December 19, 2014 – Happy Holidays From The Bob Corritore Blues Newsletter

December 4, 2014 – 2015 Big Blues Bender Lineup Announced!

December 3, 2014 – Janiva Magness at Rhythm Room Tonight, Bob Margolin & Bob Corritore Shows This Weekend and More

• 2014 Blues 411 Jimi Awards announced! Bob Corritore wins in Harmonica category! Jimi Patricola (AKA Chefjimi) has long been a tireless advocate of the blues and his Blues 411 website has the subtitle “Where Blue Thrives.” Blues 411 is a respected source for blues information on the web, Facebook and internet radio (the radio show is called A Bakers Dozen Of The Blues, on MojoWax Radio presented by Blues Music Magazine at Live365.com). The Annual “Jimi Awards” are presented to “outstanding musicians who help exemplify the best in Blues Music.” This year’s winners were just announced today and the full list can be seen online here. A big congratulations to all the Blues 411 Jimi Award winners! Among this noble group appears Bob Corritore as the winner in the Harmonica Player category! Click here to see Bob Corritore‘s Award. Thank you Jimi and Blues 411 for this reflection and encouragement.
• Janiva Magness headlines Blue Star Connection Event tonight in Phoenix! The Blue Star Connection comes to Phoenix on Wednesday, December 3rd for a show at the Rhythm Room featuring the amazing Janiva Magness. There will be an opening set by 18 year old Sadie Johnson, accompanied by Bob Corritore and a song or two by Adrianna Marie. The Blue Star Connection, headed by John Catt, states “Our mission is to provide access and ownership of musical instruments for children and young adults with cancer and other serious challenges. We also provide music therapy departments with instruments.” Marilyn Stringer will be on-hand to sign her new book Blues In The 21st Century and will be presenting her donation to Blue Star Connection from a portion of sales of the book. All sales through the end of the evening will be doubled to Blue Star and the HART Fund. To see the event flyer, click here. To learn more about Blue Star, go toBlueStarConnection.org.
• Bob Margolin & Bob Corritore shows this weekend! When Bob M. and Bob C. get together, they perform old school guitar-harp Chicago blues. This week, the two will perform a Southwest run:Friday, December 5 in Phoenix at The Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Rd. with Bill Tarsha on drums, Susie Tarsha on bass, and Dave Forster on keys and second guitar!Saturday, December 6 in Sacramento, CA at VFW #67, 7576 Stockton Blvd for the Sacramento Blues Society with June Core on drums!

  Sunday, December 7 in San Francisco, CA at Biscuits & Blues with D’Mar on drums!

  To see the flyer, click here. Come hear the Chicago blues by two artists steeped in it.

• Kim Wilson’s Blues All-Stars to appear at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix this Saturday! The undeniably talented Kim Wilson is considered by many to be a standard bearer for today’s bluesharmonica. Though best known for his work as the front man of The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Kim always keeps his more traditional blues band as his side project. Each December, Phoenicians look forward to an annual appearance by Kim and his always powerful all-star lineup, which will happen on Saturday, December 6th at The Rhythm Room. This year, Kim Wilson brings an excellent group of players that includes Barrelhouse Chuck, Big Jon Atkinson, Nathan James, Randy Bermudes and Marty Dodson. Sounds like an amazing night of music!
• Taboo continues to garner praise! Bob Corritore‘s all instrumental CD Taboo was released earlier this year and was surprisingly well-received. This album features the harmonica as the centerpiece with a strategically programmed variety of grooves and moods and an amazing supporting cast that includes Jimmie Vaughan, Junior Watson, Fred Kaplan, Doug James, Papa John DeFrancesco, Richard Innes, Kedar Roy, Dowell Davis, and Brian Fahey. Taboo received over 75 rave reviews from around the world which you can read by clicking here. Mid-year, it appeared of the “Best Of 2014 So Far” in the Austin Chronicle and Blues Junction. Taboo made high marks in the Living Blues Radio Chart – coming in #4 for both April and May and #16 in June! Taboo made “Best Of 2014 So Far” lists in both the Austin Chronicle and Blues Junction. Tracks from the CD were included in 2 Best Of Year CD samplers for both Soul Bag Magazine in France and BluesMagazine in the UK! The recent Taboo Release CD Party at the state of the art MIM Theatre was a fantastic success (thanks everyone!). Two articles advanced the CD release party: AZ Central by Serene Dominic (click here) and Phoenix New Times by Glen Burnsilver (click here). Omaha public radio KIOS just listed Taboo as #2 in their “Top 12 Blues CDs of 2014″ (click here to see). A heartfelt thank you to everyone for accepting and embracing this atypical blues release.
• Henry Gray to celebrate his 90th birthday with celebrations in Tucson and Phoenix! Blues piano legend Henry Gray‘s long history in the blues includes classic recordings with Howlin’ Wolf,Little Walter, Jimmy Reed, Jimmy Rogers, Billy Boy Arnold and many more. Still active and in great form Henry continues to dazzle with his elegant blues piano and strong heartfelt vocals. Henry was born on January 19th, 1925 and to celebrate he will come to Arizona, a state which has shown great support for Henry’s music, for 2 special birthday shows. Henry will appear January 16th at the Boondocks in Tucson (promoted by KXCI‘s Marty Kool) and January 17th at The Rhythm Room in Phoenix. Backing Henry for these shows are Bob Corritore on harmonica, Big Jon Atkinsonon guitar, Troy Sandow on bass and Brian Fahey on drums.
• Fundraising contines for Henry Gray / Bob Corritore collaboration! Southwest Musical Arts Foundation is fundraising for a CD release of collaborative recordings from blues piano legend Henry Gray and award winning harmonica player Bob Corritore. The release will be titled The Henry Gray / Bob Corritore Sessions – Blues Won’t Let Me Take My Rest. This album will contain tracks culled from numerous sessions recorded from the early 1990s through the early 2000s. Included in these sessions are other blues notables: Robert Lockwood Jr., John Brim, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, BobMargolin, Chico Chism and many more. On January 19th, 2015, Henry Gray will turn 90 years old, and we hope to release this album in the early part of next year. This is a laborious task, as many years of sessions will need to be reviewed and prepared for release. Thanks to all those who have already generously donated and who are helping this beautiful project see completion. We still have a long way to go to fund this project but we have started our studio work on preparing these masters for release. Please consider helping this project along if you are able to. These recordings are absolutely stunning examples of the old-school Chicago blues tradition. For more information and to make a donation, click here. Thank you very much!
• Bob Koester interview on Vimeo! Please enjoy this sweet feature about veteran label boss Bob Koester, the founder of Delmark Records, a pivotal label for jazz and blues based in Chicago. Bobtells his story with great verve. Click here to see.
• Little Milton on The Beat! Please enjoy this amazing 1960s clip of Little Milton performing his hit “Were Gonna Make It” on The Beat! Click here to see.

November 28, 2014 – Taboo CD Release Party, Janiva Magness at The Rhythm Room and More News

• CD Release Party For Taboo Tomorrow Night at MIM! Come celebrate Bob Corritore‘s latest CD Taboo with the brilliant core band from the album at the MIM on Saturday, November 29th. Appearing at this milestone event are Bob Corritore with Junior Watson, Fred Kaplan, Kedar Roy, and Richard Innes. The MIM Music Theatre is a simply amazing performance arts venue and the perfect place to highlight the subtleties of this show. Good seats are still available for this event here. To see the flyer for event click here.
• Taboo nominated for Germany’s Big Blues Award! Blues In Germany has posted their nominations for best of 2014, and we happily report that Bob Corritore / Taboo is listed as a nominee is the US Blues CD Category! To see the listing, click here.
• Janiva Magness at The Rhythm Room on December 3rd! The Blue Star Connection comes to Phoenix on Wednesday, December 3rd for a show at the Rhythm Room featuring the amazing Janiva Magness.There will be an opening set by 17 year old Sadie Johnson, accompanied by Bob Corritore. The Blue Star Connection, headed by John Catt, has this as their mission statement:”Our mission is to provide access and ownership of musical instruments for children and young adults with cancer and other serious challenges. We also provide music therapy departments with instruments.”For more information on this event click here. To learn more about Blue Star, go to BlueStarConnection.org.
• Some new, cool blues harmonica releases! We want to mention a recent batch of great harmonica releases that has come across our desk:
  Please note this is by no means a complete listing of all recent harp albums, just a few of the ones that we have not mentioned before in this newsletter!
  – Big Jon Atkinson / Boogie With My Baby (Bluebeat Music) – Great harp, vocals and guitar by Big Jon and some great harp work by Troy Sandow on 2 tracks. A wonderful surprise from this great young artist who is soon to become known as the next generation of blues keepers.
  – Sugar Ray & The Bluetones / Living Tear To Tear (Severn) – What an all-star band with Sugar Ray’s vocal and harp leading the proceedings and Monster Mike Welch, Anthony Geraci, Michael Mudcat Wardand Neil Gouvin all killin’ it.
  – RJ Mischo / Everything I Need (Barking Jack Records) RJ Mischo always delivers a great harp record! RJ puts his soulful, informed touch on the proceedings.
  – Jim Liban with the Joel Paterson Trio / I Say What I Mean (Vetrella) – This veteran harp wizard is Wisconsin’s best kept secret. Masterful harp work.
  – Madison Slim / Close But No Cigar (no label listed on CD) – Great to hear a new great CD from this great harp player who has been away from the limelight for a while now. A thoroughly enjoyable album of seasoned traditional harmonica blues with Doug Demming & The Jewel Tones, Barrelhouse Chuck, Billy Flynn and Terry Hanck!
• Big Blues Bender 2015 dates announced! Earlier this year, the Big Blues Bender in Las Vegas firmly established itself at the top of the list of USA blues festivals. The 4 day event featured an amazing top shelf lineup, multiple stages, non-stop great performances, great after hours pro jams, an amazing hospitable staff and the Vegas “let-loose” vibe! The Big Blues Bender has recently announced the 2015 dates as September 10-13! A partial lineup for this event will be listed shortly. For more information and for pre-booking, visit their website here.
• Lil’ Ed video from 1984! Please enjoy this look back to 30 years ago as Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperialsappear in a German Documentary. At that time the band was Lil’ Ed, his brother James “Pookie” Young, Dave Weld and drummer Louis Henderson. Thank you Scott Dirks for making us aware of this video. To watch click here.
• Johnny Dyer / Come On Home. We remember our friend, the late Johnny Dyer with this killer track filled with Johnny’s splendid vocals and chromatic harp and great guitar by Rick Holmstrom. Johnny was a teacher to many and a friend to all. May he rest in peace. Click here.
• Buddy Guy on YouTube! Please enjoy this great 1970 footage of Buddy Guy pouring his soul into the song “The First Time I Met The Blues” from the movie Chicago Blues. Click here to see.

November 23, 2014 – Janiva Magness at The Rhythm Room on December 3rd

November 19, 2014 – Taboo CD Release Party Nov 29 at MIM!

