MEMPHIS BIG BAND BLUES OUTFIT THE LOVE LIGHT ORCHESTRA EARNING BEST OF THE YEAR PLAUDITS AMONG CRITICS FOR ITS DEBUT ALBUM ON BLUE BARREL RECORDS

Memphis blues big band The Love Light Orchestra – whose players have backed Bobby Blue Bland, Gregg Allman, The Bo-Keys, Don Bryant, Robert Cray, Melissa Etheridge, and Solomon Burke – is earning best of the year reviews of its debut self-titled album. The album features two-time Blues Music Award winner John Nemeth on vocals and was produced by Matt Ross-Spang (Jason Isbell, Margo Price, The Drive-By Truckers). Here’s what we’re reading:

 

“One of the best albums of the year… every song on the album shimmers and shines with a golden light of soul that’s energizing and enlightening.”

- Henry Carrigan, Living Blues, December, 2017

 

“Best of Memphis Music 2017… a thrilling document of the group’s powerful, elegant sound.”

- Bob Mehr, Memphis Commercial Appeal, December 7, 2017

 

“Some of Memphis’ finest session musicians.”

- Barbara Schultz, Mix Magazine, December 12, 2017

 

“Passionate vocals… swinging… soaring spirit.”

- Jonathan Frahm, Pop Matters, October 17, 2017

 

“Magic… The LLO’s big band shows are rare and wonderful things: next time you see them on the horizon, go get some.”

- Chris Davis, Memphis Flyer, December 14, 2017

 

“Fans of Pokey LaFarge, the California Honeydrops, the Dustbowl Revival, and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats will delight in the debut album by The Love Light Orchestra.”

- Neil Ferguson, Glide Magazine, November 7, 2017

 

“This ambitious undertaking is a huge success as performed by Nemeth and The Love Light Orchestra. The ten members inspire each other and Nemeth has never sounded better. This is a must to own as it just might be the ‘Album of The Year.’

- Richard Ludmerer, Making a Scene, November 7, 2017

 

“Delightful.”

- Iain Patience, Elmore Magazine, November 29, 2017

Bette Smith EPK

BROOKLYN STUDIO THE CREAMERY OFFERS MIXTAPE 2.0 INCLUDING NEW RECORDINGS FROM ANTIBALAS, INNOV GNAWA, M.A.K.U. SOUNDSYSTEM, AND MORE BANDS TO WATCH FOR 2019 ON JAN 19 RELEASE

Fuck you, playlists of sound-alike bands.  Live from the world’s tastiest melting pot, The Creamery Mixtape 2.O delivers a fresh installment to their second annual mixtape series on January 19, 2018. This 12- song compilation was crafted during a 4-day sprint at the Creamery Studio in Brooklyn and, like a subway car at rush hour, it crams together an eclectic group of New Yorkers into harmony. The groups all share one thing in common: the ability to create great music in front of a tape machine--and fast. Producers Quinn McCarthy and Jeff Fettig run the studio year-round but set time aside for the mixtape as a celebration of the city’s varied music scene and as homage to the live analogue recording art form.

“My personal library of music comes from all different genres and from all over the world. One of my favorite ways to listen to music these days is on shuffle,” says McCarthy.  “I enjoy living in the most mixed up place on earth and the mixtape is our way of capturing that variety with a common lens, since it’s all been recorded in our space and mixed with our ears and our vibe.”  This year’s acts include: Antibalas, the Daptone Records Afrobeat band that has cultivated New York’s Afropop scene for over a decade; Innov Gnawa, a collective that performed Coachella this year, singing a traditional form of Jewish spiritual music that originates from Morocco and Breastfist, a flamboyant funk supergroup composed of some of the Rockwood Music Hall’s greatest backing players.

While taste-makers keep trying to PUSH bands like brands, the Creamery Mixtape broadens the scope of what’s possible to fit under one umbrella.  Available exclusively on digital release through SoundCloud and Spotify. Private link: Password

BANDS ON THE MIXTAPE:

Antibalas – Daptone Records band and kings of Afrobeat in NYC.

