Bob Corritore & Friends

Women In Blues Showcase

VizzTone, 2023

9/10

Listen to Women In Blues Showcase

The always exciting Bob Corritore brings us more gems via his ‘From The Vaults’ series, and this time it spans much geography and styles thanks to powerful and important female voices that make up these 12 blues tracks.

“You’re Gonna Be Sorry” starts the listen with Barbara Lynn’s expressive, upbeat voice alongside Bill Tarsha’s swift drums and Corritore’s spirited harmonica, and “I Just Need A Friend” follows with Carol Fran’s soaring pipes in the empowering climate, which benefits much from her emotive piano, too.

Further along, the frisky “Wang Dang Doodle” showcases Shy Perry’s vocal acrobatics amid Brian Fahey’s fluid drums and Corritore’s animated harmonica, while “Be For Me” places Bob Margolin on guitar and Mookie Brill on bass, which allows Diunna Greenleaf’s stirring voice to shine.

Approaching the end, “Don’t Mess With The Messer” spotlights Troy Sandow’s adventurous bass, Andrew Guterman’s wild drums and Greenleaf’s stunning voice, and “Why Am I Treated So Bad” exits with Francine Reed’s soulful delivery that is illuminated by Kid Ramos and Johnny Main’s meticulous guitar licks.

Corritore recorded all these women- many of whom he has looked up for most of his life- and this collection documents just how important female voices have been in shaping the blues from all eras.

Travels well with: Bob Corritore & Friends- You Shocked Me; John Primer & Bob Corritore- The Gypsy Woman Told Me