Beale Street Caravan

#2019 - 32nd International Blues Challenge

This week on BSC we have the Blues Foundation's 2016 International Blues Challenge! For 32 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.

#2018 - Marcella & Her Lovers featuring guest Terrance Simien

This week Memphis meets New Orleans on BSC so join us to kickoff Mardi Gras with Marcella and Her Lovers. Marcella Simien is the talented daughter of Grammy award winning Louisiana-roots artist Terrance Simien. Music runs deep in Memphis and the bayou and it runs just as deep in this family, too. Father joins daughter on stage for a few numbers and it all makes for a BSC episode you won't forget. BSC contributor John Paul Keith returns this week with a new series called "Something On The Side" that looks at the sidemen that built the Memphis sound.

#2016 - Daniel Eriksen

Despite its humble and mercurial origins in the deep Delta, blues music was destined to become an international art form. Need proof? Survey the crowds walking up and down Beale Street this week for the Blues Foundation's annual International Blues Challenge. Or, check out our programming over the last couple of seasons and you'll see the strong international presence. This week we add Norwegian blues star Daniel Eriksen to that list. We captured this performance smack dab in the heart of the delta with the banks of the Mississippi River serving as our backdrop.

#2015 - Remembering Otis Clay

BSC lost a longtime friend when soul music great Otis Clay passed away on January 8th. Otis began his career in Mississippi performing in gospel groups, but fate brought him to Memphis where he rose to prominence behind R&B hits such as "Trying to Live my Life Without You" and "All Because of Your Love," each of those songs birthed through the production genius of Memphis' Willie Mitchell and the Hi Records Rhythm Section. This week's program was originally scheduled to air in February, but with Clay's passing, we felt an urgency to release it now in his memory. Otis Clay was a great friend to

#2014 - Leo "Bud" Welch and Cadillac John Nolden

The prevailing stories would lead us to believe that all the great bluesmen hopped trains out of the Delta, landing in Memphis and Chicago to launch their careers, but that's not really the case. Countless artists remained to provide the soundtrack for life in the Delta. Artists made their careers in the churches, the juke joints, the picnics, and the house parties. We have two such artists with us as octogenarians Cadillac John Nolden and Leo "Bud" Welch bring their authentic, foot-stomping sounds to the airwaves this week.

#2011 - Jack Oblivian

Garage rock icon Jack Oblivian is with us this week! Jack's uncompromising brand of Memphis rock and roll represents one of our favorite facets of "The Memphis Sound." From his work as a member of The Oblivians, his prolific stream of solo and side projects, to the many artists and bands that he's influenced, Jack O continues to generate enormous appreciation locally and abroad. BSC contributor David Less will also be with us to take us through a new installment of his series, The Memphis Beat.

#2009 - Bill Abel

If you've spent any length of time of time in the Delta, chances are you've run into Belzoni, Mississippi-native Bill Abel. 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. The longtime sideman for country blues greats like Paul "Wine" Jones and T-Model Ford steps out on his own this week in a full band performance captured during Bridging The Blues and featuring Hans Theesink on second guitar. Also, BSC contributor John Paul Keith joins us again to continue his series, Made In Memphis.

#2007 - Bobby Rush

There's only one Bobby Rush. Honed and refined (or unrefined, depending on your point of view) through decades on the Chitlin' Circuit, his self-described "folk-funk" act has become a headlining attraction at festivals and events around the world. But this week we've got something a little different - Bobby Rush, stripped down and raw, backed only by Super Chikan on guitar, and singing his hits and telling the stories behind the songs. Bobby has a career-spanning box set titled Chicken Heads: A 50 Year History Of Bobby Rush coming out on November 27, on Omnivore Recordings. BSC contributor John Paul Keith will also be joining us to continue his series, Made In Memphis.

#2004 - Kingfish

He's just 16 years old, y'all. It's incredible. Yes, he's toured over in Europe and played for the Obama family at the White House, but tonight his loving mother sits on the front row, as she always does, and makes sure the show doesn't run over. Why? Because Christone "Kingfish" Ingram has to get up and go to school the next day just like any other 16 year old. We're excited to feature Kingfish on BSC and we have a feeling that he's got a long career in music ahead of him. Also joining us is recording artist John Paul Keith as he continues our Made In Memphis segment which takes a look at the behind the scenes stories of hit songs crafted in the Bluff City.

#2001 - North Mississippi All Stars

What better way to kick of our 20th anniversary than with perennial faves, the North Mississippi All Stars? Luther Dickinson sits down with us and talks about the evolution of the band's music, and reminisces about that time he, Cody, and father, Jim, recorded the BSC theme song (yes, that song you've heard on our program for 20 years is the NMAS!). Recording artist John Paul Keith begins a new series called Made In Memphis. John Paul takes a look at the colorful characters and special places behind the creation of hit songs recorded in Memphis.

#1946 - Barbara Blue

When you mention "Beale Street" the first thing that comes to mind for most hardcore blues fans is the "Reigning Queen of Beale," Miss Barbara Blue. For blues fanatics the world over, and for the hundreds of thousands of music lovers that that flock to Beale each year, she is the genuine article amidst a sea of pretenders. Her new album, "Memphis Blues: Sweet, Strong, and Tight" just hit the shelves. It was recorded by Boo Mitchell at legendary Royal Studios in Memphis. Also on the program this week, we continue our series "Wex on Wax" about the rise of Atlantic Records into the greatest R&B label in the world.

#1942 - The Star-lite Revue

This week Beale Street Caravan presents performances from this year's Star-lite Revue, a concert hosted in the Stax neighborhood featuring various traditional, Memphis gospel artists. We'll hear from local institutions like Rev. John Wilkins, The Bell Singers, The Masonic Travelers, and many more.

#1939 - Ghost Town Blues Band

This week Beale Street Caravan features Memphis' own Ghost Town Blues Band. The band is touring behind their recent release, Hard Road To Hoe, and today they deliver one of the best performances we've had all season. BSC contributor David Less is also with us as he wraps up his series, The Memphis Beat.

#1930 - Sons of Mudboy

This week on BSC we're at Shangri-La Records in Midtown Memphis and with us are the Sons of Mudboy. Everybody's here to mark Omnivore Recordings' rerelease of the album, Beale Street Saturday Night, originally produced by Jim Dickinson in 1979. Luther Dickinson starts the show off with a couple of solo numbers and then Sons of Mudboy take us home. BSC contributor David Less continues his series, The Memphis Beat.

#1926 - CeDell Davis with Jimbo Mathus

Last Man Standing, CeDell Davis's brand new record, is aptly titled. The 89 year old may be the very last of a generation of itinerant musicians that once travelled the Memphis and Delta region playing blues in juke joints and on street corners. Also with us this week is BSC contributor David Less. David will be continuing his series, The Memphis Beat.

#1920 - Red's Lounge

This week our production team heads down to Clarksdale, MS, to capture a night at Red's Lounge, one the last remaining, authentic juke joints in the U.S. We hear great sets from Anthony "Big A" Sherrod and Cadillac John Nolden. BSC contributor Jim Spake continues his series, Crazy About A Saxophone.

#1919 - The Band of Heathens

Our listeners are certain to love this week's feature artist. The Band of Heathens weave the wild essentials of soul. blues, and folk traditions into the most crafted and contagious sound we've heard in ages. We caught up with the guys at the Mighty Mississippi Music Fest in the heart of the Delta in Greenville where they stole the show. Also this week, BSC contributor, Jim Spake, continues his series, Crazy About a Saxophone.

#1918 - The Mavericks

Critically renown for their consistently brilliant, category-defying output, roots music stalwarts The Mavericks are with us this week to promote the release of their new album, Mono. This week's set, captured aboard Delbert McClinton's Sandy Beaches Cruise finds them in top, musical form in front of an adoring crowd. Also with us today, BSC contributor Jim Spake continues his series on the great saxophone sidemen in music history.

#1917 - Reverend John Wilkins and Cary Hudson

We're back with two sets taken from the North Mississippi Hill Country Hill Country Picnic. First up is southern troubadour Cary Hudson. Then rounding out the program is a set of blues-inspired gospel from the legendary Rev. John Wilkins. BSC contributor Jim Spake stops by to continue his series on the great saxophone sidemen of the early years of rock n roll.