M.A.K.U Soundsystem embodies an active quest for identity through sound and bodies in motion, and puts on a party for everyday people. It has played Lincoln Center, Music Hall of Williamsburg, GlobalFest, and more. Although not inherently discernible there are hints of Colombian Folklore, Psychedelic-rock and Caribbean grooves.

Innov Gnawa has played Red Rocks Amphitheatre as well as NYC’s Lincoln Center and Coachella. They play North African music known as Gnaoua and are based in NYC.

OxenFree have earned praise from KCRW, The Wild Honey Pie, and Consequence of Sound, which praised its “poppy melodies and precise, hefty guitar work.”

Lauren Balthrop – Alabama-born, New York-dwelling “absolutely lovely” (Stereogum) songwriter who has also sung with Bob Weird, Kevin Morby, Bejamin Booker, and Lucius.

Nikhil P. Yerawadekar & Low Mentality - The group merges elements of Afrobeat, reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, Afrobeat, and rock music to create deeply funky compositions that balance a compelling new style of songwriting with propulsive, danceable grooves. They have earned over 700,000 Spotify plays as well as praise from Relix, WFMU, KEXP, WNYC, Paste Magazine, NPR, and the NY Times.

The Boobies – It’s garage pop with teeth. Picture the color periwinkle blue, spray-painted by a Ramone, add blistering vocals with traces of southern soul, and a David Byrne sense of showmanship and you get The Boobies.

Queens songwriter Matt Sucich has appeared at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Electric Lady's Heartbreaker Banquet on Willie Nelson's Luck, TX ranch, Firefly Music Festival Newport Folk in Newport, RI, and has supported Levon Helm, Counting Crows, Lucius, Rachael Yamagata, and The Lone Bellow.

Breastfist is Michael League of Snarky Puppy’s favorite live band. It’s a bass-and-drum groove-based duo made up on Alan Hampton (bass) and Bill Campbell (drums).

Magana is haunted alternative-pop influenced by Sharon Van Etten and St. Vincent and based in Brooklyn.

Don Bryant photos

 Credit: Matthew C. White

  Credit: Matthew C. White

 Credit: Matthew C. White

Marie/Lepanto postable track

WILL JOHNSON (OF CENTRO-MATIC, ETC.) AND JUSTIN PETER KINKEL-SCHUSTER (OF WATER LIARS) FORM NEW BAND MARIE/LEPANTO, TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM ‘TENKILLER’ ON BIG LEGAL MESS (FAT POSSUM) ON JANUARY 26

FIRST TRACK PREMIERED VIA NO DEPRESSION: http://nodepression.com/article/will-johnson-and-justin-peter-kinkel-shuster-premiere-new-track-inverness

NATIONAL TOUR DATES SUPPORTING PEDRO THE LION ON SALE TOMORROW

Will Johnson (of Centro-Matic, New Multitudes, South San Gabriel) and Justin Peter Kinkel-Schuster (of Water Liars) have collaborated to form “super duo” (No Depression) Marie/Lepanto and will release their debut album ‘Tenkiller’ on January 26 on Big Legal Mess (Fat Possum imprint). No Depression has premiered crunchy first single “Inverness,” praising the band’s “rich vocal harmonies… and careful attention to melody”: http://nodepression.com/article/will-johnson-and-justin-peter-kinkel-shuster-premiere-new-track-inverness

Tickets for a 2018 tour supporting Pedro the Lion go on sale tomorrow.

In the sunken lands of Arkansas along I-55, there’s a road sign that directs you to a pair of tiny, hardscrabble towns in the Delta. It reads: Marie/Lepanto and resides roughly between where each artist grew up: Justin in Arkansas and Will in Missouri. Alternating between lofi folk and distorted indie rock, ‘Tenkiller’ finds their two voices shadowing one another, with Johnson’s battered vocals and Kinkel-Schuster’s wavering tenor complementing one another. Many of the songs then funnel into expansive instrumental breaks. “Inverness” segues into the fingerpicking, creaky “Rest Be Mine.” The widescreen waltz “High Desert” coexists with the ghostly title track, named for a lake in Oklahoma and inspired by Justin’s reading the book Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.

