Review: Jimi ‘Primetime’ Smith & Bob Corritore ‘The World In A Jug’

Jimi ‘Primetime’ Smith & Bob Corritore ‘The World In A Jug’

By Mike O’Cull

Chicago blues veterans Jimi “Primetime” Smith and Bob Corritore throw down a ten-song set of the real stuff on their new album The World In A Jug.

The record dropped via the VizzTone Label Group and SWMAF Records and contains a sample of the heat Smith and Corritore have been generating together for the past seven years since rekindling their 40-year friendship in Phoenix, Arizona, where both now live. Smith’s guitar and vocal work and Corritore’s harmonica prowess were made to be heard alongside each other and their sound is one of the most listenable experiences in the present-day blues scene. Both men nail the real Chicago vibe effortlessly because they came up in the Windy City blues community, learned directly from the greats, and have this music in their veins.

Jimi “Primetime” Smith grew up in a house full of blues music. His mother was Johnny Mae Dunson, a blues singer and drummer who wrote songs for Jimmy Reed, Koko Taylor, and Muddy Waters. He learned the guitar as a young boy from blues legend Jimmy Reed, who was a family houseguest, and did his first pro gig with Reed at the Ann Arbor Blues Festival in 1973. He’s worked with Bernard Allison, Shaun Holt, and Big Walter Horton and developed into a top-flight solo artist in his own right.

Bob Corritore cut his teeth in the clubs of Chicago, watching and learning from blues masters including Little Mack Simmons, Louis Myers, Junior Wells, Big John Wrencher, and Carey Bell. He’s played with Tail Dragger, Big Moose Walker, Willie Buck, Louis and Dave Myers, and Eddie Taylor, become an acclaimed producer, a radio show host, a club owner, and an arts foundation founder. He’s been releasing music since 1999 and is one of the most visible personalities in roots music.

The tunes on The World In A Jug are a joyous bunch and overflow with the magic that turned us all on to the blues in the first place. The title cut “I Got The World In A Jug” is up first and gets the party started with an uptempo groove that blends Jimmy Reed and Muddy Waters influences. Smith’s vocals are wise and refined and Corritore’s harp licks are plump and juicy. Right away, you’ll know that listening to every song on this release is a major priority.

“I Got The World In A Jug”

 
Smith and Corritore turn in a mighty version of Freddy King’s classic “Love Her With A Feeling” that grinds, shakes, and shimmys. Smith lets his guitar wail over a pocket that’s so tight that it snaps and Corritore does the same with his harp. It’s the kind of cut that grabs hold of your soul after midnight and creates a mood that can’t be denied. File this one under “Deep, Deep Blues.”

“In A Spin” is minor, mellow, and moody. Smith sings to the woman who broke his heart and left it on the ground in a genuine way that will let you share the pain of it all. Smith and Corritore pull back on this quiet gem and play excellent solos full of chill lines and ideas. Don’t be surprised if this becomes one of your favorite songs on the record.

The driving “Soul Food” is a solid sender with a 50s rock and roll flavor. Smith runs down his favorite menu items on the vocal mic and his enthusiasm is guaranteed to make you hungry. The whole thing is a ton of fun and certain to fill dance floors everywhere.

Every bit of The World In A Jug will improve your day and set your bones in motion. Smith and Corritore are a duo to be reckoned with and are well able to throw the hottest blues bash in town. Their lowdown, barroom style is what you need and will treat you right. All that’s left to do is dance.

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