November 11, 2014 – Lucerne Blues Festival, Bob Margolin / Bob Corritore Mini-Tour, and more

• Off To Switzerland! Lucerne Blues Festival celebrates 20 years! The Lucerne Blues Festival in Lucerne, Switzerland will become the blues epicenter of the world this week as it celebrates 2 decades of presenting blues of the highest order. This year’s lineup includes Otis Clay with special guest Johnny Rawls, Buckwheat Zydeco, Delbert McClinton, John Nemeth, Sugaray Rayford Band with special guest Bob Corritore, Jimmy Johnson & Sam Burckhardt with the Dave Specter Band, The 44s with special guest Kirk Fletcher, Cyril Neville, Mississippi Heat, Kara Granger Band, Bonny B., Richard Koechli & The Blue Roots Compagnie, Trudy Lynn featuring Steve Krase, and A Contra Blues. For more information and to purchase tickets go to BluesFestival.ch. Thank you Lucerne Blues Festival!
• Taboo CD Release Party November 29th at the MIM! Released earlier this year to rave reviews, Bob Corritore‘s all instrumental CD, Taboo, will be celebrated on Saturday, November 29th at the MIM Theatre, Phoenix’s premier performing arts center. Corritore will re-gather the all-star core band from this recording including Junior Watson, Fred Kaplan, Kedar Roy and Richard Innes. Special thanks to co-producer Clarke Rigsby of Tempest Recording, and to the prestigious record label Delta Groove Music. Tickets are on sale now and though over 100 tickets have already sold, there are great seats still available! For more information and to purchase tickets click here.
• December Southwest mini-tour for Bob Margolin and Bob Corritore! When former Muddy Waters guitarist Bob Margolin and Bob Corritore get together, the result is pure Chicago Blues bliss. In December they will take their show on the road to these places:
  12/05/14: Phoenix, AZ – Rhythm Room – Bob Margolin, Bob Corritore and Rocket 88s
  12/06/14: Sacramento, CA – Sacramento Blues Society Event – Bob Margolin, Bob Corritore, plus June Core on drums!
  12/07/14: San Francisco, CA – Biscuits & Blues – Bob Margolin, Bob Corritore and D’mar on drums!
• Thanks for donations received for Henry Gray / Bob Corritore collaboration! Southwest Musical Arts Foundation is fundraising for a CD release of collaborative recordings from blues piano legend Henry Gray and award winning harmonica player Bob Corritore. The release will be titled The Henry Gray / Bob Corritore Sessions – Blues Won’t Let Me Take My Rest. This album will contain tracks culled from numerous sessions recorded from the early 1990s through the early 2000s. Included in these sessions are other blues notables: Robert Lockwood Jr., John Brim, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Bob Margolin, Chico Chism and many more. On January 19th, 2015, Henry Gray will turn 90 years old, and we hope to release this album in the early part of next year. This is a laborious task, as many years of sessions will need to be reviewed and prepared for release. Thanks to all those who have already generously donated and who are helping this beautiful project see completion. We still have a long way to go to fund this project but we have now started the process! These recordings are absolutely stunning examples of the old-school Chicago blues tradition.  For more information and to make a donation, click here. Thank you very much!
• Chuck Berry Complete Studio Recordings released on Bear Family! Leave it to Germany’s amazing Bear Family Records to put out the definitive collection of Chuck Berry, arguably the greatest architect of rock ‘n’ roll music! 16 CDs, a hard cover book, beautiful packaging, never seen before vintage photos! For more information of this definitive release click here.
• Blues Blast Music Award winners! Congratulations to the winners of the 2014 Blues Blast Music Awards and to the magazine for an amazing awards event at the Fluid Events Center in Champaign, IL with an incredibly run and presents ceremony. To see the 2014 winners, click here.
• Blues Foundation announces 2015 Keeping The Blues Alive Award recipients! Congratulations to those individuals and organizations who will be recognized by the Blues Foundation for significant contributions to blues music. The Blues Foundation will honor 15 individuals and organizations with its 2015 Keeping the Blues Alive Awards during a recognition luncheon Friday, January 23rd, 2015 in Memphis, Tennessee. Each year, The Blues Foundation presents the KBA Awards to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to blues music. The KBA ceremony will be held in conjunction with the 31st International Blues Challenge, which begins January 20 and features the final rounds of the world’s largest and most prestigious blues music competition, as well as seminars, showcases, and receptions for blues societies, fans, and professionals. Clickhere to learn more.
• Passings. Though we have a new no obituary policy, we will include other publication’s obits. We thank these great artists for their life’s contributions to the blues.RIP Finis Tasby (1940 – November 2, 2014). Click here for Blues Music Magazine’s obit.
  RIP Michael Coleman (June 24, 1956 – November 2, 2014). Click here for Chicago Blues’ obit.
• Jimmy Smith on YouTube! Please enjoy B-3 organ master Jimmy Smith performing his hit instrumental “Back At The Chicken Shack’ with a great band that includes Phil Upchurch on guitar. Click here to see.

November 5, 2014 – Henry Gray Appears This Friday & Saturday at The Rhythm Room

October 25, 2014 – Dave Riley / Bob Corritore Juke Joint Blues Band Appears Tonight In Tucson

October 22, 2014 – Blues Blast Awards Tomorrow, Upcoming Shows, Books, Magic Slim CD and More!

• The Blues Blast Music Awards This Thursday! The 2014 Blues Blast Music Awards ceremonies will be held on Thursday, October 23rd at The Fluid Events Center at 601 N Country Fair Dr, Champaign, IL. It’s gonna be a party! The star-studded lineup at this year’s event includes Bobby Rush and Blinddog Smokin’, Shaun Murphy Band, Toronzo Cannon, Albert Castiglia, Trudy Lynn, Too Slim and The Taildraggers, Bernie Pearl with Barbara Morrison, Dave Riley / Bob Corritore Juke Joint Blues Band (with Yahni Riley and Brian Fahey), Tweed Funk, Adrianna Marie and Her Groovecutters, Back Pack Jones, Annie Mack Band, RB Stone, Norman Taylor, Lisa Biales, Mark T Small, Lisa Mann, Brent Johnson and the Call Up, Steve Dawson, Rachelle Coba, Sean Chambers, Josh Hoyer, Andy T. / Nick Nixon Band plus a few surprises! Congratulations to Bobby Rush and Lonnie Brooks who will be honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the event! Thanks to Blues Blast Magazine for their solid commitment to spreading the word about blues music and for their inclusive and informed position regarding the blues community! We look forward to this amazing annual party reflecting the accomplishments of the blues community! To see the flier for this event, click here.

• Taboo CD Release Party to take place November 29th at the MIM! Released earlier this year to rave reviews, Bob Corritore‘s all instrumental CD, Taboo, will be celebrated on Saturday, November 29th at the MIM Theatre, Phoenix’s premier performing arts center. Corritore will re-gather the all-star core band from this recording including Junior Watson, Fred Kaplan, Kedar Roy and Richard Innes. Special thanks to co-producer Clarke Rigsby of Tempest Recording, and to the prestigious record label Delta Groove Music. The event has recently gone on sale, and great seats are still available! For more information and to purchase tickets click here.

• Dave Riley / Bob Corritore play Saturday at Monterey Court in Tucson! Look out Tucson, ’cause here comes the Dave Riley / Bob Corritore Juke Joint Blues Band for a show this Saturday, October 25 at the Monterey Court Studio Galleries, 505 W. Miracle Mile, Tucson, AZ 85705! Also in the band are Dave “Yahni” Riley Jr. on bass and Brian Fahey on drums! Some deep, down home blues! To see the flier for this event click here.

• Henry Gray to appear November 7th & 8th in Phoenix! The legendary piano master, Henry Gray will appear Friday and Saturday, November 7th and 8th at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix! Henry Gray is now 89 years young and is the last remaining blues piano great from the golden era of 1950’s Chicago blues! His piano adorns classic recordings by Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, Jimmy Rogers, Jimmy Reed and Billy Boy Arnold! To see the flyer or this event click here. To purchase tickets, visit www.rhythmroom.com.

• Fundraising for Henry Gray / Bob Corritore collaboration! Southwest Musical Arts Foundation is seeking donations to help fund a CD release of collaborative recordings from blues piano legend Henry Gray and award winning harmonica player Bob Corritore. The release will be titled The Henry Gray / Bob Corritore Sessions – Blues Won’t Let Me Take My Rest. This album will contain tracks culled from numerous sessions recorded from the early 1990s through the early 2000s. Included in these sessions are other blues notables: Robert Lockwood Jr., John Brim, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Bob Margolin, Chico Chism and many more. On January 19th, 2015, Henry Gray will turn 90 years old, and we hope to release this album in the early part of next year. This will be a laborious task, as many years of sessions will need to be reviewed and prepared for release. We are asking those who believe in this project to make a donation of any size. We will provide an advance CD to all donators of $15 or more. Each dollar donated will go towards the studio time needed to prepare this album for release. Thanks to all those who generously donated and who are helping this beautiful project see completion. We still have a long way to go to fund this project but we are now able to start the process! For more information and to make a donation, click here.

• Bob Corritore Article in Argentina! Please enjoy the Argentina blues magazine Con Alma De Blues which this month features an article / interview on Bob Corritore by Gustavo Pollo Zungri. You can see this beautiful graphic layout, read the article (in Spanish) and see some great photos by clicking this link and turning the page to 15. Thank you Gustavo!

• Numerous new blues books! There has a wave of some exciting new books published. Here is a rundown:
  Blues In The 21st Century. Congratulations to photographer Marilyn Stringer for masterminding a brilliant new book showcasing the photos and stories of over 100 great blues artists. Marilyn’s celebrated photography is accompanied by the stories of each of the featured artists (Marilyn and Jim Crawford did the excellent interviewing and writing). Though it would be impossible to include everyone from the current scene in one book, Marilyn chose a wide and inclusive cross section that is very reflective of the here and now. Perhaps more than any publication before it, she has captured this moment in time in the blues world! Thank you Marilyn Stringer! For more information and to order this book go to MJStringerPhoto.com. (In a previous email we accidentally sent out a broken link. This is the correct link.)
  Big Mama Thornton, The Life And Times. Author Michael Spörke captures the bold story of one of the greatest blues singers of all time. It was Big Mama Thornton who brought us often covered classics like “Hound Dog” and “Ball And Chain” and was one of the few woman tough enough to front the Muddy Waters Band as she did for an album on Arhoolie Records. For more information on this book and to order please click here.
  Blues In Modern Days. “Senior Blues Blast Magazine writer Terry Mullins presents stories and interviews of 31 Modern Blues Masters. Included are Jody Williams, Billy Boy Arnold, Sugar Pie Desanto, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, James Cotton, Lonnie Brooks, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Wayne Baker Brooks, Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith, Diunna Greenleaf, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Mud Morganfield, Phil Wiggins, Teeny Tucker, Kenny Neal, Lurrie Bell, Johnny Rawls, Lady Bianca, Sugar Blue, Willie “The Touch” Hayes, Billy Branch, Zora Young, John Primer, Dave Riley, Magic Slim, Lil’ Ed Williams, James “Super Chikan” Johnson, Guitar Shorty, Eric “Guitar” Davis, Eddie “Devil Boy” Turner and Toronzo Cannon.” For more info and to order click here.

  Blues On Beale Street, Memoirs Of The International Blues Challenge. Photographer Jenn Oken and writer Greg Slim Lively Johnson join forces for a “photo book accompanied by a series of written experiences, short stories, song lyrics, and quotes by a vast variety of attendees of the International Blues Challenge.” It is scheduled for release during the January 2015 IBCs! For more info click here.

  Blues All Day Long, The Jimmy Rogers Story. The legendary Chicago blues trailblazer Jimmy Rogers is the subject of a long awaited biography by Dr. Wayne Goins. After years of data collection and research, Goins’ book, titled Blues All Day Long, The Jimmy Rogers Story became available earlier this year, courtesy of University Of Illinois Press. Rogers passed away in 1997 at age 73 leaving his indelible mark on the blues world. Though an essential part of the same musical movement as band-mates Muddy Waters and Little Walter, Jimmy Rogers is often less celebrated. This book aims to right that wrong and will surely bring some well-deserved posthumous attention to our fallen blues hero. Included also is a touching foreward by Kim Wilson. Jimmy Rogers’ songs “That’s All Right,” “Walking By Myself,” “Ludella,” and “Chicago Bound” will live forever as classics of the Chicago blues genre. Thank you Dr. Wayne Goins for your hard work and dedication. To order this book online, click here. To see our Jimmy Rogers photo page, click here.

• Congratulations to the 2014 Arizona Blues Hall Of Fame Inductees. Dave Riley gets inducted! The class of 2014 inductees to the Arizona Blues Hall Of Fame: Dave Riley, Kidd Squidd, Liz Fletcher, Mitzi Cowell, The Hoodoo Kings, The Rocket 88s, Bad News Blues Band. There will be a ABHOF concert and induction happening on January 18th at the Rhythm Room! Visit www.rhythmroom.com for details. For more information on the Arizona Blues Hall Of Fame click here.

• Eddy Clearwater CD Release Party This Friday at Legends! World renown blues artist Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater celebrates the release of his new CD Soul Funky on October 24th at Buddy Guy’s Legends In Chicago. For more information on this CD click here, and to see the flyer for this event click here. Thanks to Lynn Orman and Amy Brat for getting the word out!

