Dear John, We are deeply saddened to learn of our friend Jim Glass's passing. He was beset with serious medical problems for the past couple of years and fought through them like the trouper he was. A major stroke last week finally took all of his energy and he crossed over. He was a great player and we are fortunate to have inducted him into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame a couple of years ago where he will remain immortal. R.I.P. brother.
On another downer, the Rocket 88s had a sizeable part of their equipment stolen recently and the Bob and Bill have organized a benefit to help raise funds to replace some or all of it. Nothing lower than stealing a musician's gear so come out and chip in $5- $10 or whatever you feel good about. It won't be wasted.
John Primer is celebrating a birthday this week and I had to post something. I saw him recently at the RR and he simply blew me away. I thought about the show for days. The gentleman is Chicago Blues personified.
We still need volunteers to help out at Blues Blast '18. Two hours of your time buys you a ticket to an afternoon of real Blues. Go to info@phoenixblues.org and leave your contact info and you will be promptly contacted.
There are also vendor spaces still available. Contact Sharon Green @ gringos@cox.com
From here it's on to Blues Blast '18. Hope to see y'all there!
Sincerely, Jim Crawford, PBS
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Mr. P
by Michael Limnios Tradition, style, mentor, leader, storyteller, veteran. These all words that describe bluesman John Primer. John takes his music seriously and finds it extremely important to share his experiences and emotions telling stories with his guitar. Song after song, show after show, and year after year, John delivers intense, soul grabbing music straight from the heart.John Primer's road to success began in his hometown of Camden, Mississippi.John eventually made his way north to Chicago in 1963, which started a whole new chapter in his life. John began to make a name for himself with his flawless guitar work and strong vocals, able to play many styles of music from blues to soul, and in 1974 he landed a spot in the house band at the legendary Theresa's Lounge between 1974 and 1980, where he backed up the likes of Junior Wells, Louis Myers, Jimmy Johnson, Lonnie Brooks, Paul Butterfield, Johnny Winter, Bonnie Raitt and many others. There he met Sammy Lawhorn, ex-Muddy Waters guitarist and one of John's greatest influences.
John and Sammy packed Theresa's night after night, and his reputation began to spread throughout Chicago. In 1979, John was invited to be a member of Willie Dixon's Chicago Blues All-Stars, and by 1980 he held the honor of becoming the bandleader for the last great Muddy Waters Band. He stayed on as bandleader and guitarist until Muddy's untimely death in 1983, and his road took a different turn. John joined forces with West Side bluesman Magic Slim, and together they heated up stages all over the world for over 13 years. As the bandleader for Magic Slim and the Teardrops, John began the slow process of learning what it takes to be a true "master" of the Blues. A new chapter in the life of John Primer was about to emerge, and soon he was in his own again as the leader of his own band.
John Primer is a powerful force in today's Blues scene. He is dedicated to keeping the music alive and in it's original form. By teaching the younger musicians his traditions the stories will never fade away.Mr. Primer, when was your first desire to become involved in the blues music?
When I was 5 years old I remember singing all the time and listening to blues records on my Grandmother's record Player. My family always played the blues in our home when I was growing up the blues was popular. How has the blues changed your life & what do you learn about yourself from the blues music?
The blues allows me to travel all over the world and meet so many amazing people. You have to open up your heart and let your feelings flow through your body and think happy thoughts while you play the blues. What characterizes the sound of John Primer? How do you describe your philosophy about the music?
My sound is my own interpretation of many blues legends like: Jimmy Reed, Muddy Waters, BB King, Howlin Wolf, Lightning Hopkins, Elmore James & Magic Slim. I am true to the real sound no pedals or fancy stuff. I believe in keeping the sound true, real and from my heart. Do you remember anything funny or interesting from the recording time?
Just a whole lot of hard work and good times when it comes together good and on time! It makes me very happy to be able to create and record new songs to share with the world. What are some of the most memorable gigs you've had? What's the best jam you ever played in?
Opening up the show with Muddy Waters for the Rolling Stones at the Checkerboard Lounge was my favorite show, but recently I played with the Chicago Blues: A Living History Band at the infamous Montreux Jazz Festival this was a new highlight in my career. We played the same show as Bob Dylan and got to meet Quincy Jones backstage as well. You have played with many bluesmen like Muddy, Junior, Willie, Bonnie Lee, and Magic Slim. It must be hard, but which gigs have been the biggest experiences for you?
The biggest experience for me was when I played 13 years with Magic Slim. He took me around the world and taught me how to be a good bandleader and how to survive on the road. Are there any memories of all GREAT ARTISTS you meet which you'd like to share with us?
The first time I left the U.S.A. was with Willie Dixon and the Chicago All-Stars Band. Willie helped me to get my first
Passport. We played in Mexico City for thousands and thousands of people. It was the largest crowd I had ever played in front of. People were hanging off of the walls and sitting in trees just to hear us play! It was truly amazing!! Which was the best moment of your career and which was the worst?
The best moment was when Mojo Buford told me that Muddy Waters would like me to join his band and the worst moment was recently we totaled my van in Canada and I had to rely on strangers to help me out. It was hard for us to get home with all our equipment, but thank God we were all OK, just bumps and bruises. With such an illustrious career, what has given you the most satisfaction musically?
After all these years my peers are finally noticing me. It feels so good to be nominated as well as win awards for your life's work from your peers and fans. It makes you feel like you are doing something right. Which is the most interesting period in your life and why?
When I moved from Mississippi to Chicago. Chicago was a whole new world for me to explore. No more working in the fields for me! From whom have you have learned the most secrets about the blues?
