BOB CORRITORE

I have found a true inspiration in the guise of none other than, Harmonica Player, Bob Corritore.  Bob is exceptional because like me he learned from the old Pro’s such as Little Walter, Big Walter Horton and Lester Davenport to name a few of his tutors.  I learned from Bob that he was twelve years young when he had his first experiences with the Pro’s.  Bob and I talked extensively regarding the true meaning of the blues.

Ladies, gentlemen and fans I present to you master harmonica player, Bob Corritore.  I consider this an honor and a privilege to have an opportunity to interview such an artist of this magnitude.

Bob Corritore was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 27, 1956.  He heard Muddy Waters music on the radio at the tender young age of twelve, that experience would mold the young blues musician life and prepare him for his destiny in the art of blues harmonica music.  He began playing the harmonica within a year’s time frame.  He sat in with various blues musicians on Maxwell Street, famous for its blues musicians who would often set up their equipment on a corner or on a side walk and belt out the blues, what an awesome experience that was for the soon to be harpist.  Bob went on to become a successful blues musician and produced his first recordings during the late seventy’s and early eighties.  He worked with music icons such as, Willie Taylor, Big Walter Horton, Carey Bell; he recorded blues legends such as, Little Willie Anderson, Big Leon Brooks producing their classic albums.

Bob left Chicago in the year 1981 moving to Phoenix, Arizona where he persuaded Louisiana Red to make the move to Arizona, Red stayed and performed with Bob until he left for Europe.  Pete Pearson came along and they teamed up, also Chico Chism, drummer for the late Howlin’ Wolf moved to Arizona to join up with Bob until his death.  They performed the old school blues and to this day it is Bob’s desire to keep the blues alive and well all over the world.

I especially enjoyed our interview because Bob and I have so many common beliefs for keeping the blues music real, both of us feel Jimmie Reed was the master of beats with simple basics no one can dispute it.  We agreed that younger blues musicians can learn a lot from those older cats and their way of playing the blues.  It appears the younger generation has a totally different outlook on the blues today. Their perception is a lot of Funk with groove string popping or thumping bass giving the music a different tone other than the old school blues sound. We feel the need to continue to bend the notes on our harmonicas creating that blues sound so many fans love to hear.  One would think the younger generation’s blues musicians would want to be a part of this history.  Harmonica music is a specialized sound often leading songs with each instrument complimenting the other with the guitar adding the gravy to the meat.

Bob opened up his famous Rhythm Club in 1991 offering a variety of music with blues music on the weekends.  He produced two Albums of the All Star Blues Sessions with sixteen tracks when the old school musicians played in the club.  His recordings have been nominated for blues awards.

 

 

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I Wonder Why I wonder why I am always on the late, late show when it comes to learning that I have some talented and honored family members.  I often listened to the late great Floyd Dixon singing Marshall, Texas my Home Town and wondered why I could not remember the man, was the reason I was too young to remember him?  I don’t think so; It was more like he moved to California when he was a young lad and there he became a famous musician, blues musician, playing piano and singing with that West Coast swing style blues.  It was so ironic that I would later learn in life that this legend was my cousin.  When our news paper printed his passing on the front page I studied his face while reading he had many relatives still living in this small Texas town.   I never thought or imagined I was one of those relatives yet,  I cut the article out and saved it in my scrap book still wondering where I could learn about his family here in Marshall, Texas.   It wasn’t until the next year that fate would have me learn more about the man, “ Floyd Dixon,” affectionately called Tweet by his aunt whom I had the privilege of making her acquaintance accidently while my husband, “Bobbie” Mercy” Oliver Texas Blues King was entertaining senior citizens at a retirement center in our town.  The activity director was waiting to ask me if his aunt was related to my husband because they had the same last name.  I told her no because my husband and his family were from Atlanta, Texas and he had never mentioned having relatives here beside his sisters and brothers.   It was after the show when the activity director formerly introduced me to Mrs. Oliver, I learned after much conversation that “Floyd Dixon” was her nephew and we were related by blood.  I also learned I have another famous relative, none other than, Miss.  Tyra Banks, niece of Mrs. Oliver.  I wonder why it was so very late in life for me to learn of my famous relatives.  I do firmly believe in the cliché’ it’s better late than never. Eva Oliver