Long mutual admirers, Johnson and Kinkel-Schuster co-headlined a living room tour, only sparking the idea of working directly together when they toured Sam Phillips Recording in Memphis with producer Jeff Powell (Big Star, The Afghan Whigs). Memphis was then earest big city for both artists growing up.

Johnson has released some seventeen albums in his two-decade indie rock career, including as frontman of Centro-Matic and South San Gabriel, member of New Multitudes (with Jay Farrar and Jim James), as Molina and Johnson (with Jason Molina), as official member of Monsters of Folk (with James, Conor Oberst and M. Ward), with Overseas (with David Bazan), and with the Undertow Orchestra (with Bazan, Mark Eitzel, and Vic Chestnutt). NPR has praised Centro-Matic's "superb rock records" and Johnson's own "great images" and "superb songwriting."

Julien Baker listed Kinkel-Schuster’s 2016 solo album among her top ten albums of the year. The NY Times said that Kinkel-Schuster’s prior band Water Liars’ "dark, lonely roots-minded indie rock is affecting, all the more for its sparseness." NPR called the band "a low-key triumph... prone to fits of stark gorgeousness" and Consequence of Sound said, "Kinkel-Shuster's painted howl will stop you in your tracks."

Marie/Lepanto Tour Dates With Pedro The Lion

February 8 - St Louis, MO – Old Rock House
February 9 - Kansas City, MO – Record Bar
February 10 - Tulsa, OK – The Vanguard
February 12 - Dallas, TX – Trees
February 13 - Austin, TX – Mohawk
February 14 - Houston, TX – Rockefeller’s
February 16 - New Orleans, LA – One Eyed Jack’s
February 17 - Birmingham, AL – Saturn
February 18 - Gainesville, FL – High Dive
February 19 - Orlando, FL – The Social
February 21 - Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
February 22 - Atlanta, GA – Terminal West
February 23 - Nashville, TN – Exit/In

Marie/Lepanto artwork

Credit: Adam Putman

Bette Smith "Shackles & Chains" official video

JALOPY THEATRE AND SCHOOL OF MUSIC GO NON-PROFIT

Statement from Jalopy Theatre's Geoffrey & Lynnette Wiley:

Since we founded Jalopy in 2006, technically, we have been a for-profit business, but that model has never truly reflected our priorities (in fact, many people assume we already are a nonprofit organization because of our commitment to our community of artists and students). Our main concern has always been supporting artists and making folk music accessible to a wide audience, not focusing on the bottom line.

So we are thrilled to share the news that we are joining forces with Living Traditions, a nonprofit organization founded in 1994 with the mission of preserving, promoting and perpetuating traditional folk music. For thirty years, Living Traditions produced the wildly successful KlezKamp, a beloved annual Yiddish folk arts gathering in the Catskills. Living Traditions’ own programming ended in 2014, and we are proud to be taking up their mission as our own while holding on to our own location, staff, programs, and name.

Over Jalopy’s first decade, our music and educational programming has become increasingly rich, and the relationships we have developed with artists, audiences, and students have deepened. And we have seen an opportunity to build a broader community of support for our work, realizing our communal values even more fully.

We’ve always considered Jalopy a place that belongs to the people. Officially offering our activities and programs through a nonprofit (in more than just spirit!) will provide new ways to connect with our community, strengthen our organization, and continue to evolve as we begin our second decade.

Liz Brasher Billboard performance

Marie/Lepanto Tenkiller (Big Legal Mess, January 26, 2018)

In the sunken lands of Arkansas along I-55, there’s a road sign that directs you to a pair of tiny, hardscrabble towns in the Delta. It reads: Marie/Lepanto.

