John Primer & Bob Corritore – Crawlin’ Kingsnake Reviews

Reviews from these publications are listed below in chronological order. Scroll to see all reviews.

Back To The Roots (Belgium)
Blues 21 (Italy)
Blues Blast Magazine
Blues Roadhouse
Bluestown Music (Netherlands)
Chicago Blues Guide
Keys And Chords
La Hora Del Blues (Spain)
Making A Scene
Philly Cheeze’s Rock & Blues Reviews
Rhythm Highways
Rock And Blues Muse
Rock ‘N’ Force Magazine (France)
Rock Doctor
Roots Music Report
WTJU
Zicazic (France)

Roots Music Report (March 9, 2024)

FOUR STARS

Old-school mojo abounds on this thoroughly satisfying set.  Guitarist John Primer’s robust vocals are steeped in classic Chicago sounds energized in particular by harmonica ace Bob Corritore’s fiery play and Anthony Geraci’s distinctively propulsive piano.  Drawing from vintage fare including B.B. King’s “Chains And Things”, Muddy Waters’ “Stuff You Gotta Watch” and the John Lee Hooker-penned title track, this should rate as one of this year’s better offerings.

– Duane Verh

WTJU (March 12, 2024)

Bob Corritore was born in Chicago and got hooked on blues Harmonica when he was twelve years old. He studied and received playing tips from Carey Bell, Big Walter Horton, Junior Wells and others. At the age of twenty-five Corritore moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Ten years later he opened his own club there called The Rhythm Room. With his house band The Rhythm Room All-Stars, he backed musicians when they came to town.  Since 2017 Corritore has been nominated for at least half a dozen Blues Music Awards. He won his first BMA in 2011 for Historical Album of The Year. This is Corritore’s 18 album although he appears on over seventy-five others. Alfonso “John” Primer was born in Camden, Mississippi but moved to Chicago where he was a regular at Teresa’s Lounge located at 48th and South Indiana Avenue. He played guitar in Willie Dixon’s Chicago Blues All-Stars and in The Muddy Waters Band. Later Primer joined Magic Slim and The Teardrops. Primer was nominated multiple times for Traditional Blues Male Artist of The Year first winning it in 2016. Primer was also the lead vocalist, guitarist and featured artist on the Grammy nominated “Muddy Waters 100” project. This is Primer’s nineteenth album. This album is the fourth collaboration for Primer and Corritore since they started working together in 2013. The band also includes Bob Stroger, bass; Jimi Primetime Smith, second guitar; Anthony Geraci, piano; and Wes Starr, drums. Primer was recently inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.” I always look forward to these CDs that Bob puts out. Super authentic, nothing modern to these tunes!! All the tunes are great, feels like buying your favorite Blues record from the 60’s, it’s hard to pick a favorite but I think my favorite on this CD is “Rosalee Blues” but I couldn’t find it on line so here is the title song “Crawlin’ Kingsnake”, listen here. I will probably give this a 10+ on Blues Content and a 10+ on Music Content.

Making A Scene (March 13, 2024)

Bob Corritore was born in Chicago and got hooked on blues Harmonica when he was twelve years old. He studied and received playing tips from Carey Bell, Big Walter Horton, Junior Wells and others. At the age of twenty-five Corritore moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Ten years later he opened his own club there called The Rhythm Room. With his house band The Rhythm Room All-Stars, he backed musicians when they came to town.  Since 2017 Corritore has been nominated for at least half a dozen Blues Music Awards. He won his first BMA in 2011 for Historical Album of The Year. This is Corritore’s 18 album although he appears on over seventy-five others.

Alfonso “John” Primer was born in Camden, Mississippi but moved to Chicago where he was a regular at Teresa’s Lounge located at 48th and South Indiana Avenue. He played guitar in Willie Dixon’s Chicago Blues All-Stars and in The Muddy Waters Band. Later Primer joined Magic Slim and The Teardrops. Primer was nominated multiple times for Traditional Blues Male Artist of The Year first winning it in 2016. Primer was also the lead vocalist,guitarist and featured artist on the Grammy nominated “Muddy Waters 100” project. This is Primer’s nineteenth album.

This album is the fourth collaboration for Primer and Corritore since they started working together in 2013. The band also includes Bob Stroger, bass; Jimi Primetime Smith, second guitar; Anthony Geraci, piano; and Wes Starr, drums. Primer was recently inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. Highlights include the title track, “Take A Message”, “Down in The Bottom”, “Stuff You Gotta Watch”, “Rosalee Blues” and “Feel Like Going Home”.

