Here is a photo scrapbook of some of the musical highlights of the year in chronological order.

Bob Corritore brought Tail Dragger to The Rhythm Room for a live recording session on January 7th and 8th. Tail Dragger was backed by the Rhythm Room All-Stars with special guest Kirk Fletcher. Some powerful Chicago Blues was played.
(Photo by David Blake)

While visiting Phoenix, Bob took Tail Dragger and Kirk Fletcher to Honey Bear’s for some delicious barbecue!
(Photo by Bob Corritore)

The Rhythm Room All-Stars
(Photo by David Blake)

Jessi Coiter and Bob Corritore appeared for a celebrity filled charity fundraiser dinner benefitting ChildHelp USA on January 14th at the Paradise Valley Country Club. Quite a contrast to play with Tail Dragger the weekend before!
(Photo by Eddie Webb)

Bob met the lovely Jane Seymour at the ChildHelp USA fundraiser.
(Photo by Jane Seymour)

Bob also met John O’Hurley at the ChildHelp USA fundraiser dinner. There were many interesting people that weekend.
(Photo by Eddie Webb)

It was a great honor for Bob to meet the legendary Mickey Rafael (longtime harmonica player in Willie Nelson’s band) on Saturday, January 15th. This was at the second night of the ChildHelp USA fundraiser.
(Photo by Jessi Colter)

Mud Morganfield and Bob Corritore performed at The Rhythm Room in Phoenix on January 28th and 29th.
(Photo by Juanita)

Bob Corritore, Didier Tricard, Bruce Iglauer at the IBCs in Memphis, TN – February 3rd
(Photo by Amy Brat)

Valerie June & Bob Corritore at the IBCs in Memphis, TN – February 3rd
(Photo by Heidi Knochenhauer)

Gary Allegretto, Stella Ponce, Janiva Magness, Bob Corritore, Amy Brat at the KBA Brunch – February 5th
Gary was the recipient of a KBA award in the Blues Educator category for his Harmonikids educational program.
(Photo Courtesy of Amy Brat)

Barrelhouse Chuck, Harmonica Hines, E.G. McDaniel, Mud Morganfield, Billy Flynn, Bob Corritore, Rick Kreher, Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith
At Rat Trax Studios in Chicago, IL For The Mud Morganfield Recording – February 8th
(Photo by Amy Brat)

The Great Harmonica Hines at the Mud Morganfield Session – February 9th

Bob Corritore and Mud Morganfield at Rat Trax Studios in Chicago, IL after completing the sessions for Mud’s CD. Note it was below zero weather during that time!

Audrey Donson (Chico Chism’s daughter) and Bob Corritore at the Arizona Musicians and Entertainment Hall of Fame induction ceremony on February 13, 2011 at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix. At this ceremony, Chico Chism was inducted. Bob was honored to present the trophy to Chico’s daughter. Chico was a major player in the Phoenix blues scene until his passing in 2007. 

Dave Riley’s 62nd Birthday Party at The Rhythm Room – March 18th
Brian Fahey, Bob Corritore, Dave Riley, Yahni Riley
(Photo by David Blake)

The Dave Riley / Bob Corritore Juke Joint Blues Band – March 19th
Brian Fahey, Dave Riley, Bob Corritore, Yahni Riley
(Photo by David Blake)

Bob Corritore and Randy Chortkoff on March 26th in Los Angeles after the funeral services for our friend Tom Leavey.
(Photo by Kelly Davis)

King Cotton and Bob Corritore at the repast for Tom Leavey at Randy Chortkoff’s house.

Kirk Fletcher, Kid Ramos, Randy Chortkoff Playing Some Blues for the Late Tom Leavey in Burbank, CA – March 26th
(Photo by Bob Corritore)

Bob Corritore & Janiva Magness at the Repast for Tom Leavey

On March 28th, immediately after Pinetop Perkins’ funeral in Austin, Texas, a group of Pinetop’s close friends gathered at Artz Rib House for dinner to honor this great man. Included in this photo are (Left to Right) Barrelhouse Chuck, David Maxwell, Bob Corritore, James Cotton, Noel Neal, Jacklyn Hairston (James Cotton’s wife), Paul Oscher, and Little Frank, There was unspoken love and respect for Pinetop that filled this group’s collective consciousness.
(Photo by Mona Watkins)

On April 2nd, Dave Riley & Bob Corritore headlined the Old Town Blues Festival in Cottonwood, AZ.

