Advertisement
You can't get more authentic than this wonderful representation of Chicago Blues from Jimi and Bob! Opening the show also from Phoenix, is one of Arizona's premier Blues Bands, Big Daddy D and the Dynamites, with Betty Jo Vachon.Jimi “Primetime” Smith was born in 1959, smack dab in the heart of Chicago’s blues scene. The son of immensely important female blues drummer, singer, and songwriter Johnnie Mae Dunson, who partnered with Jimmy Reed, worked with the likes of Willie Dixon and ran rehearsals over her restaurant. Smith’s extended family included blues pioneers Jimmy Reed, Eddie Taylor, Willie Dixon, Koko Taylor and others. Jimmy Reed, who lived in their household, schooled young James on guitar and brought him to play at the Ann Arbor Blues Fest at the age of 14. He would go on to play with many popular Chicago musicians, including Big Walter Horton, Eddie Taylor, Big Moose Walker, Big Time Sarah and Sunnyland Slim.
Bob Corritore was born in Chicago in 1956 and heard Muddy Waters on the radio at age 12, and within a year he was playing harmonica and collecting blues albums. He saw blues shows in his early teens and cut his teeth sitting in on Maxwell Street until he was old enough to get in the clubs. He hung around great harp players such as Big Walter Horton, Little Mack Simmons, Louis Myers and Junior Wells, and received harmonica tips and encouragement from many of them. His many albums have now been released on Hightone, Blue Witch, and Delta Groove, and digging into his vast vault of recordings, Bob has released 10 albums since 2018 through his own Southwest Musical Arts Foundation in affiliation with VizzTone. Bob’s work has garnered a Keeping The Blues Alive Award, Blues Music Award, Living Blues Award and Blues 411 Jimi Award. Bob remains very active with his own releases as well as numerous guest appearances on others’ albums.
Together, Jimi and Bob are a musical match made in Blues Heaven. Both immensely talented and sensitive players who hit the perfect note without ever overplaying or showboating. Corritore says, “Jimi’s a gentle giant of the blues. He’s the consummate guy to back anybody. He’s always going to be the right guy for anything. Jimi will play egolessly in a second guitar part, but then shine when it’s his time to. He’s blessed our town with his presence here.” Jimi adds, “Seems like God had a plan for me to move to Arizona and reconnect with Bob Corritore, my brother in the blues.” The rest, as they say, is Blues Magic.
Big Daddy D and Dynamites, features 2020 Memphis IBC Semifinalist, and 2022 Memphis IBC Finalist Runner Up, Darryl Porras on guitar and vocals. Big Daddy’s guitar work is a combination of old and new styles and guaranteed to grab your ear.
Betty Jo Vachon, on vocals, delivers Blues to the audience with power and finesse like no other. She is hailed by fans as a “Passionate … Powerful … and Soulful vocalist that connects with people.”
On drums is Heritage Blues Hall of Fame Inductee and a 2017 Memphis IBC Semifinalist Dr. Bob Sellani.
The band also features Rick Mutter on keys, a 2020 IBC Semifinalist, and 2022 Memphis IBC Finalist Runner Up.
And finally, from Phoenix is bassist extraordinaire, Mahlon Hawk.
This powerhouse band plays extensively throughout Arizona at notable venues and festivals, including The Colorado River Blues Festival, Flagstaff Blues and Brews, Glendale Blues and Jazz Festival, The Phoenix Blues Society's Annual Blues Blast, The 2nd Annual Prescott Blues Festival, The Arizona State Fair, Page, AZ, Balloon Festival and many local city events including The Camp Verde Pecan and Wine Festival, Sedona Red Dirt Concert Series, Clarkdale in the Park, Flagstaff Concert Series, and The Payson Outdoor Concert Series.
Join us for an enjoyable and exhilarating evening of Blues music.
Advertisement
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Old Town Center for the Arts Cottonwood, AZ, 633 N 5th St,Cottonwood, Arizona, United States
Tickets
