#2236 - Members Only: A Tribute to Bobby Blue Bland

This week on the Caravan we have Members Only: A Tribute to Bobby Blue Bland. Produced by Memphis musician Rodd Bland, son of the late blues icon, the tribute is held at B. B. King’s Blues Club on Beale Street during Blues Music Awards weekend. Special guests include Sugaray Rayford, Mike Ledbetter, Ashton Riker, Andy Duncanson, John Nemeth, and Tom Wurth.

BSC contributor Jim Spake also returns to continue his series, “Crazy About the Saxophone” on the legendary sidemen that played rock’s original lead instrument.

#2235 - Mellotron Variations and Hunt Sales

This week on the program we have Mellotron Variations. An instrumental project built around one of the most unique instruments ever conceived.

We’ll also hear from rock and roll veteran, and sideman to the stars, Hunt Sales.

BSC contributor Jim Spake is back with us to continue his series, "Crazy About a Saxophone"  on the legendary sidemen that played rock’s original lead instrument.

#2234 - 2018 Blues Music Awards

This week on the program we celebrate the biggest night in blues, The 2018 Blues Music Awards.  Performances on the episode include winners of the emerging artist category, Southern Avenue, and Memphis music heroes, The North MS Allstars featuring Sharde Thomas.

#2233 - 2018 Ameripolitan Music Awards

This week we feature highlights from Dale Watson's 2018 Ameripolitan Awards Productions, held right here in Memphis, with performances by Asleep at the Wheel, Nikki Lane, Sleepy LaBeef, Jessi Dayton, James Intveld, Dicky Lee, Jason D Williams, Dale Watson featuring The Blackwood Brothers, Big Sandy, Don Diego with Mario Monterosso and Chris Casello, and Matthew & Gunnar Nelson.

#2232 - Sons of Mudboy

This week we bring the mysterious, inscrutable, ever changing Sons of Mudboy in a performance at our favorite little dive bar, BAR DKDC, featuring Jimmy Crosthwait , Ben Baker, Luther Dickinson and Cody Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars, and Steve Selvidge of The Hold Steady and BASH & POP. They are joined by friends Paul "Snowflake" Taylor on bass, Luke White singing harmony vocals, George Sluppick on drums, and Art Edmaiston and Marc Franklin on horns.

Also joining us will be BSC contributor, Jim Spake, exploring the legendary sidemen from the early years of rock and roll that played rock’s original lead instrument in a series called “Crazy About a Saxophone.” #ilistentomemphis

#2231 - John Paul Keith

This week we feature beloved Memphis songwriter, guitarslinger, bandleader, and frequent BSC contributor, John Paul Keith, as he celebrates the release of his latest studio effort, Heart Shaped Shadow. The album is available on Last Chance Records, produced by Will Sexton, and recorded by Scott Bomar at Electraphonic Recording.

Also joining us will be BSC contributor, Jim Spake, exploring the legendary sidemen from the early years of rock and roll that played rock’s original lead instrument in a series called, “Crazy About a Saxophone.”

#2230 - Liz Brasher

This week we feature Fat Possum recording artist, Liz Brasher, who recently moved to Memphis and is celebrating the release of her latest album, Outcast. Pat Mitchell sits down with Liz for an in-depth interview, and we continue our series with Dr. Barbara Ching exploring the connection between country music and the blues.

#2229 - Kaia Kater

This week we feature emerging African-Canadian roots artist, Kaia Kater, in a live performance right here at our BSC office.

BSC contributor Barbara Ching returns to continue her series on the connections between country music and the blues.

#2228 - Motel Mirrors

This week we feature a live performance from Memphis’ own, Motel Mirrors as they celebrate the recent release of their newest studio effort, “In The Meantime." Pat Mitchell sits down with members John Paul Keith, Amy LaVere, Will Sexton, and Shawn Zorn to talk about the band's growth and how they found the time to make a record despite all of their busy touring schedules. #ilistentomemphis

#2227 - Dale Watson

This week we feature a performance from Dale Watson at the 2018 Ameripolitan Awards here in Memphis, TN. Also on the episode, an interview with Dale, and Dr. Barbara Ching continues her series exploring the connection between country music and the Blues.