The album is a testament to the purity of the blues and the best studio recording so far this year.

– Richard Ludmerer

Keys And Chords (March 28, 2024)

5 Stars!

​Net zoals vele van zijn mentors verhuisde Blues Hall Of Fame John Primer uit het Mississippi gebied naar het verstedelijkte Chicago. Primer werd geboren in Camden, MS en speelde in Chi Town in de befaamde bluesclub Theresa’s waar hij werd beïnvloed door Muddy Waters en Sammy Lawhorn, die hem slidegitaar leerde pelen. In 1979 vervoegde Primer, The Chicago Blues All-Stars, de band rond blueslegende Willie Dixon. Niet veel later speelde John bij de legendarische Muddy Waters en Magic Slim’s band The Teardrops. Tot hij een lucratief platencontract ondertekende bij het label Wolf Records. John Primer heeft gecontribueerd aan de concretisering van de sound en de stijl van die hedendaagse Chicago blues. De echo’s van legendarische plekken als Maxwell Street, Theresa’s, Checkerboard en Rosa’s Lounges pulseren vandaag in elk akkoord op zijn gitaar. John Primer is dan ook een levende legende van de Chicago blues. Radiopresentator, talentscout en vooral mondharmonica-ace Bob Corritore werd geboren in Chicago op 27 September 1956. Hij schuimde er toen als tiener de bluesclubs af. Hij studeerde en kreeg speeltips van Carey Bell, Big Walter Horton, Junior Wells en heel wat andere bluesartiesten. Op vijfentwintigjarige leeftijd verhuisde Corritore naar Phoenix, Arizona. Tien jaar later opende hij daar zijn eigen club The Rhythm Room. Met zijn huisband The Rhythm Room All-Stars begeleidde hij muzikanten als ze in zijn club performden. Sinds 2017 is Corritore genomineerd voor minstens een half dozijn Blues Music Awards. Hij won zijn eerste BMA in 2011 voor Historical Album of The Year. Dit is nu Corritore’s 18de album, hoewel hij op meer dan vijfenzeventig andere langspelers voorkomt.

Het duo heeft nu met de schitterende langspeler een vierde samenwerkingsproject ‘Crawlin’ Kingsnake’. Ze vonden hun soulmates in Bob Stroger op bas, Wes Starr (drums en percussie), Jimi Smith op gitaar en backing vocals en pianist Anthony Geraci. De Chicago bluesshuffle ‘Take A Message’ is gecrediteerd James Cotton, net zoals ‘Crawlin’ Kingsnake’ origineel van John Lee Hooker is, maar de vibe van Muddy Waters heeft geaccordeerd. Primer is prima bij stem in de Willie Dixons klassieker ‘Down In The Bottom’, dat een hit was in 1961 voor Howlin’ Wolf. De track ‘Hiding Place’ werd bij elkaar gepend door Primer, net zoals de slowblues ‘Chains And Things’ origineel van B.B. King is. En dan volgt een triptiek Muddy songs. ‘Stuff You Gotta Watch’ is een moddervette boogie, ‘Rosalee Blues’ een heerlijke ballade en het meesterlijke ‘Feels Like Going Home’. Na het funky ‘You’re The One’ duiken we de diepe Delta in met het gospel begeesterde ‘Bow Down On Your Knees’, trekken we naar de Windy City voor de bluesshuffle ‘This Little Voice’ en haalden ze Magic Slims ‘Gravel Road’ van onder het stof. ‘Crawlin’ Kingsnake’ is een muzikaal testament. The blues still alive!

– Philip Verhaege

Chicago Blues Guide (March 29, 2024)

The dynamic duo of John Primer and Bob Corritore have worked some major musical magic once again! Their fourth CD release, Crawlin’ Kingsnake is a striking showcase of old-school blues from a pair of charming, long-term collaborators who remain at the top of their game.

 Guitarist John Primer, who turned 79 on March 5th, could easily be resting on his laurels and looking back on everything from playing behind Muddy Waters to serving as Magic Slim’s bandleader. Flash forward to 2024 and it is still Primer’s time as he continues to burnish and broaden his blues legacy. For the past few years, he’s been on a tear with accomplishments that include his 2023 induction into the Blues Hall of Fame, a Grammy nod and recently walking off with the Living Blues “Male Blues Artist of the Year.”

