Tuesday 8 June 2010

CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL June 11 - 13, 2010

Bob Corritore Blues Newsletter - Off to Chicago!

June 8, 2010
06/10/10: Evanston, IL - SPACE Harp and Soul Festival! With Bob Corritore, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Rob Stone, Grady Champion and more! To buy advance tickets click here.
06/11/10: Chicago, IL - The Smoke Daddy - Guest appearance on Billy Flynn's show
06/12/10: Chicago, IL - Chicago Blues Festival w/ Bob Riedy Blues Band featuring Sam Lay. This set is from 5pm to 6pm at the Blues Village Stage sponsored by the Windy City Blues Society.
6-12-2010: Willowbrook, IL - Blue Rooster Lounge at Dell Rhea's Chicken Basket - DVD filming with Bob Riedy Blues Band, Sam Lay 8:30 - Midnight. This will be filmed for a forthcoming documentary DVD!  
06/14/10: Chicago, IL - Old Town School Of Folk Music, Bob will be a guest speaker and performer for Joe Filisko's harmonica class. Class starts at 6:30 and Bob will speak at 8pm.


  • Other cool happenings during fest time!
06/09/10: Evanston, IL SPACE , Dave Specter and Steve Freund
06/12/10: Chicago, IL - Reggie's, Cadillac Zack's annual blues party! This year includes Bobby Parker, Jimmy Dawkins, Rockin' Johnny Band, Ardella Williams, Smiley Tillman, Emmett Henning, Cadillac Zack, and Charles Hayes.
06/12/10: Chicago, IL - House Of Blues, Back Porch Stage. Rob Stone, Chris James & Patrick Rynn perform.
06/12/10: Chicago, Mayne Stage, Theater, Liz Mandevile's after party, with Liz, Tail Dragger, Peter Struijk, and more!
06/13/10: Evanston, IL - SPACE, 3 Generations of the blues with Honeyboy Edwards, John Primer, and Grady Champion! Click here for more information.

Bob Corritore Blues Newsletter - Blues at Simi Valley this weekend, Buddy Guy's Legends, R.L. Burnside, RIP Rene Solis.

May 28, 2010


  • Delta Groove All-Star Blues Revue at The Simi Valley Cajun Creole Music Festival This weekend! Delta Groove Records will host it's annual All-Star revue this year as a blues stage with two days of non stop entertainment at the 21st Annual Cajun Creole Music Festival, on Saturday May 29, and Sunday May 30 (Memorial Day Weekend), in Simi Valley, California. Artists from the Delta Groove and Eclecto Groove labels appearing at the festival include the Jackie Payne / Steve Edmondson Band, Arthur Adams, Lynwood Slim with the Igor Prado Band, The Insomniacs, the Kirk Fletcher Band, Los Fabulocos featuring Kid Ramos, The Soul of John Black, The Hollywood Blue Flames, Mike Zito, Candye Kane (with guest appearance by Bob Corritore), the legendary Elvin Bishop and a very rare Southern California appearance by The Mannish Boys! Bob Corritore's Harmonica Blues CD release will be officially released on August 17th, but advance copies will be available at the the festival merchandise area. Simi Valley’s Cajun Creole Music Festival, now with a "Blues Infusion", is put on every year by the Rotary Club, with one hundred percent of the profits going to charity. For more information, please visit the festival’s website at www.simicajun.org


  • Buddy Guy's Legends moves to new location! Buddy Guy's Legends has been a leading force in bringing blues to the heart of Chicago. It is the Chicago stop for most touring blues acts. After years of hearing about changing venue locations, Legends officially opens today at its new address on 700 S. Wabash Avenue, with a show by Shannon Curfman. For more information on the new location and to see the schedule at Buddy Guy's Legends, click here.


  • RIP Rene Solis Sept 1954 - April 2010. We have word that beloved bay area guitarist/vocalist Rene Solis has passed away. He was 55. Rene was the leader of Nite Cry, a band which, years ago, also featured a young Tommy Castro. Rene also worked with John Lee Hooker, Luther Tucker, Coco Montoya, and Debbie Davies. For more information on Rene Solis, and see his website click here. Thank you Rene, for a life devoted to the blues.