#2226 - Greyhounds

 This week we feature a live performance by the Greyhounds, Anthony Farrell and Andrew Trube. BSC contributor Barbara Ching returns to continue her series on the connections between country music and the blues.

#2225 - The Kimbrough Brothers at Deep Blues Fest

This week we feature the North Mississippi-Juke Joint-Cotton Patch Soul Blues of the Robert Kimbrough Sr. BluesConnection in a performance recorded at the New Roxy during the Deep Blues Festivalin Clarksdale, MS. Pat Mitchell interviews brothers Robert, Kinney, and David Kimbrough. #ilistentomemphis

#2224 - Remembering Mose Allison

This week we dip into the BSC archives and remember the "Faulkner of Jazz," Mose Allison. As part of this we’ll also hear highlights from “I Love The Life I Live: A Tribute to Mose Allison” - a show produced by Memphis musician Alex Greene featuring backing by Tom Lonardo and Tim Goodwin, Mose’s long-time rhythm section.

#2223 - Kenny Brown at Deep Blues Fest

This week we feature a performance by our good friend Kenny Brown, recorded live at the New Roxy in Clarksdale, MS during the Deep Blues Festival. Pat Mitchell sits down for an interview with Kenny, and Dr. Barbara Ching continues her series on the connections between country music and the Blues.

Special thanks to the good folks at The Shack Up Inn , The Hooker Hoteland Honey Hill Bed & Breakfast for accommodating us during our stay in Clarksdale! Y'all are the best. #ilistentomemphis

#2222 - Remembering Little Milton

This week we unlock the Beale Street Caravan vault to remember Blues legend, James Milton Campbell Jr. -- better known as Little Milton. You'll hear a mix of performances and interviews from our archives, plus Dr. Barbara Ching returns with her series exploring the connection between country music and the Blues. #ilistentomemphis

#2221 - Los Lobos

This week we feature Los Lobos in a live performance from "Stars at the Shell" at the Levitt Shell in Overton Park, Midtown Memphis. We also have an interview with Steve Berlin and the continuation of our series with Dr. Barbara Ching exploring the connection between country music and the Blues.

#2220 - 2018 International Blues Challenge Finals

This week the Caravan heads down the street to The Orpheum Theatre-Memphis for highlights from the Finals of The Blues Foundation's 2018 International Blues Challenge. You’ll hear performances from the finals, featuring the the winners and runners up of the solo/duo and band categories, and interviews with participants and blues fans from all around the world. #ilistentomemphis #IBC2018

On the episode: Daniel Eriksen - Blues Recording Artist & Slide Guitaristrepresenting Oslo Bluesklubb, Fuzzy Jeffries and the Kings of Memphis representing Memphis Blues Society, Kevin "B.F." Burt representing Central Iowa Blues Society, and The Keeshea Pratt Band representing the Houston Blues Society.

#2219 - Paul Thorn

This week on BSC we have an exciting set from southern troubadour Paul Thorn recorded live at the Levitt Shell. Pat sits down for an interview with Paul in the second half of the show, and we continue our series with Dr. Barbara Ching exploring the connection between country music and the Blues.  #ilistentomemphis

#2218 - Juke Joint Duo Reunion

To blues lovers around the globe, The Juke Joint Duo -- Cedric Burnside and Lightnin’ Malcolm -- embodied the spirit of North Mississippi Hill Country Blues. This week we feature a rare reunion show that we hosted here in Memphis, as well as an in-depth interview with Cedric Burnside and the continuation of Dr. Barbara Ching’s series exploring the connection between country music and the blues. #ilistentomemphis

#2217 - St. Paul & The Broken Bones

This week we feature St. Paul & The Broken Bones in a performance at the 2017 Mighty Mississippi Music Festval, and Dr. Barbara Ching begins a new series exploring the connection between country music and the blues.

