2024 Archives

CLICK HERE TO VIEW NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES FROM PREVIOUS YEARS

December 30, 2024 – New Year’s Eve Show, Rhythm Room House Rent Party This Saturday, 2024 Recap, Shows This Week!

New Years Eve at The Rhythm Room!

Bring in your New Year’s with some real deal blues! Primetime and Corritore will be laying it down on New Year’s Eve! And if you haven’t heard Carla Denise yet, look out!

This Saturday, The Annual House Rent Party!

Each year the Rhythm Room gathers some of the best Phoenix based talent for a spectacular show which also supports the Rhythm Room!

2024 Photo Recap!

Looking back at this year, it’s been pretty spectacular! Some great gigs, tours and festivals! A spectacular and well received collaboration album with the great John Primer and an All-Star band. Some great awards and the announcement that the Rhythm Room will be receiving a KBA award (Keeping The Blues Alive) from The Blues Foundation! Some killer recording sessions and continued work on the vaults series for 2025 releases!

Let’s start out by mentioning John Primer and Bob Corritore/Crawlin’ Kingsnake released March 29, 2024. This included an All-Star band with Bob Stroger, Jimi Primetime Smith, Anthony Geraci, and Wes Starr! Strategically, this was Bob’s only release for the year because of the strength of this album and not wanting to dilute, it’s momentum. So far the album has already won two awards as well as appearing on many best of 2024 lists! Thank you to all the writers, DJs and awards that have named this record among the best of the year! These include Downbeat Magazine, The Aquarian, Blues Blast Magazine, Blues Lounge Radio Show with Steve Hoare, Sweet Home Chicago Radio Show with Marc Loison, Rue d’Auteuil with Jacques Dulac, Don’s Tunes, Nothing But The Blues with Steve Jessney, Rock & Blues Muse and others. If I’ve missed someone that you’re aware of, please let me know so I can add them to this list! Crawlin’ Kingsnake also received numerous great reviews which you can read by clicking here. Thanks are in order to VizzTone Label Group, BratGirlMedia, the amazing Vince Ray (who did the artwork), Clarke Rigsby and Tempest Recording, John Wroble of Porcupine Productions and many other behind the scenes people.

Awards, Articles and Recognitions!

Number 1 in France’s PowerBlues Chart!

Four albums released in 2023 appeared on this best of year chart! Note that VizzTone Label Group added the red stars to point out the releases from the label!

We have so many memorable photos from 2024 that here is just a small glimpse of this great year! Thank you, everyone!

December 27, 2024 – Bob Stroger’s 94th Birthday Today! New Year’s Eve Gig And More!

Happy birthday, Bob Stroger!

Today, December 27th is Bob Stroger’s 94th Birthday! He is still playing and touring at the top of his game with no signs of slowing down! Not only is he a legend who played and plays definitive blues bass with all the greats, but he’s one of the kindest people ever. Bob Stroger and Bob Corritore have shared a friendship now for 50 years! Here is a link to a photo page honoring this legendary Bluesman. Happy birthday, Bob Stroger.

New Years Eve!

Bring in the new year with the Jimi Primetime Smith/Bob Corritore Blues Band at the Rhythm Room. Carla Denise will be our special guest! A night of straight ahead Chicago Blues! Advance tickets available at rhythmroom.com

2024 Year-In-Review coming!

As 2024 comes to a close, in next Monday’s newsletter we will look back to reflect on what a year it has been! In the next newsletter, we will do a photo recap of some of the highlights of the year. We will cover great performance shots, awards, articles, album reviews, and accolades! A huge thank you to all the friends and fans, the writers, photographers, radio show hosts and magazine reviewers, VizzTone Label Group, BratGirl Media, and the Rhythm Room! Thank you!

December 23, 2024 – Christmas Greetings, 2 Blues Lounge Awards, New Year’s Eve

Christmas greetings from the Bob Corritore Blues Newsletter!

John Primer and Bob Corritore win big in the Blues Lounge Radio Show!

Thank you to host Steve Hoare for hosting these awards each year! Quite an honor to be recognized! Team Primer/Corritore is a winning combination!

New Years Eve!

Bring in the new year with the Jimi Primetime Smith/Bob Corritore Blues Band at the Rhythm Room. Carla Denise will be our special guest! A night of straight ahead Chicago Blues! Advance tickets available at rhythmroom.com

December 12, 2024 – Tucson & Phoenix Gigs, Last Few Days To Vote In Blues Lounge Awards!

Gigs this weekend!

The Jimi Primetime Smith/Bob Corritore Band play Friday at Monterey Court in Tucson and Saturday at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix!

Bob Corritore is nominated for three Blues Lounge Radio Awards! Voting closes soon!

The Blues Lounge Radio Show with Steve Hoare is it a spectacular weekly broadcast in the UK! And each year they host this great award presentation! Bob Corritore is proud to be nominated in three categories in this year’s Blues Lounge Radio Show Awards!

1) Album Of The Year (John Primer & Bob Corritore/Crawlin’ Kingsnake)
2) Harmonica Player
3) Male Blues Artist

And so many Bob’s friends and collaborators are also up for awards! Please vote your choices by clicking here: https://www.surveyhero.com/c/bjaezbhp

Voting ends on Saturday, December 14 at midnight UK time. So in the US voting would end midday on Saturday.

December 6, 2024 – Rhythm Room To Receive KBA Award, Bob Corritore Nominated For Three Blues Lounge Radio Show Awards, Upcoming Shows!

Rhythm Room to receive Keeping The Blues Alive Award!

The Blues Foundation just announced this morning that the Rhythm Room will be receiving a Keeping The Blues Alive Award! Other recipients in this years induction include Blues Blast Magazine, Charlie Hussey, Little Steven’s Blues School, Ryszard Gloger, Big Ed’s Blues Jam, Cincy Blues Society, Jefferson Street Sound Museum! It’s so wonderful and reinforcing to be recognized! Thank you you to all the musicians, customers and employees that have allowed us to keep our mission going for 33 years now!

Here is what the Blues Foundation press release said about the Rhythm Room:

This year marks the 33rd anniversary of the Rhythm Room, a cornerstone of the blues community in Phoenix, Arizona. Over the past three decades, the Rhythm Room has hosted thousands of performances by blues artists and has become a vital hub for the genre. In a city as large as Phoenix—the fifth largest in the U.S.—it remains the only venue offering weekly blues performances, making its role indispensable to the local music scene.

Owned and operated by blues musician and advocate Bob Corritore, the Rhythm Room has faced numerous challenges in its mission to keep blues music alive in the Southwest. At a time when many blues venues are shutting their doors, Bob’s dedication and personal sacrifices have ensured that the Rhythm Room remains a sanctuary for blues fans and musicians alike.

The Rhythm Room’s importance extends beyond its role as a live music venue. It attracts blues enthusiasts from across the country, providing local audiences with opportunities to see national and international blues acts, not just local talent. Moreover, the venue offers a unique benefit to musicians: many performers who play at the Rhythm Room are invited to stay an extra day to record in Bob Corritore’s world-class recording studio. These sessions often result in music that is distributed at no cost to the artists, providing additional income and exposure. This model of support is unparalleled among music venues globally.