Bob Corritore at the Old Town Blues Festival

Bob Corritore Blues Blast Magazine Cover

Gray Sky Blues Music Festival Poster

Dave Riley & Bob Corritore Appeared at the Gray Sky Blues Festival in Tacoma, WA – April 9th
(Photo by Slim Lively)

Dave Riley & Bob Corritore at the Gray Sky Blues Festival in Tacoma, WA – April 9th

Bob Corritore With The V-Knights at the Gray Sky Blues Festival in Tacoma, WA – April 9th

Dave and Bob with our wonderful pick up rhythm section right before our set at the Gray Sky Blues Festival on April 9th.
Scott Simmons, Andrew Cloutier, Dave Riley, Bob Corritore
(Photo by Gary Grape)

Bob Corritore was honored to be asked to write the liner notes for Lazy Lester’s You Better Listen, which was released in early 2011 on the Bluestown label from Norway. Thanks Jostein Forsberg.

Earthquake Relief Poster

Dave Riley & Bob Corritore Photo Shoot at Durant’s Restaurant in Central Phoenix – April 12th
(Photo by Dave Blake)

On May 5th, The Blues Foundation hosted the 2011 Blues Music Awards Ceremony at the Cook Convention Center in downtown Memphis. Bob Corritore & Friends / Harmonica Blues won a BMA that night for the “Historical Album” category!

In addition to Bob Corritore & Friends / Harmonica Blues winning a Blues Music Award for “Historic Album”, Bob also received a BMA nomination under the “Instrumentalist – Harmonica” category. Also nominated were James Cotton, Kim Wilson, Paul Oscher, and Charlie Musselwhite. It was Charlie who would walk away with the win! Here is the lovely nomination certificate.

Bob Corritore and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith performed a tribute to Pinetop Perkins together at the 2011 Blues Music Awards, Cook Convention Center, Memphis on May 5th. The all-star band on this song included Patrick Rynn (pictured above), Chris James, Eddie Shaw, David Maxwell, and Jimi Bott.
(Photo by Charlie Hussey)

Bob Corritore, Steve Marriner, Bob Margolin at the Blues Music Awards at Cook Convention Center in Memphis, TN – May 5th

Moulin Ospel Blues Festival

Bob Corritore & Dave Riley at the Moulin Ospel Blues Festival in Ospel, Holland on May 7th 2011. Note that Bob had just flew in from the BMAs with a 9 hour time difference. It was plane to stage with no sleep!

Bob Corritore With The Boys From Homemade Jamz at the Moulin Ospel Blues Festival

Brian Fahey at the Moulin Ospel Blues Festival

In Front of Good Blues in Gooreind, Belgium – May 8th
Paul Vissers, Dave “Yahni” Riley Jr., Dave Riley, Michael Hofkens, Bob Corritore

It was a pleasure to perform at the famous Banana Peel Club in Belgium on May 9th!

Bob Corritore & Dave Riley at the Banana Peel Club in Belgium – May 9th
(Photo by Andre Hobus)

Brian Fahey in Beautiful Hasselt, Belgium – May 11th
(Photo by Bob Corritore)

The Artist Wristband From Muziekodroom in Hasselt, Belgium – May 12th

The Dave Riley / Bob Corritore Juke Joint Blues Band Backstage After Their Performance at Muziekodroom in Hasselt, Belgium – May 12th
(Photo by Patt Erkens)

Dave “Yahni” Riley Jr. at Muziekodroom in Hasselt, Belgium – May 12th
(Photo by Patty Erkens)

Bob Corritore & Dave Riley Play For The Amsterdam Harmonica Meetup Group – May 13th

George Reijnders, Vincent van Wijk, Dave Riley Jr, Dave Riley, Bob Corritore in Leiden, Holland Playing the Blues on a Boat on the Rhine River
(Photo by Nanny of Blueswereld)

Diunna Greenleaf – Trying To Hold On Cover Art Courtesy of Tony Amato
Bob produced half of the album and contributes harmonica on four selections.

Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival

Fun at the Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Festival – May 28th
King Brothers, Sugaray Rayford, Bob Corritore

Willie Campbell, Bob Corritore, Kid Ramos at the Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Festival – May 28th

Bob Corritore Performing With The Mannish Boys at the 2011 Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Festival – May 28th
(Photo by Wanda Leavey)

Bob Corritore & Louisiana Red at The Rhythm Room in Phoenix, Arizona – June 3rd
Red, who was visiting from his home of Hannover, Germany, played the weekend with The Rhythm Room All-Stars and was reunited with his longtime friend, Bob.

