Hanging with the band: Recent Episodes
Howlin' Steve Howell
Do you like discovering new music? Are you ready to have a real conversation with people working in the business every day? Here at Burnt Possum Records Podcast you will hear about local and regional bands, their approach to the music industry, as well as listen to some original music as it is being discussed with the writer/writers and performers. We don't stop there! This podcast will be home to that rare air known as "back stage"...those who know music from the minute its conceived to the on stage performance. It will be both informative and insightful for all to enjoy. Come join Howlin Steve Howell, performer/songwriter and his guests on the inside of music and the music makers. In this show we will find insights into what it takes to become a professional in the industry of music. By finding this podcast, you have found a place for your opinion and a place for you to grow in the knowledge of on stage, back stage and inside the business and the art of writing and selling music.
Guitarist, singer, teacher, and songwriter Brandon Hudspeth was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He began taking guitar lessons at an early age after hearing Johnny Cash on Sesame Street. In high school, heavily influenced by the Blues, he started playing weekend gigs around the Tulsa area. Soon after high school he moved to the Kansas City area where he freelanced with many bands, eventually forming his own band, Levee Town, which has released 9 albums. Levee Town represented the Kansas City Blues Society in the International Blues Competition twice, placing in the top ten in Memphis in 2009. In 2016, the album Takin and Givin charted on the Roots Music Report (#9 on the contemporary blues album chart, #10 on the contemporary blues song chart, #20 on the contemporary blues song chart, and #22 on the top 50 blues Album chart.)
In 2020, Hudspeth along with Jaisson Taylor received a Blue Music Award Nomination, two Blue Blast Award nominations, and an Independent blues award nomination along with significant airplay and charting success hitting #1 on the RMR for a month for their debut album Folie a Deux.
In 2022 Levee Town released Trying to Keep My Head Above Water which has attracted lots of attention. The song Music Martyr reached #1 on the Root Music Report and the album has been on the charts since its release on March 19. The album is nominated for a Blues Blast Award for best blues rock album. VOTE HERE
While touring the US, Europe, and Canada Brandon has opened for artists such as Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Leon Russell, George Thorogood, Savoy Brown, Sonny Landreth, Jimmie Vaughan, Lee Roy Parnell, Chubby Carrier, Dale Watson, Bobby Rush, Bobby Bland, and David Alan Coe, just to name a few.
Hudspeth has played with Curtis Salgado, Chuck Rainey, Albert Lee, Tommy Castro, Ana Popovic, Mike Zito, Watermelon Slim, Randy Mcallister, Lazy Lester, Clark Terry, Dustin Arbuckle, RJ Mischo, Chris Duarte, Larry McCray, Louisiana Red, Lee McBee, Albert Castiglia, John Nemeth, Victor Wainwright, Big Bill Morganfield, Mud Morganfield, Bob Margolin, Kenny Neal, Gary Nicholson and many others.
Brandon has taught guitar lessons for over 25 years to all ages and skill levels. While he considers himself a blues guitarist he also has studied jazz and classical extensively.
Josh Simons is the CEO and co-founder of Vampr, the world’s largest and most active social-professional network for musicians (often dubbed the “LinkedIn for creatives”). Recognised by Fast Company as one of the Most Innovative Companies in 2022, Vampr is home to over one million users, and active in every country on the planet. The music startup has helped fledgling musicians broker over 7 million connections worldwide. Vampr offers a free solution for young musicians, built by a sympathetic founding team of established musicians with Josh’s co-founder, Baz Palmer, best known as the lead guitarist for seminal hall-of-fame rock band, Hunters & Collectors.
Simons has grown Vampr into a multi-award winning platform, including most prestigious nods from both Apple and Google in their respective Best Apps lists. Over five funding rounds the company has raised $3.5M from VC, the crowd and music industry angels.
Prior to running Vampr, Josh Simons spent the better part of a decade as a successful artist, songwriter & producer. His artist project Buchanan enjoyed multi-million streams & chart impressions worldwide. They retired from the live circuit following a sold-out arena tour opening for Keith Urban & Carrie Underwood. As a producer and songwriter, Simons has shared credits with Travis Scott, Troye Sivan and Kanye West to name a few.
In April 2020 Simons was named in The Music Network’s 30 Under 30 List in addition to being voted Reader’s Choice. Simons holds a Bachelor of Business from Swinburne University.
MacLeod is known for his superb songwriting, guitar wizardry, warm soulful vocals, wit, and unforgettable live performances. At the heart of a Doug MacLeod performance is his knack for storytelling, bringing characters-from the faceless to the legendary-to strikingly real life.
Doug is a multiple Blues Music Award winner, including the 2020 Blues Music Award for Acoustic Artist Of The Year and the 2018 Blues Music Award for Acoustic Album Of The Year ‘Break The Chain’. He was recently nominated for the 2022 Blues Music Award for Acoustic Artist Of The Year.
In March of 2022 he co-authored with Debra Schiff the blues murder mystery book MURDER AT THE CROSSROADS.
In April of 2022 A SOUL TO CLAIM produced by Jim Gaines was released.
Doug is an international touring artist who writes and sings original songs that are based on his own life and experiences. He learned from the old masters and carries forward a valuable tradition. As a youth, Doug overcame abuse and a crippling stutter by turning to music. After picking
up a guitar, and singing - he found his voice.
MacLeod's playing landed him sideman gigs with George 'Harmonica' Smith, Big Joe Turner, Pee Wee Crayton, Eddie 'Cleanhead' Vinson, Lowell Fulson, and Big Mama Thornton. Over 30 years, 22 studio albums, several live records, compilations, a blues guitar instructional DVD, and a live performance DVD, MacLeod has consistently earned raves. His songs have been covered by many artists including Albert King, Albert Collins, Joe Louis Walker and Eva Cassidy. MacLeod's songs have been featured in many TV movies and the hit show In the Heat of the Night. August Wilson requested his soulful slide guitar playing in the Los Angeles opening of "Gem of the Ocean”.
From 1999 to 2004 Doug hosted Nothin' But The Blues, a very popular weekend blues show on Los Angeles' KLON-KKJZ. He has also been the voice for The Blues Showcase on Continental Airlines. For ten years he penned "Doug's Back Porch," a regular feature column in Blues Revue Magazine in which he shared his humorous and insightful stories with thousands of readers. He is one of the four featured artists in the movie “Resonate: A Guitar Story”, the feature documentary on the making of National Guitars.
Like the old masters who taught him, MacLeod's music expresses life and times through an intangible, elusive quality that may simply be a keen sense of what matters most. Doug’s music, stories, and philosophy provide a healing that has helped others overcome the hardships of their lives.
Doug says the most important lessons he learned as a young musician came from Ernest Banks a one-eyed country bluesman from Toano, VA.
"Never play a note you don't believe” and "Never write or sing about what you don't know about.”
As Blues Hall Of Fame artist Pee Wee Crayton's widow Esther once told Doug, "You have a message and you'll send that message mainly to the people who don't go to church." Amen.
Wendy Woo has led anything but a “normal” life, which separates her from the average performer. As the daughter of bohemian parents who were founding faculty members at Naropa University in Boulder Colorado, her childhood home was a truly eclectic social center. Influential Beat writers such as Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, and Ken Kesey would be regulars in the living room!
This unusual setting helped develop Wendy into an emotive singer as a child. She started playing the guitar just so she could provide her own accompaniment. After mastering the guitar, she began writing songs and performing in songwriting circles. She attended both the University of New Mexico and the University of Colorado, where she studied a variety of musical genres, theory and composition. Her many musical influences include everyone from folk chanteuse Suzanne Vega to the legendary Paul Simon. The trademark blended rhythms in Simon’s music inspired her to add similar complexity to her own compositions.
With this in mind, Wendy developed a technique she calls “Slaptap,” a method of creating a captivating visual and percussive backdrop using the guitar body and fret board.
Her innovative spirit led her to the storied steps of Boulder’s Fox Theatre for her first job in the music industry. There she gained confidence as a performer, while learning the skills of self-promotion, booking and publishing. The venue acknowledged her talent by slotting Wendy to open for world renowned headliners, including Counting Crows, Michael Franti and others.
Wendy’s dedication and competence was rewarded when she won the Colorado Lilith Fair Talent Search in 1999, sharing the stage with an elite lineup including the Indigo Girls, Shawn Colvin and Sheryl Crow.
Her versatility is evident by the wide variety of artists whom Wendy has since shared the stage, including The Fray, Sarah McLachlan, Indigo Girls, James Taylor, Counting Crows, Brad Paisley, Karla Bonoff and Big Head Todd and the Monsters. Her tour stops have included performances at premier venues like Red Rocks (CO), the Living Room and Bitter End (NYC), Hotel Café (LA), Bluebird Café (Nashville) and Eddie’s Attic (Decatur, GA).
Having penned and recorded over 200 original songs and playing over 150 dates yearly, she has gained a reputation as one of the most versatile performers on the circuit. An example of that reputation is the legendary Carly Simon inviting Wendy to perform with her at “Festival of the Senses” on Martha’s Vineyard in 2014.
Wendy has also been named Westword Magazine’s Music Awards “Singer/Songwriter of the year” five separate times, resulting in her induction into Westword’s Hall of Fame.
The 2015 release of “Tipping Point”, which was produced by Grammy Award winner Jim Gaines (Stevie Ray Vaughn, Carlos Santana, Huey Lewis and the News) and mastered by Grammy winner Brad Blackburn (Maroon 5, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Black Eyed Peas and Sara Bareilles.), is a testament to her mastery as a tunesmith and a reaffirmation that Wendy Woo continues to live a life that defies the term “normal!”
Guitarist, singer, and songwriter Alastair Greene has been a mainstay of the Southern California music scene for close to 3 decades. Alastair was born April 18th, 1971 in Santa Barbara, CA. He discovered music through his mother's piano playing at home and whose record collection included classics by The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John, while his father's tastes at the time leaned toward Bach and Beethoven.
Alastair was inspired to pursue music as a career by his grandfather, the late Chico Alvarez, who played trumpet as a member of the Stan Kenton Band in the '40s and '50s. Growing up, Alastair took piano lessons and played the saxophone before discovering the guitar in high school.
Originally interested in hard rock bands and guitar players, he was exposed to blues and roots music through some records loaned to him by a friend of his father. Those records included: B.B. King ‘Live at the Regal’, Buddy Guy ‘A Man and the Blues’, Johnny Winter ‘Second Winter’, The Allman Brother Band ‘Live at Fillmore East’ and Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble ‘Couldn’t Stand the Weather’. After High School Alastair received a scholarship to attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied for two years before returning to southern California to begin playing with blues and rock bands in the early ‘90s.
Alastair formed the Alastair Greene Band in 1997 and celebrated the 20 anniversary with a live concert recording in early 2018.
Alastair has released 8 solo albums to date (including 2 live records and a compilation record) the most recent of which is LIVE FROM THE 805 (released in 2018). LIVE FROM THE 805 was nominated for Rock Blues Album of the Year by Blues Blast Magazine in addition to being included on many ‘Best Of 2018” year-end lists by multiple publications.
His most recent studio album DREAM TRAIN (2017) features guest appearances by Walter Trout, Debbie Davies, Mike Finnigan, Mike Zito and Dennis Gruenling. DREAM TRAIN was given 4 stars by Down Beat Magazine and was included as one of their ‘Best Albums of the Year’.
Alastair was lead guitarist and co-lead vocalist of the Alan Parsons Live Project from 2010 - 2017 with whom he literally toured the world. Greene has also toured with Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, Blues legends Debbie Davies, Mitch Kashmar, and most recently as a member of powerhouse vocalist and Blues Music Award winner Sugaray Rayford’s band from 2018 - 2019.
In 2019 Alastair signed with Tab Benoit's Whiskey Bayou Records and will have a new CD released in the summer of 2020 produced by Benoit titled THE NEW WORLD BLUES.
In this episode, we catch up with Howard Mahan and find out all about his summer travels and his new acoustic venture!
Alabama Music Office.com goes to Champy's in Muscle Shoals, Alabama to attend a performance by Diedra the Blues Diva for WC Handy Music Festival 2018.
Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, DieDra has been singing since she can remember. It was a God-given talent that has exploded into a gift that she shares with the world. DieDra was raised by her maternal grandfather, who wrote and sang songs in the church. DieDra was a part of the family singing group at the age of nine. As the lead singer, she has been inspired by Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, and Whitney Houston.
DieDra has spent a majority of her life in Jacksonville, Florida. As an ex-military spouse, she taught herself how to get around the city in search of a manager for her career. In 1996 she met the late Charlie Cross, of Brunswick, Ga. He signed her to his management company and her career began. DieDra has had the opportunity to open up for Betty Wright, Bobby Brown, Candi Staton, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Bar-Kays, Glenn Jones, Denise LaSalle, Al Green, Avant, Carl Thomas, Sunshine Anderson and currently touring with Bobby Rush.
In 1998, DieDra was signed to Boogie Down Production in The Bronx, New York. Over the next 10 years, she was locked in an unproductive contract with Big East Entertainment. Keith Ruff was assigned to produce DieDra’s first CD by the company. Because of Keith’s schedule, he was never available to get the CD completed. Now, 10 years later, Keith Ruff of Ruff Pro Records called DieDra and found out that after all these years, her project was still incomplete. DieDra signed on with Keith under Ruff Pro Records, and launched “DieDra and the Ruff pro Band”. Her debut album “Overcoming Hurdles” was born in one month.
Connor Adcock was born and raised up until the age of 13 in Denton, TX where he then moved to southeastern Oklahoma. Picking up the bass at 17 that a friend had given him, Connor became obsessed, practicing daily for hours at a time. Drawing heavy inspiration from funk, 70s fusion, gospel, Jazz, blues, even metal. He has played in many different bands including Bebo & The Evildoers, John Tyler Perry, The Jason Stringfellow Band, Aaron Michaels, Lance Roark, Casey West Band, The Hayseed Band, Colten Jesse & The Hooligans and many others as a hired gun. Connor shows no signs of stopping, touring and recording as often as possible.
To classify Chris Duarte simply as a Blues Man is an understatement. In his own words, “rockin’ blues” or ”punk blues” describes him best. “Ferocious blues” also fits. Legend has it that Chris will play so hard that his fingers bleed in a set. The legend is true. Photos attest.
Chris Duarte is a road warrior playing more than 150 dates a year. As well, Chris has headlined major festivals and clubs throughout the US, Canada and Europe.
Chris is a savant, a sorcerer of tone, a master at channeling the spirits and sounds of great musicians of our past, while remaining completely recognizable in his own sound. He has shared his stage with many of the greatest musicians of our time as well as the multitude of “young lions” and local musicians he meets on the road. From his many years as a side man in Austin, he easily changes roles from front to side, graciously allowing all to share the conversation of the jam.
Chris Duarte’s music is ever changing. In many interviews, he has said “Music must evolve.” His own early offerings often become magical journeys into changing tempo and jazzy interludes before returning to their core. With such a vast catalog of recordings, there are no two shows alike. Every set list is different, and each song may be offered distinctly, based on the feel of a show and the audience. For those reasons, loyal fans often return to a Chris Duarte show again and again, and always walk away awed and satisfied to have witnessed such a legendary, but humble guitarist.
I want to preface the bio with saying, this conversation is deep and full of information. I have been touched by their friendship and I have great respect for what these two do in Southern Oregon. They truly represent the blues well. Deeply moved!
Howlin Steve Howell
DAVID PINSKY AND PHIL NEWTON David Pinsky and Phil Newton have been a major part of the Southern Oregon Blues scene for over thirty years and have joined forces as an acoustic/electric duo. Longtime friends, they began this new chapter by playing local venues and concerts discovering the joy of sharing their music on a whole different level.
David's propulsive guitar, welded with Phil's harmonica chops, provide a steady groove reminiscent of the 60’s Chicago style duets. The two on occasion will also employ a twin harp attack. Both David and Phil bring decades of vocal experience, with David concentrating on his original compositions and Phil interpreting Blues and roots.
David and Phil are committed to Blues education and teaching Blues to local kids as well as keeping the Blues alive in the traditions of the great Delta masters.
Rocky Star Child & Catherine Song Catcher are self taught husband and wife native American duo from Assiniboine Sioux Nation.
Spirit Winds invites children and adults to come and play along with them at local schools, libraries, park events, retirement homes, Pow wow ,at Flea World of Rockwood, TN and a yearly event with a boy scout troop where they come to the home of Spirit Winds and learn about Natives Culture and play music together. They call this camping event “Native Nights”.
Cat Song Catcher is very skillful artisan and creates beautiful hand painted wooden medallions and beaded necklaces.
Looking for a wonderful educational and fun experience for a event or celebration ??
Then message “ Spirit Winds “ and book them today.
Or are you interested in obtaining Beautiful handmade Native Style Jewelry from Cat Song Catcher? then
Message them today!!
Brad Henderson plays guitar and sings background vocals in Like Before. Growing up music was always a large part of his life. He began playing drums in the first grade and continued learning more instruments from there. Music was always important in his family and his relatives are some of his largest inspirations. Throughout middle and high school he played guitar, bass, or drums for various churches and camps. After high school he began to study music performance at the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM@UCO) where he played in several bands. Some of the bands that have had the largest impact on him are Green Day, Shinedown, The Refreshments, and Matchbox Twenty.
LIKE BEFORE, is a rock band from Oklahoma City formed in 2019. With inspirations ranging from the Foo Fighters to Led Zeppelin, Like Before has created a sound of their own. Like Before continues to grow their fanbase in the Oklahoma City area while branching out to surrounding cities and states, such as Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri. Their debut EP Right Where You Should Be released in September of 2020 and their second EP Can’t Break the Oath was released in October of 2021. Each of the Ep’s have been played on radio stations such as Rock 100.5 the KATT, with features in magazines such as Star Catcher Magazine, and blogs as well. They continue to write and record new music and play shows in new places. They consist of vocalist and guitar player Zach Robertson, drummer Alex Nemec, guitar player Brad Henderson, and Bass player Turner Allen.
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Growing up in north central Kansas Brett Doane found his love for music while tending to the land on the family farm. Spending many hours listening to the radio Brett began to appreciate different styles of music and the sounds associated with them. When Brett was in high school he started playing the guitar, moving on to the bass guitar forming a band with high school friends. After picking up the bass, Brett fell in love with the low end and the groove. Since then Brett has been blessed to play in many different groups from alternative and metal, country to jam bands. While playing in college Brett found his passion for audio production and began another part of his musical journey.After college Brett moved back to his hometown of Downs Ks for work and partnered up with a musical mentor Carl Warner to form a small production company, Soundwaves & Expressions. While a small company there was many opportunities for Soundwaves to provide production for local events, corporate events, festivals and different artist and bands from local to the Grammy nominated. Brett continues to try to keep his small humble company with the feel of expertise any professional touring musician would appreciate.
Bassist and guitarist based out of the Tulsa/OKC area, versatile in Jazz, Rock, Blues, Funk, Avant Garde, and everything in between. Stephen has been touring since 2015 with INTHEMOODLIVE, Chris Duarte Group, Combsy, and has completed several US tours out on the road for months at a time, two Australian tours, has opened for Steve Tyrell, Lonnie Smith, and has performed with high caliber musicians such as: Ashlin Parker, Terrell Stafford, Geoffrey Keezer, Pat Kelley, Seamus Blake, Bill Watrous, and more.
Also an experienced booking agent, Stephen is available for contracting music events of all types.
Stephen is an experienced Didgeridoo player and a student of sound healing and meditation.
It's all about the story, and the Southern Oklahoma native is a story teller at heart. Shanholtzer began writing his own original lyrics as a teenager. Shortly after, he learned to play guitar, and it wasn't long before those lyrics became more than just words on a page. He started playing shows at local bars before venturing out and eventually working his way around Oklahoma and Texas. Working with Red Dirt legend Mike McClure and producer Caleb Shirtum in McClure's Boohatch Studio, he recorded and released two singles "Where I Need to Be (ft. Mike McClure)" and "Take a Drive." In 2019, Shanholtzer began to piece together what would become known as the Blacktop Rodeo to play Original Red Dirt Country music, as well as 90s and newer Country/Red Dirt/Texas Country covers. Justin Shanholtzer and the Blacktop Rodeo consists of Shanholtzer on Lead Vocal and Guitar, Jack Hogan on Lead Guitar, and Alec Cripps on Bass Guitar. Their six song debut EP "18 Wheels" was released August 7. 2021.
I was born in NYC in 1962 and we lived in that general area until my Dad passed away when I was 8 and we moved to Maine. I learned to play drums , piano and guitar over the next few years and got my first paying gig as a guitarist in a country band that got a residency at a country bar in Bangor, Maine. I was and am interested in almost all forms of music and played a little jazz and rock and roll but most of my time and attention back then was spent on country music.
I moved to Boston in 1983 to join a country band there. It might sound funny to some people but there was actually a fairly big bar band scene of country cover bands all represented by the same booking agent, John Penny. During that time I got to play with musicians who played with Roy Buchanan, and they were: Russell Keys, Dave Broderick and Tom Hambridge. In 1986 I moved to Nashville.
I answered an add in a local paper “ rockabilly guitarist wanted”. I went over to audition, got hired and afterwards the bass player took me down to Layla’s on lower Broadway in Nashville to hear a “ real rockabilly band” as he put it. We did and as it turns out they were more hillbilly than rockabilly, as were many that year having been influenced by the band BR549. There was in fact a whole scene for this type of music revolving around 2 nightclubs, Layla’s Bluegrass Inn and Robert’s Western World.
After about 4 years of that I met my wife on the John Eddie tour and decided to move to Oklahoma where she was from. Unfortunately all that work hadn’t made me very much money and Nashville was starting to become super expensive to live in, I figured I couldn’t ask her to move there with me and starve so I moved to Midwest City, Oklahoma.
For a long time I just played in the local Oklahoma City music scene and occasionally brought people to Nashville to produce and record. I produced a bunch locally in Oklahoma too.
One day I saw a post in FB saying them at Texas Alt Country artist Wayne Hancock was looking for a guitar player and I immediately called my friend who had his number. I’d been a fan of Wayne for years and had always anted to pay with him. My friend called him, Wayne called me, I went and auditioned and in October 2014 he hired me and that brings us to date. We have spent the last 7 years playing together and touring the states and some of the rest of the world. Due to Covid he is currently taking a break from touring . Which is in a way why I am doing a solo thing now and seeking other touring work.
Ben Rice's music is deeply rooted in traditional blues, yet at the same time fiercely original. His guitar playing earns labels like "fearless," "inventive" and "powerful," and he routinly brings audiences to their feet with his stunning and emotionally honest vocal delivery. Ben is as much at home fronting his electric band as he is captivating a crowd solo with nothing but his voice and his acoustic resonator guitar.
Chad Michael Sweeley has been bringing music and positivity to southern Oregon for over 30 years. Specializing in 5-string fretted/fretless bass guitar, and synth bass; his unique mixture of styles and passion has supported many bands within multiple genres such as Reggae, Funk, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Folk, and Country. Please join him now as he incorporates his talent and experience into a one-person whirl of electronic lounge funk unlike anything else.
Gene Williams is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter from Oklahoma. Gene has worked with several Americana artists during his long career, including Tom Skinner, Jimmy LaFave, Townes Van Zandt, Bob Childers, Pat Mears, Greg Jacobs, Vicki Stagi, Blaze Foley, John Fullbright, The Red Dirt Rangers, Ad Van Meurs (aka The Watchman), Monica Taylor, and many others. He currently plays lead guitar and sings harmony for the singer/songwriter Dan Martin.
Kevin Selfe has been electrifying audiences nationwide since breaking into the blues scene in 2006. His growing stature as a captivating story teller and passionate performer are surpassed only by his deft mastery of blues guitar. Having relocated to Portland, OR, the Virginia native is now a leading light in the Pacific Northwest’s robust blues revival. Effortlessly combining the guitar traditions of the legends and the modern masters into his own unique approach, Selfe’s stylistic depth and electric performances resonate with audiences. His live shows have grown in legend largely due to his unique gift for communicating, through guitar, the complex range of moods revealed only by blues. Selfe’s songwriting style bridges the gap between joy and angst, using piercing irony, humorous metaphors, and daring autobiographical subject matter from his own occasional walks with the blues.
In February 2013, Kevin Selfe signed with world renown blues label Delta Groove, and released “Long Walk Home”to rave reviews. The recording peaked at #15 on the Billboard Blues Chart, #6 on the Living Blues Radio Chart spending three months in the top 25, and was #2 on SiriusXM Radio Bluesville “Pick To Click” list. “Long Walk Home”features 11 original compositions demonstrating Selfe’s musical depth and diversity with forays into West Coast, Texas, Chicago and Delta blues, along with top-notch support by veteran blues and roots musicians including Delta Groove labelmate Mitch Kashmar on vocals and harmonica, Gene Taylor (The Fabulous Thunderbirds, The Blasters) on piano, Doug James (Roomful of Blues, Jimmie Vaughan) on baritone sax, and Tornadoes Allen Markel (The Insomniacs) on bass and Jimi Bott (Fabulous Thunderbirds, Rod Piazza, The Mannish Boys) on drums.
In October 2015, Selfe released “Buy My Soul Back” on the VizzTone Label. Just as with “Long Walk Home”, Selfe calls upon his “Who’s Who” list of blues friends to create a gem of a recording that features Jimi Bott, Sugaray Rayford, Mitch Kashmar, Willie J Campbell, Gene Taylor, James Pace, Lisa Mann and many more. This latest collection of songs reveals an unwavering dedication to the traditional blues school, and yields yet another deft homage to empty wallets, ne-er-do-wells, and the enduring theme of love’s rapid melt. With “Buy My Soul Back”, Kevin Selfe has cemented his reputation as a masterful, dyed-through, true bluesman.
In nine years Kevin Selfe and The Tornadoes have become a fan favorite in the Northwest and beyond. In August 2013, Kevin was nominated for a Blues Blast Award, and the band was inducted into the Cascade Blues Association Hall of Fame in 2012 for Traditional Blues Act. In addition, Kevin was inducted into the CBA Hall of Fame for Electric Guitar in 2014 . They’ve won 20 prestigious Muddy Awards from the CBA for Traditional Blues Act of The Year (2010-2014), Contemporary Blues Act of The Year (2009, 2013, 2015), Performance of the Year (2016, 2013, 2012), Electric Guitar (2012-2014), Drums (2011-2014), NW Recording of The Year (2013), and National Recording of The Year (2013).
Kevin Selfe is a man who has dedicated his life to the blues. For more than a decade, he has been sharing that love and dedication with audiences from coast to coast, building a loyal following wherever his energetic mix of traditional and contemporary blues is heard. Although many have played the genre before him, Kevin’s path to, and through, the blues is an interesting one and is what draws people to his music.
In a world of teenage guitar prodigies, Kevin learned to play the guitar at a relatively late age while studying Meteorology at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. “I had plenty of time to practice in my dorm room”, Kevin explains “because my major was not real popular with the ladies.” He jokingly but honestly adds “They used to call us the weather dorks”.
“My roommate was a bass player and he introduced me to this whole new world of music that I wasn’t aware of. While everybody else was into the grunge thing, we were listening to Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, and Elmore James. It was like this big light went on in my head.”
After graduating Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Meteorology in 1995, Selfe felt like there was something missing, something else calling him. He decided to abandon a potential career as a weatherman, and pursue the music that consumed his soul, the blues. Kevin states “I don’t think I ever really chose to play the blues…I think somehow the blues chose me.”
In 1997 at the age of 23, he joined the regionally popular Fat Daddy Band based out of his hometown of Roanoke, VA. During his tenure with them, the Fat Daddy Band won the Charlotte Blues Society’s 2001 Talent Competition and was a finalist at the Blues Foundation’s 2002 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, thus being named one of the top 6 unsigned blues bands in the world.
It's all about the story, and the Southern Oklahoma native is a story teller at heart. Shanholtzer began writing his own original lyrics as a teenager. Shortly after, he learned to play guitar, and it wasn't long before those lyrics became more than just words on a page. He started playing shows at local bars before venturing out and eventually working his way around Oklahoma and Texas. Working with Red Dirt legend Mike McClure and producer Caleb Shirtum in McClure's Boohatch Studio, he recorded and released two singles "Where I Need to Be (ft. Mike McClure)" and "Take a Drive." In 2019, Shanholtzer began to piece together what would become known as the Blacktop Rodeo to play Original Red Dirt Country music, as well as 90s and newer Country/Red Dirt/Texas Country covers. Justin Shanholtzer and the Blacktop Rodeo consists of Shanholtzer on Lead Vocal and Guitar, Jack Hogan on Lead Guitar, and Alec Cripps on Bass Guitar. Their six song debut EP "18 Wheels" was released August 7. 2021.
Recalling the songsters of the early 20th century, songwriter and music maker Brad Fielder presents a program of original and traditional material. Inspired by old time, country blues, ragtime, and bluegrass, the songs are brought to life on acoustic guitar, banjo and resonator guitar. The occasional melodic augmentation is realized on kazoo, harmonica, or mouth horn. It is the music of the people, for the people--folksy, country, and bluesy. Sometimes accompanied by one to three players, the instrumentation is rounded out by bass, fiddle, tuba, and percussion. When performing solo, Fielder has been known to incorporate drums and percussion, transforming into a one man street band.
“Tom and Carol Fielder, my grandparents, made their home in northwest Oklahoma near the town of Ames in Major County. From George H. Shirk’s Oklahoma Place Names, I learned that prior to 1902, that tiny berg was called Hoyle, after Hoyle Creek which is a tributary to the Cimarron River. As my mind wandered over the decades of my own life, and I came to be a writer of songs tinged with nostalgia, it entered my artist’s narrative that Hoyle is not a place lost to time. New Hoyle exists wherever I am, and you will come to know that place when you listen to these recordings, Welcome to New Hoyle. Mostly written and polished in a Norman, OK house built in 1904 and torn down in 2021, these songs are another installment in the chronicles of New Hoyle, a place with no location and a time with no frame.
In the third week of August, 2021, the human population of New Hoyle (Boudreaux the dog stayed home) drove the van to Bristol, VA, for the opportunity to record with Jon Atkinson at BigTone Records. Kansas City musicians The Matchsellers, Andrew Morris and Julie Bates (banjo/mandolin/guitar and fiddle), and Norman sousaphonist Charley Reeves rounded out the band of long time New Hoyle residents. All three lent their fine playing, as well as arranging prowess to the album. Tracked live to mono tape on vintage audio gear from the golden age of radio, each take was the final mix. Recording in the undisputed birthplace of country music was intentional, as the aim of this project was to make these songs come alive in a way that fully acknowledges their origins. Welcome to New Hoyle.”
Martin Farrell Jr. is a Minnesota-born songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer intent on discovering new ways of playing old musical styles. His talent began to show in early childhood. One year as the family sat down to enjoy the World Series on television, they turned to watch their five year old walk over to the piano and work out the National Anthem by ear. Soon they found him an excellent teacher and after several years of taking piano lessons, playing classical pieces and studying theory, he bought a guitar and started teaching himself how to play. Martin quickly developed a deep appreciation for the music of Frank Zappa and sought out to discover the inner workings of Zappa's extremely difficult compositions.
After moving to Lawrence, KS in 2005 he began playing banjo, bass, piano and guitar in local bluegrass and rock groups, eventually fronting his own six piece progressive bluegrass band with drums called Dr. Cotton. It was around this time that Farrell started offering his services as a sideman and joined KC based bluegrass group Kansas City Hustle on banjo as well as playing Telecaster in the Beerbellies - a honky tonk band put together by Lawrence fiddling legend and Kansas Music Hall of Fame member, Billy Spears. It was through the lens of the 1970's revival and reinvention of Country & Bluegrass music that he would discover the true greats of the genres and find their roots. Artists like Gram Parsons, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Danny Barnes and Tony Rice shifted his interest towards monumental figures such as Ernest Tubb, Hank Williams Sr., Merle Haggard, Clarence White, Waylon Jennings, Townes Van Zandt, Speedy West, Bill Monroe, and blues great Roy Buchanan. In response to these staggering discoveries, Farrell began to pursue a sound he called "Cosmic Western" - a genre which possesses a classic country sound, bluegrass techniques, gospel harmonies and rock rhythms.
During 2015, he started recording his debut release entitled "Tales from the Outer Country" - a 14 track album produced and recorded entirely by Martin in his home studio. The record shows the potential Farrell has as a writer and arranger, featuring wondrous displays of musicianship, melody, harmony and dedication to the music he makes.
"Being able to produce records on my own without input from others has allowed me to create music unaffected by outside influence and provide a virtually limitless musical environment where I am the boss." - Martin Farrell Jr.
After meeting Kansas City based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jenna Rae, the two began writing music together and worked in a six piece country band called Playing for Horses. The couple started performing as a "cosmic western duo" called Jenna & Martin and continued to make themselves known in the local scene. In 2017, they started a record label called Lost Cowgirl Records with the mission to support female songwriters within the category of Americana and roots music. Farrell went on to produce Jenna Rae's debut record "Workin' Woman" in 2018, playing guitar, pedal steel, banjo, piano, mandolin, harmonica, bass, drums and percussion on the album. During the 2018 holiday season, they released their first EP and accompanying short film called "Gingerbread". They tour throughout the US as a duo with their standard poodle Roy, but will often play with a drummer and bassist for larger shows.
Martin spent around a year playing pedal steel and dobro in the Amarugia Ridge Runners, a young honky tonk group he met while living in his bus on a farm in Peculiar, MO. He also works as a session musician, graphic designer, producer and recording engineer in the Kansas City/Lawrence area.
The second Martin Farrell Jr. album "Coffee and Laundry" contains 10 brand new original songs with a meaningful message.
Johnny Mullenax is a guitar gun for hire! He can play anything from jazz to bluegrass and dabble in the country world. He is known all over the region from Tulsa to Oklahoma City and beyond. Whenever a band needs a little muscle, Johnny is quick to go help out and do it in style. No one thinks about the sidemen in the game of music biz, and everyone focuses on the stars! But if one simply takes a look behind the scenes they will see, being a sideman means you are carrying and delivering the punch bands desperately needs!
DO NOT overlook this podcast!
Who is John Clifton, and why are they saying those things about him? After 30 plus years on stage, the former frontman of a well-known, notorious Central California band started with his brother Bill, is spoken of not only in hushed whispers but in loud shouts as well. Bluesman John Clifton has dedicated himself to the genre that wasn't getting the respect it deserved. But when you're a frontman who delivers the goods straight from the heart, soul, and gut, the Blues become relevant. From the first note of the first song on stage, you know Clifton is the man in charge. Great musicians play off one another and take each other to new heights when they do. John taps into honest emotions, and by doing so, he brings the band along for the ride.
Clifton is a veteran road dog whose travels have regularly crisscrossed the U.S. in addition to playing festivals as far away as France, Belgium, Poland, and New Zealand to the tune of 150 dates a year. John's mad harmonica skills have placed him on stages shared by James Cotton, John Mayall, Luther Tucker, Kim Wilson, and a host of other talented bluesmen. His harp chops landed him the job of featured harmonica player while touring and recording with Big Bill Morganfield on his 2016 release, "Bloodstains on the Wall." With each of the three records, he has made with Southern California blues, roots label Rip Cat Records the accolades and intensity increased. His first solo album, Let Yourself Go, was released shortly after signing in 2015 to worldwide acclaim and airplay.
Nightlife followed in 2018, and Clifton ramped up his game by multiple notches, seamlessly translating his onstage blend of West Coast and Chicago Blues, '50s style hard R&B and Soul to the studio. Once again, critical acclaim followed, and the album appeared on blues, roots, and rockabilly charts worldwide. The song "Still A Fool" from Nightlife was the #10 of the top new releases on Top 15 Rack of Blues Radio show on BB Kings Bluesville on Sirus XM Radio, Nightlife Spent 6 Months in the Roots Music Report Top 25 Contemporary Blues Albums and finished #72 For 2018 on The Top 200 Roots Music Report Contemporary Blues Chart.
His latest CD, In The Middle Of Nowhere, followed in the spring of 2019 with 11 tracks that sizzle and shake to perfection. The album features five all-new originals, along with six covers of songs by artists as diverse as Willie Dixon and Merle Haggard, and immediately became a fixture on the Top 50 Contemporary Blues charts, Sirius/XM's Bluesville, and Living Blues Radio. Originality and fire in his harp and vocal stylings. Electrifying excitement consistently brought onstage. This is what keeps the John Clifton Band new and entertaining every time they take the stage! There’s more! John used his skills as a record producer to take Polish artists, former International Blues Challenge finalists, The Boogie Boys, into the studio. The record he produced, Made in Cali, won Album of the Year honors in the Polish Blues Awards.
Producer David Z best known for his work with Prince, Etta James, Billy Idol, and many others, chose John's song "Anytime Is Cool" for the 2017 motion picture release "Shattered" John and Band were also asked to appear in the movie and were featured in the first scene. Songwriter, producer, singer, harmonica player, showman; with John Clifton you get the whole package.
Founded in 2019. The Clay Clear Band is a southern rock and country styles from Sedalia, MO. Raised in smoky bar rooms and country party barns in rural Missouri. Clay has refined his own energized twang that tastes like country but burns rock and roll. With wide acclaim, the regionally prolific showcase at the Shawnee Theater. Missouri State Fair, and Ozarks amplitheater, The Clay Clear band is getting ready to release it's first full album in 2022.
When I first heard of Bow Thayer, it was total accident. I was cruising youtube and this song called "Donna Lee" by Bow Thayer and the Benders, I was blown away by the groove set up by a banjo. Then I listened more and more and found myself cruising everything he was a part of. The joy of this interview is I truly was a fan of his for over ten years now. This interview found him to be exactly like I pictured him to be. Down to earth and fun loving, but most of all in love with music! The kindred spirit is caught in this podcast, and I can't thank him enough for making music fun and joining me with open arms!
~Howlin Steve Howell
As Seven Days puts it, "Bow Thayer has been kicking up a beautiful racket in Vermont for many years now." Indeed, Bow has been making a racket for as long as he can remember. Making music is who he is. Bow made a name for himself in Boston with 7 League Boots, a rock/reggae band that shared the stage with the likes of Fugazi, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and Pearl Jam. 25 years ago he made a life-altering decision to leave the city for the Green Mountains of Vermont. It was there that he explored the Delta blues playing slide guitar for the original Elbow and began a relationship with the banjo - both in the bluegrass group, The Benders, and on his own — that continues to this day. Bow combined these instruments into the Bojotar, a hybrid he designed that incorporates elements of the banjo, resonator guitar, and conventional guitar and was sold in a limited run by Eastwood/Airline Guitar Company. As No Depression put it, "You want inventiveness....I offer Bow Thayer.Bow’s music is always evolving and unpredictable. After recording his classic Americana album, Spend it All, with Levon Helm on drums, Bow forged a daring music path that has explored folk, prog, blues, world music, improv and psychedelia on his journey to bring backwoods music into the present. His new album, The Book of Moss, was born from an acoustic weekly gig that Bow played with his bassist, Alex "Al" Abraham, and they were soon joined by local percussionist, Steve Ferraris. But after recording a demo, everything changed. Al took his own life. Once Bow could listen to what they had from that session, he realized he could finish the album. But it was not an easy album to make. Unable to use the conventional approach, this album had to be built from Al's upright bass lines. Bow brought on his longtime musical partners, Jeff Berlin, to add drums, and three-time Grammy winning engineer, Justin Guip (Levon Helm), to do his magic.
As for the songs themselves, Bow acknowledges "they are about as 'Vermont' as I can get. They sound to me like they literally grew up out of the rocky soil of the Green Mountains. They contain all the trials and tribulations you find living here, as well as some global perspective from our little weird bubble of a state." The Book of Moss, just like A Better Version of the Truth that was also released after Al's death, is a testament to a talented and kind artist who suffered silently, and showcases the extraordinary bass tracks he left behind.
While out on the road, Bow had the joy of introducing his music and the Bojotar to fans and friends alike, including some of his peers and heroes - Bela Fleck, Richard Thompson, James McMurtry, John Hiatt, Booker T. and Warren Haynes. At home during the pandemic, Bow joined forces with Val McCallum, Jackson Browne's guitarist with a damn fine voice, to co-write a gorgeous and inspired set of songs under the moniker Beau Bowde Lune. A full-time artist, Bow has devoted his life to spreading his tales, truths and fantasies about the human condition wherever he goes and invites you to catch an earful.
Oklahoma Red Dirt Band with a southern rock sound. Colton Kro started the band early in 2021 where they immediately started playing shows and growing an audience in the NE Oklahoma area. They plan on releasing their single "Shooting back" in April 2022.
Steven Bankey & The Flatlander’s is a red dirt country band out of Kansas City, Mo. Heavily influenced by the grassroots country music movement originating in southern parts of Texas and Oklahoma. In their second year as a band they have already earned opening spots for some top national acts. Whiskey Myers, Granger Smith, Whitey Morgan, Ray Wiley Hubbard and Morgan Evans to name a few. They have really honed their live show playing at Firewater festival and Mid America Music festival.
If you love what you do, then you will never work a day in your life. This is a motto that really applies to this band. They truly enjoy every show and are thankful for the opportunity to share that with their fans .
Sheila Greenland started performing as a teenager and never looked back.
Based in central Nebraska, Sheila writes and collaborates with artist across the state and in Nashville, and performs regularly with her band across the region. Nebraska allows her to build her career as a musician and be present for her family and attend her children’s activities, creating a life of music and love on her own terms.
Sheila’s music is pop/country. She also performs covers of songs across a variety of genres.
RT N' THE 44s is a Folk Noir band created by singer/songwriter RT Valine. Founded in 2009, the band originated in Los Angeles, California alongside local bands Leslie and The Badgers, Spindrift, Gwendolyn (Artist), and RuthAnne Friedman. Using instruments crafted from tin, 2x4's and salvaged parts, RT has stated that RT N' THE 44s was born out of "an attempt to make listenable music from junk". They have been described as a "vintage country band with dark obsessions".
The band is often seen busking at various locations throughout Los Angeles and Pasadena in the tradition of Woody Gunthrie and Cisco Houston. As members of the New LA Folkfest the band has performed with John C. Riley, Tom Brassueu, T-model Ford, and Red Simpson, among other notable acts. RT N' THE 44s performs annually at The Roots Roadhouse Festival and Autry Natural Center. The band has recorded three full-length albums for the independent label Rabid Rabbit Records, and has been featured "live in studio" on KUCI's Freedom Radio Program.
At the age of 13, Nate Gregory began his professional career gigging around Kansas City. After getting to play at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville that summer, Nate was hooked and set his course firmly in country music.He is currently the lead guitarist for a local red dirt country band. However, after getting to play in four Honky Tonks on Nashville’s famous Broadway strip when he was 16, and again this spring at 17, it concreted his love of the old outlaw’s way of playing. With the likes of Willie, Waylon, Haggard & Cash, he found his place.His parents have taken him on several trips to Nashville, where he has connected and formed friendships with several Broadway Legends such as Daniel Donato, Luke McQuery, David Graham, Slick Joe Fick, Robbie Muzic, Mike Borque, Kevin Key, Eddie Lange, Tyler Hall and others. They’ve all helped so much, opening doors he’d never have thought possible. Recently Daniel Donato connected Nate to o The Pitch Meeting and Eric Fortaleza. That night was epic and Nate was able to play on stage with some of the world’s best musicians. He’s even gotten a last minute call to travel with Tyler Halverson for a couple of shows. These connections are prized friendships and Nate has stayed humble and appreciative of each one.After the under the guidance of Redd Volkaert (Merle Haggard’s former guitarist) he’s learned so much. Not only the famous licks and sounds, but about the industry and making his way through it. He’s been lucky to have found mentor and friend in Redd. Nate has regular weekly mentoring sessions with Redd via Skype, and has also visited Redd at his home, and even played with him on stage at the Floyd Country Store. There have been some epic nights of storytelling, jamming on a ’53 Tele, and touring the guitar vault – memories of a lifetime.
Luke Hendrickson hails from the Upper Midwest United States. Specifically, southern Minnesota, where the country music bug took awhile to infect him, but once it did, it took a strong hold.
Forming the classic/outlaw country cover band “Luke n Bob Texas” in 2010 and continuing that for 7 years gave Luke an opportunity to hone his voice, while writing songs on the side.
2018 saw Luke branching out into playing solo gigs and releasing the 5 song acoustic EP “Comfort Food”. Opening shows for Ben and Noel Haggard, Hellbound Glory, Ryan Chrys and others rounded out the next 2 years, which included playing 24 states, as well as the Hank Snow Tribute Festival in Nova Scotia.
Luke’s debut full-length album “One Night at the Crystal Lounge” will be released in February 2020.
Songwriter Spike McGuire has been a notable member of the folk scene since debuting at the Chicago Peace and Freedom Festival in 2008. During his time in Chicago he went on to hold a year long residency at The Leadway Bar hosting the Open Arms/Open Mic. Once he returned west he quickly became a figurehead of the burgeoning arts and music scene in Reno, NV where he started Loud as Folk: Songwriters Showcase. The show can still be seen monthly in Reno and has evolved into a touring revue performing in cities across the west coast with a wide network of prominent songwriters.Spike has shared the stage with such greats as: Jerrod Niemann, Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers, Johnny Two Bags (Social Distortion), Chuck Ragan (Hot Water Music), Franz Nicolay (The Hold steady), Leroy Vergil (Hellbound Glory), Eddie Spagetti (Supersucks), Kevin Seconds, and Kepi Gouhlie. McGuire’s main pursuit over the last two years has been his Americana band Six Mile Station who proudly released their debut album Audiobiography March 13th, 2015.
Kenneth Lester Kinsey, co-founder of the famed Blues clan “Big Daddy Kinsey & the Kinsey Report” was born January 21, 1963 in Gary, Indiana, the same birthplace of that other famous musical family, The Jackson 5.
As the youngest of three brothers, and raised in a house of music, Ken was influenced by all the music around him, mostly Blues, old school Funk, Rock…and later Reggae. (Brother and guitarist, Donald Kinsey recorded and toured with Reggae legends Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.) But it wasn’t until high school, when Ken knew Bass was his instrument of choice for life. He joined the high school Jazz Band that “taught me the language of music and gave me the confidence to play with others”. Over the next few years Ken started to jam with his brothers (music veterans by this time), but playing with eldest brother Ralph Kinsey (drummer) taught him how to groove and play “in the pocket”.
In the early 80’s, after graduating from college and his brothers pursuing other musical endeavors, the family came together, along with their father (Big Daddy Kinsey) to form the Kinsey Report. Three decades later, the Kinsey’s have recorded nine CD’s, toured nationally and internationally, traveling from Chicago to Tokyo; from Helsinki to Australia, sharing stages with such giants as B.B. King, Albert Collins, Allman Brothers, Black Crowes and many more. (Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes appears on the Kinsey Report’s 1993 Crossing Bridges CD.)
Steve Howell was thirteen when he first heard Mississippi John Hurt fingerpicking country blues. The year was 1965, and the experience became a revelation that opened the door to a new musical universe. Steve knew immediately that tame, folky strumming of the guitar was a thing of the past for him. As Steve’s journey progressed, Mississippi John Hurt begat Blind Willie McTell and Leadbelly. They in turn begat Robert Johnson, Son House, Rev. Gary Davis, Blind Willie Johnson, Blind Blake, and a host of other black acoustic guitar players and vocalists. His interest in rural, folk-blues styles and the history of the music led him to learn more about how this music came to town and melded with the horn-oriented bands prevalent in the cities, creating a strong affinity for him with traditional jazz and the music of New Orleans from the first half of the twentieth century. His musical Odyssey naturally included the pop, country, rock, and blues music of the last half of the century, but always in the background stood the music of Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Lester Young, Jack Teagarden, Art Tatum, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Chet Atkins, Johnny Smith, Wes Montgomery, Bucky Pizzarelli, Joe Pass, George Van Eps, Lenny Breau, and many other great jazz artists. Although very interested in many other music styles (bebop, rock 'n' roll, rhythm and blues, and others), the heart of Steve’s playing and singing is rooted in the rural acoustic blues and traditional jazz genres born in the American South.Born in Marshall, Texas, Steve lived in Kilgore, Texas, until the age of seventeen, when his family moved to Shreveport, Louisiana. Upon Steve's graduation from Captain Shreve High School in Shreveport, he lived in Dallas, Arlington, Austin, and spent some time in Pennsylvania during 1972-1973. Late 1973 brought the beginning of a hitch in the U.S. Navy which took him to Key West, Florida, and then to Haverfordwest, South Wales, for 3 1/2 years. During this time, he soaked up the British acoustic scene, playing folk clubs in South Wales as well as in the South of England with his partner, fingerstyle and slide guitarist and mandolinist, Arnie Cottrell. They also played several folk music gatherings including the Pembroke Castle Folk Festival in the spring of 1976.Upon his return to the United States and Shreveport in 1977, he attended Louisiana State University in Shreveport and graduated in 1980 with a degree in Communications. During this time he played on the Shreveport club scene through the late seventies and the eighties, with numerous gigs around East Texas, initially as a duo with guitarist David Dodson in 1977 and then with his partner, Shreveport restaurateur Jim Caskey, beginning in 1978. Steve and Jim were regular performers at Shreveport's Red River Revel Arts Festival, having played the festival every year, except three, since its inception. Their duo, Howell & Caskey, has opened for Country Joe and the Fish, Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets, Bugs Henderson, Ponty Bone and the Squeezetones, and shared the stage with blues legend Brownie McGee. They have also played together in rock 'n' roll and blues bands over the years, most notably The Deadbeats and The Movers, with musicians from Shreveport and the Ark-La-Tex area such as Dave Hoffpauir, Mark Roberts, Chris Michaels, Steve Ramey, and Randy Guynes. They also played traditional jazz and blues as a trio with Kathryn Hobgood lending her vocals for about two years. Steve has taken the music to many locations across the United States, including the annual Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, Oregon, where Steve taught a master’s class in acoustic fingerstyle guitar in addition to performing on the main stage.Steve currently lives in Marshall, Texas, with Leigh, his wife of 45 years They have two sons , Sam and Ben.
Jenna Rae was born in Merriam, Kansas and currently lives outside of Lawrence, Kansas with her fiance Martin Farrell Jr. and poodle Roy Rogers. Jenna is best known for her “genuine, honest, and straightforward” songwriting and her unique vocal tone. Her songwriting journey began when she was in college playing the tenor saxophone in the Pittsburg State University marching band. She started learning banjo in between studying for nursing exams and played in a folk rock band named “Deadeye”.
Songwriting became a big part of Jenna's life after graduating nursing school -writing songs to wind down after a long hard day on the job and on her days off. Being a nurse requires empathy and Jenna noticed songwriting required empathy as well. Also similar to nursing, music can help and heal people. Jenna cut back on her nursing hours to pursue a music career in 2018 but has never fully quit her nursing job and currently works in the burn and wound clinic at KU Hospital in Kansas City. In July of 2018, she released her debut album “Workin’ Woman” produced by her partner Martin Farrell Jr.
Lucas Maddy and The Kansas Cartel – an original, hard-rocking country band based in Kansas whose music can be found on iTunes, Amazon, and nearly a dozen radio stations in Kansas. Albums include “Reckless Disregard for Self-Preservation” “Believe” and the Summer 2015 EP “Oronoque” featuring “Bro Country” and “4440” currently playing on Midwestern stations.
Lucas began as a poet on a tractor, working the fields of Maddy Farms in northwest Kansas. His first efforts were written in marker on the inside of tractor windows as he spent hour after hour making dust in God’s country. A self-taught musician, Lucas picked up his first guitar at age 21 and turned a late start into a multi-state favorite. His first full band show was with legendary Oklahoma songwriter Mike McClure. Lucas soon became part of the new red-dirt revival in Manhattan’s Aggieville, where many artists cut their teeth, helping to kick-start the movement at Longhorn’s Saloon, a venue that would eventually spawn great Kansas bands Reckless Rebellion, Jared Daniels Band and Aaron Traffas Band, as well as his own.
Lucas has shared the stage with many major acts, including: Logan Mize, Cody Canada and The Departed, Randy Rogers, Stoney LaRue, Casey Donahew Band, Granger Smith, Aaron Watson, Rich O’Toole, J.B. and the Moonshine Band, Mike McClure, Jackson Taylor and Brandon Jenkins. This priceless experience has been invaluable in developing Lucas’ stage show, as “We bring a little of each artist to the stage with us”. He has sung the national anthem at the Wichita River Festival and Kansas State University Rodeo. Lucas and the KS Cartel will be rocking sound waves of radio all over the region and Venues in the Midwest with this Kansas rendition of County Rock.
Tim Helm is a tour veteran traveling with the likes of Albert Collins, Howlin’ Wolf, and Freddy King, just to name a few.
It’s not surprising that Jerry choose a career in the music industry. I’m sure he developed his passion from his childhood. Jerry was raised within the music of numerous bands and genres in the Los Angeles area. His family loved music. Reading and the arts were their passion and songs being played was a staple. His fathers love of music took him to meet new and interesting musicians from Jackson Brown to up and coming artists of southern roots Black Oak Arkansas and the Doobie Brothers were a few he traveled around the country and brought many home to practice. Back in the day, in Los Angeles you could have property with sound buffer zones actually allowing garage bands without disturbance. Numerous artists trying to make it in LA would take advantage of our open space. Some went on to recording contracts and brought numerous up-and-coming artist to join them all while the kids danced and enjoyed the music. From Major concerts; California jam, Calaveras County Mountainaire to local LA events, if the kids could attend, Jerry was there. We always thought that he would go on to be in the mechanical industry of sorts… as he always wanted to know how things worked. (He wanted to take my vacuum apart to make a Hoover craft, of course the answer was no as we needed it! ) He had a very inquisitive/invention spirt so it doesn’t surprise me he got into the sound boards and technical side of music. So glad it became a passion of his, to do what you love for a living is the best part of life!
We LOVE bringing live entertainment to the area! We usually have a few a month, including live music, open mic nights, art nights and beer or wine tastings! Please check our event schedule to stay up-to-date on our many events! (Please note during this time of COVID, we are limiting our entertainment schedule)
David Pinsky and Phil Newton have been a major part of the Southern Oregon Blues scene for over thirty years and have joined forces as an acoustic/electric duo. Longtime friends, they began this new chapter by playing local venues and concerts discovering the joy of sharing their music on a whole different level.
David's propulsive guitar, welded with Phil's harmonica chops, provide a steady groove reminiscent of the 60’s Chicago style duets. The two on occasion will also employ a twin harp attack. Both David and Phil bring decades of vocal experience, with David concentrating on his original compositions and Phil interpreting Blues and roots.
David and Phil are committed to Blues education and teaching Blues to local kids as well as keeping the Blues alive in the traditions of the great Delta masters.
Native-Texan Hadden Sayers is just as comfortable on a massive festival stage with a Stratocaster in his hands as he is strumming an acoustic guitar in your living room.....
Equal parts blue-eyed soul and red-hot guitar. This is a mesmerizing multidimensional live performance. Hadden and his band are masters of their instruments….but his passionate songwriting, which twists roots rock, blues and soul music into something completely fresh, is what sets him apart from the pack.
From Ruthie Foster and a great performance on Austin City Limits to rubbing elbows with Robben Ford and playing with the late great Lucky Peterson. Hadden's songwriting/guitar prowess stands on it's own!
This podcast is a must listen to! "Hanging with the Band" everyone who loves the music world, this is your time to hear insights to great bluesman!
Lewis Crownover, worship pastor: Lewis serves as Worship Pastor at VCF Grants Pass. He has been leading worship since the age of fifteen. His ministry embraces multiple generations and cultures, with a calling to raise up the next generation of worshipers and release the sounds of Heaven on earth. His wife, Rose is a gifted teacher, artist, and worshiper in her own right.
