Music review: Bob Corritore & Friends, Don't Let the Devil Ride

Bob Corritore performs on stage at The Chicago Blues Festival.

BOB CORRITORE & FRIENDS
Don't Let the Devil Ride
Vizztone Label Group

Blues harp player Bob Corritore has been plying his trade for 30-something years now, after discovering the blues of Muddy Waters on the radio as he was growing up in Chicago.

Initially his focus was on building a blues LP collection but by the late 70s he was showcasing his self-taught harp skills wherever and whenever he could around the Windy City clubs.

He relocated to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1981 and as well as starting a still active radio show he played back-up to many high-profile bluesmen, among them Bo Diddley, Ike Turner and Pinetop Perkins.

It wasn't until 1999 that Corritore began a modest recording career.

In Don't Let the Devil Ride he's taken a unique approach.

The collection of songs cover nine different recording sessions, with his harp work adapting to these settings very well.

His scope of delivering from the blues' smallest instrument covers many styles, with his use of a chromatic harp creating outstanding results.

As one of a small group of white blues harp players active, Bob Corritore is a standout, and Don't Let the Devil Ride a showcase of his considerable talents.