Bob Corritore Newsletter, Charlie Baty To Retire!

Just received this weeks newsletter from Bob. Bad news that Charlie Baty of Little Charlie And The Nightcats is calling it quits! You certainly can't blame him because living on the road is tough, and a bluesmans life can be really tough. Good Luck Charlie!!!

January 30, 2008

• Pre-Super Bowl Blues Events this weekend at the Rhythm Room in Phoenix: As thousands of visitors pour into Phoenix from all around the world for the Super Bowl, there are two blues events of note at the Rhythm Room in the days prior to this spectacular sports event:

Friday, February 1, 2008: Little Charlie & The Nightcats - Charlie is retiring! This Friday's show may be the last time Phoenicians will have the opportunity to see this notorious and spirited blues band. Charlie Baty, the guitarist and bandleader of the Nightcats, has announced his intentions of retiring after the band's European dates in March. After over 30 years of performing and ten albums on the Alligator record label, the dynasty will finally come to an end. Little Charlie has told Bob in a personal phone call that he was tired of life on the road. Charlie also mentioned that Nightcats harmonica ace and frontman Rick Estrin is working up a new, yet to be named project, and will keep the tradition of this band going. Little Charlie is simply an amazing guitarist and his dynamic playing will be missed on the national and international touring circuit. A press release put out by Piedmont Talent seems to leave the door open for a "reunion" tour or special appearances. Let's hope that we have not heard the last of this great guitarist. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $15. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. This night will be a patio smoking only event; no indoor smoking will be permitted.

Saturday, February 2, 2008: Super Bowl Blues Pre-Party with Dave Riley & Bob Corritore Band, Long John Hunter, and Big Pete Pearson. A night of pure traditional blues. The night will be hosted by the BMA-nominated Dave Riley and Bob Corritore and their band, including Dave Riley, Jr. on bass, and Tom "Hacksaw" Coulson on drums. Look for guest appearances by Arizona's King of the Blues, Big Pete Pearson; and Long John Hunter, who says this is his first live appearance anywhere in four years. The Rhythm Room is located at 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Doors open at 8pm, cover charge is $10. Rack Shack Barbeque will be available at this event. This night will be a patio smoking only event; no indoor smoking will be permitted.

• New Articles and postings on the Internet: Some recent kind words and postings:

-Vizztone Label Group artist Gina Sicilia's Blog. Thanks Gina!

-Benjamin Cossel's article on Bob Corritore.

-Special thanks to Blueswax for quoting items from this newsletter. Check out and sign up for Blueswax's spectacular e-newsletter by clicking here.

-Also special thanks to Blues Art Studio for including the Bob Corritore Blues Newsletter along with other fine e-publications on the news section of their website. Check out their recent news updates by clicking here.

• New Mannish Boys CD and Bobby Jones CD forthcoming on Delta Groove: Randy Chortkoff has just been in the studio recording two amazing new CDs. The Mannish Boys, now one of the greatest touring blues units around, recorded what will be their fourth CD. Johnny Dyer, Finis Tasby, Bobby Jones, special guest Little Sammy Davis, and others will be featured on this new release out later this year. Former Aces vocalist Bobby Jones also laid down his own CD at the same time. Bobby is a stunning singer who can handle a wide range of material. It will be great to finally have a whole CD to capture the depth of this man's talent. Randy has played a few selections from these forthcoming releases to Bob over the phone, and they are simply top-notch performances. Thanks to Delta Groove for releasing some of the greatest straight ahead blues releases on the current music landscape. Check out this late 50's picture of Bobby Jones and The Aces on Bob's website by clicking here.
• Bob's Radio Show Turns 24 Years old! This week marks the 24-year anniversary of Those Lowdown Blues on KJZZ 91.5 FM. Look for the same great traditional blues programming that you get each week on Bob's show plus a special live on the air performance by Dave Riley. Each week Bob shares selections from his vast collection of blues recordings. Last year Bob's show won a Keeping the Blues Alive Award from The Blues Foundation in the category of Public Radio. Listeners may hear Those Lowdown Blues anywhere in the world (real time Sunday nights from 6pm-11pm Phoenix time) via web streaming by clicking here, or on KJZZ in Phoenix at 91.5 FM in Phoenix, Arizona, 89.5 in Cottonwood, 90.1 in Prescott, 98.9 in Tucson, and 99.1 in Kingman.
• 2008 KBA Awards and International Blues Challenge to take place in Memphis this weekend: Speaking of Keeping the Blues Alive (KBA) awards, congratulations to the class of 2008 KBA recipients, who will be honored in Memphis this weekend. Each year, The Blues Foundation presents KBA Awards to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the Blues world. For a complete list of this year's KBA recipients, click here. The Blues Foundation will present the 2008 KBA Awards during a recognition brunch Saturday, February 2, 2008, at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Memphis, Tennessee. The KBA ceremony will be part of the International Blues Challenge (IBC) weekend of events. For complete information about the 2008 International Blues Challenge weekend, click here, and to see the weekend schedule, click here.
• Magic Sam on YouTube: Please enjoy this film clip of Magic Sam in Europe. First an interview, then a great live performance of "All Your Love", followed by Sam's amazing guitar boogie "Looking Good". Click here to see a very satisfying look at this legendary Chicago Bluesman. Note that Magic Sam is playing Earl Hooker's guitar.