• John Primer & Bob Corritore / Knockin’ Around These Blues appears #1 in April Living Blues Radio Charts! Thank you to all the blues DJS for playing John Primer & Bob Corritore / Knockin’ Around These Blues. Jim McGrath who heads the Living Blues Radio Charts tells us that the combined playlists from all reporting stations put the CD at #1. Thanks also to Steve Dixon, publicity director at Delta Groove Music, for getting the CD to all the DJS! To see the April Living Blues Radio Chart click here.
• Off to Memphis for the Blues Music Awards! Each early May the Blues Foundation presents the Blues Music Awardswhich serves as a reflection and celebration of the prior year’s activities and achievements in the blues. This year the  Blues Music Awards will happen on May 9, 2013 at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis. Artists will be recognized in 26 categories and from each category one of the five nominees will emerge a winner. To see a complete listing of nominees click here. In attendance will be many musicians, labels, producers, booking agents, festivals, publicists, artist managers, photographers, writers, and blues fans. Simply put, this is the best blues party of the year. For those unable to attend, the event will be simulcast on XM/ Sirius Satellite radio on the Bluesville station. Bob Corritore is nominated for a BMA in the “Harmonica” catagory. Also two releases that Bob is associated with are up for a couple awards each; Mud Morganfield /Son Of The Seventh Son, and The Mannish Boys / Double Dynamite. In addiition to the BMAs there are numerous events and side shows happening in Memphis before and after the BMAs. To find out more about the Blues Music Awards, click here.
• Bob Corritore’s scheduled appearances around the BMA weekend!Bob Corritore will be making the rounds on the days after the BMAs. Here are the great events Bob will participate in:

1. Friday, May 10, Hard Rock Cafe, Memphis, 1pm to 5pm. The Pinetop Perkins Foundation – Celebrating what would have been Pinetop’s 100th birthday (Pinetop passed away at age 97). Featured enterainers will include Janiva Magness,BobMargolin, Bob Corritore, John Primer, David Maxwell, Bob Stroger, Diunna Greenleaf, Tony Braunagel, Patrick Rynn, Chris James, Popcorn Lauden, Lectric Liz Lottmann,Andy T, Clay Swafford, The Peterson Brothers, Kingfish Ingram, and Larry Van Loon and many many more special guests! John Primer and Bob Corritore will host one hour of this event, and will call up numerous guests. Proceeds to The Pinetop Perkins Foundation and the Blues Foundation Scholarship Fund.
2. Friday May 10, Rum Boogie, Memphis, 7 pm to 10pm Brandon Santini’s Beale Street Messaround – Proceeds to Raise The Roof Fund. Bob Corritore will appear with Mud Morganfield. Other acts include John Nemeth, Dennis Gruenling, SugarayRayford, Terry Hanck, Little G Weevil, Jeff Jenson, Bryan Lee, Greg Nagy, Red Velvet and, of course the great BrandonSantini. To see the event poster click here.
3. Friday May 10th Rum Boogie, Memphis, 10pm until ? VizzTone Blues Party On Beale. Hosted by Bob Margolin, DougDeming & the Jewel Tones, Dennis Gruenling, Long Tall Deb, E.G. Kight, Gina Sicilia, Dave Gross, Gaye Adegbalola, Greg Nagy, Scissormen, J.W. Jones, Diunna Greenleaf, Bob Corritore, David Maxwell, Tony Braunagel, Little G Weevil, Colin John, Peter Parcek, Richard “Rosy” Rosenblatt and more! To see the poster click here.
4. Saturday, May 11th, Ground Zero Blues Club, Clarksdale, Mississippi, 8pm. Clay Swafford CD Release Party. Young piano maestro Clay Swafford celebrates his powerful new CD Rooster with an all-star cast that includes Diunna Greenleaf, BobMargolin, Bob Corritore, Bob Stroger, and Lee Williams. To see the poster click here.

• RIP Artie “Blues Boy” White – April 16, 1937 to April 20, 2013. Beloved Chicago based soul and blues singer Artie “Blues Boy” White passed away on April 16th of complication from pneumonia. He was 76. Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, White relocated to Chicago in ’55 and sang with the Full Gospel Wonders. In the early ’60s White crossed over to blues and soul music. He became a prominent recording artist in the 1970s and remained in that stature for the rest of his life. His large recorded legacy saw releases on Ronn, Ichiban, Waldoxy, PM, Gama, and Gold Circle.  He frequently collaborated with writer Bob Jones and had hits with “Leaning Tree” and “Don’t Pet My Dog.” He owned and operated the South Side Chicago venue Bootsy’s near 22nd and Cottage Grove. This great vocalist will be missed by the legions of fans and friends he built over many years. To hear Artie sing his hit “Leanin’ Tree” click here.
• Billy Boy Arnold on YouTube! Please enjoy this 2008 clip of harmonica legend Billy Boy Arnold as he covers the Sonny Boy Williamson classic “My Little Machine” live at the Hondarribia Blues Festival in Spain with Johnny Iguana on piano andKenny Smith on drums. This was part of a show promoting the Chicago Blues; A Living History CD. To see the clip, click here.

May 4, 2013

• Sugaray Rayford appears with Rhythm Room All-Stars tonight and Saturday in Phoenix!Sugaray Rayford has emerged as a powerful figure in the contemporary blues world as a direct result of his recent work (over the last 2 years) as featured vocalist of the West Coast super-group, The Mannish Boys. Feature articles in numerous blues magazines have highlighted this rising star of the blues. Sugaray has recently found a second home in Maricopa, Arizona where he divides his time with Los Angeles, Californa. Tonight and Saturday Sugaray Rayford will appear at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix with The Rhythm Room All-Stars (Bob Corritore, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, Brian Fahey ). To see the poster for this event courtesy Amy Brat click here. The Rhythm Room website is http://www.rhythmroom.com/ and is located at 1019 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85014.
• 1970s Chicago Blues images by photographer Hasse Andréasson! We have posted a beautiful collection of Chicago blues photos from the early 1970s provided by photographer Hasse Andréasson from Stockholm, Sweden who visited the windy city to seek out its rich blues. Included are images of Jimmy Reed, Eddie Taylor, Big Walter Horton, Carey Bell,Lucille Spann, Mighty Joe Young, Maxwell Street Jimmy Davis, Hound Dog Taylor,  Blind Arvella Gray, Howlin’ Wolf,  Big Bad Ben,  Arthur King,Sammy Lawnhorn, James Cotton, Lefty Dizz, John Brim and more! Thank you Hasse for sharing these precious images! To see this collection click here.
• John Primer / Bob Corritore CD Chicago area release party to be held at SPACE during Chicago Blues Fest! Advance tickets available!John Primer and Bob Corritore‘s acclaimed new CD Knockin’ Around These Blues on the Delta Groove label will be celebrated at SPACE, an amazing venue in Evanston, on Thursday, June 6th. On hand will be John and Bob with a crack Chicago blues group of Barrelhouse Chuck, Dave Specter, Melvin Smith, and Willie Hayes! Advance tickets are available now by clicking here.  To see the first 20+ reviews of this CD that just came in click here! SPACE is located at 1245 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL 60202
• Johnny Shines performs Sweet Home Chicago on YouTube! Please enjoy this clip of vocalist / guitarist Johnny Shinesplaying a solo acoustic version of the Robert Johnson classic “Sweet Home Chicago.” Shines was a friend and musical partner to Robert Johnson and performs this song in the true Johnson style. To see, click here.

