On Tuesday I hit The Frequency for my first Chicago Blues Tuesday. CBT is the brain child of local muso A.J. Love and it brings Chicago blues musicians to Madison every Tuesday.
This week saw John Primer come to town. He arrived a bit late so the house band entertained the crowed for a couple songs. In addition to Love on guitar, Queenie McCarter lent her powerful voice (including a great Howlin' Wolf imitation) while a trio from Madison's venerable The Cash Box Kings filled out the line-up: Kenny "Beady Eyes" Smith on drums, Chris Boeger on bass, and Joe Nosek blowing harp.
When Primer showed up, he plugged in his guitar mid-song and took over the stage. Born in Mississippi, he moved to Chicago in 1963 and cut his teeth playing with the likes of Willie Dixon and Junior Wells before joining Muddy Waters' band and playing until Waters' death in 1983. After that, Primer spent many years with Magic Slim before striking out on his own.
The set featured some song's from Primer's latest album, All Original, including "Add A Little Touch" as well as standards such as "Back Door Man" and "Got My Mojo Working" with the new and old sitting comfortably together. Although he had a few solos, Love was content with rhythm work and to let his guest do his thing. And he did. Primer effortlessly ground out a patchwork of Chicago blues held together by his ragged yet soulful voice. He even threw in a little slide and was happy to let Nosek cut in and let loose. Everyone was having a lot of fun with a smile on Primer's face and plenty of blues showmanship on display including him coming down into the audience to play before several of the women in the crowd.
The next Chicago Blues Tuesday features Oscar Wilson and Billy Flynn. John Primer will return to Madison on 35 June at the High Noon.
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