  • Wolf Records to release a CD of 70's and 80's recordings by R.L. Burnside! The late R.L. Burnside, along with Fat Possum Records, spearheaded a movement that popularized Mississippi blues for a new generation. R.L.'s larger than life personality, a spellbinding, hypnotic approach to blues, and his rich, southern voice were all parts of his successful formula. He passed away in 2005 after converting hundreds of thousands of young people into blues fans. Wolf Records has announced the June 7th release of R.L. Burnside / Rollin' & Tumblin, with 19 songs and an interview, all recorded in 1975, 1981, and 1982 on R.L.'s front porch. For more information on Wolf Records click here. To see a photo page dedicated to R. L. Burnside click here.


  • Junior Kimbrough on YouTube! Please enjoy this video of Junior Kimbrough at his hypnotic best, performing "All Night Long" at his juke joint in Holly Springs, Mississippi. This excerpt is from the movie "Deep Blues". To see this clip click here.

Bob Corritore Blues Newsletter - Chico Chism, Harp & Soul Event at SPACE, Otis Rush, RIP Larry Dale, and more.

May 21, 2010



  • Chico Chism remembered at the Rhythm Room this Saturday. The late Chico Chism was Howlin' Wolf's last drummer and a highly noted player in the Chicago blues scene of the '70s and early '80s, and the Phoenix blues scene after that. Chico moved to Phoenix, Arizona to work with Bob Corritore in 1986 and found great acceptance in its music community. In addition to being a popular performer, Chico became an influential blues figure to a number of younger blues artists whom he personally mentored. Chico spent the last 20 years of his life calling Phoenix his home, until he passed away in 2007 at age 79. Each year the Rhythm Room (where Chico spent much of his time) holds a memorial birthday bash, honoring our fallen hero. This year's event happens on Saturday, May 22, with 7pm doors and a 8pm show and acts include George Thomas & The Flamekeepers (Chico's last band), Rocket 88s, Big Pete Pearson, Hans Olson, Nina Curri, Walkin' Cane Mark, Harmonica Mark, Gypsy, George Bowman, RD Olson, Mikel Lander & Meridith Moore, and more! To see some great photos of Chico, click here, here, here, and here. Chico is gone, but not forgotten.



  • RIP Larry Dale - January 7, 1923 to May 19 2010. Guitarist/vocalist Larry Dale is best known for 1950s and '60s session work in New York which yielded many great sides. His amazing vocals could transport a song to an other-worldly quality but he also was a fine guitarist who would be called into recording sessions as an accompanist to other vocalists. Born Ennis Lowery on January 7th, 1927 in Wharton Texas, he would later move to New York where he would record sides for Atlantic, Jax, Herald, Groove, Vik, and Glover. In addition to his own fine recordings, he played on sessions with Champion Jack Dupree, Bob Gaddy, Paul Williams, Big Red McHouston, Mr. Bear, Cootie Williams, and others. He passed away on Wednesday at his apartment in New York. He was 86 years old. To see Larry Dale's full discography, click here. To read a nice bio, click here.



  • Harp & Soul Festival in Evanston to be a pre-party to the Chicago Blues Festival! This year's Blues On The North Shore will be a harmonica festival called Harp & Soul, which happens on June 10th, 8pm, at SPACE in Evanston, Illinois. Bob Corritore will kick off the event with a set featuring Billy Flynn, Bob Riedy, Chris James & Patrick Rynn, Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith, and a guest appearance by the legendary Sam Lay. Bob grew up on the north shore and the first blues show he ever saw was a 1971 concert by the Sam Lay Blues Revival in the auditorium of New Trier West High School! This set will also serve as a CD pre-release party for Bob's new CD, Harmonica Blues on the Delta Groove label. Other sets in the Harp & Soul Festival feature Willie "Big Eyes" Smith (who has a new CD coming out with Pinetop Perkins on Telarc), Rob Stone (who has a new CD out on the Earwig label), and Grady Champion (this year's winner of the International Blues Challenge). Emceeing the event will be Bill Wax, host of B.B. King’s Bluesville on Sirius/XM Satellite radio. This show is all about the blues harmonica. Thanks to Lynn Orman and Scott Shuman for producing, organizing, and promoting Harp & Soul. To see the Blues On The North Shore website click here, and to see the Front Row Music Website with information on this and other events click here.



