For many blues fans, the classic Chicago blues sound is the standard. One location where Chicago blues initially formed was Theresa’s Lounge—a tiny Chicago basement with no bandstand, room for about 50 patrons, and a history that began in late 1949 when Theresa Needham opened its doors. John Primer, whose stories and reflections shape this Tribute to Theresa’s Lounge, played there every night for years.

This album gathers a strellar lineup of musicians who got their start playing at Theresa’s, including John Primer, Billy Branch, Willie Buck, Carlos Johnson, Mary Lane, John Watkins, Harmonica Hinds, Twist Turner, Bob Stroger, Jeff Brinkman, and Tony Mangiullo. Each track conveys a lifetime of feeling. It’s a fitting tribute to an important time and place.