Whether serving as bandleader, telling amusing anecdotes about his Mississippi boyhood, or backing up Mud Morganfield, this legendary blues man showed why he will be in the Blues Hall of Fame come May. Primer is known for the slogan “You can’t paint the blues without the Primer,” and this statement rang true at every turn on stage. These two wily veterans showcased their musical chops throughout the night. John Primer came up to Chicago from Mississippi in 1963 while Bob Stroger made the move from Missouri to the Windy City in 1955 and lived right behind Silvio’s blues club on the west side. Waters first came to Chicago in 1943 as part of the “Great Migration” from the Delta and other southern states. His 110th birthday celebration served as evidence of this as Mud’s 90-year-old mother was in the audience and received a special shout-out from her son when he said, “If it wasn’t for her, there wouldn’t be me!” While Waters influenced countless musicians and big-name British bands like the Rolling Stones, he was first and foremost a family man. Following an inspired opening set by this high-octane group of musicians, Mud Morganfield came out for the second set sporting a bespangled white jacket over a shiny black vest. The nattily dressed Waters was the consummate professional and the entire band came dressed to the nines and ready to play on Good Friday. There was strong evidence of this on the Des Plaines Theater stage. Mud Morganfield.Īlthough Waters passed away in 1983, he left a legacy that continues to this day. The vocalist and front man for this all-star band was none other than Muddy’s eldest son, Mr. Rick Kreher, another one of Muddy’s former guitarists shared the stage with Primer, bassist Bob Stroger, keyboardist Sumito Ariyoshi, harmonica player Mervyn Hinds, and Chris Alexander on drums. Future Blues Hall of Fame inductee and former Muddy Waters band member John Primer was front and center. The band featured some of the biggest names in Chicago blues and all were on their A game in Des Plaines, as they took on tunes from Waters’ extensive catalog. This special blues jam was sponsored by Chicago-based Delmark Records. But it was here, on Friday, April 7th, that an all-star band assembled to pay homage to Waters in celebration of what would have been his 110th birthday. The beautifully restored Des Plaines Theatre in the Chicago suburb of the same name bears little resemblance to the gritty city clubs Muddy Waters played in during his heyday. In addition to looking like his dad, Mud has the same deep voice and on-stage mannerisms as he ran through classics including “Walking in the Park,” “Hoochie Coochie Man,” “Baby Please Don’t Go” and other beloved tunes made famous by his late, great father. REVIEWS Concert Review/Gallery: Muddy Waters’ 110th Birthday Blues Jam Thank you, Robin Zimmerman, Michael Lepek, Lauren Nancy Leadingham and American Blues Scene!! Big write up and absolutely gorgeous pics of a legendary show from Mud Morganfield, John Primer, Bob Stroger, Rick Kreher, Sumito Ariyoshi, Harmonica Hinds, drummer Chris Alexander for a big bday tribute to Mud’s Pop, Muddy Waters!! Apple doesn’t fall from that big ol’ BLUES TREE, does it?
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