Bob Corritore signing autographs at the NARAS Chicago Blues Fest pre-party at Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago, IL – June 9th
Bob performed as part of the Pinetop Perkins tribute set.
(Photo by Susan McPhail)

Mark Wydra, Bob Corritore, Sam Lay, Harlan Terson Performing at a Reunion of The Bob Riedy Blues Band at the Windy City Blues Society Stage at the Chicago Blues Festival – June 11th

Bob Corritore appearing with The Mud Morganfield Band on Sunday, June 12 at the Front Porch Stage at the Chicago Blues Festival. A spectacular performance with an all-star band. Pictured are Bob Corritore, Mud Morganfield, and E.G McDaniel. Also in the band were Kenny Smith, Barrelhouse Chuck, Billy Fynn, Rick Kreher, and Harmonica Hines, who split the harp chores with Bob.
(Photo by Amy Brat)

Bob Corritore, Mark Wydra, Sam Lay Performing at a Reunion of The Bob Reidy Chicago Blues Band on June 11th at Del Rhea’s Chicken Basket in Willowbrook, IL

Billy Flynn, Jimmy Mayes (Obscured), Milwaukee Slim (Singing Off Stage), Bob Corritore, Justin O’Brien at Smoke Daddy’s in Chicago, IL – June 10th

Morry Sochat & Bob Corritore at Smoke Daddy in Chicago, IL – June 12th
Morry had Bob as a featured guest on his gig that night.
(Photo by Susan McPhail)

Scott Dirks, Mojo Mark Cihlar, Willie Buck, Bob Corritore, Dave Waldman at Smoke Daddy in Chicago, IL – June 12th
Some dear, longtime friends, not to mention all great musicians.
(Photo by Susan McPhail)

Chicago Blues Fest After Party Group Photo
Dave Waldman, Joe Filisko, Morry Sochat, Jeffrey Justice, 
Rick Estrin, Shoji Naito, Bob Corritore, Deak Harp, Jim St. Marie, Billy Fynn, Mark Cihlar.
Morry Sochat & The Special 20s hosted a wonderful show at Smoke Daddy with Billy Flynn and 
Bob Corritore as special guests, with all these great players showing up.
(Photo by Susan McPhail)

Living Blues Awards Reader’s Ballot 2011

Bob Corritore Received a Living Blues Award Nomination in the “Harmonica” Category

Blues & Rhythm Magazine From the UK Featured a Bob Corritore Interview With a Cover Shot in Their June Issue!

Traditional Blues CD
Bob Corritore & Friends – Harmonica Blues
Studebaker John’s Maxwell Street Kings – That’s the Way You Do
Charlie Musselwhite  – The Well
Rich Del Grosso & Jonn Del Toro Richardson – Time Slips By
Pinetop Perkins & Willie “Big Eyes” Smith – Joined At The Hip
Magic Slim – Raising The Bar

Bob Corritore & Friends / Harmonica Blues received a Blues Blast Music Award nomination in the category of “Traditional Blues CD”

Cover Art for Louisiana Red & Little Victor’s Juke Joint Memphis Mojo CD
This was released in the fall of 2011. Little Victor produced the album, and Bob Corritore plays harmonica on six tracks!

Dave Riley was the cover story of the June 23rd issue of Blues Blast Magazine!

Valerie June at Rehearsal at Bob Corritore’s Home in Scottsdale, AZ – June 28th
(Photo by Bob Corritore)

Bob Corritore & Valerie June at The Rhythm Room – June 29th
Valerie opened for Jimmie Vaughan with Bob joining her for the second part of her set.
(Photo by Daniel Swadener)

Valerie June & Bob Corritore After Their Recording Session at Tempest Recording in Tempe, AZ – June 30th
(Photo by Valerie June’s Laptop!)

Show Poster for Concert at Patio Havana in Buzios, Brazil – July 15th
(Photo by Bob Corritore)

Bob Corritore & Dave Riley Appearing at Fest Bossa & Jazz in Natal, Brazil – July 16th
(Photo by Renato De Melo Mederios)

Bob Corritore With Friend Victoria in Pocas De Caldes in Brazil – July 12th

Bob Corritore & Luciano “Big Mouth” Boca in Pocas De Caldes in Brazil – July 13th

Show Poster for Concert at Patio Havana in Buzios, Brazil – July 15th
(Photo by Bob Corritore)

Bob took this photo from the stage at the Fest Bossa & Jazz in Pipa, Brazil – July 17th
(Photo by Bob Corritore)