May 1, 2013

April 24, 2013

April 19, 2013

• John Primer & Bob Corritore CD now officially released! As of Tuesday, April 16th the CD John Primer & Bob Corritore /Knockin’ Around These Blues has been officially released! Delta Groove‘s promotional department has done a great job of getting the word out in advance. (Thank you Steve Dixon!) The initial response has been exceptional and some of the first reviews can be seen by clicking here! Some solid Chicago Blues here, played by folks who specialize in playing it. To see the Delta Groove webpage about this release click here.
• Texas Red / Bob Corritore / Rocket 88s reunite for a show tonight at the Rhythm Room!Texas Red was a prominent figure of the 1980s Phoenix blues scene before relocating to the Midwest where he released two CDs on the now defunctBlue Loon record label. He now resides in Los Angeles where he works in television production and is the VP of Business Affairs at Authentic Entertainment. Texas Red returns to his old Phoenix stomping grounds for a show tonight at The Rhythm Room, performing with the Rocket 88s and his longtime friend Bob Corritore. Look for a houserockin’ mix of Jimmy Reed, Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf songs. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indain School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85014.
• Bob Corritore to perform in Poland!Bob Corritore will appear for the first time in Poland thanks to the invitation of MarekWojtowicz, better known as Polish based blues artist Harsh Guitar Mark! Harsh Guitar Mark is a keeper of the flame in his country for traditional down-home blues and the pairing of he and Bob seems very natural. Bob and Harsh Guitar Mark will appear at The Motywy Blues Festival in Racibórz. Poland on April 26th, and 27th. Also appearing at this festival are Murphy Blue (Poland), Jura Bostak, Kamil Quis, Premysl Vecerek (Czech Republic). To see the poster for this festival click here!
• Phoenix Magazine includes Bob Corritore in feature of 25 Most Influential Arizona Musicians! Special thanks toPhoenix Magazine for deeming Bob Corritore among the “25 Most Influential Arizona Musicians” in their forthcoming May issue that is currently being mailed to subscribers! Also on this list are Duane Eddy, Alice Cooper, Glen Campbell, Stevie Nicks, Linda Ronstadt, Waylon Jennings, Rex Allen, Hans Olson, The Meat Puppets,The Tubes, Charles Mingus, CeCe Penison and more! Thank you to writer Niki D’Andrea for putting Bob in such good company. To see Bob’s page of this article click here and to see the preface of the article click here. For more information about Phoenix Magazine and to purchase this issue go to http://www.phoenixmag.com/
• Floyd Dixon Concert Documentary to be shown at Arizona Film Festival in Tucson this weekend! The music documentary Time Brings About A Change; A Floyd Dixon Celebration was released on DVD on March 6 on Bob Auerbach‘sHigh John Records label. This documentary includes interviews and concert footage of Floyd Dixon, Pinetop Perkins, andHenry Gray who were all part of a two day live recording and filming in June of 2006 at the Rhythm Room. This film has been selected for inclusion in the 22nd annual Arizona International Film Festival in Tucson with a viewing time of Saturday April 20, 6pm at The Screening Room, 127 E Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701. The film was created as an act of kindness by Bob Auerbach upon hearing news of Floyd Dixon‘s terminal cancer. Bob Auerbach immediately initiated this project to stand as a testament to his friend. He called upon the services of Kid Ramos as the musical coordinator and the project came together on very short notice. In addition to the trio of legendary piano greats and Kid Ramos, guests include Johnny Tucker, Joe Banks, Kim Wilson, Fred Kaplan, and Lynwood Slim with a great rhythm section that includes Larry Taylor andRichard Innes and a fine horn section. The project’s credits include director Phillip Cruess, producers Kid Ramos, Lisette Cruess, Bob Corritore and Clarke Rigsby, and executive producer Bob Auerbach who will all plan to be in attendance at the event (Kid has been dealing with some post surgery issues but is hoping to be in attendance). This will be a rare opportunity to see this work on a big screen! To see the DVD cover click here and to read about the CD and DVD on the High John Records website, click here. For information on the Arizona International Film Fest visit their website at www.filmfestivalarizona.com.
• New photo page of 2012 BMA photos! As we all gear up for this year’s BMAs in Memphis on Thursday May 9th, we look back at the great party that this event was last year (and every year!) This is an event were all the blues family unite for a fantastic night of reflection, music, friendship, style and just plain fun. Thank you Blues Foundation! To see this page click here.
• Delmark releases Tail Dragger’s first recordings! The unstoppable Tail Dragger has received world-wide acclaim for his powerful, take-no-prisoners blues. He has has had numerous CD and DVD releases throughout his long career. A welcome addition to the Tail Dragger catalog will be a full album of his earliest recordings of which only two songs “So Eeze”, and “My Head Is Bald” have been previously released. The CD is called Stop Lyin’, and these early 1980s recordings feature Johnny B. Moore, Willie Kent, Eddie Burks, Little Mack Simmons, Lafeyette Leake and more. Also included are 3 vintage Tail Dragger photos from the Bob Corritore archives! Justin O’Brien’s excellent liner notes state “This is the sound of genuine west side Chicago blues from the 1980’s – a melding of traditional blues with some rule-bending rawness.” For more information on this release and to see the cover, click here. (This just in – Tail Dragger now recalls that these sides are actually late 1970’s, not 1980’s as he originally told Delmark)
• Blues News from Italy! Blues is a universal art form that no longer has any borders. Italy has its own great blues community with lots of activity and commitment. Marino Grande, editor of the longstanding Italian blues magazine IL Blues, writes that his magazine is now available to subscribers on-line and that he has a new website at www.ilblues.org, which Marino says is “for constantly updated news and concert reviews to be closer to our blues fans all around the world.” Also from Italy comes a solid, straight ahead traditional blues release by Italian harmonica ace Egidio “Juke” Ingala & The Jacknives titled Tired Of Beggin’ on Vintage Roots Records. Italian blues guitar great Luca Giordano has forthcoming collaborations out with both Kathrine Davis and Spanish harp man Quique Gomez (separate releases). Itailian harp wizardMarco Pandofi reports that he is a guest on a new CD by Piero De Luca & Big Fat Mama called Beware Of The Wolf (A Tribute To Howlin’ Wolf) which is co-produced by noted Italian blues writer Luigi Monge. Harmonica player Fabrizio Poggireleased an all instrumental CD called Harpway 61 dedicated to all his harmonica heroes, and with all proceeds going to the Blues Foundation. Italian promoter and producer Tano Ro of Feeling Good Productions is consistently active in his efforts to present blues to Italian audiences. Radio host Simone Bargelli hosts the program Rock ‘n’ Blues Today which can be heard on podcast by clicking here. Thanks to our blues friends in Italy for keeping the blues alive!
• New Trickbag CD with star-studded cast! The new CD Trickbag / With Friends Vol. 1 features this top European blues combo with an huge array of special guests including James Harman, John Nemeth, Lynwood Slim, Barrelhouse Chuck, Sven Zetterberg, Bob Corritore May 24 by clicking here.
• Forthcoming documentary on America’s iconic blues venues!24 Seven Concepts is producing a 12 episode documentary, focusing on America’s iconic blues venues that will be called Blues, Brews & BBQ. Per the website:

“In each episode of America’s Blues, Brews & BBQ, we take viewers on a tour of one of America’s iconic blues music venues. During the 12 episodes, we travel from coast-to-coast exploring the rich history of these entertainment landmarks and their influence on the musicians, the community and the blues genre itself. We’ll look at the uniqueness of each venue and also discover the common elements that connect each of them to one another: delicious foods, custom drinks and micro brews, an eccentric atmosphere and an obvious passion for the music by owners and customers alike. Each episode connects to the total content and flow of the entire series. It will inspire viewers to want to experience these legendary blues venues firsthand.”

Venues featured will be:

Rosa’s Blues Lounge – Chicago, IL

The Slippery Noodle – Indianapolis, IN

The Jewish Mother – Virginia Beach, VA

Black Eyed Sally’s – Hartford, CT

BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups – St. Louis, MO

Knuckleheads Saloon – Kansas City, MO

The Rhythm Room – Phoenix, AZ

The Arcadia Blues Club – Arcadia, CA

Biscuits & Blues – San Francisco, CA

Oskar’s Blues – Lyons, CO

The Rum Boogie Café – Memphis, TN

Ground Zero – Clarksdale, MS

• Muddy Waters sings “Tiger In Your Tank” on YouTube! Please enjoy this great footage of the Muddy Waters band performing “Put A Tiger In Your Tank” at the 1960 Newport Jazz Festival. To see this clip click here.

April 12, 2013

• Bob Corritore’s 2012 in photos! This year was the first that Bob Corritore did not do his written “2012 Year In Review”. After a 5 week European tour in November and December and the upon return home the preparation for the April 2013 release of Bob’s collaboration with John Primer made it impossible to prepare the normal in depth reflection of the year. Instead we have put together a photo page of some of many highlights of the year. In 2012 Bob Corritore won the Living Blues Award in the harmonica category and is nominated in the same category for a BMA (Blues Music Award). He was also nominated for a Blues Blast Music Award for “Male Artist Of The Year” and won a Star Blues Award for “Blues Artist Of The Year.” Also 2012 was the year that Hohner Harmonicas put Bob’s image on their packaging for the Blues Harp model harmonica (next to Junior Wells and Dan Smith!). In May of 2012, the UK online magazine World Of Harmonicafeatured Bob as thier first artist highlight with a great tribute page. Bob was represented by numerous releases in 2012 including Tail Dragger & Bob Corritore / Longtime Friends In The Blues, Mud Morganfield / Son Of The Seventh Son (Also produced by Bob and the recipient of 2 Blues Blast Music Awards and two forthcoming Blues Music Award nominations),Kid Ramos & Bob Corritore / The Phoenix Blues Sessions, plus guest appearances on the Mannish Boys / Double Dynamite, and Smokin’ Joe Kubek & B’Nois King / Close To The Bone CDs. Bob made major festival appearances in twoMuddy Waters Tribute Sets (at Simi Valley Fest and Chicago Blues Fest) and a Hubert Sumlin Tribute Set (Chicago Blues Festival) as well as playing the last major festival appearance with Ann Rabson (In the Kenny Smith & Friends set) at theKing Biscuit Blues Festival. Bob organized a Chicago Blues Showcase for the Lucerne Blues Festival in Switzerland with headliners Eddie C. Campbell, John Primer, and Elmore James Jr. and then segued into the month long Chicago Blues Festival Tour, hitting 5 European countries and featuring the all-star package show of John Primer, Billy Flynn, Peaches Staten, Willie Hayes, Melvin Smith (who organized the line-up) and Bob. Sadly Bob Corritore lost one of his closest life-long friends with the passing of Louisiana Red and flew to Germany to attend the funeral and play a memorial show. Bob would play at the BMAs with Diunna Greenleaf and Bob Margolin and organized and co-hosted (with Bob Margolin) a star-studdedLouisiana Red Memorial Tribute at the Hard Rock Cafe in Memphis on the day after the BMAs. Bob and Tail Draggerheadlined the Stompin’ At The Savoy festival in Helsinki, Finland and Bob worked with Diunna Greenleaf at The Bisbee Blues Festival. Bob consistently performed with some of the greatest artists in the blues. All this and much, much more is brought to light through Bob Corritore‘s 2012 Year In Photos which you can see by clicking here. A heartfelt thank you to all the great friends and supporters who made this undeniably great 2012 happen! Note that some photos are uncredited and we would be grateful to anyone who can identify the photographers so we can add their credits.
• Dave Riley / Bob Corritore Juke Joint Blues Band appear this Saturday at the Rhythm Room! The 8 year blues partnership of Dave Riley and Bob Corritore will be presented this Saturday, April 13th at the Rhythm Room. Dave and Bob will appear with Dave’s son Dave “Yahni” Riley, Jr. on bass and Brian Fahey on drums. Look for some good down home blues this night. To see a photo page devoted to Dave and Bob’s blues adventures click here and here.    To hear some samples of Dave and Bob’s recorded music click here.  The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School, Phoenix, AZ 85014
• John Primer & Bob Corritore / Knockin’  Around These Blues to be released next week! The formal release date for the collaborative CD by John Primer & Bob Corritore in Tuesday April 16! The CD, titled Knockin’ Around These Blues will be released on the Delta Groove label and the initial reaction to the CD has been exceptionally positive! The CD features some great musicians: Barrelhouse Chuck, Chris James & Patrick Rynn, Billy Flynn, Bob Stroger, Brian Fahey and Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith! The Kentucky Blues Society says “This is one of those records that could have been released onChess back in the 50′s, only with modern production standards” and Chris Spector of Midwest Record says “a set of purist, south side Chicago blues.” Much appreciation for all the e-mails, Facebook posts, radio playlist inclusions, interviews, and compliments that this CD has already received. To see the album art for this CD, click here.  To see the first few reviews that have come in, click here.