Michael Schembre is a man with music talent that strikes deep! He learned to play fiddle bluegrass style when he was six years of age and been performing and writing music ever since. His professional side is booking and promoting his bands that he plays in, meaning double and triple duties! He is the fiddle slayer in Opal Agafia’s and the Sweet Nothings! A must see band that can entertain any genre or age group. He also fiddles for Mary and the Giant. Last but not least, Red Oak Ruse a band where he shreds once again on the fiddle and you can hear in this podcast.
Aaron Waddell is the bass player for Savanna Chestnut and her Field Hands! In this interview we crawl inside what it's like "Hangin with the Band" as long as there's good conversation to be had, Aaron is right in the pocket just as he is while playing with the Field Hands! Find out how this band travels together and what it's like to go long rides to a concert. Aaron is a person you'll want to hear from!
Hunter Wainscott is a traveling alternative country/rock/punk musician from Frankfort Indiana. Hunters music reflects the everyday life and struggles of everyday people, as well as songs of love and emotion experienced by the working man.
Hunter began playing guitar and writing songs at a young age, and music has been one of the biggest influential factors in his life. After dreaming for years of becoming a full time traveling musician, he finally took the leap in 2019 and has been playing all over the country ever since.
You can find Hunter Wainscott’s music on all online streaming platforms!
“Blues is about the voice,” CA Waller said. “I mean, the very first instrument was the voice. The blues came out of a tradition where you didn’t have instruments, and you weren’t allowed to talk. The slaves on plantations weren’t allowed to talk or to communicate. The only time they were allowed to make noise was in church on Sundays. Talking was not a part of blues tradition, singing was.”Quote is from the Daily Nebraskan newspaper.
Bryton Stoll: “Whether it’s a song about life, love, or the lack of, I want to take listeners to their own place where worries fade and solutions become more clear. I may not be able to make problems disappear, but as the Landlocked Sailor I do know how to find a beach, even in the middle of Kansas!”
Lucas Minor grew up in Murray, NE farming and playing music from an early age. Although he finds his roots in piano, Lucas plays over 10 instruments, all of which you may hear at a show, or in a recording. In The Lucas Minor Band, he may be seen playing guitar, lap steel, piano, bass, and even, on occasion, dobro.
Clint Tate is a master technician with building instruments from scratch, but most notable is he is a master musician. His picking style is what we brand as “chicken Pickin” ! Not every master of the guitar can actually pull that off! You can catch it in this podcast and how the band “Outback” got started and wrote songs together and traveled all about Kansas and Nebraska, gaining local recognition and popularity. He tells how the band started writing together and had some great times, with some bumpy rides but most of the time a brotherhood of in their music. Listen especially to the end of our conversation where Clint gets to the heart of the matter of being a musician.
After taking the stage in his early teens, Joel Naf can usually be found with drumsticks or a washboard in hand behind a group of musicians. Currently supporting Savanna Chestnut as one of her Fieldhands, Joel is at home playing both country and western music as well as playing in southern rock and hard rock bands, with a career spanning nearly 30 years.
A full-time musician since January 1st, 2008, Shawn Cole has earned a great reputation as an entertainer. He is an accomplished harmonica player, drummer and guitarist. Cole plays those instruments simultaneously, while passionately singing with a voice that has aged like a fine bourbon.
Whether performing solo, or with his band, DrUnK MoNkeY his shows are always high energy, entertaining events.
Casey Dailey is a Field Hand in Savanna Chestnut's great country band. He started playing guitar at a very young age and fell in love with it even up to this day. He is well traveled in circles around North Central Kansas. He created bands from scratch in a land that is not dense with musician's, and those bands became well known favorites in the area.
With Savanna Chestnut leading the way and with Casey's amazing guitar prowess has joined them to play in surrounding states and in this year they continue to expand the horizon. Casey attributes the band success to the songs Savanna writes and the machine she has built with the Field Hands on the drums is a very good friend of Casey's who inspires the most from the band is Joel Naaf along with bass player Aaron Wadell who hold the bands rhythm section, to set up Casey’s ability to soar on guitar. This interview is fun and insightful!
The Sunset Sinners describe their genre of music as “Whiskey Barrel Rock” which is a fusion of Southern & 70’s Rock blended with Red Dirt Country. The Sinners feature the bluesy vocal stylings of Tony Bowell, a powerhouse rhythm section of Blake Blackim (Drums), Brad Johnson (Bass) & guitar extraordinaire Chris Brungardt.
The Sunset Sinners have a huge passion for all active Military, Veterans & First Responders. The Sinners are super high energy performing their own originals along with Sinnerized classics!
“Who am I? I, Franklin Donny D. Lewis, was born in Los Angeles in 1954. I was raised along with my two brothers and two sisters as far back as I can remember. At the age of twelve is when I found out that being a Black male, I would have to overcome many obstacles. In 1966 my mother moved us to Pomona, California. That is where I had my first encounter with racism. But I fought back, and today I am still fighting. All my adult life, I have worked with youth in public schools, the LA Probation Department, and many group homes. I guess this is my way of serving God, and by serving God, I am serving mankind.”
Mike Mcraken has years of professional playing, recording and touring in experience. During this period, Mike has had the honor of sharing stage with such hall of "fame" artist as Hank Thompson, Jack Greene, Charlie Daniels, as well as many of today's top acts such as Big and Rich, Chris Young and many others Slide/steel guitar is what Mike calls his number one love and his over the top style has been compared to to such artists as Junior Brown, Ben Harper, and David Lindley.with slide/steel fueling the fire. Mike also has mastered the dobro and has had the opportunity to utilize this unique instrument in several live venues and studio sessions. while living in Nashville,TN.
Jimmy Lewin and the Kingtones is a blues based band out of central Kansas. Jimmy is native to Stockton, Kansas and a master of the blues guitar. There isn’t a house he has not graced with his slashing guitar riffs that makes you want to get up and dance!
Just few of Jim's Highlights to his career include sharing stages with high powered performers like Delbert McClinton, Duke Robillard, Chris Duarte, Tinsley Ellis, and Tommy Castro, to name just a few.
Bobby Luna is well known in Southern Oregon parts for his ability to gather the just right musicians for collaberation and performances. His own band The Electric Church, has been rocking the region for many years. Check out his music, his philosophy, and his energy. You will be hungry for more!
Howard Mahan is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter originally from Fredonia, Kansas and now based out of Lawrence, Kansas. Howard started playing guitar in a family band at age 9 and hasn’t stopped since. After finishing college where he studied guitar, business, and law, Howard has played shows and recorded music across the US constantly with several different groups, including the primary group “Howard Mahan & Friends”.
Described as “one of the best acoustic pickers on the scene today,” Cary Morin brings together the great musical traditions of America and beyond like no other. With deft fingerstyle guitar and vocals that alternately convey melodic elation and gritty world-weariness, Morin crafts an inimitable style often characterized as acoustic Native Americana with qualities of blues, bluegrass, jazz, jam, reggae, and dance. Morin’s sixth release, When I Rise, follows close on the heels of an international tour that spanned the U.S. and reached as far as Italy, France, and Germany.
Dustin Arbuckle and The Damnations are not a band you can easily associate with one specific genre, and that’s how they planned it. Arbuckle, a veteran of the progressive roots music scene whose singing and harmonica playing first came into prominence in Moreland & Arbuckle, has been kicking up fresh dust with The Damnations since 2017.
Building on the classic Tulsa Sound pioneered by the likes of J.J. Cale and Leon Russell, Paul Benjaman expands their groove-based genre to include most styles of American music with a strong dose of guitar power. Totally Tulsa.
Raised in the boondocks of Kansas, Savanna Chestnut is a Country music singer/songwriter whose music reflects her roots. Growing up in a small farm town, Savanna developed a love for the sweet, twangy sounds of old school country music, and that is exactly what she aims to bring back to the modern country scene.
Phil Newton and the Shouters has been a Southern Oregon blues band for over 28 years! They have performed the Famed Water Front in Portland along with the Britt Festival in Ashland Oregon. Time and time again they went to Memphis and represented Southern Oregon Blues Society. Broadway Phil is a major reason blues is alive and doing well in Southern Oregon. We get into his music written for the band and how it all came about! Don't miss this informative interview.