In addition to its contributions to blues music, the Rhythm Room is a steadfast supporter of the broader blues community. It has hosted the Phoenix Blues Society’s International Blues Challenge competition and has been a longtime advocate for the Blues Foundation’s HART Fund, organizing an annual benefit where all proceeds from ticket sales go directly to the fund’s mission of helping blues musicians in need.

While the Rhythm Room welcomes artists across various genres, its unwavering commitment to blues music is what sets it apart. Few venues can claim such a strong and enduring dedication to preserving and promoting the blues. Through its exceptional efforts, the Rhythm Room has solidified its place as an essential institution for the blues community and beyond.

Bob Corritore is nominated for three Blues Lounge Radio Awards!

The Blues Lounge Radio Show with Steve Hoare is it a spectacular weekly broadcast in the UK! And each year they host this great award presentation! Bob Corritore is proud to be nominated in three categories in this year’s Blues Lounge Radio Show Awards!

1) Album Of The Year (John Primer & Bob Corritore/Crawlin’ Kingsnake)

2) Harmonica Player

3) Male Blues Artist

And also many of Bob’s friends and collaborators are also up for awards! Please vote your choices by clicking here: https://www.surveyhero.com/c/bjaezbhp

Upcoming show posters!

December 2, 2024 – Tomorrow Is Giving Tuesday!

Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday — a community day of giving when we come together to reflect on the things we want to see grow and thrive in the future. And it’s a chance to take action and invest in the nonprofit organizations that strengthen causes that we believe in.

Southwest Musical Arts Foundation has been supporting live and recorded music for over 2 decades now, presenting amazing concerts, recording traditional blues and soul artists, and releasing historically minded albums with the intention of preserving and advancing the glorious beauty of roots music!

Any donation large or small helps our cause.
For more information on our organization, visit our website at SWMAF.org.

To donate online via PayPal click here.

Or to donate by mail, you can send your contribution to this address:
Southwest Musical Arts Foundation
P.O. Box 3310
Scottsdale, AZ 85271

Thank you everyone!

November 18, 2024 – Rhythm Room Show This Friday, Upcoming Gigs, Photo Recap Of European Tour!

Jimi Primetime Smith/Bob Corritore Blues Band this Friday at the Rhythm Room!

Other upcoming shows for the remainder of 2024!

European tour reflections!

Thank you, Giles Robson for setting up a beautiful tour for Oscar Wilson, Jimi Primetime Smith, and myself. In the space of one week we did the Bay-Car Blues Festival in France, the Bromley Little Theatre in the U.K., the Bourne Blues Club in the U.K., and then the Blues Alive Festival in Sumperk, Czech Republic. There was lots of intense travel getting from place to place, but all the shows were packed and the audiences made it so worth it! We did most shows as a back porch trio, but for the Czech Republic we added wonderful French Rhythm section of Arnaud Gobin (Bass) and Cyril Durand (Drums). It was nice to bring our presentation of straight-ahead, down Chicago blues to these wonderful places! Please enjoy this photo recap our trip!

November 6, 2024 – European Tour Starts This Weekend, Photo Recap Of Primer/Corritore California Tour And More!

Euro Tour with Oscar Wilson, Jimi Primetime Smith, Bob Corritore begins this weekend.

Upcoming European tour! Billed as Living Legends Of Chicago Blues, Oscar Wilson, Jimi Primetime Smith, Bob Corritore reunite to perform sets of straight-ahead Chicago blues! Thank you to tour promoter (and UK harmonica great) Giles Robson! Here are the links to buy tickets:

Bay-Car: https://www.baycarbluesfestival.fr

Sunday, November 10: Bromley Blues Club: https://bromleylittletheatre.org/mevents/living-legends-of-chicago/

Bourne Music Club: https://www.gigantic.com/the-living-legends-of-chicago-blues-the-chicago-blues-trio-tickets

Blues Alive: https://www.bluesalive.cz/en/uvod-english/

John Primer/Bob Corritore California tour photo recap!

Thanks to all of our California friends and fans who came out to support us! It was great to bring real deal Chicago blues to the West Coast! Thank you to Mike Hightower on Bass and to drummers Rena Beavers (Southern Cali dates) and Jimmy Mulleniux (Northern Cali dates) for their great work! Please enjoy these photos of our trip!

Primer & Corritore get a cover story in UK’s Blues Matters Magazine!

A huge thank you to Blues Matters Magazine for their cover story/feature article in the November Issue! Colin Campbell did a spectacular job putting the interviews together as a great read!

Bob Corritore Interview for Learn The Harmonica

Thank you so much to Liam Ward for including a Bob Corritore Interview on his Learn The Harmonica instruction site from the UK! A great honor! Click here to read the article.

October 24, 2024 – John Primer And Bob Corritore California Tour Is Here!

California Tour!

We hope to see our California friends as we make various stops throughout California.

Other upcoming 2024 gigs!

October 17, 2024 – Primetime/Corritore Friday Night At Rhythm Room, Campaign To Get Bob Stroger In Blues Hall Of Fame, King Biscuit Blues Fest Week Photos

Jimi Primetime Smith/Bob Corritore Blues Band appear Friday at the Rhythm Room!

The band includes Brian Fahey, Yahni Riley, Johnny Rapp and very special guest Carla Denise!

Campaign to see Bob Stroger initiated into the Blues Hall Of Fame!

Please consider Bob Stroger for the Blues Hall of Fame! It’s very exciting that The Blues Foundation has just sent out forms to its members for suggestions for new inductees! Bob Stroger is now 93 years old and if he gets in then he will be accepting the award at age 94! Can you think of anybody that has done more in the Blues than Bob Stroger? He’s been working with every major Blues artist since the 1960s providing definitive blues baselines! He’s also a great singer with a number of albums out. Quite frankly, there’s not a better Blues bass player in the world in my humble opinion. I have included the form in this newsletter, but please do not fill it out if you are not a current member of the Blues Foundation. I would encourage everyone to become a member which would then allow you to submit this form. Membership information is available at blues.org. Thank you in advance for this consideration. To see a photo page that we put together to honor the legendary Bob Stroger click here.

Photos from King Biscuit Week!

What a fantastic week it was. Here are just a few images from the King Biscuit Blues Festival, The Pinetop Perkins Homecoming and other happenings around the festival!

Bob guesting on Anson Funderburgh & The Rockets set. Photo Tom Foley.

In Gary Vincent’s Clarksdale Soundstage at a recording session with Pat Thomas.

Maja Arnold and Bob Stroger at the Biscuit on Maja’s birthday.

Guesting on King Biscuit Time, KFFA with host Thomas Jacques.

Filmore Slim and Oscar Wilson before the Andy T set that included Oscar, Anson Funderburgh, and me.

Dinner with Shy Perry

Andy T, Anson Funderburgh, Dr. Janice Johnson.

With Kimberly Horton, president and CEO of The Blues Foundation.

Bob Stroger, Oscar Wilson, Harold Davenport, Lee Williams, me at the Pinetop Perkins homecoming show.

At the opening night Jam!

At the end of the Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets set, Anson called Curtis Salgado, Andy T and me up! Photo Tom Foley.

Me and Jocelyn Richez at the Delta Cultural Center.

Filmore Slim at the Pinetop Perkins Homecoming.

Candice Ivory and me.

Anson Funderburgh. Photo by Bob Corritore.