• RIP Jimmy Dawkins – October 24, 1936 to April 10, 2013. Legendary Chicago blues guitarist/singer Jimmy Dawkinspassed away yesterday after a long ordeal with numerous health issues. He was 77. Originally from Tchula, Mississippi,Jimmy Dawkins moved to Chicago in 1955 and began to emerge as an in-demand session guitarist in the 1960s. He had a new, more electric approach to blues guitar than was ever heard before and it took the blues world by a storm. While making these innovative new sounds, Jimmy was simultaneously firmly rooted in the deep traditions of the blues.  In 1969 he made his debut CD Fast Fingers for the Delmark label, which firmly established Jimmy Dawkins as an artist in his own right. He was a good, understated vocalist, but his biting single string lead guitar was his strongest selling point. He made many albums in his career for a number of labels: Delmark, Earwig, Ichiban, Black & Blue, Excello, Evidence, JSP, Wild Dog Blues, Fedora, Storyville, and Rumble. Jimmy also recorded some brilliant backing on sessions by Johnny Young & Big Walter Horton, George “Wild Child” Butler, Carey Bell, Andrew “Blueblood” McMahon, Luther “Guitar Jr.” Johnson, and others. Jimmy activated his Leric Records label in the 1980s, issuing singles by up and coming blues artists such as Nora Jean, Mojo Elem, Little Johnny Christian, Queen Sylvia Embry, Vance Kelly, and Tail Dragger (Delmark recently reissued these sides in their 2010 release Jimmy Dawkins Presents the Leric Story). With Jimmy’s passing we lose one of the great developmental stylists of contemporary Chicago blues guitar.His bold, forward thinking sound influenced those that followed him.

Some examples of Jimmy Dawkins music as both a leader and as a sideman:
Jimmy Dawkins “Serves Me Right To Suffer” (click here)
Wild Child Butler “Hippies Playground” (click here)
Johnny Young & Big Walter “Ring Around My Heart” (click here)
Carey Bell “Sad Dreams” (click here)
Jimmy Dawkins with Big Voice Odom on vocals “Welfare Blues” (click here)

• RIP Di Anne Price (February 21, 1950 to March 13, 2013). Memphis had a great blues secret in singer/pianist Di Anne Price whose robust style revived some of the early sounds of classic blues woman. Despite her immense talent and showmanship she was little known outside of her native home of Memphis.  The Memphis Flyer described her this way; “Di Anne Price was easily one of Memphis’s most beloved performers. She played anywhere and everywhere. Her superb albums Wild Women, To Hell With Love, A Good Man Is Hard To Find, and Reekin’ With Love, all showcase her smoky vocals, barrelhouse piano, and her fascination with a variety of blues and jazz styles from 1920s throwback to more contemporary arrangements.”  Her huge personality used sas, wit and kindness to win over her audiences and her tight, jazz-oriented band (collectively called Di Anne Price & Her Boyfriends) backed her perfectly. She passed away on March 13 after a battle with some ongoing health issues. Special thanks to promoter Jay Sheffield and to the venue Huey’s in Memphis for their great support of Di Anne. To learn more about the late Di Anne Price check out her website athttp://www.dianneprice.net/. To see a great tribute to Di Anne Price by the Memphis Flyer and see a spectacular video of this great artist click here.

• RIP Johnnie Billington (1935 to April 1, 2013). Lambert, Mississippi blues singer/ guitarist/educator Johnnie Billingtondied on Monday, April 1st at a Clarksdale hospital from complications of a heart attack. He was 77. Johnny was a true beacon of blues purity who never strayed from a traditional blues sound. Born in Crowder, MS in 1935, Johnnie spent some time in the 1950s in Arizona and then Chicago before returning to Mississippi in 1977 where he became active in education. He received a number of awards; a Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, the Blues Foundation’s “Keeping the Blues Alive” Education Award, the Sunflower River Blues Association’s Early Wright Award, and the Mississippi Arts Commission’s Folk Arts Fellowship. He was a good and honorable man and a true bluesman. To read more about Johnnie Billington click here.
• First blues reality show!?!Roger Stolle and Jeff Konkel have announced a forthcoming weekly series called Moonshine And Mojohands,  a reality show about the blues experience in Mississippi. The projected first season will consist of 10 edisodes each of approximately 12 minutes in length and available free online at http://www.moonshineandmojohands.com/. Currently on the website you can see the series trailer that incldes snippits of scenes with Super Chikan, Artheice “Gas Man” Jones and Frank Ratliff (the recently deceased priopieter and tour guide of Clarksdale’s historic Riverside Hotel).Roger Stolle and Jeff Konkel have previously produced the highly acclaimed documentaries M For Mississippi, and We Juke Up In Here. Roger would not be pinned down to a specific debut date but promised us the first episode in early fall!
• Valerie June appears at ACM Awards! It is always a proud pleasure when someone from our blues family gets a shot at major mainstream exposure. Valerie June is a self proclaimed purveyor of “Moonshine Roots Music” which includes elements of blues, folk, gospel and country music. Hailing from Jackson, Tennessee, she is a youthful musical embodiment of her Southern heritage with a downhome guitar and banjo style, and accented vocals. She also possesses an intoxicating beauty with her slim silhouette, angelic face and Medusa-like dreadlocks. Valerie June recently had a feature article in Living Blues Magazine. Last Sunday, April 7th she appeared unannounced and uncredited on CBS’s broadcast of the AMC Awards (AMC stands for Academy of Country Music) as she sang sweet harmony in a duet with country music superstar Eric Church on his hit “Like Jesus Does.” To see this performance on YouTube, click here. Her memorable, poised performance and striking look surely made a powerful impression on the millions of viewers that tuned in to this televised event. Look for Valerie’s forthcoming CD Pushing Against A Stone. co-produced by Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys, to be out later this year. For a nice interview/performance with Valerie June from Crane TV click here.
• Walter Davis Tribute CD to be Released! Album art revealed!Walter Davis was an immensely popular blues singer/pianist/songwriter who made scores of influential recordings in the 1930s and 40s. His somber, heartfelt blues is considered to some of the deepest ever recorded, and his songs have been covered by Muddy Waters, Ray Charles, John Lee Hooker, Pinetop Perkins, Champion Jack Dupree, and many more. More recently however, German pianist Christian Rannenberg has produced a marvelous concept album reconstructing the sound and mood of Mr. Davis. This project features Billy Boy Arnold, Charlie Musselwhite, Jimmy McCracklin, Christian Rannenberg, Keith Dunn, and Davis’ close associate Henry Townsend (with Bob Corritore). The CD is titled The Walter Davis Project and will be released on Electro-Fi Records on May 21. To see the cover art for this record click here. Look for some powerfully deep blues from this one.Here are some Walter Davis original recordings:”Oh Me Oh My” (click here)
  “Ashes In My Whiskey” (click here)
  ” Please Remember Me” (click here)
  “Come Back Baby” (click here)