Situated roughly between Southeast Missouri and Western Arkansas -- the two points where singer-songwriters Will Johnson and Justin Peter Kinkel-Schuster grew up -- that dual appellation seemed a perfect handle for their new collaboration. It’s especially fitting as their debut, Tenkiller, is an album permeated by a sense of place.   

“I’ve seen that sign forever, and always had those words, Marie/Lepanto, in the back of my mind,” says Kinkel-Schuster. “With it having the spatial/physical/psychological proximity to both of us, we figured there wouldn’t be a better time to bring it into play.”

For Johnson, the veteran singer-songwriter and longtime leader of Centro-matic, his union with Kinkel-Schuster, of Water Liars and Theodore, fits a pattern. In his work with South San Gabriel, Monsters of Folk, and Overseas, collaboration has long been the cornerstone of his creativity. Like his other endeavors, Marie/Lepanto was born out of a musical kinship and personal respect.

“I’ve been a huge fan of Will’s writing and singing playing, admired him from a far for a number of years,” says Kinkel-Schuster. That admiration grew closer and became mutual after Water Liars toured with Centro-matic during the band’s farewell run in 2014. “Water Liars kinda became a soundtrack for me during that time,” says Johnson.  

A couple years later Johnson and Kinkel-Schuster decided to do a joint living room tour of the U.S. They were on the road a week together sharing stories and swapping favorite records. Musically, the duo’s Venn diagram of influences included lost albums like Jim Sullivan’s 1969 curio U.F.O. to the revered catalog of Minneapolis alt-rock scrappers The Replacements.

It wasn’t long before the notion of a more serious collaboration was in the air. “I’d already secretly hatched this plan for us to make a record together,” admits Kinkel-Schuster with a laugh. “The trust and respect between us had reached a level where it was kind of a no-brainer,” notes Johnson.  

The flashpoint came when the pair stopped in Memphis to see producer Jeff Powell (Big Star, The Afghan Whigs) and tour the famed Sam Phillips Recording studio. Powell had previously worked with Centro-matic and mixed Kinkel-Schuster’s solo debut. After Powell casually suggested they all cut something at Phillips, “it became very obvious that this should be it,” says Johnson, “that we should meet in Memphis and make a record together.”

The Austin-based Johnson and the Arkansas-based Kinkel-Schuster did just that in the fall of 2016, traveling to the Bluff City to record with Powell, resulting in the 10-track Tenkiller. The intimate sessions found Johnson and Kinkel-Schuster sharing writing, playing and vocal duties, yielding an album that falls in the great tradition of indie rock team ups – from Nikki Sudden and Dave Kusworth to Vic Chesnutt and Lambchop, Peter Buck and Kevn Kinney to Kim Gordon and Lydia Lunch.     

Nearly every aspect of Tenkiller seemed to be affected by that notion of place, starting with the studio itself. Opened in September 1960, Sam Phillips Recording is like some strange, magnificent dream: a mélange of jet-age technology, pyramid facades and pastel-colored walls, all sprung from its creator’s fevered imagination.

“We were fascinated with the building, and when we walked into that room, it felt like we were projected back in 1960s,” says Kinkel-Schuster. “Not much has changed in there since then, and that was very appealing to us. Not to mention the idea of working with Powell again.”

The sessions began unencumbered by the weight expectation or agendas, but with a surfeit of material. “Usually, I’d try avoid coming into a situation like that armed with too much,” says Johnson, “but with the two of us, the songs we were bringing in, it felt like they fit in a good way. The puzzle made sense.”

Tenkiller evinces both the individual identity of its authors, as well as the alchemy of their union. The haunting harmonies of opener “Patient Man” ushers in an album of beautiful laments and finely-etched narratives. Offering a darker more austere vision of Americana, the record moves between the widescreen majesty of the waltzing “High Desert,” the discordant guitar crunch of “Inverness” and the meditative melancholy of “Rest Be Mine” with a seamless grace.