Marquise Knox. Photo Deke Rivers

Cecilia and Sarah playing tiny harmonicas on Cherry Street

A wonderful belated birthday gift by Deb Finney presented to me at the Pinetop homecoming!

It was an honor to be called on stage to play with Anson Funderburgh & the Rockets at the King Biscuit Blues Fest! And also an honor to be called up with Curtis Salgado! After the set, it was a cool group photo!

Harrell Davenport and me.

Hanging out with Stix!

Thornetta Davis! Photo Big City Blues

Duane Burnside. Photo Big City Blues.

At the Delta Cultural Center with Webb Schmidt.

Great to see up-and-coming star Alyssa Galvan at the Biscuit! I met her in France last year at the Cahors Blues Festival and I have run into her numerous times since.

A few a few photos from the Andy T Band Friday set by Maile Alday.

Upcoming tours and shows for the remainder of October and November!

October 7, 2024 – King Biscuit Blues Fest, Pinetop Perkins Homecoming Show, Feature In Blues Music Magazine, Birthday Party Photos, Crawlin’ Kingsnake Grammy(r) Consideration!

Goin’ Down South!

This week I will be flying into Memphis and heading to Helena, Arkansas to participate as a performer and as a fan at the amazing King Biscuit Blues Festival! And on Sunday in Clarksdale, Mississippi, I will be participating in the annual Pinetop Perkins Homecoming event! It’s always spiritual to go to the home of Sonny Boy Williamson and to be back down South, which is truly the cradle of the blues. Here is a rundown of the shows I will be playing:

Friday 12:00 to 12:45 set with Candice Ivory at the Front Porch Stage. King Biscuit Festival
Friday 5:45 to 6:55 set with the Andy T Band with guests Oscar Wilson, Anson Funderburgh and me at the Main Stage
Sunday 3:45 to 4:45 set at Hobson’s Plantation, Clarksdale, Mississippi with Bob Stroger, myself, Oscar Wilson, Heather Crosse, Harrell Davenport, Lee Williams, Wyly Bigger! Note that Bob Margolin was originally scheduled for this set, but he’s healing from an injury and will not be making it to the Biscuit or the Pinetop Homecoming this year.

Feature Article!

October issue of Blues Music Magazine features a wonderful Bob Corritore article! Also featured our Ronnie Baker Brooks (on the cover), The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jontavious Willis and more! Really a fantastic article and a huge honor! Thank you Blues Music Magazine!

John Primer & Bob Corritore/Crawlin’ Kingsnake in consideration for Grammy(r) nomination!

The possibilities are exciting! Please note that, at this point, everybody’s on the long list. The first round of voting will, hopefully advance your favorite music onto the shorter list and then onto an official nomination! John Primer and me feel that Crawlin’ Kingsnake exemplifies the term Traditional Blues Album! Thank you Grammy voters for your consideration!

Bob’s birthday party weekend!

I’m hoping that everybody enjoyed my birthday party as much as I did! In my big splurge for the year, I brought together a stellar lineup of fantastic musicians and treated the audience to a blues festival revue in a small club! And o top of that on the Thursday and the Saturday I had some very productive days in the studio with these great musicians. Thanks to all the friends and fans who came out for the show and provided a packed house! Three prominent blues DJs from France made the long trip, as well as a number of great people from Florida, Alaska and California! Please enjoy these fantastic photos:

Some upcoming shows!

Ticket links for European tour dates:
Bay -Car: https://www.baycarbluesfestival.fr
Bromley Blues Club: https://bromleylittletheatre.org/mevents/living-legends-of-chicago/
Bourne Music Club: https://www.gigantic.com/the-living-legends-of-chicago-blues-the-chicago-blues-trio-tickets
Blues Alive: https://www.bluesalive.cz/en/uvod-english/

September 24, 2024 – Birthday Blues Blowout Just A Few Days Away – This Friday!

We hope that you are able to attend Bob’s birthday blowout. There is an amazing All-Star lineup! It will be like going to a blues festival at a club! Some of the greatest traditional blues artists from all around the country will join together and deliver some amazing power-packed blues! Doors at 7pm and music starts at 8 PM. Advance tickets available at rhythmroom.com.

September 10, 2024 – John Primer & Bob Corritore/Crawlin’ Kingsnake Wins Blues Blast Music Award, And More

Crawlin’ Kingsnake wins Blues Blast Music Award for Best Traditional Blues Album!

John Primer and Bob Corritore acknowledgments: Thanks to all the voters, the DJs, and the Blues writers! Thanks to the spectacular band (Bob Stroger, Jimi Primetime Smith, Anthony Geraci, and Wes Starr) who added their magic to the album! Thanks Lisa Primer for your support! Thank you to the Rhythm Room! Thanks to Vince Ray for the amazing album art! Thanks to Clarke Rigsby of Tempest Recording, and John Wroble of Porcupine Productions! And thank you to VizzTone Label Group and BratGirl Media! Congratulations to all the nominees and winners!

Next Show! The annual birthday blues blowout!

King Biscuit Blues Festival!

Looking forward to the King Biscuit Blues Festival! Bob Corritore will perform at the Biscuit with The Andy T Band with special guest Oscar Wilson and also a seperate set with Candice Ivory! And then on Sunday for the Pinetop Perkins Homecoming in Clarksdale with Bobs Of The Blues (Bob Margolin, Bob Stroger, Bob Corritore). Great times in the Deep South!

Last day to vote in the Downbeat Readers Poll! John Primer & Bob Corritore/Crawlin’ Kingsnake is listed as being up for best blues album.

Voting ends tomorrow! Click here to vote!

September 5, 2024 – Johnny Rawls This Saturday At Rhythm Room, Downbeat Reader’s Poll, Birthday Blues Bash!

Johnny Rawls appears Saturday night at the Rhythm Room!

Johnny will be backed by Tucson’s own Bad News Blues Band with Bob Corritore making a guest appearance during parts of the show! Advance tickets: rhythmroom.com.

John Primer and Bob Corritore/Crawlin’ Kingsnake listed in Downbeat Magazine’s 72nd Annual Reader’s Poll!

Save The Date! Birthday Blues Bash!

Advance tickets available rhythmroom.com.

August 29, 2024 – Blues Blast Music Awards Voting Closes Tomorrow! Last Chance To Vote!

The 17th Blues Blast Music Awards voting closes at midnight on August 31. So there’s just today and tomorrow left to vote! Bob Corritore has been nominated in 4 categories!

️ Traditional Blues Album
John Primer & Bob Corritore – Crawlin’ Kingsnake

️ Historical Or Vintage Recording
Bob Corritore – Phoenix Blues Rumble

️Producer Of The Year
Bob Corritore

️Harmonica Player Of The Year
Bob Corritore

Please vote your choices today by clicking on bluesblastmagazine.com.

Fan voting began July 15, 2024 and ends at midnight on August 31, 2024 at BluesBlastMagazine.com.

Voting is free and open to anyone. You may only vote one time. If you are not currently a subscriber, you are automatically signed up as a subscriber to the free magazine as part of the voting process. Blues Blast Magazine subscriptions are always FREE and you may unsubscribe at any time at the bottom of each issue!

The full list of nominees are listed here.

Thank you very much everybody!

August 27, 2024 – Blues Blast Music Awards Voting Closes On Friday! Last Chance To Vote!

