Today celebrates the highly anticipated release of Doin’ the Shout!, the latest effort from Bob Corritore and Friends, marking the milestone of his 30th album.
The powerhouse band features guitarists Dexter Allen and Jimi Primetime Smith, B3 organ and bass pedal virtuoso Chester Thompson (known for his work with Santana and Tower of Power), and renowned drummer Steve Ferrone (known for his work with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Average White Band, Eric Clapton, and more). With these musicians at the top of their game, the album delivers a masterful performance.
Doin’ the Shout! includes twelve tracks recorded in 2023 and 2024, with vocal contributions from Thornetta Davis, Oscar Wilson, Nora Jean, Francine Reed, Bobby Rush, Tia Carroll, John Primer, Jimi Primetime Smith, and Bob Stroger. The album also boasts contributions from musical legends such as Bob Margolin, Duke Robillard, Kid Ramos, Ben Levin, Mark Early, Johnny Burgin, and many more.
We’ve shared the album’s first two singles, starting with “I’ve Got Three Problems,” featuring the legendary Bobby Rush. This track, written by Rush, is a special collaboration that brings together two generations of blues talent, with Rush stepping away from the harmonica to lend his powerful vocals, while Corritore takes the lead on harmonica.
The second single, “I Guess I’m a Fool,” features the famed blues, jazz, and gospel singer Francine Reed. One of the standout qualities of Bob Corritore’s albums is his uncanny ability to highlight the unique magic of his guest artists, achieved through his meticulous song selection, musical arrangements, and backing. In this track, Corritore’s harmonica playing perfectly complements the song’s mood, while Duke Robillard adds a stirring guitar solo. The rhythm section, with jazz icon Lewis Nash on drums and Ben Hedquist on bass, sets a smooth after-hours feel. And at the heart of it all is Ben Levin’s sweet and melancholic piano, tying it all together. For Francine Reed, this song is nothing short of a blues lament.