• Magic Slim & The Teardrops / Pure Magic just released! Austria’s Wolf Records has just lovingly released Magic Slim / Pure Magic, a collection of 13 live recordings by this Chicago blues master at the height of his powers! Culled from various Austrian concerts between 1992 and 1995, the band includes the lean, mean lineup of Magic Slim, Nick Holt, John Primer and Earl Howell. As we listen to these wonderful sides we realize that the road-tested Magic Slim formula was nothing short of a miracle. The enclosed booklet is filled with wonderful photos and Wolf’s label chief Hannes Folterbauer’s heartfelt testimonial of his label’s committed and ongoing relation with Slim and his band (Wolf also put a great live John Primer & The Teardrops CD earlier this year). Also in the booklet is a memorial Magic Slim bio written by Bob Corritore. From the opening introduction by John Primer as he calls Slim to the stage, we are treated to a program of Slim’s wonderful bandstand favorites and story telling on this very special record. Morris “Magic Slim” Holt left us on February 21, 2013 and this CD serves as a reflection of this bluesman’s undeniable charm and talent. Thank you Wolf Records for loving Magic Slim. We do too!

• Jessie Mae Hemphill on YouTube! Please enjoy this clip of Mississippi Hill Country blues queen Jessie Mae Hemphill playing “Standing In My Doorway Crying.” Some deep blues here! Click here to see.

October 20, 2014 – Blues In The 21st Century

New blues book! Blues In The 21st Century now available! Congratulations to photographer Marilyn Stringer for masterminding a brilliant new book showcasing the photos and stories of over 100 great blues artists. Marilyn’s celebrated photography is accompanied by the stories of each of the featured artists (Marilyn and Jim Crawford did the excellent interviewing and writing). Though it would be impossible to include everyone from the current scene in one book, Marilyn chose a wide and inclusive cross section that is very reflective of the here and now. Perhaps more than any publication before it, she has captured this moment in time in the blues world! Thank you Marilyn Stringer! For more information and to order this book go to MJStringerPhoto.com.

October 15, 2014 – Janiva Magness To Perform At MIM Tomorrow – Bob Corritore To Special Guest!

October 13, 2014 – Bob Corritore On “Music On The Couch,” Fundraising For Henry Gray / Bob Corritore CD, Taboo In The News & More

• Bob Corritore to guest tonight on Music On The Couch! Host Vinny Bond Marini‘s longstanding music show Music On The Couch has the credo “Musicians you should know.” Though covering a wide range of roots music, the show definitely has a leaning towards the blues. It is aired each Monday at 9pm Central. Tonight the show features back to back guest interviews with the MacKenzie Blues Band, Generation Blues Experience, Bob Corritore, and Sena Ehrhardt. Thanks Vinny! For more info on this and other broadcasts, and to listen to the program on the internet, click here.
• Fundraising for Henry Gray / Bob Corritore collaboration! Southwest Musical Arts Foundation is seeking donations to help fund a CD release of collaborative recordings from blues piano legend Henry Gray and award winning harmonica player Bob Corritore. The release will be titled The Henry Gray / Bob Corritore Sessions – Blues Won’t Let Me Take My Rest. This album will contain tracks culled from numerous sessions recorded from the early 1990s through the early 2000s. Included in these sessions are other blues notables: Robert Lockwood Jr., John Brim, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Bob Margolin, Chico Chism and many more. On January 19th, 2015, Henry Gray will turn 90 years old, and we hope to release this album in the early part of next year. This will be a laborious task, as many years of sessions will need to be reviewed and prepared for release. We are asking those who believe in this project to make a donation of any size. We will provide an advance CD to all donators of $15 or more. Each dollar donated will go towards the studio time needed to prepare this album for release. Thank you in advance for your generosity in helping this beautiful project see completion. To more information and to make a donation, click here.
• Taboo in the news! Bob Corritore‘s latest CD Taboo continues to garner great reviews 6 months after it’s release. We recently received great reviews from Fresh Biscuits, Blues News Norway, Downbeat Magazine, and The Suncoast Blues Society. Taboo was #2 on KMUW’s Crossroads Blues charts for the month of September, has been featured prominently at Blues 411, and was showcased on Japanese radio by blues host Nacomi Tanaka! It has received almost 75 rave reviews from all around the world, which are now posted (click here to see). France’s famous Soul Bag Magazine included a track from the album in the current issue’s CD sampler! Also Classic Rock Presents The Blues Magazine of the UK will include “Harmonica Watusi” on their next edition CD titled “The Best of 2014”! Thanks to all the DJs, interviewers, reviewers, writers, and blues fans who have embraced this unusual all-instrumental album concept. And especially thanks to Delta Groove’s marketing for putting this CD out there in a huge way!

• Rhythm Room wins New Times Best Of Phoenix Award! Thanks to the Phoenix New Times for awarding the Rhythm Room “Best Blues Club 2014” in their annual Best Of Phoenix Awards. To see the article click here. And to go to the Rhythm Room website click here.

• The Blues Blast music Awards coming up! Bobby Rush and Lonnie Brooks to get Lifetime Achievement Award! The 2014 Blues Blast Music Awards ceremonies will held on Thursday, October 23rd at The Fluid Events Center at 601 N Country Fair Dr, Champaign, IL. The star studded lineup at this event includes Bobby Rush and Blinddog Smokin’, Shaun Murphy Band, Toronzo Cannon, Albert Castiglia, Trudy Lynn, Too Slim and The Taildraggers, Bernie Pearl with Barbara Morrison, Dave Riley and Bob Corritore, Tweed Funk, Adrianna Marie and Her Groovecutters, Back Pack Jones,Annie Mack Band, RB Stone, Norman Taylor, Lisa Biales, Mark T Small, Lisa Mann, Brent Johnson and the Call Up, Steve Dawson, Rachelle Coba, Sean Chambers, Josh Hoyer, Andy T. / Nick Nixon Band plus a few surprises! Congratulations to Bobby Rush and Lonnie Brooks who will be honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the event! Thanks to Blues Blast Magazine for their solid commitment to spreading the word about blues music and for their inclusive and informed position regarding the blues community! We look forward to this great, annual party reflecting the accomplishments of the blues community!
• New Billy Boy Arnold CD out on Oct 21! Veteran Chicago blues master Billy Boy Arnold has a new CD out soon on Canada’s Stony Plains record label called The Blues Soul Of Billy Boy Arnold. The new album was produced by guitar great Duke Robillard. To read the press release click here.
• B.B. King recovering from exhaustion and dehydration resting at home after cancelling tour. The 89 year old B.B. King is taking some badly needed down-time from his grueling tour schedule after health concerns forced him to stop a tour. B.B. had a rough time at his Oct 3rd show in Chicago and was diagnosed with dehydration and exhaustion stemming from his diabetic condition. B.B. King holds the highest stature of any blues artist and his influence on music can not be overstated. Wishing our king a speedy recovery. Much love and respect always!
• Obituary New Policy. Dear readers – Please understand that over the years of writing numerous obits, the task has become overwhelming emotionally. We are now taking a policy of not covering most passings. We feel that it is greatly important to celebrate the achievements of a lifetime dedicated to the blues, but we will leave this up to the publications who have special sections for this. The large volume of mortality within our aging blues community is feeling like a huge emotional burden. Please understand and accept the necessity of our new position.
• Chicago Blues Clip on YouTube! Enjoy this wonderful documentary clip that takes us through a Honeyboy Edwards doctor’s appointment, and Eddie Taylor, Tail Dragger, Johnny Littlejohn and Honeyboy Edwards performing live at the Chicago’s Delta Fish Market. Thanks to Raw Blues TV for making this clip available. Some amazing moments! Click here to enjoy this clip!

September 24, 2014 – The Big Blues Bender in Las Vegas This Week!

September 17, 2014 – Bob Corritore’s Birthday Celebration This Saturday

BOB CORRITORE’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION IS THIS SATURDAY

at The Rhythm Room with Adrianna Marie & Her Groovecutters!

See flyer below for details.

Purchase tickets here.

September 12, 2014 – Just Three More Days To Vote In The Blues Blast Music Awards

Blues Blast Music Award Voting closes on September 15. Bob Corritore nominated for 3 awards! Blues Blast Magazine has recently announced the nominees for the 2014 Blues Blast Music Awards and voting is underway! We were pleased to find that Bob Corritore has 3 nominations:

Male Blues Artist: Bob Corritore

Traditional Blues Album: John Primer & Bob Corritore – Knockin’ Around These Blues

Acoustic Blues Album: Dave Riley And Bob Corritore – Hush Your Fuss!

 

Voting is open to the public until the closing date of Sept 15, and you can see all the nominees, make your choices, and vote at BluesBlastMagazine.com. Winners will be announced October 23rd at the 2014 Blues Blast Music Awards ceremonies, held at The Fluid Events Center in Champaign, Illinois. The awards ceremony will feature music by the artists nominated. The ever-expanding awards party is always a fun, star-studded event filled with great performances. Thank you Blues Blast Magazine!

September 9, 2014 – Dave Riley / Bob Corritore Juke Joint Blues Band In Bisbee This Saturday

Photos by Dave Blake

September 3, 2014 – San Diego Blues Festival, Blues Blast Music Awards & Other News

• John Primer with Bob Corritore, Chris James, Patrick Rynn to appear this Saturday at the San Diego Blues Festival! This weekend the San Diego Blues Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, Sept 6 & 7 at the downtown San Diego Waterfront. Appearing at the fest will be John Primer in an all-star band that includes Bob Corritore, Chris James & Patrick Rynn. Last year the CD release for John Primer & Bob Corritore / John Primer & Bob Corritore / Knockin’ Around These Blues (Delta Groove Label) received huge accolades, with a #1 spot on the Living Blues Charts, “Best CD Of 2013” award from Blues News Germany, a nomination for Best Traditional Blues Album in the Blues Blast Music Awards (voting still going on for this), and numerous rave reviews (clickhere to read them)! The magic of this CD will be recreated on stage this Saturday at the Fest with a 5:30pm slot. Also appearing over the 2 days are Lazy Lester, Elvin Bishop, Big Jon Atkinson, Candye Kane, Eric Burdon & The Animals, Sugaray Rayford, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, Missy Andersen, RB Stone, Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, Earl Thomas, Kevin Selfe, Bishop John W. Hanyes, Jim Gibson, Sharifah & The Good Thing. Proceeds from this event go to Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank.

• Blues Blast Music Award Voting underway but closes on September 15. Bob Corritore nominated for 3  awards! Blues Blast Magazine has recently announced the nominees for the 2014 Blues Blast Music Awards and voting is underway! We were pleased to find that Bob Corritore has 3 nominations:
  Male Blues Artist: Bob Corritore
  Traditional Blues Album: John Primer & Bob Corritore – Knockin’ Around These Blues
  Acoustic Blues Album: Dave Riley And Bob Corritore – Hush Your Fuss!
   
  Voting is open to the public until the closing date of Sept 15 and you can see all the nominees, make your choices, and vote at BluesBlastMagazine.com. Winners will be announced October 23rd, at The 2014 Blues Blast Music Awards ceremonies, held at The Fluid Events Center in Champaign, Illinois. The awards ceremony will feature music by the artists nominated. The ever-expanding awards party is always a fun, star-studded event filled with great performances. Thank you Blues Blast Magazine!

• Bob Corritore interviewed about Louisiana Red on Blues Radio International! Thank you Jesse Finkelstein and Blues Radio International for this great program! “Blues Radio International talked with Bob Corritore about Louisiana Red at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis. You will also hear tracks from Bob’s recent album, Taboo. Here is a link to listen to the show on Soundcloud. Blues Radio International is the world’s only weekly worldwide shortwave blues music broadcast (streaming simultaneously on the Internet), with confirmed listeners on six continents.”