Meanwhile, the always busy Bob Corritore released five albums in 2023, toured extensively and hosted a slew of jam sessions at his Rhythm Room in Phoenix. As witnessed by the incredible set with Corritore and several local legends at last summer’s Windy City Blues Fest, this harp player extraordinaire and all-around blues booster, knows how to bring out the best in any band he plays with.

There certainly is an “A List” of musicians doing their part to make Crawlin Kingsnake so great. In a recent interview with Steve Hoare on his Blues Lounge Radio Show, Corritore said that he chose artists who were true to the Chicago blues tradition. He added that it was very important to get a “bunch of people in the room that are great players and we all feed off of it.” Corritore also said that it is “really kind of spiritual how it all happens.”

The spirited group of bona fide blues players on Crawlin’ Kingsnake include Jimi “Primetime” Smith on second guitar and backing vocals, Bob Stroger on electric bass, Anthony Geraci on piano with Wes Starr on drums and percussion. It was produced by Corritore, Clarke Rigsby and John Wroble and recorded over four sessions from 2021 to 2023.

This group of cool cats with a rock-solid Chicago blues background, serves notice that they mean business from the get-go. On the very first track, they put their own spin on James Cotton’s “Take a Message” with Primer’s vocals straight out of the Mississippi Delta and summoning up the golden age of blues in the 312.

Corritore praised Primer as being a “powerful leader” who has “such a strong stage presence.” Such is the case with the titular “Crawlin’ Kingsnake,” Corritore said, “I always loved the way John did the song with so much authority.” He added that “it’s a great song and we hear a lot of versions of it. But, in today’s world, you don’t hear anybody sing it like John Primer. He just takes charge and when you play with that power, it just elevates you to another level.” 

As befits a bandleader of his stature, Primer knows when to let the other players take center stage.  Throughout the course of this 12-track tour de force, all members of this brilliant blues ensemble showcase their considerable skills. Meanwhile, as Primer’s partner in keeping time, Corritore continues to amaze with his versatile harp work and keen knowledge of the Chicago blues tradition.

Corritore’s love of Chicago blues goes back to seeing Muddy Waters play in his high school gym while Primer famously appeared on stage with Waters and the Rolling Stones at the old Checkerboard Lounge in 1981. As Muddy’s guitarist and bandleader from 1980 until his passing in 1983, Primer is well-versed in the old master’s music and mannerisms. That’s why it’s a special treat to hear three terrific renditions of Muddy Water’s tunes— ‘’Stuff You Gotta Watch,” “Rosalee Blues” and “Feel Like Going Home—all included on Crawlin’ Kingsnake. 

Crawlin’ Kingsnake also serves up some great takes on B.B. King’s “Chains and Things,” Willie Dixon’s “Down in the Bottom” and “Gravel Road” made famous by Magic Slim. As someone who played with both Dixon and Slim, Primer is uniquely qualified to bring his versions of these songs to a new generation of listeners.

The liner notes on Crawlin Kingsnake call out that “it’s true to both the sacred tradition and the moment in time of right now” and this description rings true on every track. Thanks to its skilled musicians, stellar song selection and their keen familiarity with the Chicago blues legacy, Crawlin Kingsnake is sure to strike a chord with long-time blues lovers as well as new converts to the genre.  This fine effort by Primer, Corritore and company is a “must have” for any music collection and you’re hereby advised to pounce on Crawlin Kingsnake and put it on play repeatedly.

– Robin Zimmerman

Zicazic (France) (March 29, 2024)