Renato Limao, Bob Corritore, Dave Riley at Jazz & Blues Pocas De Caldas Festival in Brazil – July 9th
(Photo Courtesy of Luciano Boca)

Ivan Marcio, Danilo Simi, Renato Limao, Bob Corritore, Marcelo Naves, Luciano Boca, Adrian Flores, Dave Riley
Backstage Group Photo at Jazz & Blues Pocas De Caldas Festival in Brazil – July 9th

The Bossa & Jazz Festival in Pipa Beach, Brazil – July 17th
Bob Corritore was called onstage by Brazillian harp master Jefferson Goncalves with Taryn Szpilman on vocals and Jefferson’s fine band.
(Photo by Renato De Melo Mederios)

Kirk Fletcher, Tail Dragger, Brian Fahey Taking a Break During a Session at Tempest Recording – July 28th
Wonderful performances were recorded on that day and again on August 1st.
(Photo by Bob Corritore)

Tail dragger, Henry Gray, Kirk Fletcher
After a day of recording on July 28th, it was time for Honey Bear’s Barbecue.
(Photo by Bob Corritore)

Honey Bear’s Barbecue!
(Photo by Bob Corritore)

Rhythm Room Blues Extravaganza

Henry Gray, Bob Corritore, Tail Dragger, Kirk Fletcher Arriving at The Rhythm Room in Phoenix, AZ – July 30th
It was an amazing show!

Clarke Rigsby at Tempest Recording in Tempe, AZ – August 8th
Bob and Clarke were mixing Amanda’s chosen selections from Amanda’s Roller Coaster in the studio that day.
(Photo by Bob Corritore)

Edmonton’s LaBatt Blues Festival in Alberta, Canada

The Delta Groove Harp Blast debuted at the Edmonton’s LaBatt Blues Festival in Alberta, Canada, headlining the third day of the festival on Sunday, August 21st.
It was an amazing set and a memorable close to a great weekend of blues music!

Bob Corritore & Dave Riley at Edmonton’s LaBatt Blues Festival in Alberta, Canada – August 20th
(Photo by Rosalee LaGrace)

Bob Corritore & Diunna Greenleaf Appearing at the Edmonton’s LaBatt Blues Festival – August 21st
(Photo Courtesy of Greg Baert)

Bob Corritore Performing on the Delta Groove Harp Blast Set at Edmonton’s LaBatt Blues Festival – August 21st
Frank Goldwasser is the guitarist shown above.
(Photos by Squrl)

Tommy Dukes at The Rhythm Room – August 27th
(Photo by Bob Corritore)

Bob Corritore & Tommy Dukes at The Rhythm Room – August 27th
Bob went to see his old friend and was called up on stage at five different points to play some Jimmy Reed, Elmore James, and Buster Brown songs.

Little Victor Boogie All Night Was Released in August of 2011 on the El Torro Label From Spain
The record features sides recorded in Phoenix with a guest appearance by Bob Corritore on one cut.

Special Recognition Office of the Governor, State of Arizona, Janice K. Brewer

In September, The Phoenix New Times Critics & Readers Chose The Rhythm Room as “Best Blues Bar” for the 2011 Best of Phoenix Awards!

The Rhythm Room’s 20th Anniversary Party Was a Three Day Blowout Event on September 16th, 17th & 18th
The 18th was the actual 20th anniversary of the club’s opening day!

Tommy Castro called Bob to join him on a Jimmy Reed number on September 16th, the opening day of the three day Rhythm Room 20th Anniversary celebration.
(Photo by Dave Blake)

Bob Corritore & Diunna Greenleaf at The Rhythm Room 20th Anniversary Celebration – September 17th
This night was billed as Bob Corritore & Friends, and also included Mud Morganfield, Bob Margolin, Dave Riley, Billy Flynn, Barrelhouse Chuck, Johnny Rapp, Mookie Brill, and Brian Fahey. The night also served as an impromptu memorial tribute to Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, who passed away just days before.

The Rhythm Room could not run smoothly without it’s guardian angel! Here is Mona Lisa Watkins, the general manager of The Rhythm Room, making announcements on September 17th at The Rhythm Room 20th Anniversary party. Mona has been with The Rhythm Room for 15 of those years! Thanks Mona!
(Photo by Dave Blake)

Bob Corritore’s 55th Birthday With Magic Slim & The Teardrops

Bob Corritore was called on stage to perform with Magic Slim at Bob’s 55th birthday party on September 24th at The Rhythm Room. Dave Riley and Bob Corritore did the opening set that night with guests Jessi Colter and Jerry Lawson each playing a song.
(Photo by Dave Blake)

Britten Tillinghast, Bob Corritore, Jessi Colter at Bob’s 55th Birthday Party – September 24th

Raven Valdes & Tonia Robinson at Bob’s 55th Birthday Party – September 24th

Bob Corritore With Magic Slim & The Teardrops at Tempest Recording – September 25th
(Photo by Clarke Rigsby)

It was sad to attend Willie “Big Eyes” Smith’s funeral on September 26th in Chicago. Here is the funeral program.