• Bob Corritore / Taboo CD receives raves! Bob Corritore‘s all instrumental album Taboo was released on April 15th. This disc features the harmonica as the centerpiece with a wonderfully programmed variety of grooves and moods and an amazing supporting cast that includes Jimmie Vaughan, Junior Watson, Fred Kaplan, Doug James, Papa John DeFrancesco, Richard Innes, Kedar Roy, Dowell Davis, and Brian Fahey. Taboo made high marks in Living Blues Radio Chart coming in #4 for both April and May and #16 in June! Taboo made “Best Of 2014 So Far” lists in both the Austin Chronicle and Blues Junction. It has received almost 70 rave reviews from all around the world, which are now posted (click here to see). France’s famous Soul Bag Magazine will include a track from the CD in it’s forthcoming issue’s CD sampler! Thanks to all the DJs, interviewers, reviewers, writers, and blues fans who have embraced this unusual album concept. And especially thanks to Delta Groove’s marketing for putting this CD out there in a huge way!
  
  
• Lucerne Blues Festival celebrates 20 years! 2014 lineup announced! For two decades now the Lucerne Blues Festival has been presenting blues of the highest order and in the most dignified of ways. The city of Lucerne, Switzerland has a classic, picturesque beauty complete with unique, historic architecture and a river running through it’s downtown. The all-volunteer festival staff are fiercely dedicated to the blues. Considered by many among Europe’s greatest blues festivals, Lucerne boasts consistently great lineups and an audience that travels from all over the continent to enjoy their offerings. This year the fest happens November 11 through 16, and the lineup includes Otis Clay with special guest Johnny Rawls, Buckwheat Zydeco, Delbert McClinton,John Nemeth, Sugaray Rayford Band with special guest Bob Corritore, Jimmy Johnson & Sam Burckhardt with the Dave Specter Band, The 44s with special guest Kirk Fletcher, Cyril Neville, Mississippi Heat, Kara Granger Band, Bonny B., Richard Koechli & The Blue Roots Compagnie, Trudy Lynn featuring Steve Krase, and A Contra Blues. For more information and to purchase tickets go to BluesFestival.ch. Thank you Lucerne Blues Festival!
• Mannish Boys / Wrapped Up & Ready #1 on Living Blues Radio Charts! Randy Chortkoff’s Mannish Boys are a special band that gathers some of the West Coast’s greatest players into a powerful collective. Add to that the ceremonious recording sessions that have historically called upon numerous high quality special guests. All things combined a Mannish Boys album is nothing short of a blues phenomenon. Their latest offering, Wrapped Up & Ready features the band’s current lineup of Sugaray Rayford, Kirk Fletcher, Franck Goldwasser, Willie J Campbell, and Jimi Bott. The special guests for this CD include Kid Ramos, Fred Kaplan, Monster Mike Welch, Steve Freund, Kim Wilson, Candye Kane, Laura Chavez, Bill Stuve, Dave Kida, Lynwood Slim, Bob Corritore, Jacob Huffman (19 year old harmonica wiz!), Nico Duportal, Trenda Fox, and more! The formula is pure and positive, and the Mannish Boys continue to be a standard bearer for a contemporary take on traditionally based blues. Congratulations to The Mannish Boys for being #1 on the July Living Blues Chart which you can read by clicking here. Thanks Randy Chortkoff for being the one who enables so many great things.
• Muddy Waters In The News! Muddy Waters is considered to be the father figure of Chicago Blues and with the centennial of his disputed birthdate (April 4 of either 1913 or 1915 – Muddy claimed both and no birth certificate exists) there is a wave of honorary celebrations. Just last month in Columbus, Ohio, an organization called Project Blues headlined their annual charity event with an amazing Muddy Waters Tribute set with band alumni and specialists in that style. Included were Bob Margolin, John Primer, David Maxwell, Bob Corritore, Tom Holland, Bob Stroger and Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith. Severn Records recently released a CD by Mud Morganfield (eldest son of Muddy Waters) & Kim Wilson, called For Pops A Tribute to Muddy Waters, covering all Muddy Waters material! Mud and Kim were recently interviewed by NPR‘s Linda Wertheimer which you can hear by clicking here. Another Muddy Waters tribute CD is planned for a 2015 release by the Raisin’ Music label with John Primer as the focus, again covering all Muddy Waters material and boasting a prestigious list of special guests including James Cotton, Bob Margolin, Johnny Winter, Mavis Staples, Derek Trucks and Billy Branch! God bless the great Muddy Waters!
• New Jimmy Rogers bio now released! The legendary Chicago blues trailblazer Jimmy Rogers is the subject of a long awaited biography by Dr. Wayne Goins. After years of data collection and research, Goins’ book, titled Blues All Day Long, The Jimmy Rogers Story is finally available, courtesy of University Of Illinois Press. Rogers passed away in 1997 at age 73 leaving his indelible mark on the blues world. Though an essential part of the same musical movement as band-mates Muddy Waters and Little Walter, Jimmy Rogers is often less celebrated. This book aims to right that wrong and will surely bring some well-deserved posthumous attention to our fallen blues hero. Included also is a touching foreward by Kim Wilson. Jimmy Rogers’ songs “That’s All Right,” “Walking By Myself,” “Ludella,” and “Chicago Bound” will live forever as classics of the Chicago blues genre. Thank you Dr. Wayne Goins for your hard work and dedication. To order this book online, click here. To see our Jimmy Rogers photo page, click here.
• Vintage Roscoe Gordon rocks YouTube! Please enjoy these wild 1957 clips of Rosco Gordon & The Red Topsperforming some rockin’ R&B complete with a rooster on the piano! Click here to see “Chicken In The Rough” and here to see “Bop It.”

August 29, 2014 – Dave Riley / Bob Corritore Juke Joint Blues Band Appears Saturday at the Rhythm Room!

August 26, 2014 – Las Vegas Big Blues Bender September 25-29

August 21, 2014 – Project Blues Muddy Waters Tribute Show This Weekend!

August 6, 2014 – Great Arizona Blues Events This Thursday, Friday & Saturday

July 15, 2014 – 2014 Blues Blast Music Awards Voting Is Open Now

Bob Corritore is up for 3 Awards!

Traditional Blues Album: John Primer & Bob Corritore – Knockin’ Around These Blues

Acoustic Blues Album: Dave Riley And Bob Corritore – Hush Your Fuss!

Male Blues Artist: Bob Corritore

——————————————————————————————————————————————-

Blues Blast Magazine – http://www.bluesblastmagazine.com/

Contact Information: Bob Kieser (309) 267-4425 or info@bluesblastmagazine.com

Public voting is now open and continues until September 15th, 2014 on our website at:

http://www.bluesblastmagazine.com/bbmas/vote/

Voting is free and open to anyone who is a Blues Blast Magazine subscriber. If you are not currently a subscriber you may vote anyway and your vote will count. You are automatically signed up as part of the voting process on our website if not a current a subscriber. Blues Blast Magazine subscriptions are always FREE and you may unsubscribe at any time at the bottom of each email we send!

CLICK HERE to vote now! You may only vote once with an email address.

NEW THIS YEAR! – You have the option of write-in voting in each category. If you do not like any of the nominees, simply choose the write-in option and write in your own choice in any category!

About The Blues Blast Music Awards

In early May, a group of Blues music industry professionals including music critics, journalists, festival promoters, music venue managers, producers, musicians and other Blues music industry professionals nominated the best in Blues music in twelve categories. The complete list of nominees is listed below.

The 2014 Blues Blast Music Awards are presented by Blues Blast Magazine and Fluid Events LLC. Blues Blast Magazine is the largest FREE Blues magazine with over 26,000 Blues fan subscribers located in all 50 states and in more than 90 countries.

Listen BEFORE you vote!

Please go to the our Artist Listening Page on SoundCloud.com before you vote if you are not familiar with any of the nominees. You can  listen to music by these artists there and be an informed voter. The listening page is located here.

The 2014 Blues Blast Music Award Ceremonies and new website

The Blues Blast Music Awards ceremonies will be held at the Fluid Events Center in Champaign Illinois, onThursday, October 23rd, 2014. The awards ceremony will feature music by more than 20 of the artists nominated. Tickets for the event will go on sale in the next couple weeks. Check out the new Blues Blast Music Awardwebsite for tickets, sponsorship opportunities, lodging and travel information coming soon.

The complete list of 2014 nominees follows below:

Contemporary Blues Album

• Buddy Guy – Rhythm & Blues
• Cyril Neville – Magic Honey
• Joe Louis Walker – Hornets Nest
• Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown – Goin’ To The Delta
• Mike Zito & The Wheel – Gone To Texas
• The Nick Moss Band – Time Ain’t Free
• Toronzo Cannon – John The Conquer Root

Traditional Blues Album

• Barrelhouse Chuck & Kim Wilson’s Blues All-Stars – Driftin’ From Town To Town
• Charlie Musselwhite – Juke Joint Chapel
• James Cotton – Cotton Mouth Man
• John Primer & Bob Corritore – Knockin’ Around These Blues
• Lurrie Bell – Blues In My Soul
• Billy Boy Arnold, Charlie Musselwhite, Sugar Ray Norcia, James Hartman, Mark Hummel – Remembering Little Walter

Soul Blues Album

• Bobby Rush with Blinddog Smokin’ – Decisions
• Eddie Cotton – Here I Come
• Frank Bey & Anthony Paule Band – Soul For Your Blues
• John Németh – Memphis Grease
• JJ Thames – Tell You What I Know
• The Terry Hanck Band – Bring It On Home To You
• Tweed Funk – First Name Lucky

Rock Blues Album

• Albert Castiglia – Solid Ground
• Jim Suhler – Panther Burn
• RB Stone – Loosen Up!
• Sean Chambers – Rock House Sessions
• Tommy Castro And The Painkillers – The Devil You Know
• Too Slim And The Taildraggers – Blue Heart

Acoustic Blues Album

• Bernie Pearl – Take Your Time
• Dave Riley And Bob Corritore – Hush Your Fuss!
• Lisa Biales – Belle of the Blues
• Little G Weevil – Moving
• Mark T Small – Smokin’ Blues
• Norman Taylor – Blue Soul
• Steve Dawson – Rattlesnake Cage

New Artist Debut Album

• Adrianna Marie and Her Groovecutters – Double Crossing Blues
• Annie Mack – Baptized in the Blues
• Back Pack Jones – Betsys Kitchen
• Brent Johnson – Set the World on Fire
• Josh Hoyer And The Shadowboxers – Self Titled
• Shawn Holt And The Teardrops – Daddy Told Me
• Rachelle Coba – Mother Blues

Blues DVD Recording

• Americana Women Roots Musicians
• Magic Slim – Just Magic
• The Healers Live at Knuckleheads
• Royal Southern Brotherhood – Songs From the Road

Song Of The Year

• “Another Murder in New Orleans” by Carl Gustafson and Donald Markowitz – Decisions (Bobby Rush with Blinddog Smokin’)
• “Blues In My Soul” by Lurrie Bell – Blues In My Soul (Lurrie Bell)
• “Fare Thee Well” by Michael Ledbetter and Nick Moss – Time Ain’t Free (Nick Moss Band)
• “Going to See Miss Gerri One More Time” by Billy Branch – Blues Shock (Billy Branch)
• “He Was There” by James Cotton, Tom Hambridge and Richard Fleming – Cotton Mouth Man (James Cotton)
• “Meet Me In Chicago” by Tom Hambridge and Robert Randolph – Rhythm & Blues (Buddy Guy)
• “Old Fools and Barstools, And Me” by Damon Fowler – Sounds of Home (Damon Fowler)

Blues Band

• Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials
• Roomful Of Blues
• The Tedeschi Trucks Band
• The Mannish Boys
• The Nick Moss Band
• Tommy Castro And The Painkillers

Male Blues Artist

• Bob Corritore
• Bobby Rush
• Buddy Guy
• Charlie Musselwhite
• John Németh
• Sugaray Rayford

Female Blues Artist

• Beth Hart
• Candye Kane
• Danielle Schnebelen
• Samantha Fish
• Shaun Murphy
• Trudy Lynn

Sean Costello Rising Star Award

• Brandon Santini
• Brent Johnson
• Damon Fowler
• Jeff Jensen
• Lisa Mann
• Shawn Holt

July 10, 2014 – Vote Today For The Living Blues Awards! Bob Corritore Nominated In The Harmonica Category!

