Beale Street Caravan

#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.

#2135 - A Tribute to Bobby Blue Bland

This week we have Rodd Bland and the Members Only Band performing a tribute to his father, Bobby Blue Bland, recorded live at B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale Street during the 2017 Blues Music Awards weekend. Special guests include John Nemeth, Sugaray Rayford, Janiva Magness, and Mike Ledbetter.

BSC contributor John Paul Keith returns with his series, Something on the Side

#2134 - Alvin Youngblood Hart

In a perfect world, this is the kind of straight ahead, power-trio, rock & roll that would blare from every car stereo on the planet. But until the rest of civilization catches up with discerning tastes, listeners can always count on Beale Street Caravan to deliver. Perennial favorite, Alvin Youngblood Hart, joins us this week and with him comes his Marshall half-stack, and the thundering accompaniment of his aptly named rhythm section, Muscle Theory. Later in the show, Pat sits down backstage with Alvin and we get an update on several projects he has in the works.

Also, BSC contributor, Eddie Hankins, returns with his series - American Studios: Memphis' Hit Factory.

#2133 - Highlights from the North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic

Highlights from the North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic featuring Kenny Brown, The Rising Star Fife and Drum Corp, Blue Mother Tupelo, Garry Burnside, and Alvin Youngblood Hart; Interview with founder and Executive Director Sara Brown

William Lee Ellis continues his series, Religion and The Blues

#2132 - The Daddy Mack Blues Band

On this week's Beale Street Caravan we spend the hour with The Daddy Mack Blues Band as they celebrate the release of their album, Blues Central. Singer and guitarist, Mack Orr, has been a part of the Memphis blues scene for decades - originally playing in legendary group, The Fieldstones - and The Daddy Mack Blues Band delivers its blues real, raw, and funky. So, the party will be coming right at you through your speakers on this week's show. 

#2129 - Sun Records Tribute w/ John Paul Keith, Will Tucker, and Chuck Mead

This week BSC celebrates a true piece of music history with a tribute to the legendary Sun Records. John Paul Keith, Will Tucker, Chuck Mead, and a few more special guests come together on stage to perform some of the greatest songs recorded right here in Memphis. We also share an archived interview with the man who started it all, Sam Phillips.

#2126 - Reigning Sound and Lucy Woodward

Over the past few seasons, BSC has brought our listeners a lot of Memphis music from a funky Midtown dive known as BAR DKDC(Don't Know, Don't Care). On this week’s program we take a closer look at what makes a music spot special. We talk with the owner, restaurateur Karen Carrier, and we have killer performances from Reigning Sound and Lucy Woodward ! #ilistentomemphis

#2125 - Eric Hughes

If you’ve ever found yourself walking down Beale Street in search of real deal, authentic blues music, chances are your ears led you into a club where you danced the night away with The Eric Hughes Band. Eric joins us this week in a performance captured at the Bonafide Blues Fest in Memphis, Tn. 

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

#2124 - Scott Sharrard with The Bo-Keys

This week on BSC we feature Scott Sharrard performing with Memphis' own Bo-Keys in Studio A at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Hi Records legend Don Bryant joins in for a couple of songs.

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

#2122 - Bill Abel

This week on BSC we feature a performance by Bill Abel from the Mighty Mississippi Music Fest during Bridging the Blues. He's an accomplished potter and visual-artist, but most folks know him as an omni-present force on the Delta festival and jook joint circuit.

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

#2121 Blues Foundation's 33rd International Blues Festival

This week on BSC we bring highlights from the finals of the Blues Foundation’s 2017 International Blues Challenge. For 33 years, Beale Street has opened it's hallowed music halls and bar rooms for one special week to hundreds of aspiring artists from around the globe. For many it's a shot at living the dream, for others it's the experience of coming to Memphis and playing the rooms and street corners that their heroes played. The level of talent is incredibly high, and the vibe and bustle on the street is electric. Listen in as we interview participants and air highlight performances from the finals.

Winner, Band Category -  Dawn Tyler Watson, The Montreal Blues Society

Runner-up, Band Category - The Souliz Band featuring Sugar and Spice, Suncoast Blues Society

Winner, Solo/Duo Category -  Al Hill, Nashville Blues Society

Runner-up, Solo/Duo Category - Brody Buster’s One Man Band, Kansas City Blues Society

#2120 - Greyhounds

This week on BSC we feature Greyhounds. Andrew Trube and Anthony Farrell have been collaborators in some form or fashion for over 15 years - as session musicians and songwriters, on the road backing other artists, and working together on a catalog of songs that they've released sporadically under the Greyhounds moniker.

Also on the program, we continue our series "The Man Who Invented Rock and Roll." This week, the late Sam Phillips talks about Rufus Thomas.

#2119 - Watermelon Slim and Terry “Harmonica” Bean

This week’s episode showcases two bluesmen whose music can be heard at blues festivals around the world, in documentary films, or performing at juke joints right in the heart of the Mississippi Delta.  Both play harmonica and guitar, and both were recorded during Bridging The Blues performances last fall. Listen as Watermelon Slim takes the stage at the Bonafide Blues Festival and Terry “Harmonica” Bean plays the Mighty Mississippi Music Festival.

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

#2118 - Jericho Road Show

This week on BSC we feature a performance by Jericho Road Show from the Mighty Mississippi Music Fest during Bridging the Blues. The group is a collaboration between well-seasoned Americana Roots & Blues musicians Rambling Steve Gardner, Libby Rae Watson, Wes Lee and Bill Steber. All successful artists in their own right, together they create a powerhouse.

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

#2117 - Furry Lewis, Bukka White, & Sleepy John Estes

This week we're featuring historical concert recordings from Bukka White, Furry Lewis, and Sleepy John Estes. These recordings are taken from the Memphis Blues Caravan tours of the early 1970's during the revival of each of these legendary musician's careers. Also this week we begin a new series from BSC contributor, Adam Hill. We are calling it Made in Memphis, and it's presented by Ardent Studios. Made in Memphis will be taking you behind the scenes to see how some of the most influential records in the world were made.

#2114 - Super Chikan

This week we catch up with the one and only James "Super Chikan" Johnson and his raw, electrified, Mississippi juke joint sound. This performance was captured at The Memphis Blues Society’s Bona Fide Blues Festival during Bridging the Blues.

Also on the program, BSC contributor, Preston Lauterbach, discusses the Chitlin’ Circuit and The Road to Rock n Roll.

#2113 - Cedric Burnside

Grammy nominated blues artist, Cedric Burnside, is back with us this week. Cedric is the grandson of the late, great R.L. Burnside, and he plays the Hill Country blues like nobody else. If your butt doesn’t shake during this week’s show, there might be something wrong with you. This performance was captured at The Memphis Blues Society’s Bonafide Blues Festival during Bridging the Blues.

Also on the program, BSC contributor, Preston Lauterbach, discusses the Chitlin’ Circuit and The Road to Rock n Roll.

#2108 - Cadillac John Nolden and Pat Thomas

Mississippi is still home to most authentic blues artists in the country. While some hopped trains headed north and became superstars in Memphis and Chicago, many stayed back to create that signature soundtrack for life in the Delta. We have two, living embodiments of that original Delta, country blues sound with us this week: Cadillac John Nolden and Pat Thomas in sets captured at the Mighty Mississippi Blues Fest in Greenville, MS during Bridging The Blues.

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

#2107 - Edward David Anderson and CATL

Blues, Soul, and Rock and Roll continue to evolve and inspire. While BSC tends to favor the veterans and living legends, this week we have two acts, Edward David Anderson and CATL that have dynamic, innovative and fresh approaches, yet deep love and reverence for the traditions of yesterday.

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

#2104 - Kenny Brown

Last week we broadcast highlights from the Hill Country Picnic. This week we have the main event. Reigning King of the Hill Country, Kenny Brown, is with us with an incendiary set of gut bucket, hip-shaking blues.

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

#2102 - The Love Light Orchestra featuring John Nemeth

The Love Light Orchestra featuring John Nemeth, interview with bandleaders Joe Restivo and Marc Franklin

William Lee Ellis continues his series, Religion and The Blues

#2101 - A Memphis Tribute to Scotty Moore

Memphis Tribute to Scotty Moore featuring John Paul Keith, Will Tucker, JM Van Eaton, and Jerry Philips

Interview with John Paul Keith and Will Tucker, who plays the role of Scotty Moore in the upcoming series Million Dollar Quartet

Beale Street Caravan contributor William Lee Ellis begins his series, Religion and The Blues

#2034 - Deering and Down

One of Memphis' most loved acts, Deering & Down are with us to celebrate the release of their newest studio effort, Know Rhyme Know Reason on BAA Records.

#2032 - Southern Avenue

Blues/soul upstarts Southern Avenue are with us in a inspired performance from the cutting room floor in Studio A at The Stax Museum of American Soul Music. In the interview they share their unique perspective on what Memphis music is all about. BSC contributor John Paul Keith returns for another installment of Something On The Side. This week he talks with Jerry and Halley Phillips about their family's incredible legacy and their ongoing efforts for Memphis music.

#2031 - 2016 Blues Music Awards

It's the biggest night in the blues and Beale Street Caravan is there. This week we feature select performances from winners and nominees at 2016 Blues Music Awards. We'll hear from The Cashbox Kings, Guy Davis, Ruthie Foster, Victor Wainwright, and more.

#2030 - Jerron "Blind Boy" Paxton

This week Beale Street Caravan features Jerron "Blind Boy" Paxton. Jerron's music pulls from the African-American traditions of 20’s and 30’s when ragtime, jazz, and blues, combined in countless, shifting forms to become the spiritual vernacular of the American south. In fact, It’s hard not to be instantly transported to bustling, outlaw, 1930’s Beale Street when Jerron plays. BSC contributor John Paul Keith is also with us to continue his series, Something On The Side.

#2029 - The Bo-Keys

Soul survivors the Bo-Keys have gone country, y'all. No, not really. Not totally. But they've taken a carefully selected batch of roots oriented, country music songs and re-imagined them as hip-shaking and heart-breaking soul numbers on their new album, Heartaches By The Number, available now on Omnivore Recordings. BSC contributor John Paul Keith is back with us to continue his series, Something On The Side. This week he looks at the Memphis Horns.

#2028 - N Mississippi Hill Country Picnic

This week's show takes us to the North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic. It's two days of nonstop music and celebration held annually on the last weekend of June that draws music lovers from all over the world to a field tucked away in rural, Potts Camp, Mississippi. We'll hear performances from regional favorites that have graced that stage over the years: T-Model Ford, Shannon McNally, The Juke Joint Duo, and more. And John Paul Keith is back with us to continue his series, Something on The Side. This week he talks about Ike Turner.

#2027 - 2016 Star-lite Revue Pt 2

This week we continue with an amazing display of Memphis' musical might as we feature performances from BSC's 2016 Star-lite Revue. Listen in as local heavies deliver the raw and authentic sounds of gospel, blues, and soul music as only Memphians can. This week we'll hear from The Memphis Ukulele Band, Jimbo Mathus, The Southern Sons, and Rev. John Wilkins.

#2026 - Star-lite Revue Pt 1

This week's show is the perfect slice of Memphis as we feature performances from BSC's 2016 Star-lite Revue. Listen in as local heavies deliver the raw and authentic sounds of gospel, blues, and soul music as only Memphians can. This is part 1 of a two-part series and this week we'll hear from Sons of Mudboy, The Bell Singers, The Masonic Travelers, and The Ghost Town Blues Band.

#2025 - The Walker Singers & The Rising Star Fife and Drum Band

Como is a small town. Just a tiny speck isolated within the struggles and hardships of rural Panola County, Mississippi. But the music that comes out of Como is another story. It's huge. So full of life affirming goodness and joy that it makes you want to shout and stomp your feet. The traditions on this week's program go back over 150 years, passed down through families in and around Como.

#2024 - Julie Rhodes

There's a righteously talented newcomer on the blues and roots music scene and her name is Julie Rhodes. She joins us this week at Bar DKDC in Midtown Memphis as she tours behind her new, self-released, debut effort, titled Bound To Meet The Devil. BSC contributor John Paul Keith is back this week to continue his series on the great sidemen in Memphis music history called Something On The Side.

#2021 - L.C. Ulmer

The blues music world lost a true original when L.C. Ulmer passed away on February 14th, 2016 at 87 years old. L.C. played the fish fries, picnics, gas stations, and festival stages all over Mississippi and then took the music of the deep delta all over the U.S. He was a traveling solo musician, emcee, one-man band, and a band leader. L.C. was one of the funniest and most congenial people we've ever me, and as you'll hear in today's program, one of the best interview subjects we've ever had. BSC contributor John Paul Keith returns to continue his series, Something On The Side.

#2020 - Memphis Ukulele Band @ Sun Studios

Three Memphis musicians hanging out and jamming after hours at Sun Studios, when one of them has this bright idea - hey, we should start a ukulele band! A year later, the magnificent results have outstripped anyone's expectations. The Memphis Ukulele Band join us this week in an amazing performance recorded in front of a live audience on the cutting room floor at historic Sun Studios. BSC contributor John Paul Keith is back with his series, Something On the Side.