Ils font partie l’un et l’autre des plus grands artistes de Chicago Blues en activité et leur premier enregistrement commun remonte à 2013, le guitariste et chanteur John Primer et l’harmoniciste Bob Corritore signant cette fois leur quatrième réalisation avec une formation épatante qui rappelle les plus belles heures du Muddy Waters Band, c’est dire s’ils ont mis les petits plats dans les grands. Jugez-en par vous-même, ce sont pas moins que Jimi Primetime Smith à la guitare, Anthoni Geraci au piano, Bob Stroger à la basse et Wes Starr à la batterie qui se retrouvent aux côtés des deux complices pour nous servir des trésors de blues inondés de slide, allègrement saupoudrés de piano et gorgés d’harmonicas, des pièces piochées au beau milieu des répertoires de bluesmen célèbres parmi lesquels on remarque forcément James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, Willie Dixon, B.B King, Jimmy Rogers, Magic Slim et, last but not least, Muddy Waters lui-même que le band revisite à trois reprises, complétant même l’hommage avec l’adaptation en acoustique de « Bow Down On Your Knees » que l’artiste interprétait régulièrement quand il séjournait à Clarksdale du côté de Stovall Plantation. Ajoutez-y un titre de John Primer pas piqué des vers et c’est pendant un peu moins d’une heure que l’on se sent transporté du côté du South Side de Chicago, dont les deux artistes et Bob Stroger sont originaires, pour une véritable démonstration de blues comme on les aime là-bas mais aussi un peu partout ailleurs. Enregistré aux studios Tempest en Arizona, « Crawlin’ Kingsnake » est une véritable bombe à retardement qui laisse exploser dans la platine des titres épatants comme « Take A Message », « Chains and Things », « You’re The One » et « Gravel Road », comme la pièce originale de l’effort, « Hiding Place », comme le tittle track emprunté à John Lee Hooker, et bien évidemment comme les « Stuff You Gotta Watch », « Rosalee Blues » et autres « Feel Like Going Home » qui nous rappellent à quel point Muddy Waters et son œuvre ont pu marquer l’histoire du blues. A découvrir dans les bacs le 29 mars et, pour les plus chanceux, le soir même sur la scène du Rhythm Room à Phoenix … Indispensable !

– Fred Delforge

La Hora Del Blues (Spain) (April 1, 2024)

Valoración: BUENÍSIMO

Cada vez que el armonicista Bob Corritore publica un nuevo disco, los aficionados saben que están ante un auténtico álbum del mejor blues. Esta vez no podía ser diferente y Bob nos obsequia con un trabajo grabado junto al cantante y guitarrista de Chicago John Primer. No es necesario decir que el disco es un compendio del más genuino y auténtico blues de Chicago y que ambos músicos están soberbios, dando un recital del mejor y más apasionado blues que uno pueda imaginar. Ambos músicos han dedicado su vida a difundir esta música para purificar los corazones de todos aquellos que se acerquen a comulgar con el espíritu y la carne del blues.

Por si esto no fuera suficiente, los músicos que les acompañan son todos ellos primeras figuras, Bob Stroger al bajo, Jimi “Primetime” Smith a la guitarra, Anthony Geraci al piano y Wes Starr a la batería, un auténtico lujo, lo que es garantía de una calidad fuera de toda duda.

Los amantes del blues de Chicago South Side como yo están de enhorabuena por poder saborear un álbum de estas características en el que se perpetua el blues en lugar de renovarlo. Este es el mensaje de las doce canciones que se incluyen en el mismo, canciones del propio John Primer, Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Rogers, Magic Slim o B.B. King.

En definitiva, un disco absolutamente necesario e imprescindible.

– Vicente Zumel

Rock Doctor (April 1, 2024)

Five Stars

This is the 4th collaboration between these two blues brothers from other mothers, and it’s a KILLER. Crawlin’ Kingsnake has a simultaneous rocking forcefulness and an uninhibited gliding ease that makes these songs sheer magic that sound just like Muddy Waters’ old band.

If you love Chicago-style blues (and who doesn’t)Crawlin’ Kingsnake should be an essential addition to your playlist. The band is a stunning, authentic gathering of blues masters; aside from Bob on harmonica and John on guitar and vocals we have Bob Stroger on bass, Jimi “Primetime” Smith on second guitar, the amazing Anthony Geraci on piano and Wes Starr on drums. To say that all concerned are playing at the top of their game here is an understatement. When you have artists like Primer and Corritore who have devoted their entire lives to the purity of the blues surrounded by sympathetic musicians like these in the studio, their track record of award nominations and wins as well as hall of fame inductions is secondary to the authentic Chicago blues sounds they have conjured up here for our enjoyment.

The blues is not a complex style of music to play, but to get it right is not an easy thing to do. John Primer and Bob Corritore have proven time and again that they each possess the key, through their 4 collaborations and well as the work they’ve done apart. Crawlin’ Kingsnake, so named after an old John Lee Hooker number, embodies that Chicago blues spirit as few other albums can, particularly in the modern age. Primer wrote Hiding Place but most of the other numbers here are stone cold blues classics by legends like Willie Dixon, BB King and, of course, Muddy Waters. The way this band plays combined with the source material makes for a spine-tingling, genuine blues experience of the highest order.

It all comes down to this; Crawlin’ Kingsnake isn’t just good blues, it’s GREAT blues. John Primer & Bob Corritore have just hit another one over the centerfield fence.