July 2, 2014 – Muddy Waters Tribute feat. Bob Corritore, John Primer, Bob Margolin, Tom Holland & More on August 23 in Colombus, OH

June 24, 2014 – Sugaray Rayford & The Rhythm Room All-Stars This Friday & Saturday at The Rhythm Room

June 20, 2014 – 2014 Blues Blast Music Award Nominations Announced – Bob Corritore Received 3 Nominations!

June 19, 2014 – Janiva Magness, Coco Montoya, Bob Corritore & More at Flagstaff Blues & Brews Festival This Saturday

June 10, 2014 – Living Blues Awards Nominees Announced, Chicago Blues Festival, Upcoming Performances and more

• Nominees for the 2014 Living Blues Awards announced! Bob Corritore nominated in harmonica category! Living Blues Magazine has always been an exemplary publication dedicated to preserving the historical perspective of the blues. Each year, Living Blues hosts its awards, and they have recently announced the 2014 nominations. The list reads like a who’s who of the blues, and you can see this listing and place your vote at LivingBlues.com. Voting is going on now and ends on July 15. Bob Corritore is nominated in the Harmonica category for the third year in a row and was the winner in 2012 (click here to see certicficate). Thanks Living Blues for providing a reflection point and celebration of the achievements of the blues world!
• Chicago Blues Festival this week! The Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free blues festival in the world, and each year is is a gathering place for blues fans who rejoice this great music in the city where so much blues history was made. It takes place June 13, 14 & 15 in Chicago’s beautiful Grant Park. Acts this year include Billy Boy Arnold, Bettye LaVette, Dr. John, Morry Sochat & Shoji Naito, The Siegel-Schwall Blues Band with Sam Lay,Mark Hummel, Billy Branch, Oscar Coleman, Cicero Blake, Harmonica Hinds, James Armstrong, Guy King, Kevin Purcell and the Nightburners, Mr. Sipp, Ben Payton,  Eric Noden, Katherine Davis, Otis Taylor Band, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Billy Flynn, Tyrannosaurus Chicken, Peaches Staten, Deitra Farr, Nellie “Tiger” Travis, Selwyn Birchwood, Vance Kelly, Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith, Dave Riley & Bob Corritore, Big James & The Chicago Playboys, Geneva Red, Matthew Skoller, Fernando Jones, Eden Brent, Willie Clayton, Theo Huff, Nikki Hill, Aaron Neville, Diamond Jim Greene, Dorothy Moore, Sugar Blue, Homemade Jamz, Mike Wheeler Band, Harry Garner & Mark Wydra Duo, Willie “The Touch” Hayes, Jim Liban with Joel Paterson Trio,Smiley Tillmon, Dexter Allen, and more! For a complete schedule, click here. Additionally, the city will be jumping with extra events. Chicago Blues Guide has compiled a listing called “Beyond The Blues Fest” which you can see by clicking here! Hope to see you there!
• Bob Corritore’s Chicago performance schedule this week!
  
  06/11/14: Evanston, IL – SPACE for Dave Specter’s CD Release Party! Purchase tickets here.
  06/13/14: Chicago, IL – Smoke Daddy guest appearance on Billy Flynn’s show
  06/14/14: Chicago, IL – Chicago Blues Festival Windy City Stage, 2:45 to 3:35 with Dave Riley and special guest Kenny Smith!
  06/14/14: Chicago, IL – Reggie’s Music Joint for Chicago Blues Harmonica Blowout with Rockin’ Johnny Bandwith Mississippi Gabe Carter, Jim Liban, Studebaker John, Aki Kumar, Scott Dirks, Big D, plus surprise guests.
  06/15/14: Chicago, IL – Smoke Daddy with Morry Sochat & Special 20s
  06/16/14: Chicago, IL – Old Town School of Folk Music. Guest lecturer at Joe Filisko’s harmonica class.
• Robert Jr. Lockwood performs “Sweet Home Chicago” on YouTube! Please enjoy this amazing moment in time (though no date of filming is listed) as Robert Jr. Lockwood performs the first song he was taught by his mentor and step-father Robert Johnson. He performs “Sweet Home Chicago” in the company of Honeyboy Edwards and Henry Townsend. Click here to see.

May 28, 2014 – Dave Spector Album Release Party on June 11 in Evanston, IL

Dave Specter‘s cool new Delmark release will be celebrated at SPACE in Evanston on Wednesday, June 11. Advance tickets and reserved table seating available here.

May 27, 2014 – Diunna Greenleaf & The Rhythm Room All-Stars in Sweden, Jimmy Rogers Bio, Taboo Reviews and more

• Diunna Greenleaf, Barrelhouse Chuck and The Rhythm Room All-Stars to play Sweden this week! The Mönsterås Blues Festival in Mönsterås, Sweden happens this Friday & Saturday, May 30 & 31. This will be the 40th anniversary of this grand event! This year’s lineup will feature Diunna Greenleaf, Barrelhouse Chuck, The Rhythm Room All-Stars, Lisa Lystam, Jim’s Combo, The Go Getters, Hurley & The Blue Dots, The Jetaways, Bror Gunnar Jansson, Thorbjorn Risager, Ulf Sandström, Clas Yngström & The Big Tex Three, Bill Ohrström, Mönsterås Blues Band and more! To see the event poster click here!
• Jimmy Rogers Bio to be released in August! The great Jimmy Rogers was one of greatest artists of classic postwar Chicago blues era, and the Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Jimmy Rogers combo created some of the most memorable recordings the blues has ever known. For many years, Dr. Wayne Everett Goins has been researching the work of this great man and the highly anticipated release of the Jimmy Rogers bio is scheduled for August! It will be titled Blues All Day Long – The Jimmy Rogers Story, and you can see the cover by clicking here. For more info and to pre-order, click here.
• Bob Corritore / Taboo receives raves! Bob Corritore‘s all instrumental album Taboo was released on April 15th. This disc features the harmonica as the centerpiece with a wonderfully programmed variety of grooves and moods and an amazing supporting cast that includes Jimmie Vaughan, Junior Watson, Fred Kaplan, Doug James, Papa John DeFrancesco, Richard Innes, Kedar Roy, Dowell Davis, and Brian Fahey. Taboo made #4 in the April Living Blues Radio Chart (click here to see) and the #1 Arizona album on the Roots Music Review(click here to see). It has received unanimous rave reviews from all around the world, with the first 40+ reviews now posted (click here to see). It is with great humility that we thank everyone for their warm acceptance of this heartfelt project.
• Big Blues Bender in Las Vegas boasts amazing lineup! There is something for everyone at the Big Blues Bender in Las Vegas on September 25th through 29th. The lineup boasts B.B. King, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, The Blind Boys Of Alabama, Buckwheat Zydeco, Charlie Musselwhite, Tab Benoit, Ana Popovic, Coco Montoya, Otis Taylor, Walter Trout, Tommy Castro, The Holmes Brothers, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Trampled Under Foot, Carolyn Wonderland, Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers, Golden State- Lone Star Review with Mark Hummel, Little Charlie Baty & Anson Funderburgh, Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials, Guitar Shorty, Popa Chubby, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, The Record Company, Bob Corritore & Lil’ Ed (duet set!), Karen Lovely, Lisa Mann, The Bender Brass (featuring Jimmy Carpenter) & more. This event happens at the fabled Riviera Hotel in Vegas, which will be taken over by blues people for 4 days of non-stop blues! To view the poster for the Big Blues Bender, click here. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

• Good health news for Walter Trout! This from Marie Trout’s Facebook concerning Walter Trout‘s life saving liver transplant operation: “The lead surgeon just came to see me. Walter made it through the surgery with an A+. They are now just watching and cleaning up. Heart and lungs held up great. New liver was a “great fit” and is doing well. Dr. Mercer confirmed that they rocked out to Walter’s music throughout the surgery! In an hour I can visit with him in the ICU. Then I will probably not post anymore for a while as I turn my entire attention to Walter. Thank you for walking this road with me. I have felt your love, energy and support throughout…. Now let the healing begin!”

• Frank Frost on YouTube! Please enjoy these great clips of Frank Frost at the 1997 Chicago Blues Festival. Frank is accompanied at this event by an all-star band including Dave Riley and Johnny B. Moore on guitars, Willie Kent on bass and the legendary Sam Carr on drums! Thanks to Adrian Flores and RawBlues TV for posting these videos!

  “Janie On My Mind” (click here) 

  “I Didn’t Know” (click here) 

May 18, 2014 – Dave Riley / Bob Corritore Duo Open for James Cotton Monday at MIM

May 15, 2014 – Diunna Greenleaf With The Rhythm Room All-Stars & Barrelhouse Chuck Friday & Saturday Night at The Rhythm Room

May 9, 2014 – Last Night’s BMA Winners!

May 5, 2014 – Off To Memphis For The BMAs!

May 1, 2014 – Remembering Little Walter On His Birthday

• Remembering Little Walter on his birthday! On this day in 1930, Marion Walter Jacobs AKA Little Walter was born into the world. In his short 37 years of life, he redefined the role of harmonica and would brilliantly change the musical world forever! His forward thinking approach would bring out the most beautiful sounds from this tiny instrument, and his always surprising phrasing was unlike anything heard from harmonica. He made his mark initially in 1947 with his first release for the small Maxwell Street based Ora Nelle label. His harmonica fueled so many of the hits of Chicago blues, most notably those of Muddy Waters and Jimmy Rogers but he also recorded with John Brim, Otis Rush, Floyd Jones, Johnny Shines, Memphis Minnie, Bo Diddley, Louisiana Red and others. As a sideman, Little Walter would provide a highly recognizable sound that often times became as much of the success of a song as the leader’s contributions! The release of his instrumental “Juke” in 1952 firmly established him as his own artist, which led to a fruitful run of great songs released on Chess and Checker records. In addition to his harmonica genius, Little Walter also possessed a great voice and an uncanny ability to assemble great bands and to record wonderful songs. His prolific work as either a leader or a sideman was always brilliant with each recording opportunity becoming a platform for new innovation. His often troubled life led to an early death from sustained head wounds. We honor this game changer on his birthday with a new photo page which you can see by clicking here!
• Scott Dirks discusses Little Walter equipment! Here is an informed discussion of Little Walter’s equipment by Scott Dirks, co-author of the Little Walter bio Blues With A Feeling, conducted by David Barrett of BluesHarmonica.com. Little Walter’s Equipment – Interview Snippet for BluesHarmonica.com with Scott Dirks
• A small sample of the greatness of Little Walter. Please enjoy these songs all featuring the harmonica work of Little Walter!
  Muddy Walers – Smokestack Lightnin’
  Jimmy Rogers – Chicago Bound
  Little Walter – Blue Midnight
  Muddy Waters – Got My Mojo Working
  Little Walter – Key To The Highway
  Little Walter – Hate To See You Go
  Muddy Waters – Baby Please Don’t Go
  Otis Rush – Love That Woman
  Little Walter – Tell Me Mama
  John Brim – Be Careful
  Little Walter – Ah’w Baby
  Little Walter – Roller Coaster
• Little Walter documentary clip! This wonderful clip of a forthcoming Little Walter documentary Blue Midnight has been on YouTube for a while now, and there is no word about any possible release date. The film was produced and directed by Mike Fritz, a Boston-based film maker and musician. Here is some insight about this project from Scott Dirks, co-author of the Little Walter book:

  “Mike Fritz, posted in the comments section mentioned that he’s still working on it and is trying to gather the funds to finish it. Fritz came to Chicago in 1992 and filmed interviews with many of those who were close to Walter, both personally and professionally – interviews which are especially valuable now, since most of the subjects have since passed on.”

  To see this very cool trailer click here.
• Little Walter on YouTube! Please enjoy this clip of Little Walter from the 1967 American Folk Blues Festival tour with Hound Dog Taylor on guitar:

  Little Walter Live – Little Walter’s Jump

April 25, 2014 – Tucson And Phoenix Shows This Weekend For Dave Riley / Bob Corritore Juke Joint Blues Band

April 17, 2014 – New Bob Corritore CD Taboo Available Now, Muddy Waters & Howlin Wolf Collections and more

• Bob Corritore / Taboo is now officially out! Bob Corritore’s all instrumental CD Taboo is now officially available as of April 15! This disc features the harmonica as the centerpiece with a wonderfully programmed variety of grooves and moods and an amazing supporting cast that includes Jimmie Vaughan, Junior Watson, Fred Kaplan,Doug James, Papa John DeFrancesco, Richard Innes, Kedar Roy, Dowell Davis, and Brian Fahey. The response has been great with a Roots Music Report debut at #16, lots of airplay, and great reviews! To see the first 15 reviews click here. Thanks to the amazing Jody Best and the departing promo champion Steve Dixon of Delta Groove for getting the word out. If, in the transition, someone has been missed, please let us know immediately so we can service you (email me here). It is a bold move to release an all instrumental harmonica led CD, but so far it appears that it is being celebrated!

