BOB CORRITORE

Taboo

Delta Groove Music

By Pierre Lacocque

Liner notes by Charlie Musselwhite.

1. Potato Stomp, 3:39; 2. Many A Devil’s Night, 4:08; 3. Ruckus Rhythm: 3:39; 4. Harmonica Watusi, 3:25; 5. Taboo, 2:49; 6. Harp Blast, 2:41; 7. Mr. Tate’s Advice, 5:28;  8. 5^th Position Plea, 5:00; 9. Fabuloco (For Kid), 3:12; 10. Shuff Stuff, 3:55; 11. T-Town Ramble, 2:53; 12. Bob’s Late Hours, 3:09

Total Time:  44.36   

Bob Corritore is one of the most prolific recording artists on the scene today, continuing to receive world-wide recognition. The versatile harp player grew up in Chicagoland and cut his blues teeth by frequenting clubs on the South and West Sides where he learned his craft from the greats. He has since relocated to Phoenix, AZ where he is a club owner (The Rhythm Room), radio DJ, award-winning record producer and more. He often tours the world, accompanying other blues artists, to play prestigious festivals and clubs.

A huge talent, Bob has a knack for blending well with a wide variety of artists. With his fat-toned harp, he always finds the right spot for his vintage sound. This holds true with Taboo, an impressive blues harmonica instrumental CD.

Bob Corritore wrote 9 of the 12 tunes here, and authored another one with Junior Watson -- each of them jewels in their own right. He moves easily from chromatic to diatonic harmonicas, jumping from the three basic blues harp positions with ease as well as delivering one song in fourth position, and another one in fifth position (a beautiful song aptly named: “5^th Position Plea”).

This recording is a fine display of ensemble prowess. Yes, Corritore’s wailing harp is at the center of the mix, yet he grooves so well with the rest of the musicians that no lyrics are needed. There are no harp pyrotechnics that could distract the listener from the delightful pallet of songs. Bob Corritore’s unpretentious playing weaves beautifully in and out of each song. Each tune is cleverly crafted, and with attractive hooks.

The rhythm section mainly uses an upright- bass-and-brushes format (on 10 out of 12 songs). It’s a remarkable sound experience, inviting you into the heart of each tune. Besides vintage guitar work from Junior Watson and Jimmie Vaughan, you can hear piano, saxophone and B-3 solos as well. Everyone participates.  

The cast of characters is made of stellar artists: Besides the aforementioned Junior Watson and Jimmie Vaughan, you can hear Doug James (sax), Fred Kaplan (piano and B-3), Kedar Roy (acoustic bass), Richard Innes (drums on 10 cuts), Brian Fahey and Dowell Davis (drums), Papa John Defrancesco (B-3), and more.

Taboo presents a variety of Chicago Blues styles, including the show-stealer title track. “Taboo” was not written as a12 bar blues standard, and instead has a haunting Latino-Brazilian feel. Corritore also takes you from catchy struts and ‘50s grooves, to big band swings, and low-down Chicago Blues.

Bob’s harp playing is heartfelt. He does not fall on harp clichés, nor does he repeat himself. The listener can hear that there is an honesty (and statement) in his playing.  The band’s performance on Taboo is unpretentious, and performed within a cohesive old-school sound.  As is typical with the Delta Groove label, the mixing of the songs is vibrant.

In conclusion, Taboo is an inspiring outing, with a timeless feel, and easy to listen to again and again. It’s a perfect example of what ensemble work should sound like.  5 STARS out of 5.

Pierre Lacocque is the bandleader and harp player for Delmark recording artists Mississippi Heat www.mississippiheat.net