April 5, 2013

February 27, 2013

• Tail Dragger & Bob Corritore are off to the Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival in Panama!The city of Boquete, Panama will become a music hub for Central America on February 28th – March 3. Those are the dates for the Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival which features music, parades, parties, art shows, concerts and jam sessions. This year the music lineup will include Tail Dragger & Bob Corritore, B3, Andy Egert, Randy Oxford Band, Carlos Ubarte Latin Jazz Quintet, Ron Hacker & The Hacksaws, Spicy Latin Jazz Band, Rigobertto Coba Big Band, Maria Rivas & Her Libertango Band, Sounds like a party to us! For more information on this event please click here.
• RIP Cleotha Staples April 11, 1934-February 21, 2013.  Cleotha died on  Thursday, after years of battling  Alzheimer’s disease.  She was 78 years old. Cleotha “Cleedi” Staples gave the world years of joy as the high voice in the unworldly great harmonies of the Staples Singers. Though Cleotha was the oldest of Pops Staples children, it was her sister Mavis that received the most attention as the most frequent lead vocalist of this cherished family band. But Cleotha’s contributions were essential to the Staple Singers sound. “A lot of singers would try to sing like her,” Mavis Staples said “Her voice would just ring in your ear. It wasn’t harsh or hitting you hard, it was soothing.” To find out more about her distinguished music career, click here.
• John Primer & Bob Corritore CD Album Art! The forthcoming album John Primer & Bob Corritore / Knockin’ Around These Blues will be released Aril 16th on the Delta Groove label. This album features a fantastically traditional sound with John amd Bob in top form surrounded by the all-star cast of Barrelhouse Chuck, Chris James and Patrick Rynn, Billy Flynn,Bob Stroger, Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith and Brian Fahey. The beautiful album design featuring a cover photo by Dave Blake, inside photos by Daniel Swadener, and graphic design by Josh Temkin is now complete and can be seen by clicking here.
• Blues Music Awards voting closes at 7:59 AM on March 1. Voting for the 2013 Blues Music Awards (BMAs) is in progress and Blues Foundation members can make their choices now until 7:59am on March 1. To see the list of this year’s nominations click here. Bob Corritore is nominated for a BMA in the “Harmonica” category. Also two releases that Bob is associated with are up for a couple awards each; Mud Morganfield / Son Of The Seventh Son, and The Mannish Boys /Double Dynamite. The award winners will be anounced at the formal ceremony which takes place on Thursday, May 9th at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis. For more on the awards and the Blues Foundation go to www.blues.org.
• Bear Family Records to release updated, definitive Sun Records blues box set! Sam Phillips‘ Sun Records from Memphis, Tennessee was certainly one of America’s most defining record labels. Though best known for artists such asElvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and others, Sun had it’s start with the blues. Being at the center of the South, producer Sam Phillips launched and furthered the career of many blues artists: Howlin’ Wolf, Little Milton, Big Walter Horton,Ike Turner, Rosco Gordon, Rufus Thomas, Earl Hooker, and Pinetop Perkins to name a few. On March 15th Bear Familywill release The Sun Records Blues Box, a 10 CD set complete with a booklet containing photos and discography. This is in conjunction with Sun’s sixtieth anniversary, and Bear Family is also releasing two other definitive box sets showcasing the labels vast contributions to county music and to a rock ‘n’ roll. The Sun Records Blues Box has been released in two forms already on England’s Charly Records. But this appears to be the most inclusive set possible to date, including items not available at the time of the past releases. Here is what the info sheet says: “Finally, the last word on the SUN, and pre-SUNblues recordings! Nearly 30 years after the original Sun Blues Box was released on LP, it’s back on CD with so much more than was on the original set. Recently discovered music from well-known artists … and incredible artifacts like Sam Phillipsnarrating a radio commercial for a West African herbalist who would soon be jailed for selling bogus patent medicine. Recordings produced by Phillips but issued on Chess, RPM, TRUMPET and other labels were unavailable in 1983, but are now included. Researcher Steve LaVere finally allowed the world to hear the Sun audio and see the Sun -related photos he collected back in the late 1960s. In fact, the entire blues research community came together to make this a once-in-a-lifetime blues experience!” Thank you Bear Family.
• Magic Slim Funeral Services. This comes to us from Magic Slim‘s Manager Marty Salzman. The funeral service for Magic Slim will be at Horizons Community Church , 3200 Grainger Parkway , Lincoln Nebraska on Saturday, March 2, at 10AM. A musical memorial tribute is currently being planned in Chicago IL. The Zoo Bar in Lincoln is also planning a musical tribute. Both tributes will be announced when details are finalized. These memorial tributes will be benefits with all proceeds going to Ann Holt and her family.
• T-Bone 1966 performance on YouTube! Please enjoy this 1966 clip of T-Bone Walker leading an all-star band at a Jazz At The Philharmonic concert in London. The band includes Dizzy Gillespie, Teddy Wilson, Louis Bellson, Clark Terry,Coleman Hawkins, Zoot Sims, Jimmy Moody, Benny Carter and Bob Cranshaw. T-Bone performs a medley that includes “Going To Chicago”, click here to see, and to see Norman Granz’s introduction, and T-Bone singing “Woman, You Must Be Crazy”, click here.

February 16, 2013

February 15, 2013

• Magic Slim health update. Magic Slim has been hospitalized for a few weeks now, and this is the information that his manager, Marty Salzman has released; “Magic Slim remains hospitalized in Pennsylvania under treatment for bleeding ulcers complicated by pre-existing issues with his kidneys, his lungs, his weight  and his heart.   Although seriously ill, he has been stable for the past three days, his kidneys have improved, the bleeding has stopped and his heart rate has improved.  He still has a long road ahead of him but things are moving in the right direction.  We thank everybody for their kind words and prayers and ask that you keep Magic Slim in your prayers”.
• Blues In The Schools Benefit Saturday at the Rhythm Room! This Saturday, February !6 from 3pm to 6pm, Reverend Charlie F. Edwards “The Preaching Bluesman” will present a Blues In The Schools Benefit at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix. This show is all ages. Reverend Charlie will present a seminar / workshop on the birth of the blues to be followed by performances that will include Dave Riley & Bob Corritore, Paris James and Revernd Charlie. To see the event flyer click here.
• Tail Dragger & Bob Corritore to appear at Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival in Panama! The city of Boquete, Panama will become a music hub for Central America on February 28th – March 3. Those are the dates for the Boquete Jazz & Blues Festival which features music, parades, parties, art shows, concerts and jam sessions. This year the music lineup will include Tail Dragger & Bob Corritore, B3, Andy Egert, Randy Oxford Band, Carlos Ubarte Latin Jazz Quintet, Ron Hacker & The Hacksaws, Spicy Latin Jazz Band, Rigobertto Coba Big Band, Maria Rivas & Her Libertango Band, Sounds like a party to us! For more information on this event please click here.
• Petition to reactivate two Grammy blues categories! In April of 2011 NARAS (The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) announced their unfortunate decision to eliminate numerous award categories. The most shameful of these eliminations was reducing the blues from 2 categories: “Traditional Blues” and “Contemporary Blues,” into just one general blues category. What that did was effectively wipe out the chance that the less commercial traditional blues performed by some of the musics pioneers would have any representation at all. Earlier that year, before this elimination, the Traditional Blues Category was won by Pinetop Perkins and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith for their Tel-Arc CD Joined At The Hip. If there would have just been one general blues category as exists right now, then Pinetop and Willie, both elder statesmen of the blues who died later that year, would have likely never even made it into the nominees category from being swept away by more comercial contemporary blues artists who have more crossover appeal to the mainstream. This move by NARAS is nothing short of an atrocity as it dismisses the value of the tradition of the blues. If we sound angry well, you guessed it, we are! A petition movement has been activated by Micheal Freeman and Patricia Morgan (Micheal produced Joined At The Hip, and Patricia manager Pinetop and Willie). For more information on this movement with an explanation of its reasoning and importance, click here. You can help this cause by printing out the petition form and actively seeking signatures in your community. Michael Freeman will need all petitions back on or before February 28 for his meeting with NARAS officials on March 1st. Please help this cause. You can access the petition form by clicking here. Thank you!
• 2013 Hall of Fame Inductees Annouced! The Blues Foundation has announced the class of 2013 Blues Hall Of Fameinductees. The induction dinner will be Wednesday May 8 at the Downtown Memphis Marriott. Congrats to all:

Performer

Otis Clay

Earl Hooker

Little Brother Montgomery

Jimmie Rodgers (Note that Jimmy Rogers was inductued in 1995)

Joe Louis Walker

Jody Williams

Individuals

Dave Clark

Henry Glover

Cosimo Matassa

Classic of Blues Recording – Single or Album Track

“How Many More Years” – Howlin’ Wolf (Chess, 1951)

“Canned Heat Blues” – Tommy Johnson (Victor, 1928)

“Let the Good Times Roll” – Louis Jordan (Decca, 1946)

“Mystery Train” – Little Junior [Parker]’s Blue Flames (Sun, 1953)

“Me and My Chauffeur Blues” – Memphis Minnie (OKeh, 1941)

Classic of Blues Recording – Album

Complete Recorded Works (Herwin, 1975)/Texas Worried Blues – Henry “Ragtime Texas” Thomas– (Yazoo, 1989))

More Real Folk Blues – Howlin’ Wolf– (Chess, 1967)

Louis Jordan’s Greatest Hits – Louis Jordan– (Decca, 1969)

Classic of Blues Literature

Soulsville, U.S.A.: The Story of Stax Records – Rob Bowman

For more information on the Blues Hall of Fame, and for bios and information on the recipients, click here.

• Big Walter Horton remembered and a glimpse at Chicago Blues in 1970! Thanks to Clas “Volvo Slim” Ahlstrand from Sweden, who has shared his story of travelng to Chicago with Lasse Lindedal  in January of 1970.  Volvo Slim posted this two part story a few years back in Blindman’s Blues Forum and recently wrote us with these links. His story includes some wonderful descriptions, photos, and recordings made during this trip. Harmonica master Big Walter Horton is the primary subject, but many other Chicago artists of that time period are also discussed. These links are:Part one, click herePart two, click hereBig Walter with Johnny Young sound recordings:Song one, click hereSong two; click hereThanks Volvo Slim for this trip back in time, and for documenting the experience so that we can all enjoy it some 43 years later!
• Time Brings About A Change; A Floyd Dixon Celebration DVD to be released March 6!.Movie premire announced! The long awaited documentary DVD companion to the 2006 CD Time Brings About A Change; A Floyd Dixon Celebration will be released on March 6 on Bob Auerbach‘s High John Records. This DVD includes interviews and concert footage ofFloyd Dixon, Pinetop Perkins, and Henry Gray who were all part of a two day live recording and filming that took place in June of 2006 at the Rhythm Room. Floyd had been diagnossed with a terminal illness and Bob Auerbach immediately initiated this project. Kid Ramos was the musical director of the event and special guests include Johnny Tucker, Joe Banks, Kim Wilson, Fred Kaplan, and Lynwood Slim with a great rhythm section that includes Larry Taylor and Richard Innes and a fine horn section. The project’s credits include director Phillip Cruess, producers Kid Ramos, Lisette Cruess,Bob Corritore and Clarke Rigsby, and executive producer Bob Auerbach. This film will premire at the Cinema City Theatre, 5635 E. La Palma Ave, Annaheim, California 92807 with a 6:30 to 7:30 meet & greet and a 7:45 movie presentation. You will be able to pick up this DVD at the premire, or at finer music stores and at http://www.highjohnrecords.com/. This film represents the last stand of an influential West Coast blues pioneer and the meeting of three legendary piano masters. It also provides a great look at Kid Ramos‘ amazing guitar playing and bandleading. This show will be right before Kid’s cancer surgery and Kid plans to attend!. To see the DVD cover click here and to read about the CD and DVD on the High John Records website, click here.
• RIP Roscoe Chenier – November 6, 1941 to February 7, 2013. Louisiana blues singer / guitarist Roscoe Chenier was the cousin of Clifton Chenier but a fine blues artist in his own right. He lived his whole life in the Opelousas, Louisiana area and though he had solid reputation in Europe, he was little known in the USA outside of his hometown. Processing a rich full voice and downhome blues guitar style, he was able to make numerous albums and European tours playing Holland’s Blues Estafette Festival in 1992, 1993, 1996, 1998 and 2001, and performed at the very prestigious North Sea Jazz Festival in the Hague. His first recording, a 1961 single “Born For Bad Luck” on the Reynaud label led to numerous albums on labels such as Vidrine, Maison de Sol, Black and Tan, APO, Rhino, and Avenue Records. In recent years his diabetes would limit his travel and performance and eventually take his life. Here are some examples of his powerful music (click here  and here).

• Sin City Soul & Blues Revival announces a spectacular three day lineup! Las Vegas, Nevada will be the home of a 3 day blues event called the Sin City Soul & Blues Revival.  The event happens on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday September 15, 16, and 17. Acts include Royal Southern Brotherhood, Tad Robinson, John Cleary, John Nemeth, Trampled Under Foot,Henry Gray & Bob Corritore, Tab Benoit, Sister Sparrow, Kris Lager Band, Orgone, Brad Cordle, Mike Zito, Karen Lovely,Curtis Salgado’s Big Band, Austin All-Stars featuring Malford Milligan and W.C. Clark, Monophonics, Tommy Castro, Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials, Tedeschi-Trucks Band, Selwyn Birchwood, Hadden Sayers Band, Contino, Ruthie Foster, Los Lonely Boys, Deanna Bogart, The Iguanas, Scottie Miller Band,  Carolyn Wonderland, Josh Hoyer, James Harman Band,.and more! Mark your calendars for this huge blues event. To find out more about this festival and to order tickets go to their website at www.sincitysoulandbluesrevival.com.
• Memphis Slim and Matt Murphy on YouTube! Please enjoy these fantastic 1963 recordings by blues piano champion Memphis Slim and Matt “Guitar” Murphy from a Belgian documentary of the 1963 American Folk Blues Festival tour. Note that the drummer is the great Billy Stepney!

“I’m Lost Without You” click here.

“Wish Me Well” click here.

“Matt’s Guitar Boogie” click here.

“My Gal keeps Me Crying” click here.

A multi-song clip with a few different songs, click here.