• Bob Corritore’s crazy schedule this weekend!

  Friday: Morry Sochat & The Special 20s with guests Billy Watson and Bob Corritore at The Rhythm Room in Phoenix. To see the event flier click here.

  Saturday afternoon: The Spring Harp Festival in San Diego! This simply amazing annual event aimed at providing harmonica lessons to children features a power list of great Southwestern based harmonica players: Aki Kumar,Karl Dring, Harmonica John Frazer, Chicken Bone Slim with Jon Atkinson, Bubba McCoy, Patrick “Blue Frog” Ellis, Lance Dieckmann, Eric VonHerzen, Joe Doyle with Clay Colton, Dan “Dirty” Rice, an “Unkown” harmonica players jam, and Bob Corritore with the Blue Four! Bob’s set is around 3pm. To see the event flier click here.

  Saturday night: Tomcat Courtney‘s show and maybe sitting in a few.

  Sunday morning: Playing for the homeless Easter morning with Jessi Colter, Ray Herndon, Dave Riley and others at Vincent De Paul Homeless Shelter in Phoenix from 10:30am to noon.

  Sunday afternoon: Appearing at Mona’s Going Away Party at The Rhythm Room with Nina Curri and George Bowman. We say goodbye to Mona Watkins, GM of the Rhythm Room, as she starts a new chapter of her life after 17 years of amazing service to the community. Anyone who has every stepped foot in the Rhythm Room knows Mona, who has always been there for everyone. She gets to move on to a more sane schedule and actually have a life outside of work. We will miss her greatly, and her contributions are immeasurable. To see the event flier click here.

  Sunday night: Bob hosts his weekly blues radio program “Those Lowdown Blues” from 6pm to 11pm Standard Mountain Time. You can tune in online at KJZZ.org, or if in Phoenix, at 91.5FM.
• John Primer’s upcoming recordings! John Primer has emerged over the years to become the definitive Chicago bluesman. Having worked extensively with Junior Wells, Muddy Waters, James Cotton, and Magic Slim, John now commands an authority in the blues that few others can match. He has a number of exciting recordings in the pipeline. Later this year Wolf Records (Austria) will unveil some previously unreleased live 1990s John Primer with Magic Slim & The Teardrops. The album is called You Can Make It If You Try and will be released on April 30. Then, 2015 will see John at the center of a Muddy Waters tribute record on Larry Skoller‘s Raisin’ Music label. Also on the Muddy Tribute CD are Bob Margolin, James Cotton, Billy Branch, Matthew Skoller, Kenny Smith, Bob Stroger and others (note that this is a completely different CD then the Mud Morganfield / Kim WilsonMuddy Waters tribute album that we mentioned in a prior newsletter). And in 2016 you can look for a follow-upJohn Primer & Bob Corritore release that was just recorded this week with Barrelhouse Chuck, Chris James,Patrick Rynn and Brian Fahey. This week’s sessions found John at the top of his game! John and Bob’s 2013 release Knockin’ Around These Blues was showered with critical praise including a #1 spot on the Living Blues Radio Charts and Germany’s Blues News Magazine awarding it the “Best Blues Album of 2013!” John Primer’s consistently high level contributions to advancing Chicago Blues are making him a beacon of the genre.
• Harmonicas in the news additional! More blues harmonica releases have come to our attention since the newletter bit on March 13. Mikey Junior has a new album just out on Vizztone titled Traveling South. Bobbie “Mercy” Oliver has a new CD out called Sleeping With The Dogs. Italian harpist Paolo Mizzau and The Doctor Love Band recently released the album New Crash. Canada’s Harpdog Brown will soon release What It Is on his own Dogbreath Records. Terry “Harmonica” Bean has a new album just out on Wolf Records from Austria called Catfish Blues. Hank Mowery‘s new CD Excuses Plenty…..Reasons Few will be released early June on hisCenter Layne Music label. Brazillian harmonica ace Ivan Marcio reports his new duo CD, Ivan Marcio & Roger Gutierrez / Goin’ To Delta will be released soon on the Chico Blues label. Attilla Horvath reports that Hungarian harmonica star Mátyás Pribojszki Band has a new self released CD called Treat. Rick Estrin & The Nightcats had a recent Facebook post about a forthcoming live CD to be out on Alligator Records!
• Morganfield Foundation formed to save Muddy Waters historic residence! Mud Morganfield, the eldest son of Muddy Waters, reports his family efforts (which also include another Muddy son, Big Bill Morganfield) to keep Muddy Waters south side Chicago home from being torn down. Apparently the $100,000 asking price is only part of the price as the building is in extreme disrepair and must be brought up to code. Mud has spearheaded a family effort and started a charitable foundation to solicit help in preserving this historic blues landmark. For the complete story please visit MorganfieldFoundation.org.
• Acrobat to release Muddy Waters and Howlin Wolf collections. Acrobat Music from the UK will release reissues by two men considered the leading Chicago Blues artists; Muddy Waters / Complete Aristocrat & Chess Singles As & Bs 1947 to 1962 (click here for more information) and Howlin’ Wolf / Complete RPM & Chess Singles As & Bs 1951 to 1962 (click here for more info). In these days of complete recordings, it is a refreshing presentation to see only those songs released in their time for commercial purposes. Both of these collections will be out on June 3rd. The Muddy Waters album is 4 discs, and the Howlin’ Wolf is 3 and both are very inexpensively priced.
• RIP Bud Spires – May 20, 1931 to March 21, 2014. Bentonia, Mississippi harmonica man Bud Spires was best known as the frequent accompanist of guitarist Jake Owens. He was the son of bluesman Arthur “Big Boy” Spires, who made some influential early 1950s Chicago recordings. Bud possessed a beautiful down home harmonica sound which was always spot on in his sympathetic backing of others. Jack Owens & Bud Spires made a number of stirring blues recordings on the Testament and L+R labels. And Bud also made guest appearances on albums by fellow Bentonian Jimmy “Duck” Holmes on the Broke & Hungry label. Jack Owens & Bud Spires also appeared in the movie Deep Blues and played numerous festivals together. Here are some examples of Bud’s great harp work:

  Jack Owens & Bud Spires: Cherry Ball Blues (1978)

  Blind Bud Spires: Easy Ridin’ Buggy (1978)
• Big Joe Williams on YouTube! Please enjoy this 1971 French clip of the amazing Big Joe Williams in performance and interview. Big Joe is really rockin’ the Mississippi blues here! Special thanks to Kevin Johnson of Delmark Records for making us aware of this clip. Click here to see.

April 8, 2014 – John Primer With The Rhythm Room All-Stars This Weekend at Rhythm Room

March 22, 2014 – Dave Riley / Bob Corritore Juke Joint Blues Band at Rhythm Room Tonight

March 21, 2014 – Walter Trout Hospitalized

A Note From Rick Booth, President – Intrepid Artists Int’l:

 

Walter has been such a great and loyal business partner over the years. However he is much more than that to both me and the rest of the office. We all love this man for the honorable way in which he has always treated us and everyone he meets. Walter and Intrepid have always shown each other mutual respect and that is why we make such a great team! He is a family man, a devoted husband and loving father of three. He has touched so many lives over the 15 or so years I have had the pleasure of representing him, it is no wonder that now when the tables are turned people are coming to his rescue. I thank all of you that can make a donation to the cause. If you are unable to make a financial donation, please keep Walter in your thoughts and prayers. Life is so very precious. Thanks again and hope you have a great weekend!

Donate here!

For more information on how to help, contact Intrepid Artists at staff@intrepidartists.com

March 13, 2014 – Sugaray Rayford & The Rhythm Room All Stars at Rhythm Room This Weekend, New Bob Corritore CD and more

• Sugaray Rayford & The Rhythm Room All-Stars appear in Phoenix this weekend! The hard hitting combination of Sugaray Rayford & The Rhythm Room All-Stars will rock the blues Friday & Saturday, March 14 & 15 at The Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85014. Sugaray Rayford now resides in Phoenix and has paired up the RRAS for special hometown shows when home from his long bouts of touring. The stellar lineup includes Sugaray Rayford, Bob Corritore, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, Brian Fahey and very special guest Mojo Mark Cihlar (from Chicago). To see the poster for this event click here.
• Rhythm Room Fundraiser nets $5000 towards Blues Hall Of Fame! Thanks to all the musicians and organizers who made The Rhythm Room‘s February 14th “Raise The Roof” Benefit both an artistic and financial success! The Blues Foundation started a “Raise The Roof” campaign two years ago to raise funds to construct a Blues Hall Of Fame building in Memphis. A long list of musicians came from near and far to participate in the noble cause of this Valentine’s Day event; Andy T. / Nick Nixon Band (host band), Janiva Magness, Anson Funderburgh, Dave Riley & Bob Corritore, Zach Zunis, Mike Eldred, Big Nick, Rocket 88s, Sugar Thieves, Leon J’s Juke Joint and a surpise appearance by country music legend Jessi Colter! Thanks to Kathy Bolmer, Dr. Janice Johnson, Mona Watkins, Dave Blake, David Horwitz, Marilyn Stringer for their help in this event. A total of $5000 was raised through this event, which will all be used towards the Blues Hall of Fame. For more information on the Blues Foundation and the Hall Of Fame go to www.blues.org. To see the poster for this show click here.
• Bob Corritore’s blues radio show achieves 30 year anniversary! Bob Corritore started hosting a blues radio show in Phoenix in 1984, and 30 years later the show is still going strong! The show is called Those Lowdown Blues, and over the years, the show has been honored with a number of regional awards, and in 2007, the show was recognized by the Blues Foundation with a KBA award! The list of special guests over the years has been a who’s who of the blues, and 2 CDs have come from some of the live broadcast performances (click here and here to see). If you are in Phoenix, you can hear the show from 6-11pm each Sunday night at 91.5 FM. You can also hear the show from anywhere in the world online at KJZZ’s website. Thanks KJZZ for your ongoing commitment to blues programming!
• Hear snippets and pre-order Bob Corritore / Taboo! Delta Groove has just put up a pre-order link that includes 6 song samples from Bob Corritore‘s forthcoming all-instrumental CD, Taboo, which will be formally released on April 15th. Joining Bob and sharing some of the spotlight are a simply amazing cast of musicians; Jimmie Vaughan, Junior Watson, Fred Kaplan, Doug James, Papa John DeFrancesco, Richard Innes, Kedar Roy, Dowell Davis, Brian Fahey and Todd Chuba. On Taboo, Bob explores traditional and exotic grooves, moods and melodies, and gets to show sides of his playing never before recorded. To hear some songs and to pre-order, please click here.
• Bob Corritore appears on new Dave Mason album! Rock icon Dave Mason has included the harmonica work of Bob Corritore on his new CD titled Future’s Past. Bob is featured on Dave’s version of the Robert Johnsonsong “Come On In This Kitchek” – you can hear a sample by clicking here. Thanks Dave Mason!

