blues! Thanks, Will, for kind words to Bob Corritore in the acknowledgements. To order, click here.
• Chico Chism Remembered On KJZZ Website: Click here to see a page dedicated to honoring our late blues hero, Chico Chism. This page includes a bio/obituary, as well as recorded memorial comments by Chico’s friends, local, and national blues artists as they reflect on their friends. Comments included are by Koko Taylor, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Bob Stroger, Sam Lay, Johnny Rapp, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, Kim Wilson, Billy Branch, Lil Ed, Bill Mitchell, and many others. Special thanks to Bob’s radio show assistant, Jennifer Waters, for her hard and timely work in collecting these stories.
• Chico Chism Honored By Washington Times And Other Publications: Check out these links to various Chico Chism obits:The Washington Times, January 29, 2007 Get Out Magazine, January 29, 2007 The Tucson Citizen, January 29, 2007 eJazz News, February 8, 2007

February 5, 2007

• Award Recognition in Memphis: Last Saturday, in an awards brunch at the ballroom of the Doubletree Hotel Memphis Downtown, Bob Corritore was honored by The Blues Foundation with a KBA Award for public radio (KBA stands forKeeping the Blues Alive). It is awarded to individuals or groups who have furthered the cause of this music form. A heartfelt thank you to The Blues Foundation and the blues community at large, and to the KJZZ listeners. Special thanks also to KJZZ for providing a safe home for Bob’s radio program, Those Lowdown Blues. Special thanks to Kyle Deibler, President of the Phoenix Blues Society, who drafted the proposal. Thanks also to HighJohn Records and Blue Witch Records for their advertisements in the KBA / IBC program congratulating Bob.
• Chico Chism Remembered: Bob’s dear friend, Chico Chism, was remembered at his funeral last Tuesday at the Rhythm Room. Chico’s closed casket had flowers on top of it and Chico’s button-covered hat. There was a huge photo of Chico(thank you David Blake) and floral wreaths which held crosses formed by Chico’s drum sticks. Father Ron Poston presided over the service, Lynne Avril was the emcee, Bob Corritore welcomed the capacity crowd, and in between religious sermons were speeches and performances by Harmonica Mark playing “Amazing Grace”, Patte’ Williams sang “His Eye Is On The Sparrow”, and Chico’s daughter Audrey with song and spoken remembrances of her father. A line of people formed to pass by the casket, while another line formed to share memories of Chico. From that point forward, the evening became a musical celebration of our beloved Chico Chism, with performances by The Flamekeepers, Big Pete Pearson, Bob Corritore, Johnny Rapp, Brian Fahey, Mario Moreno, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, Texas Red, Hans Olson,Chuck Hall, Uvon, Ray Ray, One Class Act, Walkin’ Cane Mark, Blues Dinosaurs, and many others. Special Thanks toBluesWax, the Blue Shoe Project, Blues Art Studio, and The Blues Foundation for posting information on Chico’s passing. Information forthcoming on a Chicago memorial tribute to Chico to take place in March at Rosa’s Lounge, a club with which Chico was fondly associated.
• Grammy® Memorial Tribute: The Grammy® Awards will be showing brief footage of Floyd Dixon, Robert Lockwood, Jr., and Ruth Brown in this Sunday’s broadcast. The Floyd Dixon footage was provided by HighJohn Records, who put out Floyd’s last release, Time Brings About A Change: A Floyd Dixon Celebration, recorded live at the Rhythm Room. The Robert Lockwood, Jr. footage was provided by Bill Barclay and his associates. It was shot two summers ago at the time of the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival, and Bob had a hand in arranging this film shoot. The 49th Annual Grammy®Awards Program will air on CBS Sunday, February 11, 2007 at 8pm Eastern Time.
• Lockwood Memorial Tribute in Seventh Hour Blues: The online magazine Seventh Hour Blues features a memorial tribute to the great Robert Lockwood, Jr. This tribute features remembrances by Roy Book Binder, Bob Corritore, Jorma Kaukonen, John Mayall, Jack Randall, Tommy McCoy, and Anthony Sapienza. This article also features three photos from Bob’s extensive collection, including one of Robert in session, another with Robert, Bob, and Sam Carr in Mississippi, and a third photo with Robert Young, Chico Chism, Robert Lockwood, Jr., and Bob Corritore at the Rhythm Room.