#2216 - Club Paradise Grand Reopening featuring Bobby Rush

This week on BSC we go back in the archives with Grammy winner and blues legend Bobby Rush in a performance at the 2017 grand reopening of the legendary Club Paradise in Memphis, TN. We also continue our series with BSC contributor Preston Lauterbach discussing the Chitlin’ Circuit and The Road to Rock n Roll. #ilistentomemphis

#2215 - Emily Barker

Australian songstress Emily Barker is backed by an all star cast of Memphis musicians and performs songs from her Memphis produced album, Sweet Kind of Blue.

#2214 - Remembering Leo “Bud” Welch

Bluesman Leo “Bud” Welch passed away December 19, 2017 at the age of 85. Born in 1932 in Sabougla, Mississippi, Welch spent his entire life in the Hill Country of North Mississippi. We are rebroadcasting this episode, originally aired in 2016, in tribute to our friend, Bud. As a bonus, this episode also contains a feature of Cadillac John Nolden.

#2213 - The MD’s tribute to McLemore Avenue

In early 1970, Booker T Jones was on sabbatical in California having grown disillusioned with confines of Stax Records and Memphis, when he heard the Beatles’ latest effort, Abbey Road. So moved was he by the Beatles’ genius and daring, that he sat down and drafted his own Memphis-style tribute to the group. The album, released later that same year, is titled McLemore Avenue, after the street where Stax’s studio and headquarters were located. This week on BSC, we have Memphis’ very own Booker T and The MG’s tribute band, The Maitre D’s, performing McLemore Avenue from start to finish in a performance captured on the cutting room floor of Studio A at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

#2211 - Squirrel Nut Zippers Christmas Caravan

This week we’ve got the delta blues – gypsy jazz – big band swing of the Squirrel Nut Zippers, featuring frontman Jimbo Mathus, to get us in the holiday spirit as they perform their 1998 album, Christmas Caravan, from start to finish. #ilistentomemphis

#2210 - CeDell Davis and R.L. Boyce

This week on Beale Street Caravan we are bringing you an incredible double feature. In the first half of the episode we pay tribute to recently passed Delta Bluesman, CeDell Davis. You'll hear outtakes from his last appearance on our program in 2015 when he came to Memphis with Jimbo Mathus and Zakk and Big Papa Binns and performed at The Hi Tone.

In the second half you’ll hear from master of the Hill Country blues, RL Boyce, in a performance and interview at the New Roxy Theater during Deep Blues Festival this year. #ilistentomemphis

#2209 - North Mississippi Allstars

This week we feature a hometown performance by the North Mississippi Allstars -- Luther Dickinson and Cody Dickinson -- at the Levitt Shell in Midtown, Memphis. Their roots run deep here; we talk about how they are woven into fabric of Memphis music culture, including their history with the Beale Street Caravan program! Also on the episode, BSC contributor Robert Gordon returns to continue his series on the History of Hi Records. #ilistentomemphis

#2208 - John Kilzer

John Kilzer is a lot of things: Former NCAA basketball standout at the Univ. of Memphis, college professor, major-label recording artist , and a behind-the-scenes songwriter for the stars. Most recently, he’s added minister to the list. For some rock and rollers, that would indicate quite a departure. But for John Kilzer, it’s all part of a bigger plan. On this week’s program, we catch up at the Levitt Shell in Midtown, Memphis and talk about songwriting, his friendship with Teenie Hodges, and how his ministry uses music to touch lives. #ilistentomemphis

#2207 - Susan Marshall

This week on Beale Street Caravan we feature one of Memphis' most cherished treasures, Susan Marshall, as she celebrates the release of her most recent studio effort, 639 Madison.

BSC Contributor Robert Gordon is back to tell us more about the History of Hi Records. #ilistentomemphis

#2206 - Tank and the Bangas

Tank and the Bangas in a killer live performance at the historic Clayborn Temple in downtown Memphis, TN. Interview with Memphis musician Tonya Dyson, and BSC Contributor Robert Gordon returns to talk about the History of Hi Records.

#2205 - Reverend John Wilkins

Reverend John Wilkins in a performance at the Country Blues Festival, recorded live at the Levitt Shell in midtown Memphis, TN. BSC contributor Robert Gordon returns to continue his series on the History of Hi Records.

