Jimi “Primetime” Smith & Bob Corritore – World in a Jug
VizzTone Records/Southwest Music Arts Foundation VT-SWMAF-24
10 songs – 43 minutes
In the sun-soaked terrain of Phoenix, Arizona, two blues veterans, guitarist/vocalist Jimi "Primetime" Smith and harmonica maestro Bob Corritore, have joined forces for the first time to deliver a harmonious tribute to their Chicago roots. Released under the VizzTone Records/Southwest Music Arts Foundation label, "World in a Jug" is a 10-track, 43-minute journey that encapsulates the essence of old-school blues with a touch of Windy City charm.
Hailing from the heart of blues history, both Smith and Corritore bring a wealth of experience to this collaboration. Smith, the son of the legendary Johnnie Mae Dunson, grew up surrounded by blues luminaries, learning the six-string under the tutelage of none other than Jimmy Reed himself. A Minnesota Blues Hall of Famer, Smith's rich baritone vocals have resonated through the years, supporting blues icons like Etta James and Albert King before stepping into the limelight with his solo endeavors.
Bob Corritore, a self-taught harmonica virtuoso, carved his blues path on Chicago's West Side, playing alongside the likes of Tail Dragger and Willie Buck. Since relocating to Phoenix in 1981, Corritore has become a cornerstone of the blues scene, owning and operating The Rhythm Room for over three decades.
"World in a Jug" is a tapestry of blues, woven between 2017 and 2020, capturing the essence of live performances at The Rhythm Room and studio sessions at Tempest Recording. The lineup is a blues dream team, featuring a cadre of talented musicians, including Henry Gray, Fred Kaplan, Shea Marshall, Johnny Rapp, Patrick Skog, Bob Stroger, Yahni Riley, Troy Sandow, Tony Tomlinson, Brian Fahey, Marty Dotson, Allen West, Celia King, Eboni McDonald, and Doug James on sax for one special cut.
The album kicks off with the title track, "I Got the World in a Jug," a vibrant shuffle that pays homage to Dunson and Reed's 1963 original. Smith's commanding vocals, paired with Corritore's evocative harp, set the tone for what's to come. The journey continues through classics like the stop-time masterpiece "Love Her with a Feeling" and the original "You for Me," a nod to Reed's timeless "You Don't Have to Go."
The sonic landscape shifts seamlessly between tempos and moods. "Blinded" showcases Corritore's chromatic wizardry, while "In a Spin" presents a Latin-tinged ballad, accentuating Smith's vocal prowess. The repertoire delves into the past with the spirited rocker "Soul Food" and the West Side Chicago-flavored "Walkin'."
The album's latter half introduces the B-side gem, "We Got to Stick Together," and navigates through the Muddy Waters-inspired "Fire and Ice" before concluding with the high-energy, railroad shuffle of "Southbound."
"World in a Jug" is a love letter to old-school blues enthusiasts. Its traditional core beats with an unwavering pulse, ensuring that, while steeped in tradition, the album remains far from mundane. Jimi "Primetime" Smith and Bob Corritore breathe new life into the classics, making this collaboration a timeless addition to the blues aficionado's collection. Visit www.bobcorritore.com to embark on this soulful journey.
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