A kind of emotional geography figures heavily in the record for Johnson, who visited Memphis regularly as a child growing up in nearby Kennett, Missouri. “Memphis was the closest city of any importance,” he says. “Knowing I was coming back there, my old hometown started to creep into my psyche.” The album’s centerpiece, “Famished Raven,” is a semi-autobiographical tale about the scales falling from Johnson’s young eyes: “And as the night, it starts to chase you, always in silent ways you flee/Far from the cries all who need you, and who you need.”

“My mother and I were on our own for a long time, then she remarried and I had two new, older step brothers and it changed my life,” says Johnson. “Through them I learned about drugs and the challenges of adolescence, and even young adulthood. Some of the innocence of the time started to fade, and I tried to capture that with that song."  

For Kinkel-Schuster the album’s title track and closing number are also rooted in the real. “It comes from name of a lake in Oklahoma, not that far from where I grew up,” he says. Its lyrics were spurred by his reading of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, Dee Brown’s devastating account of the effects of westward advancement on native peoples: “Tenkiller, tenkiller…what else could they take?”

 “It’s about the way Native American culture was basically destroyed and appropriated by history and white people from the word go,” he says. “I was trying to imagine what it’s like to live with that as a reality.”

Marie/Lepanto will be out in support of Tenkiller, beginning in early 2018, with Johnson and Kinkel-Schuster touring in a two-man configuration. “We’ll start with just us and see who we pick up along the way,” jokes Johnson.

“The truth,” says Kinkel-Schuster, “is the sound we make is something unique, something that happens just between the two of us. That’s what feels special about it and these songs.”

“INDELIBLE” (ABC NEWS) KRIS DELMHORST ALBUM ‘THE WILD’ ARRIVES AS SECOND LEG OF TOUR WITH JEFFREY FOUCAULT KICKS OFF TOMORROW

Kris Delmhorst’s stunning new album ‘The Wild’ is capturing attention and reverence among critics. ‘The Wild’ debuted at #9 on the NACC folk chart. She’s also taped a session for NPR’s Folk Alley. She and Jeffrey Foucault (her husband and co-producer/multi-instrumentalist on ‘The Wild’) kick off the second leg of their tour together. It’s her first tour collaborating with her husband Foucault and both artists are on stage the entire time, first during his set with a full, then a series of duets as a duo, and finally her headlining set with the band again.

 

“All The Way Around” music video here

 

"Indelible[,] enveloping [, and] hypnotizing... While this is one of Delmhorst's most gently-executed albums, her gifts as a writer and singer are still on display. "

- Allan Raible, ABC News.com, September 25, 2017

 

“A constant search — for love, for inspiration and for one’s own identity.”

- Amy McCarthy, The Boot, August 24, 2017

 

“Literate, allusive [atop] a marvelous, tense groove that holds throughout, no matter the sonic particulars of individual songs.”

- Stuart Munro, The Boston Globe, October 19, 2017

 

“Affecting.”

- Chris Steffen, All Music, September 21, 2017

 

“Captivating.”

- Jonathan Frahm, Pop Matters, October 13, 2017

 

“Kris Delmhorst… has always had the ability to play emotional resonance like an instrument, with an unparalleled command of scale and perspective. She can create an emotional space in a song as small as a firefly, or as large and devastating as a hurricane… She demonstrates a mastery of that narrative tool, and the result is an album that smolders slow and hot… Blistering honesty [accompanied by] lushness in the music.”

- Victor Infante, Worcester Telegram, October 26, 2017, full review here

 

“Shivery poignancy… haunting atmospheres and emotional rivers.”

- Bliss Bowen, Pasadena Weekly, September 21, 2017

 

“The Wild casts a shadowy sense of reflection.”

- Paul Robicheau, Improper Bostonian, October 13, 2017

 

“Unique and unforgettable.”