• Harmonica’s in the news! Always nice to report blues harmonica activity and lately there is lots to report! In addition to Bob Corritore‘s forthcoming CD of harmonica instrumentals, some other nice harp releases are on the horizon. Electro-Fi who just released Harmonica Shah / Having Nothing Don’t Bother Me also has new CDs forthcoming by Mark Hummel and Rip Lee Pryor (Snooky Pryor‘s son). Charlie Musselwhite, who recently won a Grammy for his collaboration with Ben Harper now has a new CD called Juke Joint Chapel! Blind Pig Records just released Billy Branch‘s latest called Blues Shock, and also announced the signing and forthcoming CD by Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers! Up and coming harpist Aki Kumar just released Don’t Hold Back on Greaseland Records. Hank Mowery‘s release Account To Me (a tribute to Gary Primich) just won the IBC award for Best Self-Produced CD! Raoul & Big Time (with Canada’s Raoul Baneja) will release Hollywood Blvd with a studio band of West Coast heavyweights. The Mannish Boys plan a June release of their new CD Wrapped Up And Ready which will include harp work by Kim Wilson, Lynwood Slim, Bob Corritore, Jacob Huffman and of course Mannish chief Randy Chortkoff! Kim Wilson and Mud Morganfield have a collaboration called For Pops: A Tribute To Muddy Waters. And Kim, Jacob Huffman, and Jon Atkinson will appear on Little Victor‘s forthcoming Buzzed, Busted & Broke. Italian harmonica wiz Marco Pandolfi has announced a forthcoming CD called No Dog In This Hunt. Bob Corritore will be a featured guest on two songs of Dave Specter‘s forthcoming Message In Blue on Delmark Records. The Nighthawks have signed to Ellersoul Records, a label co-owned by harpman Lil’ Ronnie. Harmonica Hinds has a new release called I’d Give You Anything I Could on Austria’s Wolf Records. French harp master Nico Wayne Toussaint has teamed up with guitarist Michel Foizon for a new CD called On The Go. That is what we are aware of for harmonica releases and if you know of more please let us know!
• Muddy Waters home museum plans falter. We had reported that Muddy Waters former 2 flat Southside Chicago home was to become a museum to honor the legendary bluesman. Apparently those plans deteriorated and the historic address is now relisted for a small $100,000 price. For more information click here.
• Randy Chortkoff in legal battle. Harpman, Mannish Boys band leader, producer and owner of Delta Groove Records Randy Chortkoff is currently in a legal battle with the FTC concerning fraud charges concerning his film business. In a recent conversation with Randy, he confidently stated his innocence and that his defense attorney feels he has a very strong case. Legalities aside, which are up to the court to determine, Randy Chortkoff has been an upstanding and supportive member of our blues community. His label has been a measure of integrity and musical quality in the industry, and his artist roster boasts some of the top names of the blues. He has tirelessly worked to advance the music form through releases, concerts and festivals, promotion and his own artistry. Randy has always come through for the blues. Legal battles are always a tough procedure and we wish Randy a quick and full resolve. For more information about Randy’s label, Delta Groove Music, click here.
• New Mavis Staples book! Mavis Staples is one of the greatest soul and gospel artists of all time. Her stories of singing gospel with her family in The Staples Singers, her recordings for Vee Jay and Stax, her work with Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement, and her resilient prominence are all highlighted in the book I’ll Take You There by biographer Greg Kot. For more information on this book click here. To hear some early, bluesy gospel from the Staple Singers on a song that highlights the power of Mavis, click here.
• RIP Floyd Taylor – January 25th, 1954 to February 20,  2014
  Floyd Taylor, the gifted vocalist and son of blues and soul legend Johnnie Taylor, passed away of a heart attack on Feb 20 at age 60. Floyd at an early age was determined to be in the music business and learned much from his famous father, often joining him on the stage. Floyd’s recorded legacy began in 2002 and includes 4 albums, 2 forMalaco and 2 for CDS Records. He was a loved and respected musician who left us too soon. For more information on Floyd Taylor click here.
• RIP Jerry Hall – July 8, 1946 to February 2, 2014
  Celebrated producer, engineer and label owner Jerry Hall passed away recently at a nursing home after being in a coma-like state for months after injuries from a brutal assault in Virginia. Known by many to be the consummate blues producer and engineer, Jerry got his start at Motown Records. He and James Harman met in 1971 and became famous friends and collaborators. It seems like the impact of Jerry’s blues work was first felt with James’ 1988 release of Extra Napkins. People listened to Extra Napkins in awe as a standard was set for recording new records with a vintage sound. Many Jerry Hall releases followed; more by James Harman plus releases from Kid Ramos, Lynwood Slim, Janiva Magness, Teddy Morgan, Lee McBee, Kim Wilson, Gary Primich, Johnny Moeller, Big Al Dupree, Pat Boyack, Mighty Blue Kings, Little Charlie & The Nightcats, Rusty Zinn, B.B. & The Blues Shacks,Nathan James, Franck Goldwasser, and others! He also formed the Pacific Blues label in the late 1990s, which released a series of amazing titles (click here to see). For the All Music listing of Jerry Hall releases, including many mainstream artists, click here. Perhaps the last project of Jerry’s was the 2010 release of Terry Garland & Lil’ Ronnie/ Live At the Canal Club. Later that year he was brutalized and never recovered from severe head trauma. Jerry’s great work will remain with us forever and regret that his efforts were tragically cut short.
• Bukka White on YouTube! Booker “Bukka” White was a ferociously intense country bluesman who used his guitar for percussion as much as for melody. He was also a great piano player. Please enjoy this exceptional film clip of Bukka playing both these instruments in fine form. Click here to see.

March 7, 2014 – Blues Blast This Saturday at Margaret T Hance Park – Pre & After Parties at Rhythm Room

Blues Blast This Saturday at Margaret T Hance Park – Pre & After Parties at Rhythm Room!

March 4, 2014 – Tomorrow Appearing in San Francisco!

Tomorrow Appearing in San Francisco!

February 20, 2014 – New Bob Corritore CD Cover

Bob Corritore / Taboo out soon on Delta Groove! Bob Corritore‘s all-instrumental masterpiece, Taboo, will have a release date of April 15 on the Delta Groove label! Here’s a sneak peak at the cover!

February 17, 2014 – B.B. King in Tucson Tomorrow, February 18

February 14, 2014 – Blues Hall of Fame Fundraiser Tonight, Living Blues Top 50 Albums of 2013, New Mannish Boys CD and more

• Rhythm Room to host star-studded Valentine’s Day “Raise The Roof” fundraiser! The Blues Foundation started a “Raise The Roof” campaign two years ago to raise funds to construct a Blues Hall Of Fame building in Memphis. Phoenix based Foundation board member Dr. Janice Johnson came to The Rhythm Room asking for a fundraiser to help. Then Kathy Bolmer jumped in to help as did a star studded cast of musicians. So a Valentine’s Day “Raise The Roof” fundraiser is planned for tonight, February 14th at The Rhythm Room in Phoenix! Scheduled  are Andy T. / Nick Nixon Band (host band), Janiva Magness, Anson Funderburgh, Dave Riley & Bob Corritore, Zach Zunis, Mike Eldred, Rocket 88s, Sugar Thieves, Leon J’s Juke Joint and more! For more information on the Blues Foundation and the Hall Of Fame go to www.blues.org. To see the poster for this show click here.
• Living Blues Posts Top 50 Albums Of 2013! Two of Bob’s releases included! To be included in the Living Blues Magazine’s list of “Top 50 Albums Of 2013” is an award of sorts. This is an honor decided by a very discerning and knowledgeable group; the reporting blues radio show hosts who made their choices by what was they deemed most worth of airplay. Thanks to radio charts compiler Jim McGrath for sorting through the hundreds of playlists gathered to create this list. We are proud to announce that among this top 50 are John Primer & Bob Corritore / Knockin’ Around These Blues at the #5 slot and Dave Riley & Bob Corritore / Hush Your Fuss! at #49! Great to see so many friends and their memorable releases on this list! To see Living Blues Top 50 Albums Of 2013 click here!

• New Mannish Boys CD in production! Randy Chortkoff’s Mannish Boys are a special band that gathers some of the West Coast’s greatest players into a powerful collective. Add to that the ceremonious recording sessions historically have called upon numerous high quality special guests. All things combined a Mannish Boys album is nothing short of a blues phenomenon. This week the crew lead by Randy and producer Jeff Fleenor had three days of recordings at Ardent Studios in Los Angeles. The Mannish Boys current lineup includes Sugaray Rayford, Kirk Fletcher, Franck Goldwasser, Willie J Campbell, and Jimi Bott. The special guests for this CD include Kid Ramos, Fred Kaplan, Monster Mike Welch, Steve Freund, Kim Wilson, Candye Kane, Laura Chavez, Johnny Dyer, Lynwood Slim, Bob Corritore, Jacob Huffman (19 year old harmonica wiz!), Andy T, Nick Nixon and more! The formula is pure and positive, and the Mannish Boys continue to be a standard bearer for a contemporary take on traditionally based blues. Thanks Randy Chortkoff for being the one who enables so many great things. This yet untitled CD will have a June release on the Delta Groove label.

• B.B. King in Tucson next Tuesday! The legendary B.B. King appears Tuesday, February 18th in Tucson at the Fox Theatre on 17 West Congress Street. Opening the show will be Tom Walbank’s Arizona Blues Posse with Doug Smith, Tasha Bundy, Mike Blommer and a guest appearance by Bob Corritore. To see the poster for this event click here.
• New Dave Specter CD album cover art unveiled! We look forward to Chicago’s blues guitar wizard Dave Specter’s new album Message In Blue to be released mid-May on the great Delmark label. The CD has special guest appearances by Otis Clay, Brother John Kettle and Bob Corritore. For a look of the beautiful album cover click here.
• Delmark to release 1974 live Sleepy John Estes! Also on the Delmark list of forthcoming releases is a historic recording from the label’s deep vaults! A previously unreleased 1974 live show from the legendary Sleepy John Estes with his brilliant harmonica accompanist Hammie Nixon! The release date is March 18. Click here to see the cover. Also congratulations to Delmark’s legendary label chief Bob Koester for his cover story in France’s ABS Magazine (to see the cover click here). Visit their site for more information on this legendary label.
• Muddy Waters Chicago home to become museum! Plans are under way to convert the historic South Side Chicago home of blues legend Muddy Waters into a museum. Last year there were worries that this same property might be torn down. To read the article in Chicago Real Estate Daily, click here.

• Congratulations to IBC winners! The Blues Foundation’s amazing International Blues Challenge (IBC) took over Memphis’ famed Beale Street from Jan 21 – 25. The event boasted a record 255 acts from 40 states and 16 countries (and four continents). In addition to many hopeful musicians and their fans, many in attendance were blues industry people: musicians, labels, radio hosts, publicists, blues societies and dignitaries. Memphis was pulsating with the blues during this wonderful week! Here are the winners:
  Bands: 
  1st Place: Mr. Sipp – Vicksburg Blues Society 
  2nd Place: Ghost Town Blues Band – Memphis Blues Society
  3rd Place: Billy the Kid & Regulators – Blues Society of Western PennsylvaniaGibson Guitarist (top guitarist among band finalists): Mr. Sipp – Vicksburg Blues SocietySolo/Duo:
  1st Place: Tim Williams – Calgary Blues Music Association
  2nd Place: Lucious Spiller – Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas Inc.St. Blues Guitarist (top guitarist among solo/duo finalists): Tim Williams – Calgary Blues Music Association
  Lee Oskar Harmonica Player (top harmonica player among semi-finalists): Jerome Godboo – (Toronto Blues Society)Best Self-Produced CD: Account to Me – Hank Mowery – (West Michigan Blues Society)
  Congratulations to all who participated. Certainly the winners will see some career opportunities but everyone who made it through the vetting process to get to Memphis was a winner! Thanks Blues Foundation!
• 2014 Blues Hall Of Fame inductees announced! The Blues Foundation has just announced this year’s inductees into its Blues Hall Of Fame! The induction ceremony will be held Wednesday, May 7th at the Sheraton Memphis Downtown in Memphis, Tennessee, the night before the 35th Blues Music Awards. For information of the Hall Of Fame, the Blues Music Awards and other Blues Foundation information and to vote for the BMAs click here. Here are the 2014 Hall Of Fame inductees:

  Classic of Blues Literature

  Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke – Peter Guralnick (Little, Brown and Company, 2005)

  Classic of Blues Recording – Single or Album Track

  “After Hours” – Erskine Hawkins and His Orchestra (Bluebird 1940)

  “Catfish Blues” – Robert Petway (Bluebird 1941)

  “High Water Everywhere, Parts I & II” – Charley Patton (Paramount 1930)

  “It’s Tight Like That” by Tampa Red & Georgia Tom (Vocalion 1928)

  “Milk Cow Blues” – Kokomo Arnold (Decca 1934)

  Classic of Blues Recording – Album

  Hawk Squat – J.B. Hutto (Delmark, 1969)

  Moanin’ in the Moonlight – Howlin’ Wolf (Chess 1959)

  Individuals

  Dick Shurman

  Don Robey

  Mike Kappus

  Performers

  Big Jay McNeely

  Eddie Shaw

  Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson

  R.L. Burnside

  Robert Pete Williams

• Rare Koko Taylor track for Valentine’s day. Please enjoy this wonderful romantic Koko Taylor song cut for the Spoonful label in what sounds to be the 1960s. Thanks to Chicago blues music guru James Porter for making us aware of this obscure Koko track. Happy Valentines day! Click here to listen.