The 17th Blues Blast Music Awards voting closes at midnight on August 31. So there’s just a few days left to vote! Bob Corritore has been nominated in 4 categories!

️ Traditional Blues Album
John Primer & Bob Corritore – Crawlin’ Kingsnake

️ Historical Or Vintage Recording
Bob Corritore – Phoenix Blues Rumble

️Producer Of The Year
Bob Corritore

️Harmonica Player Of The Year
Bob Corritore

Also Bob appears on one track of Mick Kolasa’s album Wooden Music which is nominated in the Acoustic CD category! And a huge congratulations to all the nominees and especially all of the close collaborators with Bob Corritore. This is quite an honor and a really big deal. Please vote your choices today by clicking on bluesblastmagazine.com.

Fan voting began July 15, 2024 and ends at midnight on August 31, 2024 at BluesBlastMagazine.com.

The full list of nominees are listed here, and voting starts today!

The Blues Blast Music Awards are presented by Blues Blast Magazine, the largest FREE weekly E-magazine with over 42,000 Blues fan subscribers located in all 50 states and in more than 90 countries.

August 21, 2024 – Primetime/Corritore Appear In Phoenix On Saturday And Prescott On Sunday Afternoon, Crawlin’ Kingsnake Downbeat Magazine Critics Choice, Blues Bast Music Awards Voting!

The Jimi Primetime Smith/Bob Corritore Blues Band appear Saturday night at the Rhythm Room and Sunday afternoon in Prescott!

DownBeat Magazine announces the 72nd Annual Critics Poll in their August issue!

This is truly a huge honor! John Primer & Bob Corritore/Crawlin’ Kingsnake in the Annual Critics Choice list of Best Blues Albums! Thanks to all the great musicians who played on the album (Bob Stroger, Jimi Primetime Smith, Anthony Geraci, Wes Starr) and to VizzTone Label Group and BratGirl Media! Also thank you to Vince Ray for his fantastic CD cover design!

Blues Blast Music Awards Voting is going on right now and until August 31!

Congratulations to all the nominees! Please vote your choices today at bluesblastmagazine.com.

Other upcoming events:

Buddy Reed releases his new single!

West Coast veteran guitar master Buddy Reed just put out a new single called Good Moanin and it features a guest appearance by Bob Corritore. You can listen here. Buddy Reed’s History stretches back into the 1960s when he worked in the bands of Little Richard, Rod Piazza and George Smith (in Bacon Fat), Big Mama Thornton, the James Harman Band, and Rocket 88s. Buddy and Bob Corritore have collaborated since the 1980s, doing recording sessions and backing Clarence Edwards, Jimmy Rogers, and Louisiana Red in the studio and working live shows with Bo Diddley and Willie Dixon.

July 24, 2024 – Jimi Primetime Smith/Bob Corritore Band Saturday At The Rhythm Room, Calgary Blues Fest With Bobs Of The Blues, Blues Blast Music Awards, RIP John Mayall

This Saturday at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix!

Bob Margolin, Bob Stroger and Bob Corritore appear Sunday August 4 at the Calgary Blues Festival in Canada! Tony Coleman will be our drummer for this show!

Blues Blast Music Awards voting going on now!

The 17th Blues Blast Music Awards nominations announced and Bob Corritore has been nominated in 4 categories!

️ Traditional Blues Album
John Primer & Bob Corritore – Crawlin’ Kingsnake

️ Historical Or Vintage Recording
Bob Corritore – Phoenix Blues Rumble

️Producer Of The Year
Bob Corritore

️Harmonica Player Of The Year
Bob Corritore

Also Bob appears on one track of Mick Kolasa’s album Wooden Music which is nominated in the Acoustic CD category! And a huge congratulations to all the nominees and especially all of the close collaborators with Bob Corritore. This is quite an honor and a really big deal. Please vote your choices today by clicking on bluesblastmagazine.com.

Fan voting begins July 15, 2024 and ends at midnight on August 31, 2024 at BluesBlastMagazine.com.

Voting is free and open to anyone. You may only vote one time. If you are not currently a subscriber, you are automatically signed up as a subscriber to our free magazine as part of the voting process. Blues Blast Magazine subscriptions are always FREE and you may unsubscribe at any time at the bottom of each issue!

The full list of nominees are listed here, and voting starts today!

The Blues Blast Music Awards are presented by Blues Blast Magazine, the largest FREE weekly E-magazine with over 42,000 Blues fan subscribers located in all 50 states and in more than 90 countries.

RIP John Mayall

Sad to say goodbye to John Mayall. He was a pivotal force in the 1960s British blues movement. His extensive 70 year career brought us around 100 albums and many blues superstars emerged from their time in his band. He has been referred to as the Godfather of British Blues and the founder of Blues-Rock. He passed away yesterday at age 90. John was active up until about a year ago. Rest in peace John Mayall. Thank you for your many contributions. A well-lived life!

July 15, 2024 – 4 Blues Blast Awards Nominations, Blues Blast Cover Story, Saturday Rhythm Room Show And More!

Blues Blast Music Awards nominations announced! Bob Corritore is up for four awards! Voting starts today!

The 17th Blues Blast Music Awards nominations announced and Bob Corritore has been nominated in 4 categories!

️ Traditional Blues Album
John Primer & Bob Corritore – Crawlin’ Kingsnake

️ Historical Or Vintage Recording
Bob Corritore – Phoenix Blues Rumble

️Producer Of The Year
Bob Corritore

️Harmonica Player Of The Year
Bob Corritore

And a huge congratulations to all the nominees and especially all of the close collaborators with Bob Corritore. This is quite an honor and a really big deal. Please vote your choices today by clicking on bluesblastmagazine.com.

Per the Blues Blast Press Release:
In June of 2024, a group of music critics, journalists, festival promoters, music venue managers, musicians and other Blues music industry professionals nominated the best in Blues music in twenty three categories.

Voting Starts Monday July 15th, 2024
Fan voting begins July 15, 2024 and ends at midnight on August 31, 2024 at BluesBlastMagazine.com.

The full list of nominees are listed here, and voting starts today!

The Blues Blast Music Awards are presented by Blues Blast Magazine, the largest FREE weekly E-magazine with over 42,000 Blues fan subscribers located in all 50 states and in more than 90 countries.

Blues Blast Magazine Cover Story!

Thank you to Blues Blast Magazine and to writer/interviewer Mark Thompson for this excellent article and interview! And thank you to my publicist Amy Brat/BratGirl Media! Below is the beautiful cover with photography from Marilyn Stringer. And you can read the entire article by clicking here.

Photo tribute to George Harmonica Smith!

Please enjoy this wonderful tribute to a great harmonica player that Bob Corritore is putting together. Right now we have a pretty good start going, but there’s much more to do. If any of our readers have any great photos or paraphernalia regarding George Harmonica Smith that they would be willing to allow us to use for this page, it would be greatly appreciated. Just click reply with any submissions and thank you! Click here to see the page so far.

This highly influential harmonica player would become a stylistic template for West Coast harmonica players. Born in West Helena, Arkansas, George would land in Chicago and Kansas City before making California is permanent home. In addition to his great recordings as a singer and frontman, he was also a prominent sideman making records with Muddy Waters, Otis Spann, Big Mama Thornton, Big Joe Turner, Little Johnny Taylor, Jesse Thomas, Champion Jack Dupree, Eddie Taylor, Lonesome Sundown, T-Bone Walker and Sunnyland Slim. He was a teacher and father figure to Rod Piazza and William Clarke. Please enjoy these wonderful photos of this great harmonica player!