#1913 - The Reigning Sound

Featuring on Beale Street Caravan this week is native son Greg Cartwright's garage-rock juggernaut, The Reigning Sound. For the record, we suggest listening to this week's show at a very high volume. BSC contributor Jim Spake stops in to continue his series on the sidemen that played rock and roll's original lead instrument. The series is called "Crazy 'Bout A Saxophone."

#1912 - The City Champs

This week we feature the instrumental sounds of The City Champs. The Champs are a collaboration between musicians Al Gamble (St. Paul and The Broken Bones), George Sluppick (JJ Grey, Ruthie Foster, Chris Robinson Brotherhood) and Joe Restivo (Otis Clay, John Nemeth). Since these guys stay so busy with other gigs, they don't get to play together much... but when they do, it's a don't-miss occasion and BSC was there to capture it live.

#1913 - Big Star's Third

A couple of days before his unexpected passing, John Fry, a longtime supporter and source of inspiration for BSC, had called up post-producer Adam Hill and in their conversation jokingly mentioned how great it would be to hear the Big Star show again during our re-broadcasts over the holidays. So as we step into this new year, it seems a fitting thing today to remember those who won't be making this leg of the journey with us.

(Previously aired). This week on BSC, the songs of the iconic album, Big Star's 3rd, fill the air in Overton Park in Memphis, TN, as Jody Stephens and an all-star cast, including Mitch Easter, Chris Stamey, and Pat Sansone, take the stage to bring the songs to life in front of an adoring hometown crowd.

#1909 - Cedric Burnside

Cedric Burnside features on Beale Street Caravan this week. Cedric, grandson of the late, great R.L. Burn.side, plays Hill Country blues like nobody else. We caught up with Cedric down in Clarksdale, Mississippi, at The Shack Up Inn's Juke Joint Chapel during this year's Bridging The Blues.

Also on the program, BSC contributor, Eddie Hankins, continues his series, American Studios: Memphis' Hit Factory.

#1908 - St. Paul and The Broken Bones

Memphis is a tough crowd. It's a rare thing for a band to roll into town and knock a crowd's socks off. Memphians have seen it all.  But St. Paul and the Broken Bones aren't just any band. Listen to them set the city on fire in an electrifying set that you won't want to miss on Beale Street Caravan this week. Also on the program, BSC contributor Eddie Hankins checks in with us and continues his insightful series, American Studios: Memphis' Hit Factory.

#1906 - John Kilzer

John Kilzer is a lot of things: Former NCAA basketball standout at the University of Memphis, college professor, major-label recording artist , and a behind-the-scenes songwriter. And in recent years, he's added minister and theologian to the list. For some, that would indicate a departure. But for Kilzer, it's all part of a bigger plan and comes full circle with his first new recording project in decades, Hide Away. On this week's program, Kilzer plays selections from the album and, in his own words, explains how music, Memphis, and life's ups-and-downs led to his new calling and cultivated a desire to help others.

#1905 - Eric Gales

Child prodigy, prodigal son, and now man-on-a-mission, Eric Gales brings his unique gifts to the the BSC stage this week to celebrate the release of hi new record."I'm Good for Somethin'." Produced by Raphael Sadiq, the effort is Gales' most cohesive, yet daring, work yet. Later in the program, BSC host Pat Mitchell Worley sits down with Gales to talk about his new life and artistic direction.

Also on today's show, BSC contributor Eddie Hankins continues his talk on Chips Moman and all those amazing, hit records he made in a series we're calling, "American Studios: Memphis' Hit Factory."

#1904 - Jimbo Mathus

With decades of accomplishments under his belt and a freight train tempo to his current rate of output and touring, Jimbo Mathus is crafting one of the most unique musical legacies in American roots music. It also may be one of the most overlooked. A genuine southern romantic, a brilliant wordsmith, and a fiery performer, it's always a pleasure when Jimbo graces our program. Today's performance is taken from the heart of the delta at the MIghty Mississippi Music Festival in Greenville, Mississippi.

Also on the program, BSC contributor, Eddie Hankins continues his series, "American Studios: Memphis' Hit Factory."

