There's a lot more to JOHN PRIMER'S latest release than the ear may hear. His latest project is in indeed just that - A PROJECT. "ALL ORIGINAL" is a dream come true for JOHN. The CD is his first on his very own record label - BLUES HOUSE PRODUCTIONS - and it's the beginning of a new mission in his life. JOHN is now focusing on writing, producing, cataloging his own music, teaching young musicians and sharing his experiences with the world. As far as the writing and producing - and let me throw in the performing - from what I'm listening to, JOHN PRIMER is off to a hell of a start.

On "ALL ORIGINAL", JOHN PRIMER, on vocals and guitar, is joined by: MELVIN "HARMONICA" HINES on.....you guessed it - harmonica; DAVID ROSS on piano and organ; MICHAEL MORRISON on bass; VERNON RODGERS on drums.

Setting the record straight, JOHN'S new path does not include reinventing the blues. "ALL ORIGINAL", is twelve original tracks of the good ol', straight up, in your face, Chicago Blues we all know and love him for. "ADD A LITTLE TOUCH", the discs opening track will attest to that. This one features the kind of rhythm, from MICHAEL & VERNON, that thoughtlessly gets your fingers and feet playing along with the bass and the drums. DAVID's hot organ, and as you'd expect from JOHN - great vocals and guitar, also highlight this one.

Sounding like he may be a bit homesick, JOHN seems to be looking very forward to "GOING BACK TO MISSISSIPPI". On this tribute to his home state, the groove the guys were in before is still goin' on. More great guitar, piano and hot harp licks from MELVIN make this another smoker.

As I'm listening to "EVERYDAY BRINGS BY A CHANGE" I find myself thinking I can't be listening to "young musicians in the process of learning". It sounds to me like JOHN'S got a bunch of seasoned veterans working with him here. On this one, MELVIN, DAVID, MICHAEL and VERNON are all on top of their game.

On "BAD CHILD", JOHN showcases his excellent slide guitar skills. This is another smoker with everyone basically in jam mode. DAVID could very well be at discs best on keyboards and the rhythm guys are - as they have been on all the tracks - absolutely phenomenal.

"KEEP ON LOVIN' THE BLUES" are words that JOHN won't have to tell me twice. On this one he describes how blues knocked on his door at the age of four. Of course, he fell in love with them and locked the door behind them. This is the song that JOHN usually ends his live shows with. It seems he wants to send people home remembering that "the blues will never lose it's cool." AMEN! MELVIN shines on this one.

It doesn't get much better than "AT HOME ALONE". This is a real slow blues burner, which automatically makes it my personal favorite. The guys are doing just what makes this kind of a song perfect - staying in a precise, soft, bluesy groove behind him, and letting JOHN just run away with it. His soulful vocals are intense and his blues guitar is incredible. This is the kind of stuff I can listen to all night long. Even at over six minutes, I still hit replay button several times.

Other tracks on "ALL ORIGINAL" are: "I CALLED MY BABY", "BLUE EYED WOMAN", "OTHER MAN", "THE WOMAN THAT I'M LOVIN", "SAY YES, DON'T SAY NO" and "LOVE IN MY HEART FOR YOU".

According to the liner notes, "This is only the beginning and more all original CD'S are on the way". From what I just heard, all I can say is "Bring 'em on, JOHN". You can pick up "ALL ORIGINAL" by going to www.johnprimerblues.com/live/. Make sure you do two things - buy the disc and tell him Pete the Blewzzman told ya all about it.