Blue-Collar Blues

Black Top Records recording artist Gary Primich, who’s playing at Cozy’s tonight, is a blue-collar kind of guy.

The Texas blues man’s latest album is titled “Company Man,” and for Primich, the title is certainly apropos. For this West Coast tour, Primich is not just a loyal associate, he practically is the company. He’s the lead singer, harmonica player, arranger, sound man, primary songwriter, road manager, booker and publicist.

“It’s my last day at the hacienda,” Primich said by telephone from his home in Austin on the day before he left to go on tour. “After today, it’s Texaco coffee and packaged turkey sandwiches.”

Each year, Primich and his band play about 220 dates and spend about six months on the road. Included in that are one or two trips to Europe each year. Besides Cozy’s, this trip will land him at the Derby and the Gig over the hill, plus the Belly Up Tavern in Solano Beach and other spots up and down the coast.

Although he now calls Austin home, Primich was born and raised in Indiana just outside of Chicago. When he was old enough, he would frequent Windy City music spots, where he was inspired by the big blues harmonica sound of Big Walter, who became a mentor to the young musician.

Primich says he learned a lot about music just listening to Big Walter.

“I learned that one good-sounding note is better than a hundred not-so-good-sounding notes,” Primich said. “I saw Big Walter on his good nights and his bad nights, but he always had this solid big harmonica sound.”

Primich learned his lessons well. He, too, has a big fat harmonica sound. He modestly credits one of his main tools, a vintage 1959 Fender Bandmaster amp, for being a big part of that big sound. But more than that, his playing is more tasty than flashy and he covers a variety of music styles.

Primich has been a part of the Austin blues scene since the early 1980s. He has recorded with several other Austin blues artists. “Company Man” is his fifth album all told.

For Primich, who is sneaking up on his 39th birthday next month, music may be hard work, but it’s what he has to do. “I just love it and I always will,” Primich said. “It keeps me doing it.”

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BE THERE

Gary Primich plays tonight at Cozy’s Bar & Grill, 14058 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. $6 cover. (818) 986-6000.