#1903 - Grace Askew and The Memphis Dawls

Rising roots artist Grace Askew headlines this week on Beale Street Caravan. Many may recognize Grace as a former contestant from NBC's The Voice, but music lovers throughout the country, particularly those plugged into the singer-songwriter scene, have known Grace as an creative wonder for years. This week she debuts songs from her new record, Scaredy Cat, which she recorded locally on hallowed ground at Sun Studio.

Before Grace, we'll hear from Jana, Holly, and Krista of the eclectic The Memphis Dawls as they perform selections from their full-length debut, Rooted In The Bone.

BSC contributor, Eddie Hankins will also be with us this week as he continues his series, American Studios: Memphis' Hit Factory.

#1902 - Take Me To The River

Take Me To The RIver is a new film about the interracial, intergenerational legacy of soul and blues music. The award-winning film, which is in theaters now, goes behind the scenes to chronicle studio collaborations between veteran icons and young upstarts, exposing the familial warmth, the laid back approach, and the inspiring stories that have kept the music alive generation after generation. BSC host Pat Mitchell Worley sits down with producers Boo Mitchell and Martin Shore and they tell stories and take her on a guided tour of the film's soundtrack.

Also this week, BSC contributor, Eddie Hankins, continues his series, American Studios: Memphis' Hit Factory.

#1901 - Rosanne Cash

We kickoff our 2014 broadcast season with Rosanne Cash delivering a passionate, heartfelt performance in front of an adoring crowd in her hometown of Memphis, TN. Rosanne plays selections from her acclaimed album, The River and The Thread, an introspective collection of songs that provide a beautiful ode to the Memphis-Delta region. Critics are saying that it may be the very best work of an already illustrious career.

Also on the program today - BSC contributor, Eddie Hankins, begins the daunting task of distilling the success of Chips Moman's American Recording Studios into a new series we're calling American Studios: Memphis' Hit Factory.

#1838 - Amy LaVere

Join us this week on Beale Street Caravan as Amy LaVere takes center stage and performs some of her most loved songs, as well as a few new ones off her new release, Runaway's Diary. BSC Contributor and slow foods movement pioneer, Poppy Tooker, explores the links between "Food and the Blues."

#1836 - 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 new 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. Also, we conclude our series, "The Man Who Invented Rock and Roll" with one last moment with the late, great, Sam Phillips taken from the BSC archives.

#1827 - Sunday Night in Memphis, TN

This week on Beale Street Caravan we visit Ellis Grove Baptist Church in Memphis and we experience an incendiary night of old school gospel music. This concert features several Memphis gospel legends - The Nonconnah Male Choir, The Hunters Chapel Singers, The Seven Brothers and BSC favorite Rev. John Wilkins closes the night with a set that blows the roof off. In this week's "The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll" segment, the late Sam Phillips reminisces about his dear friend Chester Burnett, aka "Howlin' Wolf."

#1822 - Jake Bugg

British born, roots phenom, Jake Bugg joins us this week on Beale Street Caravan. Jake's new record, Shangri-La is a collection of amazingly well-crafted tunes that belie his 19 yrs of age and it's resonated with music lovers in a big, big way. His journey to Shangri La began in no small part here in Memphis, so naturally he came back through town to wrap up his latest tour. Also on the program, BSC contributor Adam Hill drops in for another episode of Made In Memphis. This week he discusses the story behind Sid Selvidge's Cold Of The Morning.

#1821 - The George Coleman Quartet

Legendary jazz man George Coleman brings the house down in an amazing hometown performance celebrating his induction into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. This performance also features the great Harold Mabern on piano. BSC contributor Adam Hill stops by to give us the inside story on the creation of Al Green's classic "Let's Stay Together" for this week's Made In Memphis segment.

 

 

#1815 - Oxford American Music Issue Pt. 1

The Oxford American is an American quarterly literary magazine dedicated to "documenting the complexity and vitality of the American South." Each year, the magazine devotes an entire issue to the subject of music and this year's issue focuses on the incredible music from the state of Tennessee. We sit down with OA music editor Rick Clark in the BSC studio and let him take us on a guided tour of the stories and the exquisitely constructed playlist found on the 2 CD's that accompany each issue. It's a live-in-the-studio listening session of the best mixtape you've ever heard.