- Next Women of Country, August 11, 2017

 

Kris Delmhorst/Jeffrey Foucault Tour

 

November 7 - Arcata Players Theater – Arcata, CA

November 8 - Palms Playhouse – Winters, CA

November 9 - Freight & Salvage – Berkeley, CA

November 10 - Don Quixotes – Felton, CA

November 11-  McCabe’s - Santa Monica, CA

November 12 – Soho - Santa Barbara, CA

December 1 – The Ark - Ann Arbor, MI

December 2 - Seven Steps Up - Spring Lake, MI

December 3 - City Winery - Chicago, IL

December 5 - CSPS - Cedar Rapids, IA

December 7 - Cedar Cultural Center - Minneapolis, MN

December 8 - Stoughton Opera House - Stoughton, WI (Madison area)

December 9 - Collectivo - Milwaukee, WI

---

Kris Delmhorst "All The Way Around" music video

Kris Delmhorst clips

@krisdelmhorst sounding fresh on The Loft

— Chuck Prophet (@ChuckProphet) October 18, 2017

The Boston Globe Q&A (Oct 19, 2017)

All Music full album premiere (September, 21, 2017)

The Bluegrass Situation track premiere (August 14, 2017)

GOLDEN-VOICED LIZ BRASHER SIGNS WITH FAT POSSUM & APA AGENCY

Liz Brasher – whose voice will stop you in your tracks – has signed to Fat Possum Records and the APA Agency. She grew up singing in the Baptist Church, but singing in Spanish with her family, who are of Dominican descent. New single “Cold Baby” is out now digitally and will be released November 3 via a 7”. She will perform at NYC’s Joe’s Pub on November 16.

Billboard continued, "Brasher's strain of soul [is] flush with lyrical nods to Biblical images, Rubber Soul harmonies and a gruff reverence to its southern roots." Of the single, Billboard said, "An elegant, emotive torch song, Brasher's hollering twang beaming through a cloud-like arrangement of strings and tear-stained guitar strums." She will tape a November session with Billboard as well.

APA is booking home to Brian Wilson, Blondie, Cake, Elvis Depressedly, Frontier Ruckus, Ingrid Michaelson, River Whyless, Pinegrove, and Tristen.

Though originally from Charlotte, NC, she has recently moved to Memphis, TN.

The Love Light Orchestra artwork

click for high res, album cover above

“NEXT BIG-VOICED SOUL SENSATION OUT OF BROOKLYN” (MOJO) BETTE SMITH TO TAPE NPR SESSION AS ACCLAIM COMES IN

Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn soul singer and Big Legal Mess recording artist Bette Smith’s swaggering new album ‘Jetlagger’ is out as of last week and has earned her an upcoming NPR taping with World Café. Jimbo Mathus produced ‘Jetlagger.’ Smith plays Kung Fu Necktie (Upstairs) in Philadelphia on October 25.

 

Here’s what we’re reading:

 

"A rugged, chugging southern soul record... Like Betty Davis or Betty Wright before her, she's imbues tracks with shingly, sawtoothed texture, capable of breaking off a high note with a throaty cry or scraping so low and wide that she threatens to put her bass player out of work."

- Elias Leight, Billboard, July 26, 2017

 

“An incredible debut from the next big-voiced soul sensation out of Brooklyn.”

- Lois Wilson, MOJO Magazine, October, 2017

 

"a batch of tunes as powerful and taut as her wonderfully craggy voice... with a debut full-length as sturdy and uncompromising as Jetlagger, she’s the swaggering proof that there is nothing dated about soulful rock and roll sung with attitude, defiance, and a take-no-prisoners aesthetic."

- Hal Horowitz, American Songwriter, September 29, 2017

 

“A major new voice in soul music… Brooklyn’s Bette Smith possesses a one of a kind voice, deeply drenched in hot soul of the nearly incendiary Southern type. That voice could rock the biggest of stages and move mountains if it had to… Count me as a massive fan. Smith is the sort of artist that you’ll find yourself following her whole career.”

- Sarah Zupko, Pop Matters, September 19, 2017

 

“88 [out of 100]… At last, her vibrant recording debut is here to bring healing and happiness to fans of singers like Sharon Jones, Betty Wright and Naomi Shelton.”

