Gary Primich is not a household name. Gary Primich is a blues artist, and he knows the business. In fact, the blues have been a part of his life since he first heard it on the radio at age 10.

“The blues music industry is not a 100-meter sprint,” Primich explained. “It is an endurance race. Longevity is admired in the blues scene, not rushing to the top.”

Primich is touring in support of his new release and his second on Flying Fish Records, Mr. Freeze. Primich leads with the harmonica, while bassist Mark Korpi and guitarist Shorty Lenoir cap off the band.

“Mr. Freeze is not as laid back as Travelin’ Mood,” Primich said. “It is a much more in-your-face, aggressive album. I’m very proud of the musical talent on Freeze.

“Shorty has been with me for five years. We’ve had a lot of different musicians play with us for a few years and then pursue different things. That’s how Austin is: there are a lot of talented musicians. I have a great group with me now.”

Primich describes his music as blues, but adds that he grabs a lot of influence from jazz and Chicago, Louisiana and Texas styles of blues. Primich has been described as a stripped-down Tony Bennet, while his favorite artists include Muddy Waters, Smiley Lewis and Otis Rush. Primich also writes all of his band’s new material.

“I write by myself and then do my best to describe the parts in my head to the band,” he explained. “A certain part is lost, but they each add to it.

“We don’t sound like all the other blues bands,” Primich added. “We’ve stepped outside the norm. We do a lot of crazy things that I am very proud of. I don’t mind being left of center.”

Primich is known for his covers of legendary blues tunes. Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Shake the Boogie,” Duke Ellington’s “Caravan,” Charlies Parker’s “Ornithology” and Jerry McCain’s “Ding Dong Daddy” are all included on Primich’s Travelin’ Mood.

“I have a philosophy about recording,” he explained. “We do extra things to make it sound like a record. Our live show is a somewhat stripped-down version of our recordings.”

Primich plays more than 200 dates per year internationally. Primich’s stops include the famous Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago, Big Muddy’s in Burlington, The Terrace in Newton and The M-Shop in Ames.

“I’ve played at the Shop many times,” Primich said. “It’s a great gig, and there is always a great listening crowd.”

Primich returns to the M-Shop this Saturday for 8 and 10:30 p.m. shows. Tickets are $5, $3 for students and are an additional $1 the day of the show. Tickets can be picked up at any Ticketmaster outlet.

“We are hoping to do another record soon and will keep touring and getting my name out,” Primich added.