• More Big Pete Pearson Recognition in France: Special thanks to the Radio Baker Street website (France) for highlighting Big Pete Pearson. Click here to view the website.
• Johnny D Makes Guest Appearance On Bob’s Radio Show: This Sunday on KJZZ, Bob Corritore will feature special guest and Phoenix musicologist John (“Johnny D“) Dixon, for Bob and Johnny’s annual Phoenix Rhythm & Blues special. This special looks at some of the great Rhythm & Blues, gospel, soul, and blues recordings that came out of Phoenix during the 1950’s and ‘60’s. This year’s installment will feature a new 2-CD release on the UK’s Kent Record Label (a subsidiary of Ace Records) of Dyke & The Blazers, including many previously unissued performances. Listeners may hear Bob’s radio program Those Lowdown Blues anywhere in the world (real time Sunday nights from 6pm-11pm Phoenix time)via web streaming by clicking here, or on KJZZ at 91.5 FM in Phoenix, 89.5 FM in Cottonwood, 90.1 FM in Prescott, 98.9 FM in Tucson, and 99.1 FM in Kingman. Johnny D will be on the last two hours of the show.
• Sam Lay in town with Siegel-Schwall Band this Wednesday: Master Chicago blues drummer Sam Lay brings his definitive back beat to this Wednesday’s performance with the Siegel-Schwall Band featuring Marcy Levy at the Rhythm Room on February 7, 2007. Doors open at 7pm, advance tickets are $27, or $33 on the day of the show. Advance tickets are available at the Rhythm Room, all Ticketmaster store locations, charge by phone: (800)745-3000, orwww.ticketmaster.com. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed.
• Paris James and Bob Corritore To Open for Alvin Youngblood Hart: Paris James and Bob Corritore are scheduled to open for Alvin Youngblood Hart at the Rhythm Room on Wednesday, February 21, 2007. Doors open at 7pm, advance tickets are $18, or $22 on the day of the show. Advance tickets are available at the Rhythm Room, all Ticketmaster store locations, charge by phone: (800)745-3000, or www.ticketmaster.com. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed.
• Blues Blast Weekend 2007: A Blues Blast Weekend Kickoff Party and Harmonica Extravaganza will be held at the Rhythm Room on Friday, February 23, 2007. This year the kickoff party will feature a Rolling Fork Revue of Johnny Dyer, Mark Hummel, and Rusty Zinn with Mark Hummel and the Blues Survivors. Opening the show are The Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, Chris James, Bob Corritore, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp. Doors open at 8pm, cover is $12. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed. Then on Saturday, February 24, 2007, the Rhythm Room hosts the Blues Blast 2007 Pre-Party with Roy Gaines backed by The Rhythm Room All-Stars featuring Big Pete Pearson, Chris James, Bob Corritore, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp. Doors open at 8pm, cover is $10. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed. On Sunday, February 25, 2007, Phoenix Blues Society presents Blues Blast 2007 at the Mesa Amphitheatre, with a lineup including MC6, Mikel Lander, Big Nick & The Gila Monsters, Zac Harmon, Sista Monica, Albert Cummings, and Tommy Dukes & The Soul Kings. Complete details of Blues Blast 2007 can be found at www.phoenixblues.org. After Blues Blast, theRhythm Room hosts a Blues Blast After-Party & Celebrity Jam Session hosted by Honeyboy Dupree & The Smokehouse Players, with appearances by many of the artists who will have appeared at the Mesa Amphitheatre earlier that day atBlues Blast 2007! Doors open at 7pm, cover is $3, but there will be no cover with your Blues Blast ticket stub! BBQ will be available for purchase. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed.

January 29, 2007

• Chico Chism Links of Interest: As we mourn Chico’s passing, here are some links that will help us remember Chico:Chico Chism photo page on www.bobcorritore.com CD Artwork for Chico Chism’s West Side Chicago Blues Party Photos from Chico Chism’s West Side Chicago Blues Party Chico Chism MySpace (Performing Artist) Chico Chism MySpace New Times article “Chico, The Man” 05/02/2002 by Gilbert Garcia New Times article “Everybody Loves Chico” 10/14/2004 by Niki D’Andrea New Times article “Chico And The Fan” 01/25/07 by Niki D’Andrea Arizona Republic obituary 01/29/07 by Larry Rodgers Howlin’ Wolf official website with obituary tribute to Chico