Magic Slim taught me the most secrets about the blues and how to be a real bluesman. What advice Muddy, and Willie given to you, and which memory from those makes you smile?
Muddy, taught me confidence on stage and also how to play the slide-guitar; he was like a father to me. Willie, taught me the importance of writing my own songs and protecting them. What experiences in your life make you a GOOD people...and musician?
The way I was raised by my mom, grandmother and uncle. To always respect and help others. It is always better to give than to receive, especially to those in need. Some music styles can be fads but the soul & blues are always with us. Why do think that is?
The gospel and blues music is the foundation of all other music styles, that's why it will always be around. How has the blues business changed over the years since you first started in music?
The Internet has changed the music dramatically. The Internet allows us to be more independent and to reach more people all over the world instantly. Why did you think that John Primer continues to generate such a devoted following?
I have never changed. I have stayed true to my style all these years and I have shown my followers how much I love and respect them. I am humble and give back to my community as much as I can. I also appreciate everything that I have and that might be given to me. What do you think is the main characteristic of you personality that made you a bluesman?
Where I come from and the struggle my family and I had to go through in Camden, Mississippi. We had a very, very hard life when I was growing up and some of my family is still struggling to this day down there. Would you mind telling me your most vivid memory from your gigs in Greece?
The most vivid memory was the last time I played there were got caught up in the protesting and riots the day we were trying to get leave and drive to the airport. I was worried that we wouldn't be able to get out because the country was in such turmoil and the people were in a panic. I pray for Greece and for the people there. I hope that things get better for you and that your country becomes a stronger one when it is all over. It always seems darkest before the dawn so stay true to your beliefs, work together, help each other and all will be worked out in the end. I would love to come back any time and play my music to help you come together or to celebrate anytime - just send for me and I will come! What advice would you give to aspiring musicians thinking of pursuing a career in the craft?
Work hard, don't do drugs or alcohol, stay true to your own style and put your heart out there for the people - let them feel what you are trying to say and always give back. Which things do you prefer to do in your free time? What is your "secret" DREAM? Happiness is
I love to go fishing, play with my 7-year-old daughter Aliya and relax under a nice shade tree and write music. Primer LIVE!!
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| | Out & About Tuesday, February 27 Wednesday, February 28 Bad News Blues Band, Every Wed., 9:30 p.m., Chicago Bar, Tucson Thursday, March 1 Rocket 88s Benefit, 6:30 p.m., Rhythm Room, Phoenix Mikel Lander (solo), 8 p.m., Culinary Dropout, Tempe Hans Olson (EVERY THURSDAY), 6 p.m., Handlebar, Apache Junction Arizona Blues Project, 8 p.m., Harold's, Cave Creek Friday, March 2 Bad News Blues Band, 9 p.m., Rhythm Room, Phoenix Chuck Hall Band, 7:30 p.m., Janey's, Cave Creek JC & the Juke Rockers, 6 p.m., Taco Guild, Phoenix Nina Curri w/Doug Schultze, 10 p.m., Pho Cao, Scottsdale Paris James, 6:30 p.m., D'Vine Wine, Mesa Saturday, March 3 Ian Moore (EARLY SHOW), 6 p.m., Rhythm Room, Phoenix Cold Shott & the Hurricane Horns, 9 p.m., Rhythm Room, Phoenix Rocket 88s, 3 p.m., Melrose Street Fair, 7th Ave, Phoenix JC & the Juke Rockers, 8 p.m., The Rogue Tomato, Glendale Leon J & Juke Joint, 6 p.m., Sound bites, Sedona Outback Blues Band, 6 p.m., Ramblin' Roads, Hope Front Page Blues Band, 7 p.m., Eagles Nest, Prescott Paris James, 6:30 p.m., D'Vine Wine, Chandler Sunday, March 4 JC & the Juke Rockers, 2 p.m., Hideaway, Cave Creek Rocket 88s (JAM), 2 p.m., Last Stop, Phoenix True Flavor Blues, NOON , Copper Star, Phoenix Monday, March 5 |
Weekly Jams
Sunday
Bourbon Jack's JAM w/Kody Herring, 6 p.m., Chandler
MONDAY
Bam Bam & Badness Open JAM, 9 p.m., Char's, Phoenix
Weatherford Hotel JAM, 6:30 p.m., Flagstaff
TUESDAY JAM Sir Harrison, 9 p.m., Char's, Phoenix
Rocket 88s, 6 p.m., The Last Stop (Old Hideaway West), Phoenix
Gypsy's Bluesday Night JAM, 7 p.m. Pho Cao, Tempe
Tailgaters JAM, 7 p.m., Glendale
WEDNESDAY Rocket 88s, 7 p.m., Chopper John's, Phoenix Tool Shed JAM Party, 7 p.m., Draw 10, Phoenix
Bumpin' Bud's 2nd & 4th Saturdays JAM, 7 p.m., Marc's, Glendale
THURSDAY Tool Shed JAM Party, 7 p.m., Steel Horse Saloon, Phoenix Jolie's Place JAM w/Adrenaline, 9 p.m., Chandler Brad's Place JAM, 7 p.m., Ahwatukee (Every other Week)
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| Moved? Changed email addresses? Please let us know of any changes in your address, email, or phone number so we can keep you informed about the Blues community in Arizona. Email us at: info@phoenixblues.org or write to: Phoenix Blues Society P.O. Box 36874 Phoenix, Arizona 85067 |
| GOT BLUES? If you are a Blues musician, a group, or a club that features Blues music, and would like to be listed, please send your info to info@phoenixblues.org and we'll be happy to list your event in our weekly Out & About section of the newsletter |
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