HOT TRACKS: Crawlin’ Kingsnake, Stuff You Gotta Watch, Feel Like Going Home

Rock And Blues Muse (April 4, 2024)

It’s getting increasingly harder to hear traditional, real deal blues these days, but fortunately lifelong blues purists, John Primer and Bob Corritore bring us their fourth collaborative effort with Crawlin’ Kingsnake. Blues Hall of Famer Primer, fresh off his recent Grammy nomination for Tears for Magic Slim, continues to tour relentlessly with his Real Deal Blues Band and along with Lurrie Bell and Billy Flynn, is one of the few remaining traditional Chicago blues guitarists. Primer has the pedigree too; having played with Muddy until his death in 1983, preceded by Willie Dixon and followed by a long stint with Magic Slim.

Corritore wears many hats. He grew up in Chicago but has lived in Phoenix for three decades now. He is the proprietor of that city’s most famous blues club, The Rhythm Room. As such, he jams and collaborates with many blues artists. You’ll find Bob’s name on multiple albums because he is one of the top traditional harp players and maybe even more importantly, because he has no problem leaving his ego at the door. Corritore’s acclaimed releases have been nominated or winners of major blues awards. He is also a record producer, radio show host, arts foundation founder, and occasional writer.

The two play together so comfortably and seamlessly, you’ll feel transported back to the heyday of that Chess Chicago blues sound. They sound every bit as vital as they did on their first team effort eleven years ago. Reinforcing their sound is a “super group” of traditional players – Bob Stroger on the bass, Jimi Primetime Smith on second guitar, Anthony Geraci on the piano, and Wes Starr on drums. They kick off with a vintage Chicago shuffle, “Take a Message,” with Corritore harmonica filling all the spaces surrounding Primer’s gritty vocal. Of course, the harp master gets a chance to display his extensive chops soloing as well as does Primer. The blues standard title track sounds as menacing as any of the countless versions of the tune. If Primer were performing this live, he may well preface it with, “Now, we’re gonna take you back deep in the alley.” His vocals, as on others, sound eerily like his mentor and former bandleader, Muddy Waters.

In fact, they cover three of Muddy’s tunes. They raise the tempo on “Stuff You Gotta Watch,” making it a joyous romp. Listeners may want the writer’s version on The Muddy Waters’ Woodstock album, performed with members of the Band for comparison. “Rosalee Blues” is a lesser-known Waters tune, a slow blues with Geraci playing Pinetop style to a tee. Primer turns to his slicing, fiery slide guitar in the closing standout “Feel Like Going Home.” We can relive the glory days of those great Muddy Waters’ bands with harp players like James Cotton, Jerry Portnoy and even Little Walter with pianists such as Otis Spann and Pinetop Perkins with these excellent, pure blues tracks.

True to form Primer honors another of his mentors, Magic Slim on “Gravel Road,” delivering that vintage, simple but infectious Slim shuffle. While the album has a mix of blues chestnuts and more obscure material, Primer does contribute one original, “Hiding Place,” written and performed, of course, in vintage Chicago blues style, thereby sounding right at home with the repertoire. Primer’s guitar is especially strong on “This Little Voice.” There is one minor quibble, the lack of burning, slow blues among the many shuffles, with B.B. King/Dave Clarke’s “Chains and Things” the only entry there. Aside from that, this is a winner and strong candidate for Best Traditional Blues album in 2024. Primer, Corritore, and the band bring immense vitality to these vintage songs.

– Jim Hynes

Philly Cheeze’s Rock & Blues Reviews (April 5, 2024)

There are not many artists around who instill Chicago blues authenticity into their music as Blues Hall-of-Famer John Primer and Bob Corritore do. Paired together for the fourth time since 2013, this dynamic duo returned to the studios and cut yet another fabulous album. Crawlin’ Kingsnake is the name, and it contains a dozen ripping tracks. With Corritore on harp and Primer on guitar and vocals, they are joined by bassist Bob Stroger, Jimi “Primetime” Smith on second guitar, Anthony Geraci on piano and Wes Starr on drums.