January 28, 2007

• Chico Chism Memorial Service: Chico’s memorial will be held Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at the Rhythm Room, the club that he loved so much. There will be commentary, a religious service led by Father Ron Poston, as well as photos and video of Chico, followed by a musical tribute by his many friends including The Flamekeepers, and others includingBig Pete Pearson, Lynne Avril, Bob Corritore, Nightshift Featuring The Chief & Tom Grills, George Bowman, Walkin’ Cane Mark, Mike Howard, Matt Roe, Hans Olson, Blues Dinosaurs, Johnny Rapp, and many, many others not yet confirmed. A repast of barbeque will be available for sale, proceeds from the sale of which will help pay for the funeral costs; other donations will be accepted at the door. Doors will open at 6pm. No smoking will be allowed indoors, although smoking will be permitted on the outdoor patio.

January 28, 2007

• Chico Chism May 23, 1927 – January 28, 2007 – Rest In Peace: Our beloved Chico Chism left us this morning around 5am. Since his 2002 stroke, Chico’s health had been gradually deteriorating. He spent this last week in a very weak state, unable to get out of bed. But he found much joy in his many visitors this last week. His last few days were spent mostly peacefully sleeping. Chico never appeared in pain. He is survived by his daughter, Audrey, who was able to visit her father earlier this week from Chicago. He was 79 years old. Phoenix will never be the same without our blues cheerleader. We have all been profoundly touched by this beautiful person.Napoleon “Chico” Chism was born on a riverboat outside of Shreveport, Louisiana on May 23, 1927. Little is known aboutChico’s upbringing: Chico was very secretive about his past and often claimed to be younger than he was. But we do know that Chico recorded in 1957 as a drummer for T.V. Slim on the original version of “Flat Foot Sam” on the Clif Record label. He was back in the studio again in 1959, but this time as a front man, recording the song “Hot Tamales And Bar-B-Que”. He also worked in the bands of Choker Campbell, with Big Joe Turner, Clifton Chenier, Classie Ballou, Rosco Gordon, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Little Junior Parker, and many others. At some point, he landed in Chicago and became well known in the 1970’s as Howlin’ Wolf’s last drummer. He played on sessions with Eddie Shaw and the Wolf Gang, Sunnyland Slim, and Willie Kent. He played at Antone’s in Austin, Texas, during the 1970’s, befriending a yet to be famous Fabulous Thunderbirds band and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Chico started a record label called Cher-Kee Records, and put out a series of 45’s by some fine but undiscovered Chicago blues, soul, and gospel talent (such as Highway Man, Eddie Burks, Johnny Christian, and Willie Davis). Chico appeared as a featured star of the American Blues Legends 1979 European Tour, which also included Billy “The Kid” Emerson, Eddie C. Campbell, Good Rockin’ Charles, Noland Struck, and Lester Davenport. This tour led to a companion LP on Big Bear Records, in which Chico plays drums and sings two original numbers (“High Rise Blues” and “Big Fat Mama 480 LBS”). During the first half of the 1980s, Chico hosted regular nights at Kingston Mines and Rosa’s, which in Chicago’s competitive blues market, was a notable testament to Chico’s talent and charisma. In 1986, Chico relocated to Phoenix, Arizona at the invitation of Bob Corritore, who had met Chico in 1975 at a Howlin’ Wolf performance. Chico immediately found a home in Phoenix, and became a huge part of its blues community, winning great local popularity, and becoming a teacher to many budding blues players. He was a fixture at the Rhythm Room, performing often and regularly greeting his many musician friends as they toured through town. He became Corritore’s first call session drummer, and recorded Phoenix sessions with Jimmy Rogers,R.L. Burnside, Bo Diddley, Henry Gray, Lil’ Ed, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, Mojo Buford, Louisiana Red, Big Pete Pearson, Pinetop Perkins, Little Milton, Smokey Wilson, John Brim, and many more. He would visit Chicago annually to attend the Chicago Blues Festival, and often participated in the festival’s Howlin’ Wolf tributes. In 2002, Chico suffered a stroke, which limited his playing, but he remained active in the blues scene until the end. This little giant of the blues will be missed greatly. Thank you, Chico, for all the joy you gave us. “I’m the house rocker and the show stopper, the woman’s pet and the man’s threat. I’m Chico, the Boogie Man.” – Chico Chism Bob Corritore will pay tribute to Chico Chism tonight on KJZZ Phoenix, 91.5FM, and will re-air an interview with Chico from 2004. You can listen online at www.kjzz.org. Memorial service information forthcoming.