#2204 - Amy Black and Blueshift Ensemble with Don Lifted

Join us for performances by Amy Black at Lafayette's Music Room backed by Memphis' legendary Hi Rhythm section, followed by the Blueshift Ensemble with Don Lifted at Crosstown Concourse. Interviews with Amy, Don Lifted, and Jonathan Kirkscey of Blueshift Ensemble. #ilistentomemphis

#2203 - Jack Oblivian and The Wild Magnolia Mardi Gras Indians

Join us as we celebrate Memphis/New Orleans restauranteur (and BSC community partner) Karen Blockman Carrier's 15th year bringing great music and food to Midtown. We have the best of both worlds as New Orleans and Memphis collide in today's show featuring The Wild Magnolia Mardi Gras Indians and Jack Oblivian. BSC contributor Robert Gordon returns to continue his series on the History of Hi Records. #ilistentomemphis

#2202 - Shannon McNally

This week we have Shannon McNally in a performance recorded at the Levitt Shell in Memphis. She has a new record out titled “Black Irish,” produced by Rodney Crowell and available now on Compass Records.

Also on the program, BSC Contributor Robert Gordon will be with us to talk about the History of Hi Records.

#2201 - Don Bryant

Don Bryant is a Memphis music legend. We are mighty proud to kick off our 22nd season with a recording of his hometown performance at the Levitt Shell. Don has recently released his album, Don’t Give Up On Love, on Fat Possum Records, so be sure to check that out along with his tour dates -- he may be coming to a venue near you! #ilistentomemphis

#2151 - The Mighty Souls Brass Band

The Mighty Souls Brass Band, a rotating collective of composer-players versed in a multitude of musical traditions, isn’t a soul band, nor is it a funk band, a marching band, or a swing band. The term "brass band" might make you think of New Orleans, and sure, that's in there, but there's way more to it. The Mighty Souls are something you really have to experience - you really have to take in the melodies, the dynamics, the amazing arrangements to truly get it- so we're excited to introduce them to our listeners. The Mighty Souls "know where their roots lie, but also where their branches are

#2150 - Tedeschi Trucks Band

BSC favorites Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks join us this week for a scorching set captured at The Orpheum Theater at the intersection of Beale and Main St. in Memphis. The band just released its fifth album, Live At The Fox - Oakland.

#2149 - Luther Dickinson (featuring Sharde Thomas) & The Dirty Streets

This week we go back in the archives with two foot stomping, butt-shaking performances captured right here in Memphis. First up, a set by the Dirty Streets at one of BSC's favorite little midtown clubs, BAR DKDC. In the second half of the show, a set by Luther Dickinsonfeaturing Sharde "fifemastor" Thomas on one of Luther's favorite stages in Memphis, the front porch of Shangri-La Records. 

BSC contributor John Paul Keith is back for another installment of Something on the Side.

#2148 - Southern Avenue

This week we feature Stax Records recording artist Southern Avenue in a performance at Loflin Yard as they celebrate the release of their self titled debut album. With their unique melting pot of blues, gospel, and soul influences, they epitomize what great Memphis music is all about.

Also BSC contributor Preston Lauterbach continues his series the Chitlin’ Circuit and The Road to Rock n Roll.

#2147 - Oxford American, 2016 Music Issue: Visions of the Blues

Imagine the greatest mixtape accompanied by the best liner notes ever. Join us for a listening session with writers from Oxford American magazine, featuring music from their 18th annual Southern Music issue, Visions of the Blues. For the first time, the issue is completely devoted to a single genre theme, and what better way to showcase Southern music culture than through the sounds of the Blues.

#2146 - Low Cut Connie

This week on BSC we are traveling through the archives to revisit the time when the rock n roll circus known as Low Cut Connie came to town and brought a Memphis-inspired house party with them. We sat down with frontman Adam Weiner in the second-half of the program and talked about his unique ties to the city and BSC.

BSC contributor John Paul Keith also be joins us to continue his series, Made In Memphis.