After the smoke clears from the opening James Cotton song “Take a Message”, their title-track cover of John Lee Hooker’s “Crawlin’ Kingsnake” digs its claws in deep. Primer’s experienced vocals and precision guitar are fantastically supported by Geraci and the rhythm section. Then they roll right into Willie Dixon’s “Down in the Bottom” with Corritore keeping the song barreling down the tracks on harp. It sounds fantastic. They bring the fire to “Hiding Place”, a Primer original from his 1991 album Poor Man’s Blues. The song absolutely cooks. When they hit B.B. King’s “Chains and Things”, they play it sweet and slow. This one really brings me into my blues zone. When the big entrance of guitar and keys on Muddy Waters’ “Rosalee Blues” kick in, and I hear Primer start belting out the lyrics, I’m gob smacked for a simmering delightful listen. I absolutely love their performance of Magic Slim’s “Gravel Road”. It’s a signed, sealed, and delivered favorite.

It’s hard to beat the lineup of artists on Crawlin’ Kingsnake. This album is about as real-deal blues as an album can get. I highly recommend it.

– Phillip Smith

Blues Blast Magazine (April 11, 2024)

This is the fourth time since 2013 that John Primer and Bob Corritore have combined to record an album and it’s everything that fans of classic Chicago blues could want. The pair pay tribute to mentors like Muddy Waters and Magic Slim (Primer played with both for years), as well as giants of the blues like Howling Wolf, John Lee Hooker and BB King. Recorded over four sessions between 2021 and 2023, the album benefits from a stellar band of seasoned veterans, all steeped in the Chicago tradition: John Primer is on guitar and vocals, Bob Corritore on harp, Anthony Geraci on piano, Jimi ‘Primetime’ Smith on rhythm guitar and occasional backing vocals, Bob Stroger on bass and Wes Starr on drums. Needless to say, the playing throughout is exemplary.

The album opens with ‘Take A Message, written by Dave Steen (a frequent collaborator on Coco Montoya albums). John’s vocals and solo are excellent while Bob channels James Cotton who recorded the tune on his 1994 album Living The Blues. The title track is, of course, a JLH tune, superbly covered here, check out Anthony whose playing is the epitome of what blues piano should sound like. Next up it’s the Wolf with Willie Dixon’s ‘Down In The Bottom’, a song often covered, but rarely better than here, the familiar “pull and push” rhythm present and correct. John offers just one original in the set and it fits like a glove with the covers as he invites his girl to join him in his ‘Hiding Place’, accompanied by plenty of strong harp, pounding piano and searing guitar.

The middle portion of the album contains a run of four tunes from the greats of the blues: BB King’s ‘Chains And Things’ comes from Indianola Mississippi Seeds and is a classic slow blues; the band sets a furious pace on Muddy’s ‘Stuff You Gotta Watch’, then covers a second, less familiar Muddy tune, the slow grinder ‘Rosalie Blues’; Jimmy Rogers’ ‘You’re The One’ rattles along with jagged guitar and another strong vocal from John.

‘Bow Down On Your Knees’ is a traditional gospel tune, performed here by just John and Bob while A.C. Reed is the source for ‘This Little Voice’ which rolls along brilliantly, one of the best cuts on the album. John pays tribute to Magic Slim with ‘Gravel Road’ before the band returns for a third time to the Muddy Waters catalogue for an extended take on ‘Feel Like Going Home’ that gives space for all the front line players to shine, John leading on some cutting slide, Bob and Anthony demonstrating just why they are such in-demand players.

Fans of Chicago blues played in the traditional way should buy this album without hesitation – highly recommended!

– John Mitchell

Blues Roadhouse (April 11, 2024)

If you’re a true-blues fan, there’s nothing quite like a dose of old-school blues to satisfy your soul.

“Crawlin’ Kingsnake,” the fourth and latest collaboration between harp-master and album-producer extraordinaire Bob Corritore and veteran guitar-slinger/singer John Primer, is so old school that you can smell the eraser dust in the 12 vintage tracks on this outstanding collection of Chicago-style blues.

Primer and Corritore get stellar help from sidemen Bob Stroger on bass, Jimi “Primetime” Smith on second guitar, Anthony Geraci on piano, and Wes Starr on drums. It’s a tight and tasty aggregation that cuts right to the blues bone.

It all begins when “Take a Message” shuffles out and rocks hard to break things open, with Corritore’s tough harp riffs and Primer’s still-potent 79-year-old chops sounding appropriately down and dirty. The title track is next — it’s a wicked take on the classic “Kingsnake” blues, with a fierce guitar break that only serves to highlight Primer’s surrounding vocals.

“Down In the Bottom” and “Hiding Place” (a Primer original) roll out next, both hard-driving romps teeming with the vitality of the blues. Like all the cuts here, everybody steps into the music, and the results are definitely blues with a feeling. “Chains and Things” slows the pace with a mournful blues lament about a ” cold-hearted wrong-doin’ woman,” teased with a sensuous Geraci piano solo.