January 24, 2007

• Fabulous Thunderbirds Live Recording Session This Friday and Saturday: This weekend, blues giant Kim Wilson brings his band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, to the Rhythm Room for two nights of live recording. The recorded performances from this weekend will eventually be part of The Fabulous Thunderbirds’ forthcoming live album. Kim Wilson, who recently won a 2006 Blues Music Award for Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year, has long been a standard bearer for this genre, creating modern-day hits in the blues tradition, and trailblazing new levels of harmonica mastery. A great vocalist and bandleader, Kim Wilson will present his most recent lineup of The Fabulous Thunderbirds, which live up to the long tradition of fantastic artists that are part of the legend of this band. This current lineup includes:Kim Wilson, vocals and harmonica, Nick Curran, vocals and guitar, Kirk Fletcher, guitar, Ronnie James Weber, bass, andJay Moeller on drums. These recording sessions will be produced by Kim Wilson, Bob Corritore, and Clarke Rigsby. Please come out and be a part of this historic event! Advance tickets are available at the Rhythm Room, all Ticketmaster store locations, Charge by Phone: (800)745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 8pm both nights. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed.
• Big Pete Pearson French Review: Click here for a great review of Big Pete Pearson and The Rhythm Room All-Stars’ new album, I’m Here Baby, on the French Baker Street website. Big Pete Pearson‘s new CD, I’m Here Baby on Blue Witch Records, has had an overwhelmingly positive response in France. Special thanks to Jocelyn Richez, Michel Remond, Jean-Luc Vabres, Marcel Benedit (ABS Magazine), Francois Pfeiffer, Jacques Périn (Soul Bag), Little Victor, and all our other great friends in France, who have been great advocates of Big Pete Pearson and The Rhythm Room All-Stars.
• XM Radio Lists Floyd Dixon’s CD As #1: Special thanks to Bill Wax, of XM Satellite Radio’s Bluesville Station, for making Time Brings About A Change: A Floyd Dixon Celebration #1 on Bluesville (Picks To Click) for the week of January 20, 2007. This CD, released in late 2006 on HighJohn Records, was recorded live at the Rhythm Room, and featuresFloyd Dixon, along with friends Pinetop Perkins, Henry Gray, Kid Ramos, Kim Wilson, and Johnny Tucker, and was produced by Bob Auerbach, Kid Ramos, Clarke Rigsby, and Bob Corritore.
• Chico Chism Health Update: Chico Chism seemed just a little bit stronger today than yesterday, he is still bedridden and on oxygen. Though his health is frail, and he is very weak, he is in good spirits. Thank you to all of Chico’s supporters who have come to visit him. We will give you more news as we know it. Look for a feature article about Chico by Niki D’Andrea in this week’s Phoenix edition of the New Times.

January 23, 2007

• Chico Chism health update: Chico Chism, best known as Howlin’ Wolf’s last drummer, has had ongoing health issues for the last few years. Chico suffered a stroke in 2002 at age 73, and his health has been gradually deteriorating since. In the last 24 hours, Chico’s condition has taken a turn for the worse. He is bedridden and very weak. He has lost a lot of weight, and is now below 100 pounds and must receive oxygen. His daughter, Audrey, has been in town since Thursday, but unfortunately has to return to Chicago today. If you would like to contact or visit Chico, now is definitely the time.Here is Chico’s contact information: Chico Chism Kivel Campus of Care 3020 N. 36th Street Phoenix, Arizona, 85018 Tel. (602)956-3110 Plans continue for a Chico Chism Appreciation Night concert at the Rhythm Room on January 30^th, we will keep you informed of Chico’s condition. Prayers to Chico.

• RIP Susan Greenberg: Susan Greenberg, Lurrie Bell’s life companion, passed away from complications from Lymphoma on Saturday, January 20, 2007. Susan was responsible for Lurrie Bell’s personal comeback. She was also a respected photographer, and a beloved member of the Chicago blues community. Prayers to Lurrie and Susan’s family.