February 8, 2013

February 7, 2013

• IBC’s in Memphis recap! Each year in early February, the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Competition (IBCs) in Memphis unites the blues world. It is a gargantuan contest in which each blues society in each community sends the winner of their local competition as their representative. Beale Street (the venue filled strip where the IBCs take place) is bursting with all the ambitious energy of these bands and the people who came to cheer them on. Is there any other genre of music that has such a well-organized network come together with this force? The Blues Foundation must be commended for creating this forum and for handling the huge organizational responsibility that goes along with it. There are also jams, and showcases that take place before, and after these events, and of course the Keeping The Blues Alive (KBA) Brunch is a great way to honor the lifetime work of many hardworking blues devotees. I fully enjoyed the IBCs and I performed 5 times during the week, making music with such great artists asJonn Del Toro Richardson, Rich DelGrosso, Cassie Taylor, The Andy T. / Nick Nixon Band (with Anson Funderburgh and Markey Jeanette), The Nick Moss Band (with stunning vocalist Mike Ledbetter), Phil Pimberton & Doug Woolverton (from Roomful Of Blues) Big Bill Morganfield, Clay Swafford,Tony Braunegal, Marie Woodford,  Micah Ian Kesserling, and others. There was also some fun off-stage playing with harmonica players Dennis Gruenling, Andrew Ali, and Big John! Great to see so many friends and to play for some many blues lovers. Congratulations to IBC winner Selwyn Birchwood from Florida who you will hearing a lot from in the years to come. Here is a nice photo page from the IBCs from Blues Festival Guide Magazine (click here). Thank you to the Blues Foundation for creating this forum for all of us to gather to celebrate the music, and to legitimately raise up-and-comers into the international spotlight.- Bob Corritore
• Living Blues lists Top 50 Blues Albums Of 2012!Bob Corritore appears on 4 of them! The current issue of Living Blues Magazine compiles of list of the “Top 50 Blues Albums For 2012.” Congratulations to all the great releases that appear on this list. Bob Corritore plays harmonica on 4 of these 50 Cds; Mud Morganfield / Son Of The Seventh Son (which came in #3), The Mannish Boys / Double Dynamite ( #5), Tail Dragger & Bob Corritore / Longtime Friends In The Blues(#13) and Smokin’ Joe Kubek & B’Nois King / Close To The Bone (# 22)! You can find out more about Living Blues Magazine at www.livingblues.com and to see the complete listing of their “Top 50 Blues Albums of 2012,” click here.
• Bob Corritore’s blues radio show celebrates it’s 29 year anniversary this Sunday! In February of 1984 Bob Corritore began broadcasting his very traditionally oriented blues show on KJZZ (then called KMCR). This Sunday, 29 years later Bob is still hosting his 5 hour weekly program and enjoying every minute of it. In 2007 this radio show was honored by the Blues Foundation with a Keeping The Blues Alive Award! You can tune in this and each Sunday online at http://www.kjzz.org/ or if in Phoenix at 91.5 FM from 6pm to 11pm Arizona time. Thanks to KJZZ for providing a safe and consistant place for blues to be broadcast!

• Eddie C. Campbell Health Update. This information cones via The Chicago Blues Guide about Chicago blues guitar greatEddie C. Campbell who recently suffered a heart attack and a stroke while on tour in Germany. The CBG quotes Eddie’s longtime partner Barbara Mayson Campbell as saying “Eddie is out of intensive care and stablized. However, he is at present paralyzed on his right side. Time is of the essence, Eddie’s prognosis for a full recovery is dependent upon him receiving the appropriate medical attention including neuro/physical therapy. Eddie has no medical coverage in Germany and, due to his condition, he may only be able to fly comercially with a medical escort, or in an air ambulance. The costs will be staggering in the coming weeks and months. Donations are being accepted through the Eddie C. Campbell Assistance Fund PayPal account at the following link (click here)” Note that a benefit for Eddie C. Campbell is being planned for Sunday February 17 at Rosa’s in Chicago.

• Jimmy Vaughan doing well after last week’s heart attack. This from Jimmy Vaughan‘s press people: “Jimmie Vaughanwas admitted to Pomona Hospital Medical Center on January 23rd, 2013 with an acute Myocardial Infraction. He had aCoronary Angioplasty and Stent placement. He is progressing well after this routine procedure and was discharged from the hospital on January 25th. Jimmie feels fine but was advised by his cardiologist to rest at home for a month. He regretfully had to cancel a scheduled trip to The Mahindra Blues Festival in Mumbai, India as a result. Mr. Vaughan said, ‘I feel really good and I can’t wait to get back to work with my band.’”
• Blues Music Awards voting going on right now! Voting for the 2013 Blues Music Awards (BMAs) is in progress andBlues Foundation members can make their  choices now until 7:59am on March 1. To see the list of this year’s nominations click here.  Bob Corritore is nominated for a BMA in the “Harmonica” catagory. Also 2 releases that Bob is associated with are up for a couple awards each; Mud Morganfield / Son Of The Seventh Son, and The Mannish Boys / Double Dynamite. The award winners will be anounced at the formal ceremony which takes place on Thursday, May 9th at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis. For more on the awards and the Blues Foundation go to http://www.blues.org/.
• Junior Watson / Fred Kaplan Band to appear Friday at the Rhythm Room! West Coast heaveyweights Junior Watson,Fred Kaplan, Richard Innes and Kedar Roy will appear this Friday, February 8 at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix with a guest appearance by Bob Corritore. The show is appropriately titled “West Coast Blues Masters” and you can expect the highest quality of musicianship from these great players. Go to http://www.rhythmroom.com/ for more information. To see the beautiful poster for this event designed by Amy Brat click here.
• Muddy Waters home will not be torn down! After a number of newspapers reported the possible demolition of Muddy Waters historic Southside residence, we are relieved to have a recent report that this landmark is to remain. Thanks to Tom Marker of WXRT’s Blues Breakers program for posting this news, which you can read by clicking here.

• Eddie Taylor Photo Page started! Guitarist Eddie Taylor was among the greatest blues guitarists, and his work defined the instrument’s role in Chicago Blues. Last week in our newsletter we requested photo contributions for a tribute photo pageand we were very pleased by offerings from Scott Dirks, Hasse Andreasson, Barrelhouse Bonni McKeown, Tom Buckley,Justin O’Brien, and Bert Lek. Due to time constraints we have not added all these submissions yet but they are coming! Here is the start of our Eddie Taylor photo page with more images to be added very soon! Click here to see.

• RIP Precious Bryant – January 4, 1942 – January 12, 2013. Georgia blueswoman Precious Bryant was a spectacular down- home singer and guitarist who combined her love for Memphis Minnie, Jimmy Reed and Muddy Waters with thespirituals and rags that characterize her region. She passed away on Jan 12, 2013 at age 71. Her petite stature was no indication of her powerful full-bodied vocals, accomplished finger picking guitar, and rabble-rousing personality. Precious Bryant was born in Talbout County, Georgia and raised on her family’s farm. Discovered and recorded first in 1969 by folklorist George Mitchell, Precious would go on to make 4 records; My Name Is Precious on the Music Maker FoundationLabel, and Fool Me Good and The Truth on Terminus Records, and a shared album with Algia Mae Hinton called Gran’mas I Have Never Had on Moi J’Connais Records. She was featured on a number of songs on the National Downhome Blues Festival album on Southland Records, and her song “Morning Train” appears in the soundtrack of the motion picture Black Snake Moan. Though a rich talent, she lived lived a humble life, residing in a trailer home in the woods near Waverly Hall, Georgia. To read a beautiful article about Precious Bryant from Access Atlanta, click here.
• Precious Bryant on YouTube! The zesty music of the recently deceased blues gem Precious Bryant is captured on these great clips:Performing the Memphis Minnie song “Me & My Chauffeur.” Click here to see.
  Performing “I’m Broke And Ain’t Got A Dime.” Click here.
  Performing “Buck Dance.” Click here.
  Performing “Black Rat Swing.” Click here.

