Gary Primich

Gary Primich... blues harmonica player, vocalist and songwriter was born in Chicago in 1958 and was raised in an industrial suburb of Gary Indiana. Gary picked up the harmonica in his teens and often frequented clubs in the West and South sides of Chicago, soon playing with bands on Maxwell Street. Big Walter Horton was an important early influence on his playing along with the other blues harp players on the scene in Chicago at the time. After college Gary moved to his current city of residence, Austin Texas. Gary has released eight major albums under his own name as well as guesting on numerous other albums with artists such as Omar & The Howlers and Steve James. My first exposure to Gary's work was with his 1995 recording "Mr. Freeze" on Flying Fish Records.

What immediately struck me about Gary's playing was his ability to perform harp parts that intertwined with the essence of every song. After listening to each song I found myself thinking that I wouldn't have played that song any differently. His selection of grooves and well-written hooks make Gary's recordings some of my favorite to listen to from start to finish. Focusing in on his playing a little more... though he was a solid classic Chicago blues player... I also appreciated Gary's level of sophistication, especially on the more jazz-focused songs. His knowledge of chords and form shine in his fluid solos. We'll hear Gary speak about this in our interview.

Sadly Gary passed away on Sunday, September 23rd in Austin, Texas... one month after this interview. This interview stands as a tribute the great player and friend he was to the blues music world.