January 16, 2007

• Bob Corritore Appearing with the Sam Lay Blues Band this Friday Night: Bob will appear this Friday night with the Sam Lay Blues Band at the Rhythm Room. Sam Lay is considered a legend of Chicago Blues, and he worked as a drummer in the bands of Little Walter, Howlin’ Wolf, Paul Butterfield, Muddy Waters, and James Cotton, as well as being a great bandleader and vocalist in his own right. Sam has recently been out touring with the Chicago Blues Reunion and the Siegel-Schwall Band. This Friday’s all-star lineup will include: Sam Lay on vocals and drums, Chris James on guitar and vocals, Johnny Rapp on guitar, Bob Corritore on harmonica, Patrick Rynn on bass, and special guest David Maxwell on piano. Chris and Patrick played with Sam for 7 years, with Bob and Johnny coming on board for a two-year period. You can hear this group on two songs of the live compilation Rhythm Room Blues released in 2001 on HighTone Records. After the events of Sept 11th, 2001 Sam refused to fly thus putting a halt to this group. Therefore, this reunion will be cause for celebration! There will be an opening set by Phoenix’s King of the Blues, Big Pete Pearson. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. AZ 85014, tel. (602)265-4842. Doors open at 8pm, and this show is patio smoking only (no smoking allowed inside). Cover is $10. In addition to the Rhythm Room appearance, Sam will be spending a couple days at Tempest Recording Studio finishing a Sam Lay album (produced by Bob Corritore), and doing some work as a guest artist on Chris James‘ forthcoming self-produced release.
• Big Pete Pearson’s CD is #1 in France! Good news from France! Big Pete Pearson‘s new CD, I’m Here Baby, is classified #1 on the January Powerblues Radio Chart: click here to see this web site. Powerblues is a classification made by French blues radio show hosts and appears both on the Powerblues web site and in the popular French rock magazineCrossroads. Special thanks to Jocelyn Richez, who is a big advocate in Europe for Big Pete Pearson and The Rhythm Room All-Stars. Thanks also to all of the U.S. blues DJs who have just received and are beginning to play this great new release. Thanks also to the 600+ people who joined us last weekend for our CD release party!
• Robert Lockwood recognized in national mainstream press: Our fallen hero, the late Robert Lockwood, Jr. was honored with a feature article in Rolling Stone Magazine. The piece, written by Evan Serpick, appears on page 28  of issue 1016/1017 (December 28, 2006-January 11, 2007) and devotes about a third of a page to this blues guitar legend. Also on the same page are articles on Pearl Jam and Alexa Ray Joel (Billy’s daughter). Robert was also written about in the February 2007 issue of Down Beat Magazine. Of course, all valid blues magazines have covered this, but it is nice when this news transcends our blues community and touches the mainstream. In addition, House Of Blues Radio had a show that honored Robert, Floyd Dixon, and Ruth Brown. Dan Akroyd/Elwood Blues played a Robert Lockwood, Jr. track and aFloyd Dixon track, both of which were recorded live at the Rhythm Room; which were produced in part by Bob Corritore(along with Bob Auerbach, Kid Ramos, and Clarke Rigsby).

January 10, 2007

• Big Pete Pearson CD Release Party this Friday and Saturday at the Rhythm Room: Big Pete Pearson‘s long awaited first national release, I’m Here Baby, on Blue Witch Records, will be celebrated this Friday and Saturday night at theRhythm Room. CDs will be available for the very first time at this party. Music will be provided by Big Pete Pearson & TheRhythm Room All-Stars which includes Big Pete on vocals, Chris James on guitar and vocals, Bob Corritore  on harmonica, Johnny Rapp on guitar, Patrick Rynn on bass, and Brian Fahey on drums. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is$6. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed.
• Big Pete and the All-Stars sign with national booking agency: This just in – Big Pete Pearson and The Rhythm Room All-Stars to be on the talent roster for Harry Turner’s new national booking agency: H.L. Turner Company. Also on this roster are Jimmy Thackery, The Cate Brothers, Paul Rishell & Annie Raines, Reba Russell, and others. We look to this as a great opportunity to get on some national festivals and spread the word about Big Pete and this great band. Harry Turner is a notable figure in blues and roots booking, having worked in the past with Blue Mountain Artists and Savoy Music, as well as being a festival producer and club talent buyer. Harry is a great man, and we really look forward to working with him. This, along with Blue Witch Records‘ efforts including national publicist Karen Leipziger, magazine ads, and an aggressive radio campaign, should help in our efforts to gain national profile. Big Pete Pearson has been Phoenix’s best-kept secret for too long!
• Patrick and Chris of the Rhythm Room All-Stars to appear on Dennis Binder’s new CD: Blues piano veteran Dennis “Long Man” Binder’s new CD Hole In That Jug (Earwig #4952) will be released next week on Earwig. It will include backing by Rhythm Room All-Stars‘ Chris James on guitar, and Patrick Rynn on bass. The majority of this CD will be from a session recorded in Chicago last year right after the Chicago Blues Festival. Chris and Patrick’s excellent playing is featured on all but two of the tracks. Also on this CD will be two previously unreleased cuts will be from a 1960 session. These vintage songs, “Love Call” and “Don’t Want Nobody Messin’ Around With Me” were done at Phoenix’s Audio Recorders with Dennis’ touring band of the time and feature some great sax work by A.C. Reed. Bob was aware of the existence of these cuts, and was able to put Michael Frank of Earwig Music and John “Johnny D” Dixon (the owner of these cuts) together. It is great that these tracks will finally see the light of day. This exciting new release is available next week.
• Chico Chism in poor health but holding steady: Our friend Chico Chism is still facing some serious health problems. He sometimes makes it out to the clubs, but he is very weak and barely able to even sing one song. Click here for a recent photo by David Blake of Chico singing a number at his December 22, 2006 Christmas party. Please keep Chico in your prayers. He is allowed visitors, and would really love for you to stop by and say hi. If you would like to visit, or send Chico a card or letter, here is the address:Chico Chism Kivel Campus of Care 3020 N. 36th Street Phoenix, Arizona, 85018 Tel. (602)956-3110