- Annie Dinerman, Elmore Magazine, September 27, 2017

WFMU Presents Special Concert Today at Ace Hotel

Unfortunately, night 2 of the Ponderosa Stomp is cancelled due to
Tropical Storm Nate and the mayor's mandatory curfew. However, WFMU is
presenting a special show at the Three Keys venue starting at 1pm in
the Ace Hotel New Orleans featuring Guitar Lightnin' Lee, Los
Straitjackets, Johnny Knight, Evie Sands, and the Mummies in a
pass-the-hat event 

Statement from the Ponderosa Stomp in regards to Tropical Storm Nate

The Ponderosa Stomp’s Friday concert will continue as scheduled (lineup and timing below). In accordance with Mayor Landrieu’s mandatory 6pm curfew, Saturday’s concert has been cancelled.

Any Saturday tickets will be redeemable for Friday night entrance as well. Those who hold a ticket for both nights may use their passes on Friday night to bring two people to the show instead of one person for two nights (and will not receive refunds, if they do so); put simply, a two-night ticket for one person can now be used as a Friday ticket for two people.

We will provide Saturday ticket refunds and will have specifics on that as soon as possible. Two-night ticket holders will be provided a half refund. Friday night tickets will also be available at the door. Ticketmaster refunds will be handled by Ticketmaster.

The Ponderosa Stomp Foundation appreciates its fans, panelists, and artists, especially those who traveled long distances to get here.

Friday night schedule

7:20 - 7:50 Billy Boy Arnold

7:55 - 8:30 Swamp Pop Revue featuring T.K Hulin & G.G. Shinn

8:40 - 9:00 Warren Storm

9:00 - 9:30 Willie West

9:30 - 10:00 Winfield Parker

10:10 - 10:40 Barbara Lynn

10:40 - 11:10 Archie Bell

11:10 - 11:40 Roy Head

11:50 - 12:30 am Doug Kershaw

12:40 - 1:40 Roky Erickson plays the 13th Floor Elevators

1:50 - 2:30 The Gories

Fans with other questions can contact info@ponderosasastomp.com and we will respond following Friday night’s concert.

Liz Brasher "Cold Baby" video

CREAM OF MEMPHIS CROP HARKENS BACK TO BEALE STREET’S HEYDAY WITH ‘THE LOVE LIGHT ORCHESTRA’ ALBUM, PRODUCED BY MATT ROSS-SPANG (JASON ISBELL, MARGO PRICE, DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS), OUT NOVEMBER 17 ON BLUE BARREL RECORDS

2X BLUES MUSIC AWARD WINNER & “MAGNIFICENT VOICE” (NO DEPRESSION) JOHN NEMETH FRONTS 10-PIECE BAND ALONGSIDE MEMBERS OF THE BO-KEYS

1ST SINGLE “LOVE & HAPPINESS” RECASTS AL GREEN HIT AS EARLY RHYTHM & BLUES

MEMPHIS PRE-RELEASE SHOW OCT 12 AT LEVITT SHELL

Fans of Pokey LaFarge, the California Honeydrops, the Dustbowl Revival, and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats will delight in the debut album by The Love Light Orchestra, a group of the best Memphis has to offer. The self-titled debut album was recorded live in concert to a full house at Bar DKDC in their hometown by Matt Ross-Spang, who produced Margo Price’s breakout album ‘Midwest Farmer’s Daughter’ and whose other credits include Jason Isbell, Brent Cobb, The Drive-By Truckers, and Corb Lund. It comes out November 17 on Blue Barrel Records.

Two-time Blues Music Award winner John Nemeth fronts The Love Light Orchestra. Esquire said, “There aren't many true soul men left in the world, but John Nemeth is one of 'em.” No Depression raved about his “magnificent voice.”

Meanwhile, band arranger, co-founder, and trumpet man Marc Franklin has previously lent his talents to recordings by Robert Cray, Melissa Etheridge, Jim Lauderdale, and Solomon Burke and toured with Bobby “Blue” Bland, a chief inspiration to the Orchestra. Franklin and guitarist Joe Restivo are also members of the “funky” (Wall Street Journal) and “fiery” (LA Times) “masters of the Memphis sound” (NPR) The Bo-Keys.