This Saturday at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix! Barstool Blues Benefit.

The Phoenix blues community has gathered to help the Rhythm Room move forward during the slow summer months on some of the upgrades and improvements that the venue has already started. The lineup is amazing and the Phoenix community will get to enjoy the results of their wonderful support. Thank you!

Other posters for upcoming events!

A great honor to be recognized within the community!

June 23, 2024 – Primetime/Corritore Band Saturday at Rhythm Room, Sunday Induction Ceremony Arizona Musicians & Entertainers Hall Of Fame, Independent Music Awards, And More!

The Jimi Primetime Smith/Bob Corritore Blues Band will be playing some Chicago blues on Saturday at the Rhythm Room.

In addition to our great band, we will also feature special guest Wayne Baker Brooks from Chicago (the son of Lonnie Brooks), as well as guest appearances with Meaza and Carla Denise! Doors open at 7 PM, and the music begins at 8 PM. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix.

The Rhythm Room to be inducted into Arizona Musician & Entertainers Hall Of Fame on Sunday!

Quite an honor for the Rhythm Room to be acknowledged by AMEHOF! Other honorees include legendary folk and blues artist Hans Olson, pedal steel guitar master Jon Rauhouse and Phoenix music historian and legendary Radio DJ John Dixon. The induction ceremony begins at 2 PM on Sunday at the Rhythm Room.

Bob Corritore receives two nominations for Independent Blues Awards!

Also a great honor to be considered for a prestigious Independent Music Award! Bob Corritore is nominated in the categories of Traditional Blues Band and Traditional Blues Album (for Women In Blues Showcase)! Click here to vote.

Blues Blogger from Russia reviews Crawlin’ Kingsnake.

Olegs’s Blues Blog (Russia)
June 14, 2024

English translation:
Eleven years ago, John Primer (79) and Bob Corritore (67) began their collaboration. This spring they released their fourth album together with the brand new ‘Crawlin’ Kingsnake’. During these 11 years, both elderly gentlemen won many awards in the field of blues, and now they have recorded an old-school blues disc.

It has eleven covers and one song written by John Primer (“Hiding Place”). The album begins with the track “Take A Message”, which immediately makes us understand what awaits us. Two blues electric guitars, John’s warm Mississippi voice, and Bob making the most of his harmonica.

Next is John Lee Hooker’s “Crawlin’ Kingsnake”, followed by Willie Dixon’s “Down In The Bottom”. The album included three covers of Muddy Waters, including the dynamic track “Stuff You Gonna Watch” and “Rosalee Blues”, a slow blues starring Anthony Geraci on piano. “Gravel Road” and “Feel Like Going Home” complete the traditional blues album.

Both Primer and Corritore are at the peak of their careers: Primer was recently inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, as well as receiving numerous awards and a Grammy nomination. Likewise, Corritore has been active in European festivals, releasing five critically acclaimed albums in 2023, being the subject of numerous articles, receiving numerous nominations, and even winning in some places.

The band sounds like Muddy Waters’ band in its heyday, and with its playing it proves once again (or tries to prove) that such blues will always exist. At least, with this album they completely convinced me!

June 15, 2024 – Today Is The Final Day Of Voting In The Living Blues Awards

Please vote your choices. Voting closes at midnight today. Go to livingblues.com and once there, scroll down past the current issue cover and you’ll see a blue bar with the word vote on it. Click that bar and you’ll go right to voting. Thank you!

June 10, 2024 – Living Blues Awards Voting Ends Saturday, Jim Crawford Benefit, Happy Birthday Howlin’ Wolf!

Living Blues Awards voting ends soon.

Thank you to all those who have already participated in voting. Please note that voting will end on Saturday, June 15 at midnight. Please about your choices at livingblues.com. When you get to the website, scroll down past the cover of the current issue and you’ll see a blue bar that says vote. Click on that blue bar will get you right to voting.

This Saturday afternoon, a fundraiser for Phoenix Blues Society President Jim Crawford.

Jim Crawford is recovering after a terrible fall and a number of surgeries. The community has united to help with a afternoon benefit with a huge lineup of great musicians.

Bob Corritore’s Blues Birthday Bash Announced!

Tickets on sale by clicking here.

Happy birthday in heaven to Howlin’ Wolf!

Let’s take a moment to reflect on Chester Burnette AKA Howlin’ Wolf who left us in 1976. Undeniably one of the greatest blues artists who ever lived. Please check out this amazing photo gallery devoted to Howlin Wolf by clicking here.

June 4, 2024 – Voting Open For Living Blues Awards And Independent Music Awards, Upcoming Shows, John Primer And Bob Corritore/Crawlin’ Kingsnake News, Bobby Rush Boulevard, And More!

Living Blues Awards voting closes in 10 days!

Thank you to all the folks who have voted so far! Living Blues awards voting ends on June 15! if you haven’t voted yet, please go to livingblues.com, scroll down past the cover of the current issue and you’ll see a blue bar with the word vote on it. If you press that blue bar, it will take you to voting.

Bob Corritore receives two nominations for Independent Blues Awards!

Quite an honor to be considered for these prestigious awards. Bob Corritore is nominated in the categories of Traditional Blues Band and Traditional Blues Album (for Women In Blues Showcase)! Click here to vote.

Bobby Rush has a street named after him!

Congratulations to blues legend Bobby Rush who as of last week is now the namesake of his own Boulevard in Jackson, Mississippi!

John Primer & Bob Corritore/Crawlin Kingsnake continues to draw a positive reaction!

Since the release on March 29, 2024, John Primer & Bob Corritore/Crawlin Kingsnake has reminded people of the power of traditional Chicago blues! Thank you! Check out the many great reviews by clicking here! And below are a few of the many recent accolades!

John Primer and Bob Corritore Fall 2024 West Coast tour announced!

We look forward to seeing our many fans and friends in California this fall! Save the dates!

Other upcoming shows!

Here are posters for some of Bob Corritore’s upcoming shows!

Beautiful feature article in Blues In Britain!

May 21, 2024 – Living Blues Award Voting, Two Great Rhythm Room Shows This Weekend, Photos From Memphis And Mississippi!

Living Blues Awards voting going on now until June 15!

Please vote your choices by going to livingblues.com, then hit the blue voting banner which should take you to the voting process. Thank you very much!

Back to back great blues shows this weekend at the Rhythm Room!

A great time in Memphis and Mississippi!

Although Bob Corritore did not win (congratulations to Jason Ricci), he was honored to be nominated and proud to be part of the big family of the blues community. And the point of the trip is to connect personally and musically with everyone at the best blues dress-up party, and to cheer on those that were recognized for their great contributions! Please enjoy these photos, which reflect the great times had!

John Primer & Bob Corritore/Crawlin’ Kingsnake accolades!

Interview for Blues.Gr

Thank you, Michael Limnios of the Greek publication Blues.Gr for this just published interview, which includes newly completed quotes as well as excerpts from an interview of a couple years ago.

May 6, 2024 – Living Blues Awards Voting, Heading To Memphis And Mississippi, New Primetime Photo Page!

Living Blues Awards voting going on now!