“Stuff You Gotta Watch” is the first of three Muddy Waters songs — this one updated with a quicker pace and Corritore’s blazing harp work. Next up, Waters’ “Rosalee Blues” is a lesser-known tune, but filled to the brim with Muddy’s spirit by Primer’s soulful vocals and stinging slide guitar. Geraci’s piano work adds a vital classic element.

“You’re the One” lays down a funky feel before the music shifts into the gospel strains of “Bow Down On Your Knees,” a brief departure from the “devil’s music” that pays tribute to some of the spiritual headwaters of the blues.

The medium-tempo “This Little Voice” returns to full-throated blues rich with Primer’s vocals wrapped in Corritore’s passionate harp and swampy guitar riffs. The sturdy shuffle of the gritty “Gravel Road” is a tribute to the infectious music of the great Magic Slim, whose guitar work delivered the blues with powerful simplicity.

The closer is the third Waters’ cover, “Feel Like Going Home,” a masterful 6 1/2-minute finale to this effervescent set that gives everyone a chance to demonstrate the vitality of this classic music.

“Crawlin’ Kingsnake” is simply an excellent album; that rare studio session that captures the attitude of a smoky blues club filled with half-century-old music that remains as vital as ever.

– Jim White

Bluestown Music (Netherlands) (April 15, 2024)

Every record collector has them. Records you can play anytime and anywhere. Whether you have a dinner with friends, you own a bar and you still have guests sitting at the bar in the wee wee hours, or you are just alone all by yourself. This is it.

John Primer and Bob Corritore did it. An uncomplicated, go-for-it blues album that will work on any occasion. A special shout out to Anthony Geraci, who delivers excellent piano parts, his notes dripping over the tracks like cool rain on a hot summer night.

Twelve songs on this record. Covers by John Lee Hooker (Crawlin’ Kingsnake), Willie Dixon (Down in the Bottom), B.B. King (Chains and Things) and Muddy Waters (Stuff You Gotta Watch, Rosalee Blues, Feel Like Going Home) and a few others. One Primer original (Hiding Place).

This is the fourth collaboration between John Primer and Bob Corritore. An album of pure Chicago blues with beautiful 50’s artwork by Vince Ray.

The album was recorded over four sessions between 2021 and 2023, but it feels it was recorded in one session; great live feeling with a genuine windy city vibe and a good variety in grooves. Can’t say much more about this record.

If you have a friend you want to introduce to Chicago Blues, give him or her (or they) this album. The warm voice of John Primer will enchant you and Bob Corritore delivers great harmonica playing, not to say the least of the band; Bob Stroger on bass, Wes Starr on drums and Jimi “Primetime’ Smith on guitar and backing vocals. I already mentioned Anthony’s sweet drippin’ piano parts.

Chicago blues is alive baby!

– Pascal Wilhelm

Rock ‘N’ Force Magazine (France) (April 17, 2024)

French to English Translation:

Talking about sincerity and authenticity when dealing with two monuments like JOHN PRIMER & BOB CORRITORE is almost unwelcome, if not inappropriate. The renowned and experienced guitar/harmonica tandem is one of the best representatives of this Chicago Blues, both inimitable and so identifiable. Through a dozen gems born in the Illinois city, “Crawlin’ Kingsnake” takes us into a festive, moving, dancing and literally luminous whirlwind.

For almost an hour, JOHN PRIMER & BOB CORRITORE once again make the Chicago Blues shine, surrounded by a group that will make all competition pale, even if it is rather the respect and sharing that inhabits all these beautiful people . For this fourth joint album, our two bluesmen maintain and make this current so dear to the great Muddy Waters sound. And when we know their pedigree and their journey, it seems more like a walk in the park, guided by a desire to transmit and a pleasure present in each note.

To carry out this sumptuous “Crawlin’ Kingsnake”, JOHN PRIMER & BOB CORRITORE, both from the Windy City, are accompanied by an elite group with Jimi Primetime Smith on guitar, Anthoni Geraci on piano, Bob Stroger on bass and Wes Starr on drums. I invite you to take a look at their splendid CVs to get a more concrete idea of ​​the very high level of the combo at work here. And it was between 2021 and 2023 that the sessions were recorded at Tempest Studios in Arizona.

