JOHN PRIMER

Blues on Solid Ground

Blues House Productions

By Mark Baier

One look at the cover of Blues on Solid Ground and the stage is set for some of the most honest and solid blues available anywhere from the great John Primer. John’s influence on the Chicago scene has been considerable and his mastery of Chicago's electric blues is well known. Less appreciated is his intimate knowledge of the blues’ more austere rural forms. The cotton fields gracing the CD cover and disc are a clue that the listener is in for a taste of John Primer via Mississippi and all points South.

Like so many of the great blues performers, John originally lived in Mississippi as a child, coming to Chicago as a teenager in the mid ‘50s. Certainly a heady time to be an aspiring bluesman from Mississippi!  The talented guitarist played in bands behind Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon and Magic Slim for decades before going solo.  Still, it’s clear that the red clay has never left his heart and soul. These are simple roots songs, sung with conviction and played with a master’s touch.

The majority of Blues on Solid Ground consists of simple acoustic performances which showcase Primer’s ability as a vocalist and lyricist. There are straightforward solo acoustic numbers that are reminiscent of Lightin’ Hopkins, and others that feature piano accompaniment (from the great Barrelhouse Chuck) that invoke Scrapper Blackwell and Leroy Carr or Cephas & Wiggins. A couple traditional harmonica (courtesy Russ Green) and guitar duos are featured as well. Aficionados of pre-war blues will find a lot to like here. There are also a smattering of electric band arrangements that are pure Chicago meets Clarksdale bliss. The combination of Primer on guitar and vocals alongside Barrelhouse Chuck, Russ Green, E.G. McDaniel (bass) and Kenny Smith on drums is a Chicago blues lover’s dream band.

The songs are all composed by Primer and they are all honest and straight; familiar and true. There are songs of love, hard luck, hope and dreams. Blues on Solid Ground is the foundation on which a fertile blues soil is tilled. The rich crops harvested from John Primer’s farm are nutritious and soulful, recommended by the Chicago Blues Guide as an essential part of any musical diet!  Highly recommended!

To buy this CD:

 http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/johnprimer

For info: www.blueshouseproductions.com