Please place your votes before June 15!

Off to the Blues Music Awards In Memphis!

In addition to the Blues Music Awards ceremony on Thursday there will be lots of showcases, meet and greets, and fun! Every year, The Blues Foundation house and amazing party for the Blues family! And on Saturday, everyone heads down to Clarksdale Mississippi for more fun!

Check out the new Jimi Primetime Smith photo page just added to bobcorritore.com!

Click here to see a wonderful collection of photos of Jimi Primetime Smith!

John Primer & Bob Corritore/Crawlin’ Kingsnake continues it’s high profile splash!

Here are just a few of the recent accolades and charts! Thank you, everyone for warmly embracing this traditional Chicago blues release!

May 3, 2024 – Living Blues Awards Nominations! Great Reviews! And More!

Living Blues Awards nominations announced. Bob Corritore is nominated in three categories.

2024 LIVING BLUES AWARD NOMINEES announced! I am incredibly honored to be nominated in three categories: Harmonica, Male Blues Artist, and Album (for Jimi Primetime Smith & Bob Corritore/World In A Jug)! I also have a coproduction credit in the reissue category for Floyd Dixon/Time Brings About A Change!

A huge congratulations to all of the nominees, especially some of the great artists I have collaborated with such as John Primer, Oscar Wilson, Bobby Rush, Lurrie Bell, Diunna Greenleaf, Sugaray Rayford, Alabama Mike, Anthony Geraci, Ben Levin, Dave Keyes, Kirk Fletcher, and Duke Robillard. Life is good! Voting has begun and is open to the public through June 15. Please vote your choices at livingblues.com.

Thank you everyone for the wonderful acceptance of the album John Primer & Bob Corritore/Crawlin’ Kingsnake!

Pinetop Perkins event Inn Clarksdale expanded and now includes Bob Stroger!

April 24, 2024 – Tucson Gig On Friday, Phoenix Gig On Saturday, Updates On Crawlin’ Kingsnake Album Reception, Pinetop Perkins Boogie Poster And More!

Jimi Primetime Smith/Bob Corritore Blues Band appears In Tucson at Monterey Court on Friday and Phoenix at the Rhythm Room on Saturday!

We hope to see you at one of our shows!

A great reception for John Primer & Bob Corritore/Crawlin’ Kingsnake!

We are happy to report the new album with John Primer and Bob Corritore seems to be going just great! It’s getting great airplay all around the world and has recently been put into rotation on SiriusXM Bluesville! Great reviews are rolling in and you can see them all by clicking here.

Radio Show recognition!

Thanks to the New Times and writer Benjamin Leatherman for the nice write up on my Blues radio show now celebrating 40 years!

Thank you, Baton Rouge Blues Festival!

Over the weekend, Jimi Primetime Smith and Bob Corritore went to Baton Rouge and performed a set in honor of the late piano blues master Henry Gray! When Henry Gray left Chicago, he went back to his native Louisiana and settled in Baton Rouge. Our festival set was in his honor and was mainly a duo set, but it also included guest appearances by Smokehouse Porter, Hanna PK, and Miguel Hernandez! it was really wonderful to see members of Henry Gray’s family and many friends from Baton Rouge and the surrounding area! And of course great to see the wonderful European blues fans! A true honor to be included in this great festival and celebrate the amazing Henry Gray.

Poster for the Pinetop Boogie in Clarksdale!

This is gonna be a great event for a wonderful cause. Proceeds go to the Pinetop Perkins Foundations.

April 17, 2024 – Baton Rouge Blues Festival This Weekend, Kingsnake Makes Top 10 In Billboard Blues Chart And More

Jimi Primetime Smith & Bob Corritore perform Saturday at the Baton Rouge Blues Festival!

Jimi Primetime Smith & Bob Corritore perform Saturday at 1:30 at the A1 stage of the Baton Rouge Blues Festival. The two will do a set in honor of Bob’s longtime associate, Baton Rouge native, the late Henry Gray. Bob has arranged for our number of Henry Gray‘s friends to join the celebration, with each contributing a song in honor of Henry. Jimi Primetime Smith remembers Henry coming over to visit his mother Johnnie Mae Dunson in Chicago when Jimi was still a young boy. Baton Rouge’s Advocate newspaper highlighted this set in their article which you can read here.

John Primer & Bob Corritore debut in the top 10 of the Billboard Blues Charts!

The album John Primer & Bob Corritore/Crawlin’ Kingsnake was released on March 29th to great fanfare. Both of these Chicago blues traditionalists follow up their individually great 2023 career momentum paths, and their combined energy in this great moment in time seems destined for the top! This is the fourth and arguably, best collaborative effort, and it features the All-Star backing of Bob Stroger, Jimi Primetime Smith, Anthony Geraci and Wes Starr. Last week, their new album debuted at number 10 on the billboard charts!

Additionally, the great reviews have been coming in and the album seems to be in high regard on many of the blues charts!

The album is getting all sorts of AirPlay, including recently being in rotation on SiriusXM Bluesville. Good things are happening for these two pure Chicago Bluesman! To see the many reviews, this album has already received click here.

Shy Perry releases children’s online flip-book about her father Bill Howl-N-Madd Perry!

Please take a moment and enjoy this beautiful book with great illustrations which you can read in its entirety by clicking here.

Podcasts of recent interviews!

There have been a number of exciting interviews lately and here are a few of the ones that have become available via podcast:

Music, On The Couch. John Primer and Bob Corritore interview with host Vinny Marini. Once you hit this link, scroll down to where you see the photo of John Primer and Bob. Click here.

Blues Disciples with host Jamie Anthony. John Primer and Bob Corritore speak of their new album! Click here.

Blues Lounge Radio Show with host Steve Hoare. Steve interviews Bob and discusses the new album, John Primer & Bob Corritore/Crawlin’ Kingsnaķe. Click here.

Time Signature with Jim Ervin. Jim’s Interview with Bob in a multi-topic, philosophical interview. Click here.

Phoenix Blues Rumble album getting accolades!

Even though it came out at the end of last year, Bob Corritore & Friends/Phoenix Blues Rumble has been making news with great reviews and #1 charting in France! The below reviews are from Blues in Britain (blue background) and Blues Music Magazine. If you would like to order this or any other Bob Corritore CDs, just reply to this email.

April 4, 2024 – Primer & Corritore New Album Out Now, Photos From CD Release Party, Upcoming Shows

John Primer & Bob Corritore/Crawlin’ Kingsnake released to much fanfare!

John and Bob’s new album, their fourth collaboration, was released on March 29! That night, the Rhythm Room hosted a CD release party, and flew in all of the musicians that play on the album. Numerous reviews have come in, and various other accolades. Both Primer and Corritore had banner years in 2023, and it feels like that momentum has created extra excitement for the new release.

Click here to see the first rave reviews that have come in so far!

To hear the feature interview with Bob about this album on The Blues Lounge Radio show, click here.

Autographed CDs and T-shirts available for purchase!

We have some autographed CDs signed by everyone in the band John Primer, Bob Corritore, Bob Stroger, Jimi Primetime Smith, Anthony Geraci, Wes Starr. We also have this wonderful T-shirt available. If you’re interested in the CD or T-shirt, just hit reply, send a note and we will work through the details of getting your order processed. Thank you!

CD release party weekend recap!