January 7, 2007

• Tonight on Bob’s radio show on KJZZ: First, a feature on B.B. King, who is playing at the Dodge Theatre tonight. Then,Big Pete Pearson will spend an hour with Bob talking about his new release I’m Here Baby. (Big Pete’s CD release party happens Friday and Saturday, January 12 and 13 at the Rhythm Room.) Phoenix music expert Johnny D. will come in as we do a memorial to Phoenix R&B singer Roosevelt Nettles, who passed away December 27, 2006. Roosevelt Nettles recorded great Louisiana-influenced sides in Phoenix released on the Chess, Mascot, and Bamboo labels, as well as having a more pop-oriented single on Capital. We will play Roosevelt’s R&B material, including his great version of theCookie & The Cupcakes‘ song “Mathilda”. Finally, the show will end with a tribute to the late James Brown during the 10:00 hour (and various James Brown songs earlier in the show). Plus, lots of deep blues and vintage sides as you expect to hear on Bob’s show. Listeners may hear Bob’s radio program, Those Lowdown Blues, anywhere in the world (real time)via web streaming by clicking here, or on KJZZ at 91.5 FM in Phoenix, 89.5 FM in Cottonwood, 90.1 FM in Prescott, 98.9 FM in Tucson, and 99.1 FM in Kingman.
• Bob making a guest appearance with Paris James this Tuesday: Bob will play a set with Paris James at the Rhythm Room this Tuesday, January 9, 2007. Doors open at 7pm, cover charge is $5.

January 3, 2007

• Paris James and Bob Corritore live this Saturday at the Rhythm Room: This Saturday Paris James and Bob Corritore open for the Chicago Blues Reunion. Bob’s opening set will start at approximately 9pm, with Paris James on guitar,Johnny Rapp on guitar, Bob Corritore on harmonica, and Brian Fahey on snare drum. This will be a stripped-down Maxwell Street approach to Paris’s blues, with everyone playing through small amps and getting plenty of tone. Then at approximately 10:30, the Chicago Blues Reunion will take the stage with Nick Gravenites, Barry Goldberg, Harvey Mandel, Marcy Levy, and others. Chicago Blues Reunion represents that time period in Chicago when artists like Paul Butterfield were just breaking into the blues. Doors open at 7:30pm, tickets may be purchased for $34 in advance or $36 on the day of show from the Rhythm Room Bar, all Ticketmaster store locations, Charge by Phone: (800)745-3000 orTicketmaster.com. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed.
• Chico Chism Appreciation Show at the Rhythm Room announced: An appreciation show for Chico at the Rhythm Room is planned for this January 30th. The Flamekeepers will be the host band, with many other great artists and bands to be announced. Chico will be selling copies throughout the night of his CD, Chico Chism’s West Side Chicago Blues Party, a reissue of many of his great 70s sides. This event takes place Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at the Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85014. Doors open at 7pm, a minimum donation of $5.00 is asked for Chico’s expenses. 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.
• Big Pete Pearson CD Release Party at the Rhythm Room: The long awaited Big Pete Pearson disc, I’m Here Baby, will finally be available to fans for the very first time on January 9, 2007. Promo copies for DJs are being shipped out by Blue Witch Records this week, so radio personalities can look forward to getting their copy. Check out the recent issue of Blues Revue (p.6) for a beautiful half page ad for this record. To celebrate this event, the Big Pete Pearson & the Rhythm Room All-Stars with Chris James, Bob Corritore, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Johnny Rapp will perform two nights at theRhythm Room, January 12 and 13, 2007. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $6.