• Little Esther Phillips sings a Beatles love song on YouTube! This song commemorates both today’s St. Valentine’s Day and last Sunday’s 50 year anniversary of the Beatles on Ed Sullivan. This is Esther Phillips appearing on The Beat television show in 1966, adapting the Beatles song “And I Love Her” into her own expressive musical vehicle. Please enjoy this clip by clicking here.

January 22, 2014 – Raise The Roof Blues Hall of Fame Benefit This Friday

Off to Memphis for the IBCs! Thank you Blues Foundation for the organizing the most amazing blues competition on earth. This event is currently in full swing as blues people from all around the world gather and take over Beale Street! Though not part of the competition, Bob Corritore will attend and appear at some of the showcases as you can see from the posters below! See you soon in Memphis!

January 8, 2014 – New Bob Corritore CD, Sugaray Rayford & The Rhythm Room All-Stars This Weekend, and More

• Bob Corritore 2013 year in review photo page forthcoming! Look for an upcoming photo page featuring images of some of the many highlight moments of 2013. Last year was another fantastic one with lots of playing and touring. I took 5 out of the country trips, as well as many stops in various parts of the USA. Got to go to three countries I have never played before: Panama, Sweden and Poland, as well as returning to Brazil, Holland, Luxemburg, and Belgium. Had great gigs with The Rhythm Room All-Stars, Sugaray Rayford, Dave Riley, Tail Dragger, Henry Gray, Mud Morganfield, Big Bill Morganfield, Bob Margolin, John Primer, Diunna Greenleaf, Bob Stroger, Andy T / Nick Nixon Band, Sam Lay, Barrelhouse Chuck, Clay Swafford, Daryl Davis, Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials, Tommy Dukes, Texas Red, Rocket 88s, Rockin’ Johnny, Morry Sochat, Dave Specter, Junior Watson / Fred Kaplan Band, The Paladins, Harsh Guitar Mark, TrickBag, Billy Flynn, Janiva Magness, Nick Mosswith Michael Ledbetter, Smokin’ Joe Kubek & B’Nois King, Tom Holland and more! I released 2 CDs this year;Dave Riley & Bob Corritore / Hush Your Fuss! and John Primer & Bob Corritore / Knockin’ Around These Blues(#1 on the Living Blues Radio Charts, #1 on the French radio Powerblues Charts and was CD of the year for Germany’s Blues News Magazine). Additionally, I had guest harmonica appearances on 3 CDs: TrickBag & Friends, The Walter Davis Project, and Clay Swafford / Rooster. I also have co-production credit on the BMA nominated Floyd Dixon Celebration DVD. I did recording sessions this year with John Primer with Barrelhouse Chuck and the Rhythm Room All-Stars, Junior Watson / Fred Kaplan Band, and very cool session with Jimmie Vaughan! My club, The Rhythm Room had a great year, and my radio show is a few months away from its 30th anniversary. I received nominations for “Best Harmonica” from the Living Blues Awards, Blues411, and the Blues Music Awards. Phoenix Magazine included me in their list of the 50 most influential musicians of Arizona besidesGlen Campbell, Alice Cooper and other big stars. Quite a year! Thanks to all of you for the blessing of your friendship and support. Here’s to 2014! -Bob
• Delta Groove to release Bob Corritore / Taboo in April! Bob Corritore‘s all instrumental album Taboo will be released on April 15 on the Delta Groove Label. Joining Bob and sharing some of the spotlight are a simply amazing cast of musicians; Jimmie Vaughan, Junior Watson, Fred Kaplan, Doug James, Papa John DeFrancesco, Richard Innes, Kedar Roy, Dowell Davis, and Brian Fahey. On this CD, Bob explores traditional and exotic grooves, moods and melodies and gets to show sides of his playing never before recorded. PerhapsCharlie Musselwhite best describes the album:
  “Bob Corritore’s new CD is all instrumentals and each one is a jewel. He really nails the ’50’s Chicago Chess sound, but also exhibits modern ideas, which is very refreshing. The band is all top notch and perfectly sympathetic players…..a dream team band. Great to hear some 4th and 5th position harp playing. I enjoyed listening to every tune and you can bet I’ll be listening to them all again. Not many people can do an all instrumental harp CD and keep it interesting all the way through. You’ve got a dandy CD here. A real treat. Thanks, Bob!”  -Charlie Musselwhite
• Sugaray Rayford & The Rhythm Room All-Stars perform in Phoenix this weekend! Now a Phoenix resident, Sugaray Rayford has wasted no time developing a strong local fan base. He and The Rhythm Room All-Stars have joined forces for Phoenix shows and have been rockin’ the house on a somewhat regular basis! Sugaray Rayford also fronts his own touring band and is the lead singer for The Mannish Boys. Sugaray’s new CD Dangerous on the Delta Groove label has created quite a stir among the blues world. The Rhythm Room All-Stars include Bob Corritore, Chris James, Patrick Rynn, Brian Fahey and guest guitarist Mojo Mark Cihlar. You can expect some powerhouse vocals over a traditional Chicago blues groove. Sugaray Rayford & The Rhythm Room All-Stars appear Friday and Saturday, January 10 & 11 at The Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85014. To see the poster designed by Tony Tingle, click here.
• John Primer & Bob Corritore / Knockin’ Around These Blues declared Best Blues CD of 2013 by Germany’s Blues News Magazine! The CD Knockin’ Around These Blues by John Primer and Bob Corritore has been named the “Best International Blues Album of 2013” by Germany’s Blues News Magazine. The CD, which was released on April 16, 2013, received much critical acclaim and is still riding high, being #7 in this week’s Roots Music Report! To see the online article click here! Thank you Blues News Germany for this honor!
• Rhythm Room to host star-studded Valentine’s Day “Raise The Roof” fundraiser! The Blues Foundationstarted a “Raise The Roof” campaign two years ago to raise funds to construct a Blues Hall Of Fame building in Memphis. Phoenix based Foundation board member Dr. Janice Johnson came to The Rhythm Room asking for a fundraiser to help. Then Kathy Bolmer jumped in to help as did a star studded cast of musicians. So a Valentine’s Day “Raise The Roof” fundraiser is planned for February 14th at The Rhythm Room in Phoenix! Acts so far are Andy T. / Nick Nixon Band (host band), Janiva Magness, Anson Funderburgh, Dave Riley & Bob Corritore,Mike Eldred and more to be announced! For more information on the Blues Foundation and the Hall Of Fame go to www.blues.org. More information forthcoming about this show!
• Severn Records to release Muddy Waters Tribute! David Earl of Severn Records reports that that he is in production of a new CD honoring the great Muddy Waters and combining two of Servern’s top artists; Mud Morganfield and Kim Wilson. The album tentatively titled For Pops – A Tribute To Muddy Waters will be released later this year and features all covers of Muddy Waters songs sung appropriately by his son, Mud Morganfield, whose great 2012 CD Son Of The Seventh Son was showered with critical praise, awards and nominations. Harmonica kingpin Kim Wilson of The Fabulous Thunderbirds will undoubtedly do a great job recreating the Little Walter parts so akin to Muddy’s classic recordings. The band also includes Billy Flynn, Barrelhouse Chuck, Rusty Zinn, Steve Gomes, Robb Stupka. We really look forward to the release of this noble project. Thank you, Severn.
• Wolf Records announces new CDs by Magic Slim and John Primer! Austria’s Wolf Records was a haven for the work of Magic Slim & The Teardrops boasting numerous albums by this great artist. We look forward to Magic Slim / Pure Magic, which will be released later this year and promises to have some previously unreleased material. Also to be released this year on Wolf will be John Primer / Live With The Teardrops featuring all unreleased material by John recorded while he was an integral part of the Teardrops. Thanks Wolf Records!
• Michael Blakemore tribute planned in Chicago! Edward Chmelewski of Blind Pig Records (another great label that was a home to Magic Slim) reports of an event honoring blues “get-it-done” guy and all around goodwill ambassador. This from Blind Pig’s press release:The blues world will raise a glass and toast Michael Blakemore, one of its MVP’s for the past 25 years. Best known as Magic Slim’s tour manager, Michael also served as Junior Wells‘ tour manager, produced and co-produced several of Slim’s records, Shawn Holt‘s debut record and also served simultaneously as the road manager, tour manager, technical and sound man, producer, retailer, PR man and all around good will ambassador. Michael took care of everything that needed to be taken care of and wore so many different hats; it was like having a large support crew.We have scheduled an evening at the Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Avenue, Chicago, on Monday, January 13 starting at 8pm (doors open at 7:00) to remember, tribute and toast Michael Blakemore. Shawn Holt and the Teardrops will be the host band and the musicians that Michael worked with over the years will be welcome to participate.
• Tail Dragger gets cover story in Blues Blast Magazine! The amazing Tail Dragger is one of the great characters of Chicago blues, and his candid wisdom and humor are captured perfectly by interviewer Jim Crawford (president of the Phoenix Blues Society). To see this great story click here.
• RIP Eric “Guitar” Davis – March 19, 1972 to December 19, 2013. The hardest part of writing a newsletter is reporting the tragic, untimely death of a youthful bright light of the blues. Guitarist, vocalist Eric “Guitar” Davis was young, talented, charismatic and destined for greatness. He was found shot to death in Chicago the week before Christmas. This created a deep sadness throughout the Chicago blues community and beyond. Eric was the son of renown Chicago blues drummer Bobby “Top Hat” Davis, who bestowed the lessons of the blues on all his children. Likewise, Eric, who at 41 years old had 6 children (3 of his own and 3 stepchildren by his wife Leslie), taught his kids to play blues and was taking them around to local jam sessions. His CD Trouble Makin’ Man will serve as his recorded legacy. Everyone in Chicago knew, liked, and respected this young man. We all had great hopes for him and his passing weighs heavily on the psyche of the blues world. Rosa’s Lounge in Chicago is coordinating a January 19th fundraiser to cover funeral costs and help Eric’s family (to see the flyer click here). To read more about Eric “Guitar” Davis’ passing, click here for the Huffington Post article.
• RIP Tabby Thomas – January 5, 1929 to January 1, 2014. Ernest Joseph Thomas, better known as Tabby Thomas, was a name synonymous with the Swamp Blues of Louisiana. Tabby died in the early hours of the new year after years of struggling with numerous health issues. Tabby resided his whole life in Baton Rouge and in the early 1960s started his long recording career by cutting brilliant sides for the nearby Excello Records. Included in his Excello recordings was the swamp blues classic “Hoodoo Party” (click to hear). He was a major hometown attraction and opened Baton Rouge’s legendary blues club Tabby’s Blues Box. His later years found Tabby as a frequent visitor to Europe, where he was highly celebrated. Tabby leaves a rich musical legacy including his sonChris Thomas King, who has established himself as a star in his own right. Tabby Thomas will always be considered a definitive part of Louisiana music and we thank him for all of his great contributions.
• Killer Blues gets article in Business Week! Steve Salter and his organization called Killer Blues has taken on the mission of providing gravestones for fallen heroes of the blues. This goodwill organization caught the attention of Business Week Magazine and the resulting article can be seen by clicking here. By the way, Killer Blues is providing a gravestone for Eric “Guitar” Davis. Thank you Steve Salter.
• Martha Davis boogies on YouTube! Please enjoy this vintage clip of the amazing Martha Davis and her nimble fingers as she performers her delightful “Martha’s Boogie” with her husband Calvin Ponder on bass. Click here to see.