If you are looking for some great Chicago Blues, you might want to look by way of Phoenix and the Rhythm Room All Stars.
Founded by harmonica player, bandleader and owner of the Phoenix Blues Club, The Rhythm Room, A Chicago native, Bob Corritore was introduced to the blues at an early age and took up the harmonica after being inspired by legendary
blues harmonica player, Little Walter.
Since 2005, Chris James and bassist Patrick Rynn, known by Blues fans as longtime leaders of their own band, the Blue Four,
have been a part of the All Stars. I was pleased to photo them at the 2010 Bisbee Blues Festival. In the following clip the
All Stars are performing Chris James and Patrick Rynn’s original song “Mister Coffee”.
Kenne
(Click on errors in lower right corner to see full screen HD)
No matter how little your knowledge of the Blues may be, most think of BB King as the king of Blues, and the anointed queen, Koko Taylor. Growing up in the Chicago area during the 50’s and 60’s and frequently doing the night scene I may not have know much about the musicians I heard, but I knew I loved it. Whether correct or not, I tended to call the music, Jazz. Regardless of the genre, it’s truly all the Blues. Again, back then I knew well the song, “Wing Dang Doodle, “ but little of the musicians. It was all about living!
“Tell Automatic Slim, tell Razor Totin’ Jim
Tell Butcher Knife Totin’ Annie, tell Fast Talking Fanny
A we gonna pitch a ball, a down to that union hall
We gonna romp and tromp till midnight
We gonna fuss and fight till daylight
We gonna pitch a wing dang doodle all night long
All night long
All night long
All night long”
Images by kenne
