The Hawktones wsg Patrick Recob at the Tip Top in Grand Rapids Jan 25

Hank Mowery had just put a wrap the highly successful First Annual Harmonica Summit Tribute to Gary Primich when a phone call came through. On the other end of the line was the sister of the late Primich, Darsha. A check-in from Darsha was not so unusual. The Primich family, including Gary’s father Jack, had been an integral part of the Harmonica Summit in September. Her call, come to find out, contained an offer almost too good to be true. “Darsha said we have these unfinished songs of Gary’s and we’re wondering what to do with them,” Mowery said. “She asked if I’d be interested in using the songs for future recording opportunities.” The tapes--rough drafts with just Gary on guitar--were from a workshop with harmonica customizer Joe Filisko at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. They were recorded in 2007 about month before Gary’s death that September. The family found additional lyrics when they where going through Gary’s stuff not long after. Hank readily agreed and an idea had been born: they would finish the new songs and record classic Gary Primich songs while they’re at it. One person has been at the top of the list all along for call-in help. Their name would have to have the deepest of connections to the music of Gary Primich. This notice would go out to Patrick Recob, a veteran musician from Kansas City MO. “Patrick is the first person I thought of when lining up musicians,” Mowery said. “Patrick toured with Primich throughout Michigan several times. He’s a helluva bass player and a fine singer too.” Recob recently completed shows with Kate Moss and Jimmy Hall (Wet Willie) in Colorado. For the last couple of years Recob has performed at the Buddy Holly Birthday Bash observance in Kansas City MO. He helps run a harmonica workshop at Knuckleheads Saloon in KC. Mowery is still scratching his head over how lucky he is to be handed these songs. But he admits the family thought he was coming from the right place. “I am honored of course,” Mowery said. “But to know how West Michigan rates with the Primich family is really something.” Hank won’t admit it but the bestowment has as much to do with his personal friendship with Gary Primich as anything else. “When you met Gary Primich he made you feel like he was your friend,” Mowery said. “Out of all the places around the world that Gary recorded, played, and made friends, Grand Rapids is high on the list with Jack and Darsha. That’s the thing I’m most proud of.”

Gary Primich and Hank Mowery

Hank Mowery & the Hawktones wsg guest Patrick Recob, 8 pm, Friday at the Tip Top in Grand Rapids. $5


Tickets available at: http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3272884&pl=tiptop