John Primer and Friends
Tribute To Theresa's Lounge
By Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro © June 2026
Before even getting to the music, between the one sheet and the six page booklet included with Tribute To Theresa's Lounge, I could spend forever telling you about the album, the history of the club, the musicians who have played there, and a whole lot more. That said, aside from the small intro below, I'm going to focus on the songs and their performers. Besides, you can always let your fingers do the walking.....
This is a tribute album to Theresa Needham and her world famous Theresa's Lounge. There are 13 songs on this album. All these songs, except for John Primer's originals, were songs that you would hear down in the basement of Theresa's Lounge. All the musicians on this album got their start playing at Theresa’s Lounge, 4801 S. Indiana, Chicago, IL. They want to teach us the importance of this place and keep the music and history alive.
Along with John Primer, on guitar and vocals, the featured artists include: Billy Branch on harmonica and vocals; Bob Stroger and Jeff Brinkman on bass; Mary Lane and Willie Buck on vocals; Carlos Johnson on guitar and vocals; John Watkins on guitar and vocals; Harmonica Hinds on harmonica; and Twist Turner and Tony Mangiullo on drums.
The album opens with "Up In Heah" (Daniels & Moore), a track that Junior Wells used to open his set with on his weekly Thursday night gig at Theresa's. Coincidently - or not - the track sounds a whole lot like Mel London's "Messin With The Kid" that Junior had a big hit with back in 1960. This rhythm fueled smoker features Tony and Jeff all over the drums and bass; John belting out the blues both vocally and with killer guitar leads; and Harmonica Hinds very nicely filling the legends role on harmonica.
"Goin' down to Theresa's Lounge, that's the place where all the bluesmen hang out. Yes, I'm goin' down to Theresa's Lounge, that's where all the bluesmen hang out. It's the home of Junior Wells and James Cotton, when they play it will make you jump and shout" are the opening lines of "7 Nights For 7 Years" a song John wrote especially for this tribute to Theresa's Lounge. Lyrically, the track features John testifying about having paid his dues while working seven nights a week for seven long years while learning to play the blues, often wondering if he'd even get paid. Musically, the track features John nailing the storytelling vocals while showcasing those 'learned' guitar skills of his; Theresa's house harmonica player Harmonica Hinds blowin' the hell out of the harp; and two Chicago legends who have played with just about everyone who has ever sung the blues - Bob Stroger on bass and Twist Turner on drums - laying down the real tight rhythm.
The same ensemble continues to sound fabulous together on another of John's originals titled "The Blues Is King". With the band in mellow rhythm groove behind him, John - while stating "Blues has it's own power, the blues has it's own thing....Blues will always be around, always be the king" - puts on one hell of a slide and lead guitar performance.
"Sugar Sweet", a Mel London song that Muddy made famous, is the only track that features Billy Branch on both lead vocals and harmonica, and for that reason it's deserving of mention. Another big reason is that you'll hear what could be some of John's best slide guitar work.
Muddy Waters has had many recognizable lines in his songs and "Yeah bring me champagne when I'm thirsty; Bring me reefer when I want to get high" surely has to be one of the most recognizable. On his "Champagne and Reefer", while John and Billy are nailing the guitar and harmonica performances, Willie Buck does Muddy right with a masterful vocal rendition of the song.
On "We All Need Help", another of his originals written specifically for this project, John pays homage to Theresa Needham who through her actions and guidance, taught him the importance of giving to those in need.
Since Mary Lane was the the only regular woman singer at Theresa's, I believe John would have found it sacrilegious to not include her on this project. That said, enter 91-year-old Mary Lane sounding nothing close to her age as she puts her heart and soul into an appropriately titled song she wrote called "Mary's Song".
Sometimes, while covering another artist's song, a performer does so in a way in which they actually 'made the song their own'. Then there are the songs that weren't meant to be fooled around with and should be done exactly the way the original was. Muddy's "She's Nineteen Years Old" is one of them, and on his rendition, Carlos Johnson - both vocally and instrumentally - put on a classic performance of the classic song.
Should he ever decide to write it. "Blues Survivalist" - another of John's originals - could very well be the title of his autobiography. This slow blues number features John Primer and John Watkins sharing the scorching blues guitar leads; Bob Stroger and Twist Turner creating the perfect slow rhythm groove; and Harmonica Hinds blowin' the hell out of the blues harp.
Back in the day, one of the songs that James Cotton regularly performed during his gigs at Theresa's was "Here I Am Knockin' At Your Door Again". Since the song was written by John Watkins, John Primer thought it would be great to have him perform it for this recording - and it was.
Other tracks on what I'm sure will be yet another highly regarded album for John Primer at next year's various awards ceremonies include: "Little By Little" (Mel London); "Cut You A-Loose" (Mel London); and "Mean Old World" (Little Walter Jacobs). As with everything that John Primer releases, Tribute To Theresa's Lounge is must have music.
To find out more about John Primer, check him out at - www.johnprimerblues.com. Additionally, you can learn more about the CD by stopping by www.blueshouseproductions.com. Remember, wherever you go and whomever you speak with, please tell them their friend the Blewzzman sent you.
