The World In A Jug
Vizztone/Swmaf, 2023
9/10
The Chicago legends Bob Corritore and Jimi “Primetime” Smith come together for firm, authentic and modern blues fun that brings a small army of players to the 10 lively tracks.
“I Got The World In A Jug” gets the listen off to a lively start, where Fred Kaplan’s animated piano and Brian Fahey’s crisp drums complement Smith’s gritty pipes and Corritore’s flowing harmonica, and “Love Her With A Feeling” follows with Johnny Rapp’s warm guitar and Bob Stroger’s bouncy bass adding much to Smith’s emotive pipes.
Further down the line, “In A Spin” finds an intimate place to reside, where the romantic demeanor benefits from Shea Marshall’s organ and Yahni Riley’s bass, though Corritore’s moody harmonica is quite luminous, too, while the dance floor ready “Soul Food” showcases Doug James’ radiant sax and soulful backing vocals from Celia King and Eboni McDonald.
“Southbound” and “Fire And Ice” exit the listen, where the former shakes and rattles with Henry Gray’s playful keys and Mary Dodson’s agile drums amid the soaring harmonica and frisky singing, and the latter finishes with a gentle yet powerful spirit of timeless blues that pairs Smith’s inimitable voice with Corritore’s distinct harmonica.
Smith and Corritore reconnected 7 years ago, and let’s hope the collaborations don’t stop anytime soon, cause they make some fantastic, hard hitting and memorable blues that the world needs more of.
Travels well with: The Lucky Losers- Standin’ Pat; Ben Levin- Take Your Time