February 2, 2013

January 30, 2013

• Ann Rabson RIP April 12, 1945 – January 30, 2013. We’re saddened to report the passing of Ann Rabson, a friend and motherly figure to the entire blues community. She was known as a blues singer, pianist and guitarist and founding member of Saffire-The Uppity Blues Women.  Ann recently colloborated with Muddy Waters alumni Bob Margolin on a recording of duets titled Not Alone. It has been nominated for a Blues Music Award as Acoustic Album of the Year. She is has also been recognized for her first solo album for Alligator Records Music Makin’ Mama. She will be remembered fondly for personifying a woman’s perspective of the blues, and her warm smile and universal kindness. For more information about the wonderful life of Ann Rabson click here.
• International Blues Competition going on now in Memphis! As you read this, the Blues Fountation’s International BluesCompetition (or IBCs) is in full swing in Memphis, Tennesse. Hundreds of bands, industry folks and blues fans come together for this week of blues celebration that started Tuesday January 28, and will end Saturday February 2. Prior to this event, blues societies from all over the world have run regional contests and from each a winner advances to the IBCs! It is an exciting time as you see the many talented artists give heartfelt performances, hoping to advance their blues careers. On top of that, blues fans and industry people gather for what is secondarily a musical convention of sorts. Along with that week is the presentation ceremony for the Keeping The Blues Alive Awards (or KBA’s) which happens this year at a Friday afternoon brunch, and will formally honor some amazing people who have devoted their lives to advancing the cause of the blues. Add to that, numerous showcases, and nightly jams, and you have a fun filled program of blues activity. Bob Corritore will arrive on Wednesday night and will will participate in the VizzTone Showcase on Friday after hours at the Rum Boogie hosted by Gina Sicilia and Dave Gross with an impressive list of guest performances. To see the poster for the VizzTone Showcase click here. To read more about the IBCs click here. To read more about the KBA’s click here.
• Historic Chicago residence of Muddy Waters in danger of being torn down. Chicago Blues father Muddy Waters held a famous residence on Chicago’s South Side at 4339 S. Lake Park Drive form 1954 until he moved to the suburb of Westmont two decades later. This was truly a home of the blues as a number of his band members such as Otis Spann,James Cotton and Paul Oscher found a home in the basement. One can only imagine some of the glorious gatherings at that house in the heyday of Chicago blues! Now it seems that this building is in danger of being torn down when it should berenovated and made into a national monument. We pray that someone will start a petition or a movement to stop such an atrocity. To read an eye-opening article on this subject by Heather Gillers, click here.
• John Primer & Bob Corritore to release collaboration on Delta Groove Records! The Delta Groove record label has anApril 16th release date for John Primer & Bob Corritore / Knockin’ Around These Blues. This collaborative effort will provide a program of deep Chicago blues from two artists steeped in that tradition. Produced by Bob Corritore, this CD includes an all star cast of players; Barrelhouse Chuck, Chris James & Patrick Rynn, Bob Stroger, Kenny Smith, Billy Flynn and Brian Fahey. Look for program of hard-hitting Chicago blues on this CD!
• RIP Chicago Bob Nelson – July 4, 1944 to January 17, 2013 Louisiana Born, Atlanta based Chicago Bob Nelson was a masterful harmonica player and vocalist who merged his Louisiana roots with his love of Chicago Blues. He was 69. The following information is quoted from Reverend Keith A. Gorden‘s blog at about.com;

Nelson would play anywhere and with anybody during this time, gigging with well-known bluesmen like Howlin’ Wolf, Buddy Guy, Earl Hooker, and Muddy Waters, his sound a unique mix of Southern blues, zydeco rhythms, and urban Chicago blues. It was Waters that gave him his “Chicago Bob” nickname after saying that he saw the young harp player “all over Chicago.” Nelson would later tour extensively with Luther “Snake Boy” Johnson and John Lee Hooker. Nelson formed the Heart Fixers with guitarist Tinsley Ellis in 1981, recording two albums with the band – 1981’s The Heart Fixers and 1983’sLive At The Moon Shadow – the latter for the Landslide Records label.

• Sometime during the early 1980s, Nelson relocated to Atlanta, where he would become part of the regional blues scene, performing at the Atlanta blues club Blind Willie’s when he wasn’t touring the Southeast United States or Europe. Poor health eventually sidelined the talented harp player, although he continued to perform locally. Nelson recorded sporadically throughout his career, and is perhaps best known for two albums recorded during the 1990s for King Snake Records, 1992’sHit and Run Lover and 1996’s Back to Bogalusa. During the latter part of his life, Nelson hooked up with the folks at theMusic Maker Relief Foundation, which released his final album, Tell Me Mama, a collection of acoustic blues that displayed a different facet to the Chicago bluesman’s talents, in 2009. Our thoughts go out to Nelson’s family, friends, and many fans around the world.
• Eddie C. Campbell suffers stroke and heart attack. Sad news about our dear friend Eddie C. Campbell from our friendDick Shurman: “Send your kind thoughts and prayers to Chicago bluesman Eddie C. Campbell, who suffered a stroke and heart attack in Germany last weekend. He’s improving, but it’s going to be a hard road back. His wife Barbara is doing a good job from afar of staying on top of things but any support, if only in thought, is appreciated.”
• Unreleased Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup 1969 session forthcoming on Delmark! How grand that Delmark Records has announced the late February issue of a previously unreleased 1969 studio session from the legendary Arthur “Big Boy”Crudup. The CD is titled “Sunny Road” and features backing from Jimmy Dawkins and the late Willie “Big Eyes” Smith. This much anticipated session also has Crudup’s guitar amped through the rotating Leslie speaker, Ala Buddy Guy on “Hoodoo Man Blues”! Very exciting!
• Eddie Taylor photos needed! We are compiling a photo page honoring the late Chicago blues guitar master Eddie Taylor who sound helped to define the music of Jimmy Reed, John Lee Hooker and Chicago blues in general. Eddie Taylor‘s beautiful guitar work masterfully transitioned his deep Mississippi country blues upbringing into a vibrant, electric, city sound. If you have any photos, handbill’s, or posters relating to this subject and would be willing to share them with the world please send to bobcorritore@yahoo.com. We look forward to presenting this photo page soon!
• Amos Milburn, Cab Calloway and Big Joe Turner on YouTube! Please enjoy this classic footage of a 1954 variety show featuring three fantastic rhythm & blues vocalists; Amos Milburn, Cab Calloway and Big Joe Turner. To see this clip, click here.

January 19, 2013

January 11, 2013