Chris James and Patrick Rynn

Stop and Think About It

Earwig Records 4957

by Eric Steiner

Stop and Think About It was one of my favorite releases of 2008, and so far this year, two of my favorite shows during International Blues Challenge weekend in Memphis featured this pair of former Chicago bluesmen now based in San Diego.  When Chris James and Patrick Rynn played to an SRO crowd at the Blind Raccoon showcase at Rum Boogie’s small room upstairs, I wished they had the larger main floor so that more blues fans could have checked out them out.  After the IBC finals on Saturday night, harp player Bob Corritore joined them again at the Big City Rhythm and Blues’ blues jam at Ground Zero in Memphis.  At each show, they played several cuts from their debut CD steeped in post-war Chicago blues.   When they aren’t wowing audiences as a duo, guitarist/vocalist Chris and bassist Patrick lead The Blue Four, and they are regular members of Corritore’s Rhythm Room All-Stars in Phoenix.  The CD features classic covers of songs from Elmore James, Jay McShann, Bo Diddley and Snooky Pryor, but I keep coming back to originals like the title cut, “I’d Like to Write a Letter,” and “You’re Gone.”

Since I live near Seattle, which is ground zero for all things caffeine, I’m going to ask my local Starbucks or Tully’s to pipe in their original, double-entendre filled song “Mister Coffee.” It’s the perfect accompaniment while we satisfy our java jones like voters in Chicago used to do (early and often).  The duo’s exciting updates on Elmore James’ “Hawaiian Boogie” and Bo Diddley’s “Mona” are spot-on. The 12-cut CD features many of their mentors and friends, including the legendary drummer Sam Lay (recipient of the Chicago chapter of the Recording Academy’s Hero Award in 2002 and the Howlin’ Wolf Award at the 2006 Chicago Blues Festival), harpman Bob Corritore (recipient of a 2008 Keeping the Blues Alive Award in the public radio category), and Rob Stone (of Rob Stone and the C-Notes).  Bill Dahl’s liner notes tell the story of a friendship that began over a chance visit to a local Guitar Center store where Patrick worked.  Over the years, they have since toured with Sam Lay’s band and Rob Stone and the C-Notes, and backed Earwig labelmate Johnny Drummer.  They also are on a live CD with the Rhythm Room All-Stars, House Rockin’ and Blues Shoutin’, backing Big Pete Pearson and Billy Boy Arnold.

The instrumental “Relaxin’ at the Clarendon” is done revue style, with each player taking turns out front: David Maxwell’s piano riffs bounce off Chris James’ expert slide work, and Sam Lay’s consistent cymbal finesse provide a nice framework for Jonny Viau and Allen Ortiz’ tenor sax;  it is one of my favorite songs on this must-have CD.  I look forward to Chris and Patrick’s next release and live show.

Stop and Think About It landed on many Top Ten lists of 2008, and perhaps more importantly, it caught the attention of many 2009 Blues Music Award nominators.  Chris and Patrick’s disc is up for Best New Artist Debut CD, and I hope that they’ll celebrate a new chapter in their blues career at the 2009 BMAs in Memphis in May.

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