Big Pete Pearson (pictured) has been active in Phoenix's blues scene for most of his 71 years. Born in Jamaica and raised in Texas, Pearson moved to Phoenix after touring through the area in the 1950s. Pearson, along with the Rhythm Room All-Stars, will play at Old Town Artisans this Sunday.

“Pete is the king of Phoenix blues,” says Bob Corritore, the group’s harmonica player and founder. “(He) exemplifies everything the blues should be. Not only exemplifies—personifies. He’s one of the greatest blues singers alive.”

The Rhythm Room All-Stars began in 1991 as the house band for the Rhythm Room, Corritore’s club in Phoenix. Since then, the band has gone through many changes; the current lineup was formed four years ago when the group was preparing for a European tour.

Pearson, who had previously toured with his own band, began touring with the All-Stars three years ago during a trip to Italy.

Corritore grew up in Chicago and cites Muddy Waters as helping form his love of the blues. He says he has carried his love of Chicago blues to Arizona, and that has influenced who plays with the All-Stars. He says this incarnation of the Rhythm Room All-Stars is the “créme de la créme of what I love about the blues.

“It’s a really powerful unit, says Corritore. “We have maintained Chicago’s blues in Phoenix. We’re transplanted Chicagoans, and that’s where our influence comes from.”

Tickets for the show are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at Antigone Books, Plaza Liquors or Enchanted Earthworks, by calling 760-4135, or by visiting rhythmandroots.org.

—Josh Garvey

BIG PETE PEARSON AND THE RHYTHM ROOM ALL-STARS

7 P.M., SUNDAY, MAY 25

OLD TOWN ARTISANS
201 N. COURT AVE.

760-4135; RHYTHMANDROOTS.ORG