Cold Chills
VizzTone, 2020
9/10
This is the 3rd installment of Bob Corritore’s From The Vaults series, and this time he collects some of his recordings with pianist and vocalist Henry Gray that took place between 1998 and 2018, and there’s an all star cast from some of the most luminous names in blues on hand, too.
“Cold Chills” starts the listen with firm keys and soulful harmonica from Corritore as rugged yet tuneful singing from Gray and Bob Margolin’s bluesy guitar populate the inviting opener, and “Look Out Mabel” follows with the piano and harmonica interacting playfully on the bouncy blues setting.
There’s 15 tracks total, and with the wealth of guests present, each song brings new appeal. “Moonlight Blues” invites John Brim on guitar and vocals in the gritty blues climate, while “Hurt Your Feelings” recruits Johnny Burgin on guitar and Tail Dragger handling vocals in its powerful execution. “Ain’t No Use”, a particularly notable track, then enjoys the company of Pops McFarlane, Chico Chism, Johnny Rapp, Bob Margolin accompanying Gray and Corritore on the busy, textured and dynamic landscape.
Deeper still, “Javelina Jamboree” hosts Chief Schabuttie Gilliame’s gruff pipes on the swingin’ fun, and “Going Down Slow” exits with Gray and Corritore being the focus of the slow burning, timeless blues execution.
If you haven’t familiarized yourself with the From The Vaults project from Corritore, and you’ve got any sort of inclination towards the blues, you’re missing out, cause there’s a whole lot of fun to be had and songs to be absorbed- many of which are previously unreleased.
Travels well with: Bob Margolin- Start Of Stage And Screens; Johnny Burgin- No Border Blues