  • Phoenix CD Party announced for Chris James & Patrick Rynn's new Earwig CD! Chris James & Patrick Rynn's sophomore release Gonna Boogie Anyway on the Earwig label, finds them exploring their award winning formula on a set of mostly original songs. Chris and Patrick will celebrate their new release on on June 25th, and 26th, at their monthly gig with the Rhythm Room All-Stars at the Rhythm Room. Gonna Boogie Anyway will be available for sale at this event!



  • Rhythm Room acknowledged by 944 Magazine! Phoenix's 944 magazine  has declared the Rhythm Room "Small Music Venue Worth The Price Of Admission" in their current "944 Pics" issue! Thanks for these kind words.



  • Vintage Otis Rush on YouTube! Please enjoy this great Otis Rush clip from the 1966 American Folk Blues Festival performing his hit "I Can't Quit You Baby." Click here to see.

Bob Corritore Blues Newsletter. Rhythm Room All-Stars, Amanda's Harmonica Show, Memphis Recap, RIP Willie Pooch,

May 14, 2010
The proceedings started on Wednesday with the Hall Of Fame dinner, which recognized great people, works of literature, and recordings. After a reception, where many greeting were exchanged, I sat in-between Louisiana Red, and the now 19 year old blues boy wonder Marquise Knox, at a table that also included Thomas Ruf and Ira Leslie from Ruf Records, Steve Hecht of Piedmont Talent and Eden Brent. The event was emceed in fine form by presenters Bill Wax, Bob Porter, and Jay Sieleman. Many wonderful speeches were given: Maria Muldaur honored Gus Cannon. Bruce Iglauer of Alligator Records gave a heartfelt testimonial on Fenton Robinson. Dick Waterman gave a nostalgic award presentation to a tearful Bonnie Raitt whose acceptance speech was just eloquent. Bruce Bromberg told the story of his work with Robert Cray as the album Strong Persuader was inducted into the Blues Hall Of Fame. Charlie Musselwhite's acceptance speech was filled with southern charm and humility. The legendary "Sunshine" Sonny Payne spoke of his 60 years broadcasting on KFFA out of Helena, Arkansas and recalled Sonny Boy Williamson I, and Robert "Jr." Lockwood. Lonnie Brooks shared a story of his career path in music. Many other speeches were part of this glorious night. It was great to see Louisiana Red and Bonnie Raitt talking after the event. At that point many went to the Rum Boogie, where Nick Moss was hosting a celebrity jam. All accounts were that it was a spectacular, star driven night. I opted to have a rowdy, late night hotel room jam session with Red, Little Victor and Marquise Knox in Red's hotel room.
The next day started with a sound check at the Cook Convention Center. I would be performing in the 11pm slot at the BMAs with Louisiana Red & Little Victor's Juke Joint, which in addition to Red, Victor, and myself, included David Maxwell, Alex Pettersen, William "Billy T" Troiani, and Haakon "The Hawk" Hoeye. This was the band that performed on Red's CD Back to the Black Bayou, and everyone is a solid player. I have to thank my friend, Memphis harmonica ace, Billy Gibson for once again lending me his vintage Supro amp for my use while I was in Memphis. While at the sound check I got to spend some time with Eddie C. Campbell and his wife Barbara, and wished Eddie a happy birthday. Everywhere you went was bustling with blues people, and greetings were many. It was impossible to get through the hotel lobby without running into many friends.
Before I knew it, the time had come to go to the BMAs at the Cook Convention Center. This year the preparty was on the first level, and everyone was dressed to the nines in their best attire. It appeared that almost everyone in the blues world was there and the greetings were non-stop! I had the thrill of meeting Latimore whose music I have been a fan of for years. When everyone made their way upstairs to the dining area I found that I was seated at the table with Lynn Orman, Elaine Lazarus, Kevin Stanton of Shure Microphones, Terry Buckalew, BillyT and his wife, Alex, and the Hawk. Many great performances happened by artists such as Candye Kane, Eddie C. Campbell, Duke Robillard, Super Chikan, Johnny Rawls, Saffire, Buddy Guy (who was presented a lifetime acheivement award at the ceremony by