Throughout “Crawlin’ Kingsnake”, we find ourselves surrounded by James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, Willie Dixon, BB King, Jimmy Rogers, Magic Slim and of course Muddy Waters, covered three times. Warm and groovy, JOHN PRIMER & BOB CORRITORE put all their know-how, dexterity and relentless technique and above all a breathtaking feeling. Fiery slide, supercharged piano, harmonica transfixed with happiness and a captivating voice: nothing is missing from this new opus, which sounds so live and so authentic.

– Francois Alaouret

Blues 21 (Italy) (April 18, 2024)

The tradition of Chicago blues. This is John Primer, at seventy-nine, a working legend. This is Bob Corritore, at sixty-seven, a true harmonica master. Both together are already legendary. Guitarist and soul of the Teardrops in the best episodes of Magic Slim, Primer was Muddy Waters’ guitarist and band-leader during the last three years of the bluesman’s life. During his early years in Chicago, where he arrived in 1963, he also played alongside Junior Wells – seven days a week in Theresa’s Lounge house band – Magic Sam and James Cotton among others. Primer began his solo career in 1991 and became one of the most active and requested bluesman in Chicago. As a leader he has released twenty-three albums and his guitar appears in the credits of artists such as Little Milton, Big Mama Thorton, Big Daddy Kinsey, James Cotton, Eddie Shaw, Hubert Sumlin, Lester Davenport, Michael Coleman, Valerie Wellington, Willie Buck, Big Voice Odom and Jerry McCain among many others. Bob Corritore was chosen to continue the tradition of Chicago harmonica players started by Little Walter in the forties and later Sonny Boy Williamson, Big Walter Horton, James Cotton, Junior Wells and Carey Bell defined the most undoubtedly inimitable and genuine sound of the blues in Chicago. Born in the Windy City, active since the late seventies, Corritore settled in Phoenix in the early eighties where he had unprecedented musical activism. First with Louisiana Red and later with Kid Ramos, Henry Gray, Dave Riley, Jimi Primetime Smith, Janiva Magness and many others with whom he maintained a frenetic activity of recordings and live performances. In 1991, Corritore opened his own blues club, The Rhythm Room, which remains active to date. “Crawlin’ Kingsnake” is the fourth album that John Primer and Bob Corritore release together and is another museum piece for any fan of classic Chicago blues in the hands of two legends of the genre.

Rhythm Highways (April 30, 2024)

John Primer has been incredibly prolific the past 10 years, and this new album with Bob Corritore ranks among his finest. John Primer has moved elegantly into his role as classy elder-statesman of the blues.

– East Side Slim

Back To The Roots (Belgium) (April 2024)

Harmonicaspeler Bob Corritore is super-productief en brengt meerdere albums per jaar uit. Vaak zijn die samengested uit op-names die hij doorheen de jaren maakte met de groten der blues die zijn club in Phoenix, AZ aandeden. Dit is zijn vierde gezamenlijke album met Chicagoveteraan John Primer. Het bevat twaalf nieuwe op-names van klassiekers en de bezetting is fenomenaal. Naast John en Bob vinden we de 93-jarige bassist Bob Stroger, Jimi ‘Pri-metime’ Smith op ritmegitaar, pianist Anthony Geraci en – verrassend – Wes Starr als drummer. Waarom verrassend, vraag je? Wel, omdat hij een pure Texasblues-drummer is. Zijn uitstapje naar Chicago valt trouwens reuze mee en dat geldt trou-wens voor het hele album. Mensen die erin slagen om covers een meerwaarde te geven vanwege originele en frisse vertol-kingen verdienen alle respect. Neem nu het platgewalste ‘Down In The Bottom’ (Willie Dixon). Met meesterlijke tussentij-den en een virtuos pompende bas in de backbeat herleeft het nummer als nooit tevoren. ‘You’re The One’ (Jimmie Rogers) – doorgaans een doodgewone shuffle – hoorde je nog nooit zo funky. En ook ‘This Little Voice’ (bekend van Byther Smith) krijgt een opmerkelijke versie toebedeeld. We hoorden het nummer nog niet eerder met zoveel ruite voor de harmonica – Bob maakt trouwens mooie bendings – en alweer vallen de bijzondere arrangemen-ten van Strogers bas op. Als we onze ogen sluiten, kan kunnen we hem door wat we horen ook echt zién bassen. ‘Crawlin’ Kingsnake’ is een steengoed album, boor-devol echte, pure Chicagoblues in zijn meest organische en inventieve vorm. Hier worden we heel blij van!

– Franky Bruneel