John Primer and Bob Corritore
Dancing and romancing to guitarist John Primer and harmonica player Bob Corritore was the best way to celebrate Halloween. For those who took part, many came in costume and added to the festive mood. It was fun to see a Star Trekkie, a lady in a cat costume (accompanied by her partner, who wore a monster mask and a sign that read, “I Eat Cats,”), and a man in a big Shark outfit, and many others out on the dance floor.
Primer learned working from some of the masters of Chicago blues, Junior Wells, Muddy Waters, and Magic Slim. He continues to carry their legacy, while interweaving his own style. His band, “The Real Deal Blues Band” is truly authentic Chicago blues, not just an imitation of the form. His partner, Bob Corritore is best known as owner of the Rhythm Room, the place for blues in Phoenix, Arizona. They’ve recorded and released a number of projects, toured extensively, and worked together for over 12 years.
Joining on this night’s adventure was Renae Beavers on drums and Mike Hightower on bass. Dressed to the nines was Primer wearing a shimmering shirt with totally cool amber-colored shades. Corritore, true to his southwestern lifestyle, wore a brightly colored yolk designed western shirt.
On T-Bone Walker’s "Stormy Monday," Primer changed the lyrics of "going to the Baptist church to pray," making it personal. Corritore underbellied these words with a mouth-watering solo. One could hear one's heart beating along with Beavers as he gave way to a Primer solo on "On Let Me Love You". Corritore breathed the spirits of Junior Wells and Little Walter into his harmonica.
Primer pulled out a simply gorgeous red F-hole Gibson, playing it slide guitar style. On the title tune from Hard Times album his slide on that Gibson felt like he dialed on the Delta. Corritore complemented the feel and emotion of that difficult rural life. On his slide treatment on "Walkin' Blues," Corritore supported Primer with a whirl of a solo while Hightower harvested the song into the roots. Muddy's “I Be’s Troubled / I Can't Be Satisfied” oddly yet wisely had a joyous upbeat about it.
We were boogieing next, with Primer continuing on slide while Corritore kept the ball rolling forward. On one solo, the echo from the reverb was heavy and mind blowing. Primer pranced some dance moves while wiggling the guitar to carry the Halloween party atmosphere. From Primer’s album, “Soul of a Man” he played sexy and slow "Rainy Night in Georgia." Here, Bob brought to the table a homespun feel and could vision one looking out the window while it gently rained. They finished with a galloping beat of "Got My Mojo Working". John wished all “Happy Halloween.” However the audience demanded an encore and got “Johnny B Goode.”
Opening was the Quadratones, 5 piece band with harp, guitar, slide guitar, bass and drums. An original by leader Ted Waterhouse, "Dancin’ in the Wrong Shoes" is ironic as those costumed creatures and non-costumed creatures took it to the floor dancing with their right shoes. The statement of unexpected love on bassist David Block’s original, "You Took Me by Surprise" gave joy. The long soul fulfilling harp solo intro and psychedelic guitar neck solo on "Everything's Gonna Be Alright” was shining and brilliant