Bonnie Raitt) and many more! I did not see all the performances as I was alternating between the show and the social gathering of the lobby area. The highlight performance of the night for me was Billy Boy Arnold singing and playing the Sonny Boy Williamson I song "My Little Machine" during the set by Chicago Blues; A Living Tradition (a great set all the way through). I would perform two songs with Louisiana Red and Little Victor's Juke Joint which were very well received. Red had just received his two awards before our performance slot, and it was such a great moment to share with him. Bill Wax and Big Llou Johnson (both from Sirius / XM''s Bluesville channel) did a top notch job of hosting the event.
Chicago Blues was given a strong presence at the awards: The traditional female blues artist award became the Koko Taylor award. Veterans like Hubert Sumlin, Magic Slim, Bob Stroger, and Buddy Guy were all part of the proceedings. Delmark Records had a set that featured Zora Young, Shirley Johnson, and Eddie C. Campbell, and the label won an award for best blues DVD with a great acceptance speech by Delmark's Kevin Johnson that included a dedication to the late Little Arthur Duncan. Many members of the Windy City Blues Society were present, Rob Stone, Chris James, and Patrick Rynn were in attendence, and Patrick was a first time nominee in the bass player category.  The nomiation of Chicago Blues: A Living History brought out Billy Branch, Matthew Skoller, John Primer, Kenny Smith, Billy Flynn, Johnny Iguana and the great Billy Boy Arnold.
In the past I have listed the many important blues people that I ran into at the awards but the list is just too long to even get started. At the end of the night Louisiana Red, Little Victor and I were all hanging out, not wanting the night to be over. I got to carry Red's awards for him as we went across the street to the Marriott Hotel where we were staying. Simply a great night! To see the Blues Foundation's summary of this event click here. To see the winners of this year's BMAs click here. To see Arnie Goodman's great photos of the event click here.
On Friday Louisiana Red & Little Victor's Juke Joint (with David Maxwell and myself) had the privilege of a high profile Blues Foundation show from noon to 2pm at Alfred's on Beale Street. It was very satisfying to have this show as the night before we only performed two songs, and we needed the outlet to let some more blues out. Though early in the day the place was packed and Red was in terrific form. We had guest appearances by Mookie Brill, Evan Caleb (Candye Kane's son and drummer) Kid Andersen and the great Rick Estrin. Later that day we went to Leeway Music Recording Studio to record Louisiana Red's next CD on Ruf Records, produced by Little Victor. After a year filled with great recognition Louisiana Red was in just amazing form and Little Victor's insistent energy made for a great production. We went back in the studio, and from what I could tell, we ended up with a great Louisiana Red album to look forward to. At the end of  allthat I was fully depleted but satisfied. I flew home on Sunday and hosted my radio show, Those Lowdown Blues, on Sunday night on KJZZ. It was great week!
-Bob Corritore

  • RIP Willie Pooch - 1937 to May 5th, 2010 Columbus, Ohio based blues singer Willie Pooch passed away on May 5th, 2010 from  diabetes complications. He was 72. Born William Johnson in Tupelo, Mississippi in 1937, Willie grew to be a spectacular vocalist and entertainer. He was a huge part of the Columbus, Ohio Blues Scene and will be greatly missed by his community. He recorded and great CD with Cadillac Zak called The Blues Do Something To Me which is available on Zack's website by clicking here. For more information on Willie Pooch, including some nice video clips, click here.

  • Robert Pete Williams On Myspace! Louisiana country bluesman Robert Pete Williams performs his atmospheric, spell binding blues on these wonderful film clips: Performing "Scrap Iron Blues" (click here to see). A 1970 clip of "Baby Please" (click here to see). A 1970 clip of "Better Listen To Me" part 1 (click here to see): And part 2 (click here to see),  and performing "Old Girl At My Door" (click here to see).