Henry Gray & Bob Corritore Sessions Vol. 2: Cold Chills

Henry Gray & Bob Corritore
Henry Gray & Bob Corritore Sessions Vol. 2: Cold Chills
SWMAF Records/ Vizztone

This is the second volume of performances the late Henry Gray made with Bob Corritore, the Phoenix blues promoter, harmonica player, and record producer. It collects 14 performances (and one phone message) recorded over the span of a couple of decades. Gray was a mainstay of Howlin' Wolf's band for over a decade before relocating to Louisiana. He passed away in January 2020 at the age of 95. I wrote about the previous volume, "This is a solid and delightful collection of classic Chicago blues with a touch Louisiana swamp blues mixed in. Given that this is labeled Vol. 1, one looks forward to a further release of Henry Gray's blues sessions with Bob Corritore." That further release has arrived.

Besides Gray's Chicago piano, he sings on eight tracks. Other vocals are provided by John Brim, Jimi' Primetime' Smith, Eddie Taylor Jr., Tail Dragger, and Chief Schabuttie Gilliame. The impressive musicians heard here include guitarists John Brim, Bob Margolin, Eddie Taylor Jr., Robert Lockwood Jr., Johnny Rapp, Illinois Slim, Johnny Burgin, Chris James, and Kirk Fletcher. Chico Chism handles drums on most selections with Brian Fahey, Steve Cushing, and Marty Dodson also are heard. Bassists include Bob Stroger, Troy Sandow, Paul Thomas, Patrick Ryan, Pops McFarlane, and Mario Moreno.

Gray was a husky pianist influenced by the great Big Maceo, but with his own distinctive style and phrasing. The opening selection "Cold Chills' is a strongly performed slow blues he first recorded over a half-century ago. Margolin and Corritore add strong guitar and harmonica in support. There is a rollicking rendition of GL Crockett's "Look Out Mabel" with a hint of "Mystery Train" in the melody. A John Brim phone message telling Bob he should hook up with Gray leads to Gray backing Brim on a terrific Chicago blues "Moonlight Blues." It is followed by Eddie Taylor Jr.'s fine rendition of Jimmy Rogers' "Going Away Baby." Gray's backing on these tracks are terrific. Also, Tail Dragger is heard on the slow Howlin' Wolf styled "Hurt Your Feelings," and the rocking shuffle "Birthday Blues." Chris James and Kirk Flecther enliven this last recording.

Gray provides a robust vocal to "Mother-in-Law Blues" with a choice Robert Lockwood Jr. guitar solo in addition to Gray's choruses. The is plenty of energy in Gray's rendition of J.B. Lenoir's "The Mojo," and even an unusual cover of Hank Ballard's "The Twist." This number was from Gray's last Phoenix session with Corritore. This collection of Henry Gray performances closes with a robust rendition of "Going Down Slow," with outstanding guitar from Johnny Rapp. The performances here are consistently enjoyable with several exceptional ones. As I said about the earlier release, this is a delightful collection of Chicago blues with a touch of Louisiana swamp blues.

I received my review copy from Vizztone. Here is a performance by Henry Gray and Bob Corritore of Jimmy Rogers "Blues Won't Let Me Take My Rest."

Leroy Carr's In The Evening

Leroy Carr's legacy is perhaps not as appreciated today as it once was. A major recording star, his duets with guitarist Scrapper Blackwell, are classic blues recordings. Furthermore, he contributed countless classic blues songs that have become standards. Today we have an "In the Evening" playlist kicking off with his original recording.

While Ray Charles has also recorded this, let us not forget Charles Brown, who was an early influence on Brother Ray.

Big Bill Broonzy did this as hear here.

Robert Lockwood had a fondness for Leroy Carr as did most folks of his generation. Here he is playing his 12 string guitar and singing this classic.

Big Joe Turner did a nice rendition of this.

Here is Jimmy Witherspoon with a band that included Jay McShann on piano and was led by former Basie-ite, Budddy Tate.

Here is Ella Fitzgerald singing it for Decca Records,

Here is a Count Basie trio recording of this classic.

Here is Big Joe Williams and his 9-string guitar.

And here is the shouter Joe Williams at Newport in 1963 with a band including Howard McGhee and Clark Terry.

Here is Ernestine Anderson with Milt Jackson and others.

Then there is Gary Clark Jr. at the White House doing it.

Then there is Yusef Lateef's recording on the oboe.

I could include many more renditions, but here is a ringer to close this post with.  I wonder if the Carr estate gets royalties for Robert Johnson's recording, Love in Vain, that uses Carr's music.