Chicago blues legend John Primer and acclaimed British harmonica player Giles Robson will take the stage at Athens’ Half Note Jazz Club from Friday, October 16, through Monday, October 19, bringing the sound of traditional Chicago blues to the Greek capital.
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Primer, a three-time Grammy nominee and longtime figure in the Chicago blues tradition, will perform guitar and vocals alongside Robson, whose expressive harmonica playing adds intensity to the classic blues sound. Singer Robbin Kapsalis will join the pair for select performances starting Saturday, October 17.
The four-night engagement offers audiences an opportunity to experience three artists whose careers reflect different generations and paths through the blues, from Primer’s direct connection to the genre’s Chicago pioneers to Robson’s standing among Europe’s leading harmonica players.
John Primer: A living link to Chicago blues
Born in Camden, Mississippi, Primer grew up under difficult circumstances before moving to Chicago at age 18. There, he immersed himself in the city’s blues scene, performing alongside musicians including Junior Wells and James Cotton.
His career reached a major turning point in the late 1970s, when blues musician Willie Dixon invited him to join the Chicago Blues All Stars. Primer later joined Muddy Waters’ band, where he served not only as a guitarist but also as its bandleader, learning from one of the most influential figures in blues history.
During his 13 years with the band, Primer further developed the skills that would define his career. He also recorded with the Rolling Stones before establishing his own Real Deal Blues Band in the mid-1990s.
Now 81, Primer has released 26 solo albums and contributed to hundreds of other recordings. His career has earned him three Grammy nominations, numerous lifetime achievement honors and induction into the Blues Hall of Fame.
His work continues to carry the Chicago blues tradition forward while connecting it with contemporary audiences.
Giles Robson brings the harmonica to the forefront
Robson, a British musician known for his powerful harmonica playing and dynamic stage presence, brings a different perspective to the traditional Chicago blues sound.
Born on the island of Jersey, he initially studied violin and saxophone before discovering the harmonica at age 14 during a school trip to Toledo, Spain. A concert by blues duo Cephas & Wiggins helped shape his musical direction, prompting him to explore the genre more deeply.
After teaching himself the harmonica by studying recordings of Muddy Waters, James Cotton and Little Walter, Robson began performing in pubs before developing a professional career.
A pivotal moment came through his collaboration with American blues musician Joe Louis Walker. Together, they recorded the acoustic blues album Journeys to the Heart of the Blues, which earned a Blues Music Award in Memphis, an honor recognizing achievement in the genre.
Robson has since worked with musicians including Billy Branch, James Harman, Charlie Musselwhite and Muddy Morganfield, the son of Muddy Waters. His ongoing collaboration with Primer brings together two musicians with a shared commitment to the blues tradition.
Robson is also the only British musician outside Eric Clapton and Peter Green to have received a Blues Music Award in Memphis, according to the event’s organizers.
Robbin Kapsalis joins the lineup
Chicago-born singer and songwriter Robbin Kapsalis will add her voice to the performances beginning Saturday, October 17.
A multiple nominee for Living Blues magazine’s awards, Kapsalis has performed with blues acts and musicians including Roomful of Blues, Billy Branch, Lil’ Ed and Duke Robillard.
Her appearances alongside Primer and Robson will add another dimension to the program, bringing together guitar, harmonica and vocals for a series of performances rooted in the blues.
Concert details
- Artists: John Primer (guitar and vocals), Giles Robson (harmonica and vocals), and Robbin Kapsalis (vocals)
- Dates: October 16-19, 2026
- Venue: Half Note Jazz Club, 17 Trivonianou Street, Mets, Athens
- Start times: 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 9:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday