JOHN PRIMER & BOB CORRITORE

Knockin’ Around These Blues

Delta Groove Music

By Mark Baier

As the first notes of Knockin Around These Blues jump out of the speakers, it’s very apparent that John Primer and Bob Corritore know a lot more than most about playing those blues. Indeed, the ghosts of Jimmy Reed, Little Walter, Robert Lockwood, Lightnin’ Hopkins, et. al. have fused with these modern masters to deliver a blues recording that is fresh enough for repeated listening and traditional enough to be mistaken for rare outtakes. Backed by a band of blues “Who’s Who”, Corritore and Primer demonstrate repeatedly why both are considered to be among the finest purveyors of blues alive. Guitarist/singer Primer backed up Muddy Waters, Magic Slim, James Cotton, Junior Wells and others before going solo. Harp maestro Corritore learned his craft in Chicago’s roughest blues bars in his youth, having backed legends like Koko Taylor and Tail Dragger. Today he’s a blues club owner (Phoenix’s Rhythm Room), DJ and record producer.  Both artists tour internationally and play prestigious fests and venues.

            For this collaborative CD, it’s hard to imagine a more satisfying and authentic cast of characters backing them up; Barrelhouse Chuck, Billy Flynn, Chris James, living legend Bob Stroger, Patrick Ryan, Kenny Smith and Brian Fahey all conspire with Primer and Corritore to deliver a performance that will surely be considered as one the finest blues recording of the modern era. It’s that good.

Culling titles from the greats and also offering a few self-penned compositions, P&C deliver electric blues in a number of classic styles, each executed with perfection; seemingly every nuance, rhythm and melody are placed in just the right spot. Happily, the selections are mostly lesser known titles, Lockwood’s “Little Boy Blue” being the most obvious. The recording itself is uncluttered and clean; the instruments are placed beautifully in the mix, creating a lively and realistic listening experience.

On the lead track, Jimmy Reed’s “The Clock”, Corritore’s harmonica effortlessly captures Reed’s high, lonesome sound while Primer’s vocal and guitar evoke the spirit of  legendary blues club Theresa’s with every measure. Standout tracks include Melvin Jackson’s “Cairo Blues” and Artie “Blues Boy” White’s “Leanin’ Tree”. “Harmonica Joyride” features Corritore in full electric blues harp mode, Chicago-style. Backed by team Chicago, (Primer, Barrelhouse, Flynn, Smith and Stroger), this cut is definitional as to what blues harmonica should sound like.

Knockin’  Around These Blues was recorded in two separate sessions, one in Chicago, the other in Arizona where Corritore lives, but the geography doesn’t mean a thing.  In the hands of Corritore and Primer, the spirit of Mississippi mixed with Chicago electricity knows no borders.

Hats off to executive producer Randy Chortkoff for orchestrating a recording that is fresh, vital and, most importantly, a joy to listen to over and over. John Primer and Bob Corritore are two blues impresarios that know something about knocking the blues around, it’s a real treat to hear them do it side by side.

Highest rating, 5 Stars. Go buy it today.