Please enjoy these photos. Thank you Rocco and Marilyn for having us over for a wonderful dinner the night before. Thank you to all of our fans that packed the house on Friday at the Rhythm Room for the CD release party. Thanks to Clarke Rigsby and Tempest Recording for the Saturday recording session!

This Sunday, an afternoon benefit for the Phoenix Blues Society!

Please support this very worthy clause!

Baton Rouge Rouge Festival on April 19 – 22!

Jimi Primetime Smith and Bob Corritore to perform on April 30, 1:30pm

Other upcoming shows!

March 26, 2024 – Primer Corritore Album To Be Released On Friday, CD Release Party Friday At Rhythm Room, Bob’s Radio Show Turns 40 Years Old!

John Primer & Bob Corritore/Crawlin Kingsnake to be released Friday!

CD release party Friday night at the Rhythm Room. Ed Masley’s wonderful article which came out this morning pretty much sums it all up! Click here to read.

Also this great review from Concert Monkey from Belgium just in!

Here is the summary translated to English:

“Primer’s lived-in voice and compelling guitar playing form a perfect combination with Corritore’s virtuoso harmonica. Together they create a dynamic that is both raw and refined, bringing each track on ‘Crawlin’ Kingsnake’ to life with an undeniable energy. Their interplay is intuitive and compelling, and it is clear that these two musicians have a deep respect for the traditions of the blues. Add to that the excellent musicians they managed to surround themselves with and you know that ‘Crawlin’ Kingsnake’ is a more than excellent album. It wouldn’t surprise me if ‘Crawlin’ Kingsnake’ by John Primer & Bob Corritore is nominated for the Blues Music Awards as best traditional album of the year.” (9/10)

Click here to see the review!

And thank you to Blues Lounge Radio for the feature!

You can hear the feature by clicking here. The entire second hour is devoted to the album!

Bob Corritore’s radio show, Those Lowdown Blues, celebrates its 40th anniversary!

In 1984, then 27 year-old Bob Corritore started his blues radio program which now is celebrating it’s 40th year on the air! You can hear this program each Sunday night from 6pm to 11pm MST at KJZZ.org, or if you’re in Phoenix at 91.5 FM. Tonight at 8 PM, during the jazz programming, host Blaise Lantana will be interviewing Bob Corritore about his radio adventure and his journey in the blues. Tune in at KJZZ.org. Thank you KJZZ for providing a safe-haven for Blues programming!

March 21, 2024 – CD Release And Party Next Friday, Interview With Time Signatures, Media Accolades And More

John Primer & Bob Corritore new album out next Friday!

John Primer & Bob Corritore/Crawlin’ Kingsnake will be released next week on Friday, March 29. There will be a huge album release party at The Rhythm Room that night with John, Bob and the all-star band that appears on the album: Bob Stroger, Jimi Primetime Smith, Anthony Geraci, and Wes Starr. To buy tickets to the CD release party go to rhythmroom.com. You can pre-order the new album wherever Music is sold. We also have T-shirts available in all sizes which you can purchase by just hitting the reply button and stating your size and address and a quote will come back to you.

Cool Podcast Interview

Thank you to Interviewer Jim Ervin for this well paced interview on his podcast, Time Signatures. It’s about a half hour long.

A great HART Fund benefit last week.

Great to see so many people come out for this worthy cause that helps musicians out in their times of need. It was great to see Renee Greenman (Eddy Clearwaters widow) after an extended period of grieving has happily remarried. Also, great to see Linda Cain from Chicago Blues Guide and Barbara Newman, Scott and Tracey Fitzke from the Blues Foundaton. And the extra special shout out to Dr. Janice Johnston, Kathy Bolmer, and Andy T for their parts and organizing this great event. To find out more about the HART Fund and the Blues Foundation go to blues.org.

Some great media reactions to the upcoming album!

March 12, 2024 – HART Fund Benefit And Blues Summit On Saturday, Upcoming Primer/Corritore Release, And More!

Huge show this Saturday in benefit of the HART Fund.

John Primer & Bob Corritore/Crawlin’ Kingsnake to be released March 29! CD Release Party that night at the Rhythm Room!

Other upcoming Shows!

And don’t forget Bob Corritore’s From The Vaults Series! Now up to 9 releases!

March 5, 2024 – Primetime & Yahni Birthday Bash On Saturday With Guest Katherine Davis, Living Blues Best Of 2023, John Primer’s Birthday Today!

Jimi Primetime Smith and Yahni Riley celebrate their birthdays this Saturday at the Rhythm Room.

Performing will be the Jimi Primetime Smith/Bob Corritore Blues Band with special guest Chicago blues queen Katherine Davis. Hope to see you at the show!

Bob CorrItore has 4 albums listed in the Living Blues Best Of 2023 Chart!

Quite an honor to have four albums listed in this chart! And congratulations to Cashbox Kings and our friend Oscar Wilson for their #1 spot! And a huge congratulations to all our friends and associates who also made the chart!

Happy birthday, John Primer!

Today is John Primer‘s 79th birthday, and he’s singing and playing at the top of his game right now. This real deal Chicago Bluesman cut his teeth working with Junior Wells, James Cotton, Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, and Magic Slim, before launching his own incredibly successful solo career! Last year he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, received a Blues Blast Lifetime Achievement Award, a Grammy nomination and numerous other awards. The new album, John Primer & Bob Corritore/Crawlin’ Kingsnake will be released on March 29, and there will be a CD release party at the Rhythm Room that same night! Wishing John the best possible birthday today!

Other upcoming shows!

February 27, 2024 – Just A Day And A Half Left To Vote For The BMAs!

Please cast your votes for the 2024 Blues Music Awards. Voting ends February 28, 6:59pm CST. Congratulations to all of the nominees of the 2024 Blues Music Awards! Bob Corritore is nominated for a BMA in the Instrumentalist – Harmonica category. And Bob is with some amazing company! For a complete list of nominees, to become a member of The Blues Foundation, which allows you to vote, go to blues.org. The winners will be announced in Memphis at the awards ceremony on Thursday, May 9, 2024. Thank you!

February 23, 2024 – Blues Music Award Voting Ends Soon, New Primer/Corritore Single, Gigs, Latest Album #1 In France!

Blues Music Awards Voting Closing Soon

Gigs This Weekend!

Other Upcoming Shows

02/23/24: Phoenix, AZ – Rhythm Room, Jimi Primetime Smith/Bob Corritore duo open for Coco Montoya
02/24/24: Phoenix AZ, Rhythm Room – performing at an afternoon memorial tribute to Gary Wright. 1 to 4pm
03/09/24: Phoenix, AZ – Rhythm Room, Jimi Primetime Smith/Bob Corritore Blues Band. DOUBLE BIRTHDAY PARTY for Primetime and Yahni with guest appearance by Katherine Davis!
03/29/24: Phoenix, AZ – The Rhythm Room, John Primer & Bob Corritore with Jimi Primetime Smith, Bob Stroger, Wes Starr, Anthony Geraci. CD Release Party for Crawlin’ Kingsnake!
04/20/24: Baton Rouge, LA – Baton Rouge Blues Festival with Jimi Primetime Smith/Bob Corritore Duo
04/27/24: Phoenix AZ, Rhythm Room – Jimi Primetime Smith/Bob Corritore Blues Band
05/08/24 to 05/10/24: Memphis, TN – Blues Music Award week with lots of performances and activities.
05/11/24: Clarkdale, MS – Pinetop Perkins fundraiser
09/21/24: Peoria, IL – Blues Blast Music Awards at Events Center
09/27/24: Phoenix AZ, Rhythm Room – Bob Corritore Annual Birthday Blues Blowout with Willie Buck, Oscar Wilson, Bob, Stroger, Tia Carroll, Anthony Geraci, Wes Starr, Jimi Primetime Smith.
10/10/24 to 10/12/24: Helena, Arkansas – King Biscuit Blues Festival. Details TBA.
10/13/24: Clarksdale, MS – Hopson‘s Platation, Pinetop Perkins Homecoming Event with Bob Margolin and Bob Stroger.
10/26/25 to 11/02/24: Northern California tour with John Primer. Details TBA
11/09/24 to 11/16/24: European tour with Oscar Wilson and Jimi Primetime Smith, produced by Giles Robson. Details, TBA.