#2145 - Mike Doughty

Mike Doughty is fearless. We like that sort of attitude in Memphis. The former frontman for the 90’s experimental juggernaut, Soul Coughing, continues to spin heads and get butts shaking with his 9th solo release, The Heart Watches While the Brain Burns. Mike calls Memphis home these days (we promise to take good care of him) and so we thought we’d give our listeners a taste of what he’s been up to. We caught up with Mike on the last date of his most recent tour at The HiTone Cafe.

Also on the episode, John Paul Keith returns with his series about the sidemen of rock n roll, Something On The Side.

#2144 - Music Export Memphis

Memphis goes to Nashville for the weekend!

The “Memphis Picnic” at 2016 Americana Fest featuring:

Rev. John Wilkins

Bo-Keys

Motel Mirrors

Mark Edgar Stuart

Memphis Ukulele Band

#2143 - Mr. Sipp

Castro Coleman, aka Mr. Sipp, was born in McComb, MS and has been playing the guitar since the age of 6. A Malaco recording artist, he was awarded The Blues Foundation 2016 Best New Artist for his album, The Mississippi Blues Child.  This week we feature a live performance from the Mighty Mississippi Music Festival captured during Bridging the Blues.

BSC contributor William Lee Ellis continues his series, Religion and the Blues.

#2142 - Robert Cray w/ Hi Rhythm

This week’s episode celebrates quite an amazing collaboration of musical talent and genius. We are talking about five time Grammy award winner Robert Cray, backed by the legendary Hi Rhythm Section and renowned drummer and producer Steve Jordan. BSC was there to capture an epic performance for the release of their latest album, Robert Cray and Hi Rhythm, plus an interview with Robert and Steve from a rehearsal at Royal Studios right here in Memphis.   

#2141 - Gracie Curran and The Suitcase Junket

This week we have two jaw dropping BSC first timers. First up, rising star Gracie Curran & The High Falutin' Band. We caught up with her recently for a high-energy, house-rockin' performance at Loflin Yard.

Later in the program, we have Matt Lorenz, aka The Suitcase Junket -- artist, tinkerer, swamp yankee, one-man band. Enough said. You just gotta listen.

Also on the episode, John Paul Keith returns with his series about the sidemen of rock n roll, Something On The Side. #ilistentomemphis

#2140 - Robert Finley

Robert Finley got his big break at last year’s King Biscuit Blues Festival when he talked the sound engineer into letting him get on stage in between acts and play a song. He wowed the crowd, captured the attention of Music Makers Relief  and went home with a record deal in his pocket. He joins us this week in a performance captured during Bridging The Blues celebrating the release of his debut record, Age Don’t Mean A Thing, on Big Legal Mess Records.

BSC contributor William Lee Ellis returns to continue his series, Religion and the Blues.

#2138 - The Lovelight Orchestra

We wrap our 21st year on the air with an encore performance from The Lovelight Orchestra. It's real-deal Memphis Blues. The sophisticated blues and jazz sounds you would have heard floating from the windows of The Palace on Beale Street in the 40's and 50's.

LLO features Blues Music Award-winner John Nemeth on vocals, Joe Restivo on guitar, Tim Goodwin on bass, Earl Lowe on drums, Gerald Stephens on keys, and a five piece horn section that includes Marc Franklin, Scott Thompson, Art Edmaiston, Jason Yasinksy, and Kirk Smothers. The band has recently signed to Blue Barrel Records and the group is working on a full-length release with producer Matt Ross-Spang. This performance was captured at Loflin Yard in downtown Memphis.

#2137 - The City Champs

On this week's episode, BSC presents The City Champs in a performance at Loflin Yard; plus an interview with the band --  guitarist Joe Restivo, organist Al Gamble and drummer George Sluppick.

Adam Hill returns with his series, Made In Memphis.

#2136 - Highlights from the 2017 Blues Music Awards

Highlights from the Blues Foundation's 38th annual Blues Music Awards in Memphis, TN. Plus an interview with Barbara Newman, President and CEO of the Blues Foundation.