Bob Corritore, Bob Margolin, Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith, and Bob Stroger on Friday, October 7th, performing at the Delta Cultural Center for the first of three tributes to Willie “Big Eyes” Smith at the King Biscuit Blues Festival in 2011. When Kenny sang that afternoon and sounded so much like his dad, it stirred something inside of all in attendance.
(Photo by Amy Brat)

Bob Corritore, Hubert Sumlin, Bob Margolin on the Main Stage at the King Biscuit Blues Festival in the Second of Three Tributes to Willie “Big Eyes” Smith – October 7th

Dave Riley, Chuck “Popcorn” Lowden, Bob Corritore at the Pinetop Perkins Memorial Homecoming at Hopson’s Plantation in Clarkesdale, MS – October 9th
Pinetop’s image on the backdrop oversaw the proceedings.

Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith, Bob Corritore, and Bob Stroger paying tribute to both Pinetop Perkins and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith on Sunday, October 9th, at the Pinetop Perkins Memorial Homecoming at Hopson’s Plantation in  Clarksdale, MS. This was the tribute of the week around the King Biscuit Blues Festival.

Bob Corritore & Cleome Bova at the King Biscuit Blues Festival – October
(Photo by Kurt Foor)

2011 Blues Blast Music Awards

Reba Russell & Bob Corritore Hanging Out at the Blues Blast Music Awards at Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago, IL – October 27th
(Photo by Kurt Foor)

Sharrie Williams, Tony Rogers, Bob Corritore at the Blues Blast Music Awards at Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago, IL – October 27th
Bob was honored when Tony asked him to be a part of the tgribute to his late wife Robin Rogers at the awards show. Robin won the award for “Female Blues Artist of the Year” that night!

At The Rhythm Room Halloween Party on October 29th, all the staff lovingly dressed up as Bob Corritore! Can you guess which one is the real Bob Corritore?
(Photo by Kelly Brydle)

Here is the handbill art for the 2011 Lucerne Blues Festival. Bob spent the first two weeks of November at this festival including many pre-fest events.

Lucerne Blues Festival in Switzerland – November 11th
Bob Corritore, Chris James, Brian Fahey, Tail Dragger, Patrick Rynn, Kirk Fletcher, Henry Gray
(Photo by Dragan Tasic)

Delta Groove Harp Blast at the Lucerne Blues Festival in Switzerland – November 10th
Mitch Kashmar, Bob Corritore, Big Pete, Randy Chortkoff With an Amazing Band of Jimi Bott (Pictured), Kirk Fletcher, Alex Schultz & Willie J. Campbell (Obscured)
(Photo by Dragan Tasic)

 

November 19th

Bob Corritore made a number of guest appearances with the great Rocket 88s in 2011. Band leader Bill Tarsha, who is a simply great harmonica player, has become a great drummer also, and these days he has made drums his primary instrument. Here is a photo from November 25th.
Bob Corritore, Dave Foster, Bill Tarsha, Susie Tarsha, Johnny Rapp (Also a Special Guest of That Show)
(Photo by Dave Blake)

In December of 2011, Big City Blues Magazine gave Bob Corritore a “Happy To Have The Blues” Award for Best Hair-Do (male)!

Bob Corritore, Bob Margolin, Mud Morganfield, Sam Lay at the Hubert Sumlin Memorial Show at FitzGeralds in Berwyn, IL – December 13th
(Photo by Blues Kathy)

Eddie Shaw & Tail Dragger at the Hubert Sumlin Memorial Show at FitzGeralds in Berwyn, IL – December 13th
(Photo by Blues Kathy)

Zora Young, Billy Branch, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Melvin Smith at the Hubert Sumlin Memorial Show at FitzGeralds in Berwyn, IL – December 13th
(Photo by Jennifer Noble)

The great Rod Piazza and his band The Mighty Flyers played The Rhythm Room on December 17th. Rod called Bob onstage to join him for a few numbers in the second set!
(Photo by Dave Blake)

Next photo page
Previous photo page

Back to photo index