New Primer/Corritore Album Forthcoming!

The new album John Primer & Bob Corritore/Crawlin’ Kingsnake will be released March 29! The first single from the album is the title track, and it’s available now! Check out this article from American Blues Scene to hear the single and read about the album – click here to read.

To pre-order the album on CD: https://www.amazon.com/Crawlin-Kingsnake-Bob-Corritore/dp/B0CSC16GJJ

Or on download anywhere downloads are sold! It’s a killer album of straight Chicago blues!

Phoenix Blues Rumble is #1 in France!

What an honor to be at the top of the French Powerblues Chart! Thank you Le Collectif Des Radios Blues!

More thrilling accolades! Thank you everyone!

February 5, 2024 – Performance With Grammy Winning Bobby Rush Tomorrow, Upcoming Gigs, And More

Congratulations, Bobby Rush! Appearing Tuesday at the Rhythm Room!

Yesterday Bobby Rush won his third career Grammy in the traditional blues category! He flies into Phoenix today and will perform at the Rhythm Room tomorrow! Advance tickets available at rhythmroom.com.

Photo Amy Brat/BratGirlMedia

This weekend‘s gigs in Tucson and Phoenix!

RIP Gary Wright, the ultimate friend and blues fan.

Last week we lost Gary Wright after his long battle fighting cancer. Gary was the ultimate goodwill ambassador for the Blues. He moved from California to Phoenix about 12 years ago and immediately became part of the Rhythm Room family. He was a chef and often brought wonderful freshly-cooked meals to greet touring musicians in the green room. His enthusiasm for blues, music and musicians was unstoppable, and his kindness to all people was universal. The Rhythm Room will host a musical memorial to Gary on the afternoon of Saturday, February 24 at 12:30 pm. Playing at this show are Cadillac Assembly Line, Big Daddy D & The Dynamites, Gypsy Wild At Harp, George Bowman, Smokestack Lightning, Brian Fahey, Johnny Rapp, Bluesman Mike, Mike Simpson, Mike Howard, Rocket 88s, Yahni Riley, Jimi Primetime Smith, Bob Corritore, and more! Event poster is forthcoming. Rest in peace dear Gary.

Other upcoming shows!

Blues Music Award voting is now on!

Please go to blues.org to join The Blues Foundation, and to vote!

February 1, 2024 – Bob’s BMA Nomination, Upcoming Gigs, And More!

Bob Corritore Receives Blues Music Award Nomination!

Congratulations to all of the nominees of the 2024 Blues Music Awards! Bob Corritore is nominated for a BMA in the Instrumentalist – Harmonica category. And Bob is with some amazing company! For a complete list of nominees, to become a member of The Blues Foundation, which allows you to vote, go to blues.org. The winners will be announced in Memphis at the awards ceremony on Thursday, May 9, 2024.

Bob Corritore Gigs Next Week:

GoFundMe Thank You!

A huge thank you to all of the over 500 people who donated to the Rhythm Room GoFundMe! We met, and then exceeded our parking lot goal, and money is still coming in! With these overages, we now are looking at replacing our old beat-up barstools and chairs, as well as the carpeting, parameter wall repair, signage, etc. We are progressing well with our next set of goals. Much appreciation for all your help! By the way, the parking lot will be done by the end of April! Excited!

Thanks For These Kudos!

Upcoming album release!

Powerful, state of the art Chicago Blues! Pre-order now! https://ffm.to/nowoz2b/presavecallback

January 25, 2024 – Upcoming Primer/Corritore Album Announced, Rhythm Room GoFundMe And More!

John Primer & Bob Corritore/Crawlin’ Kingsnake to be released on March 29!

Crawlin’ Kingsnake will be the fourth collaborative album by John Primer, and Bob Corritore. This powerful combination seems to bring out the best in both artists and this album has the extra added feature of an All-Star band of Bob Stroger, Anthony Geraci, Jimmy, Primetime, Smith, and Wes Starr! It’s an album of powerful, old-school, Chicago blues! To see all the panels featuring the amazing artwork of famed illustrator Vince Ray, click here.
To pre-order click here: https://ffm.to/nowoz2b/

Rhythm Room GoFundMe!

The Rhythm Room is asking the music-loving community for some timely help. Our insurance company has informed us that if we don’t repave our parking lot by the end of March they will cancel our insurance. Granted, the parking lot is in the state of disrepair and a re-paved parking lot will be a big improvement. Unfortunately however, the cost will be around $30,000 which do not have. We are seeking any kind of donation, large, or small to assist us in this effort. In the event that we somehow go past our goal and receive any kind of overage then we will use those funds for other badly needed improvements such as new furniture, new carpet, signage, perimeter wall repair. So any donation large or small would be greatly appreciated. If you would prefer to donate by check, then please make check out to Rhythm Room and mail to Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85014. We hate to ask this, as we prefer to give rather than receive. We appreciate all the support that you’ve shown us in our past 32 years. The Rhythm Room hopes to continue for years to come. Thank you!

Click here to donate.

January 17, 2024 – Jimi Primetime Smith/Bob Corritore Blues Band This Saturday At The Rhythm Room, Arizona Blues Hall Of Fame Event On Sunday, And More!

Jimi Primetime Smith/Bob Corritore Blues Band Appear Saturday at the Rhythm Room!

To purchase advance tickets, click here or just pay at the door.

Arizona Blues Hall of Fame Induction And Concert This Sunday, January 21, Early Show

This show will induct Tommy Dukes Blues Band, Eric Ramsey, Tommy Washington, Marilyn Stringer, Monterey Court, Walking Cane Mark. Doors at noon, show from 1 PM until 6 PM. Entertainers will include Tommy Dukes, Eric Ramsey, Jimi Primetime Smith/Bob Corritore Blues Band, Lucius Parr, Tommy Washington, Chuck Hall, Andy Gonzales, Janet Daniel, Mike Blommer, Carla Brownlee, James Robertson, and more! Tickets available at the door, or in advance here.

Some other great shows in Bob Corritore’s schedule:

Spectacular Vintage Photo of the Howlin’ Wolf Band!

The Howlin’ Wolf Band at WOPA radio, Chicago. Back row: Johnny Littlejohn, Sam Lay, Hubert, Sumlin, Eddie Shaw, Henry Gray. Front row: radio host/promoter Big Bill Hill, Howlin’ Wolf.