Album Review: Bob Corritore and Friends – Doin’ the Shout

Bob Corritore is one busy cat. When we last checked in with the blues harpist and band leader (and his Friends), the new album was Phoenix Blues Rumble. That was way back in 2023, the same year that Bob Corritore and Friends released not one but two other sets: Women in Blues Showcase and High Rise Blues. Corritore had churned out yet another album in ‘23 – that one a collaboration with Jimi “Primetime” Smith – and followed up all that activity with 2024’s Crawlin’ Kingsnake, a set with John Primer. Again: busy, busy, busy.

Corritore and Friends are back in the early months of 2025 with Doin’ the Shout, a blues extravaganza featuring some of blues’ biggest names on vocals.

Thornetta Davis is first up with “Say Baby Say.” The standard blues changes of the song are enlivened by a swinging arrangement, Davis’ assured vocal, and solos from Corritore and guitarist Johnny Burgin. Davis also takes the mic for her jump blues original “That Don’t Appease Me.” Burgin’s guitar licks engage in conversation with Davis, and some beefy sax – with a catchy breakdown riff – adds just the right touch.

“Women Wanted” is a showcase for the stinging lead slide guitar of Bob Margolin. And Oscar Wilson’s powerful bluesbreaking voice is a delight. Wilson sings on “Just a Dream” as well; a stomping, slow blues in a traditional style, it provides an opportunity for the players to dig in.

The title track on Doin’ the Shout is soulful jump blues, featuring an inviting, handclap-infused arrangement and a spirited shout vocal from Nora Jean. Corritore turns in some of his best harp work on the track. Nora Jean is on hand again for “It’s My Life,” an original from her pen. It’s a loping, insistent blues with tasty slide courtesy of Johnny Rapp (who also plays lead on the title cut).

Even before the vocal comes in, the arrangement of “I’ve Got Three Problems” telegraphs that it’s a vehicle for the inimitable Bobby Rush. The playful – and more than a little suggestive – lyric (by Rush himself) is a laugh riot, and a highlight of “Doin’ the Shout.” And Corritore’s solo is a simple thing of beauty.

“I Guess I’m a Fool” features the vocal talents of Francine Reed. A late-night weeper, it’s understated but very effective, in a style reminiscent of Ray Charles. The vocals of Tia Carroll shine brightly on “I’ve Got to Be With You Tonight.” Carroll is ably supported by guitarists Kid Ramos and Johnny Main.

John Primer’s guitar work is featured on many of the album’s tracks, and he takes the lead vocal on the good-timing Twenty Room House. Anthony Geraci’s piano work on the track is sprightly and assured. Jimi “Primetime” Smith duets with Carla Denise on “Same Old Thing.” Singing in unison an octave apart, the duo provides some of the liveliest moments on the set. The set wraps up with the slow-burn blues of “My First Love,” featuring vocalist Bob Stroger. It’s a fine way to end this diverse yet sharply focused collection.