• Rhythm Room Live Anthology to be released in May on Blue Witch Records: A deal was just finalized today, that a new anthology of live blues recorded over the years at the Rhythm Room will be released on Blue Witch Records. The title is yet to be determined, but the disc will include cuts by The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Robert Lockwood, Jr., Louisiana Red, The Mannish Boys featuring Finis Tasby, Paul Oscher, Long John Hunter, Big Pete Pearson & the Rhythm Room All-Stars (with Bob on harp, of course), Floyd Dixon, Henry Gray, Kid Ramos, Johnny Dyer, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame,Sonny Rhodes, and more. This disc, due out May 8, 2007 will feature the following cuts:1. Fabulous Thunderbirds – Goin’ Away Baby 2. Mannish Boys featuring Finis Tasby – Lonesome Bedroom 3. Long John Hunter – Long John’s Country Blues 4. Floyd Dixon – Don’t Leave Me Baby 5. Big Pete Pearson & The Rhythm Room All-Stars – That’s All Right 6. Henry Gray with Kid Ramos – Henry’s Houserocker 7. Fabulous Thunderbirds – Rich Woman 8. Sonny Rhodes – My Bleeding Heart 9. Paul Oscher – That’s It 10. Chief Schabuttie Gilliame with Johnny Dyer and Henry Gray- Monkey Meat 11. Robert Lockwood Jr. – C.C. Rider 12. Fabulous Thunderbirds – Horsin’ Around 13. Louisiana Red – Time Will Tell

• Fabulous Thunderbirds’ Rhythm Room Live Recording Session coming up: As mentioned before, The Fabulous Thunderbirds will be recording two nights live at the Rhythm Room, Friday, January 26, 2007 and Saturday, January 27, 2007, for a forthcoming release. Their current lineup includes the great Kim Wilson on vocals and harmonica, Nick Curran on guitar and vocals, Kirk Fletcher on guitar, Ronnie James Weber on bass, and Jay Moeller on drums. Though there are tickets left, sales have been brisk; so it is advisable to buy your tickets in advance. Tickets are on sale at the Rhythm Room, all Ticketmaster store locations, Charge by Phone: (800)745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 8pm. This will be a patio smoking only event, no indoor smoking will be allowed.
• Nappy Brown article in Soul Bag Magazine: This just in – the most recent issue of Soul Bag Magazine (#185) features an extensive article on Nappy Brown. In the article, there is a complete discography including the sides that Bob Corritore did with Nappy. Also in the article are three photos taken in Phoenix including a shot taken at the Rhythm Room of Nappy Brown with Johnny Rapp, Kid Ramos, and Bob Corritore, and another one of Nappy Brown in a session he did for Bob (both of these photos are taken by Dick Rice); and then finally a wonderful photo of Nappy holding a lemon taken by Jim “Boogie” Wells. Note that Nappy Brown sings the song “Lemon Squeezin’ Daddy” on Rhythm Room Blues. Additionally,Nappy does an excellent version of “Driftin’ Blues” on Bob Corritore’s All-Star Blues Sessions.
• Great Review of Time Brings About a Change: A Floyd Dixon Celebration in Blues Revue Magazine: Eric Thom’s spot-on review reflects the beauty and purpose of this fantastic CD. Released on HighJohn Records, Time Brings About A Change – A Floyd Dixon Celebration was produced by Bob Auerbach, Kid Ramos, Clarke Rigsby, and Bob Corritore from live sessions captured at the Rhythm Room on June 1-2, 2006. Floyd passed away July 26, 2006 not even 2 months after this recording was made. (Floyd Dixon has been posthumously nominated for a 2007 BMA for Best Blues Piano.) The CD features great performances by Floyd Dixon and a band led by Kid Ramos with special guest appearances by Pinetop Perkins, Henry Gray, Johnny Tucker, Kim Wilson, and many more. Thank you, Blues Revue, for covering this release in fine form.