Concert Review: Jimi Primetime Smith & Kirk Fletcher

Concert Review: Jimi Primetime Smith & Kirk Fletcher, Maui Sugar Mill

By Martine Ehrenclou

You wouldn’t think that a small dive bar in a strip mall in Tarzana, CA, would be a bustling hub for some of the best blues music in Los Angeles on Monday nights. That’s The Maui Sugar Mill, thanks to blues promoter Cadillac Zack who promises the best blues and blues-rock artists at four locations around the city every week. And Zack delivers.

This night, I was there to see blues guitar wizard Kirk Fletcher. I wasn’t familiar with Chicago bluesman Jimi Primetime Smith. But I should have been. He’s part of Chicago Blues royalty, mentored by Jimmy Reed and Hubert Sumlin on guitar, having performed with none other than Albert King, Albert Collins, Otis Rush, Etta James, Luther Allison and more. Currently he records and performs a lot with famed blues harmonicist Bob Corritore. I went because I knew Zack always brings it. And if you know, you know.

The bar was dimly lit, the stage bright, chairs, stools and dark red banquets tightly knit in the small space. I sensed a different vibe in the dense crowd than I’d experienced at previous Monday night shows. Many of these blues fans were there for Jimi Primetime Smith, for the “real deal” bluesman who brought with him rich blues history and stories told with a wink and a grin. Glasses clinked, the usual pre-show chatter growing louder. It was party time.

The audience was also there for contemporary blues guitar great Kirk Fletcher. There’s few like him. Paired with Smith in the billing, guitar and music fans flock to his shows. Fletcher’s a world renowned guitar player and singer. And his guitar playing is stunning, masterful with deep rooted soulfulness, as if the music of blues and jazz greats flows in his veins. In between his acclaimed solo career, Fletcher tours and records with everyone from Joe Bonamassa and The Fabulous Thunderbirds to Cyndi Lauper and Michelle Branch, to name a few.

Dressed in black, dark sunglasses, black hat with just enough bling, Jimi Primetime Smith appeared on stage holding a green PRS guitar. The talking in the audience halted and people whistled and clapped. Bassist Mike Hightower was already in place as was drummer Rena Beavers. There was a certain reverence from the audience, a respect for the Chicago bluesman. Smith was cool.

Kirk Fletcher, dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and holding his surf green Telecaster, moved next to Smith. All smiles, he was there for the fun. And I suspect Fletcher always finds the fun on stage whether it’s Madison Square Garden, Royal Albert Hall, or Zack’s special venues. The clapping and praise continued for him and he responded with a humble nod of thanks.

Cadillac Zack introduced the band and included their impressive accolades. Mike Hightower on bass, Rena Beavers on drums and “One of the baddest guitar players Kirk Fletcher” and “the legendary blues dude from Chicago, Mr. Jimi Primetime Smith.”

Smith, Fletcher and the band opened the show with “Give Me Back My Wig,” an upbeat, chugging 12 bar blues. Smith’s voice was soulful and expressive, infusing years of experience into his slide guitar chops. Fletcher appeared to be having the best time handling rhythm guitar and firing off searing riffs. Bass and drums fit together neatly, in perfect time.

After “Crossroad Blues,” the crowd had a sampling of what was to come. They wanted more. Yelling, whistling, and hand clapping ensued for every fine musician on that stage.

A black Epiphone BB King Lucille ES 335 in his hands now, Smith slid on his finger picks “Like Jimmy Reed,” he said. And that’s how he played for most of the night.

Watch Kirk Fletcher guitar solo HERE

Slowing things down a bit, “Bad Boy” was next with Smith singing “I’m a bad boy, long, long way from home.” He has a special quality to his vocals–his singing is akin to telling stories, as if he has your ear and you’re riveted, waiting for the next word. And you are.

“Crawling Kingsnake” followed with Fletcher playing another brilliant guitar solo that cut through the mix on stage. He passed lead duties on to Smith who ended the tune with soulful blues guitar riffs that lit up the crowd. The rhythm section held things down in all the right ways.

Were there a few sound issues and off notes? Sure. Maybe the fact that it’s not so polished, reminds us that it’s live. It’s the messiness that ads to the realness of it all. If you ask me, it’s better that way.

A highlight of the evening was the Bobby Rush song “Tough Titty.” Smith gave the audience a sly grin, not unlike Rush when he’s about to be a little nasty. With Bluesman confidence and soul, he was in his element now, his singing and playing fiery. Fletcher roared in with a helluva guitar solo and you could see that both Smith and Fletcher were enjoying themselves. There’s nothing like seeing musicians having a great time playing together on stage. For a few minutes, it was as if no one else was there but Smith, Fletcher and the band. And that, is magic.

Part of Jimi Primetime Smith’s appeal is that he shares stories about his life with the audience. In between songs or even during them, he shared stories involving legendary blues artists like Etta James, Jimmy Reed and others. He added humor and warmth to his anecdotes. The audience ate it up.

Smith said that even though he’d heard a lot about Kirk Fletcher, he’d never played with him before. It seemed as if they’d performed together for years. About Rena Beavers Smith said, “He’s the only drummer I play with. Shuffle, scuffle. He reads my mind,” he laughed.

After the slow blues “Sail On” by Muddy Waters, Chef Denis Depoitre (The Healers) joined in on harp for a Jimmy Reed medley. Fletcher added a meaty guitar solo and dug into the groove. And before I knew it, the show was over. A great night all around.

Watch Kirk Fletcher & Jimi Primetime Smith