Bland and his longtime arranger Joe Scott are a chief inspiration behind the formation of the band, which seeks to distill the sounds of the ‘40s and ‘50s rhythm & blues and blues and was named for Bland’s 1961 hit “Turn On Your Love Light.” Saxophonist Art Edmaiston and drummer Earl Lowe also did stints touring with Bland. Additionaly, The Love Light Orchestra draws from the horn-driven Memphis blues sound of B.B. King, Little Milton, and “Junior” Parker. The band brilliantly recasts Al Green’s iconic hit “Love and Happiness” as a shuffle, with parts inspired by Charles Mingus’ “Fables of Faubus.”

Nemeth says, “The Memphis sound of the ‘50s put in the sophistication with the horns, but it never lost that gritty aspect of the blues. And the spirituality in the vocals was tremendous—the melodies have such great movements, and the lyrical rhythms are perfect.”

The band will perform at the Levitt Shell in Memphis, TN on October 12.

The Love Light Orchestra clips

Beale Street Caravan performance (June 28, 2017)

Pop Matters premiere (Oct 17, 2017)

Elmore review (Nov 29, 2017)

Mix Magazine feature (Dec 12, 2017)

Memphis Commercial Appeal best of 2017 (December 7, 2017)

Liz Brasher clips

Billboard video premiere (October 4, 2017)

NPR Weekend Edition SXSW preview (March 10, 2018)

Brooklyn Vegan premiere (October 31, 2017)

NPR All Songs Considered (Jan 9, 2018)

Rolling Stone Country SXSW roundup (March 19, 2018)

Liz Brasher photos

SUSAN CATTANEO 2CD SET ‘THE HAMMER & THE HEART’ DEBUTS AT #1 ON BILLBOARD HEATSEEKERS NORTHEAST CHART & #5 ON THE FOLK DJ-L CHART

WFUV SESSION AIRS & MOJO RAVES

Susan Cattaneo’s “ambitious” (WFUV) double album ‘The Hammer & The
Heart’ debuted at #1 on the Billboard Northeast Heatseekers chart,
#5 on the Folk DJ-L chart nationally, and at #9 on the NACC radio chart. In addition, WFUV aired an
interview and session with her on Sunday. Hear it here: http://www.wfuv.org/content/susan-cattaneo-2017

The album, which stretches from alt.country and rock & roll to folk
and honky tonk, has also earned plaudits from MOJO Magazine, Pop
Matters, Maverick, Elmore, Glide, and The Boot. Special guests on the
album include The Bottle Rockets, Bill Kirchen, Duke Levine, Mark
Erelli, and The Boxcar Lilles (of which Cattaneo is also a member).
In addition to her own musical career, Cattaneo also teaches
songwriting at Berklee College of Music.

Upcoming Susan Cattaneo Performance:

October 13 – Plymouth, MA – The Spire Center for the Performing Arts

NICK LOSS-EATON MEDIA AT AMERICANA FEST: FAT POSSUM SOUL MAN DON BRYANT, DIVINE HARMONIES OF APPLEWOOD ROAD, THE “AMAZING” (JIM LAUDERDALE) KEVIN GORDON

In chronological order:

 

Tuesday – 7:50pm - Kevin Gordon – The Family Wash (626 Main St #A)

Rolling Stone says, "Dude's a juke-joint professor emeritus.” Kevin Gordon, Louisiana-born songwriter who’s earned raves from media, musicals peers, and fans in equal measure, released his latest, ‘Long Gone Time’ to critical praise from American Songwriter, Pop Matters, Offbeat, & others. He is currently recording a 2018 release. Hitting #26 on the Americana Radio Chart, the album also attracted the attention of NPR’s World Cafe and Folk Alley; Gordon performed live as a featured guest on both programs. Praised by NPR, The NY Times, & USA Today, Kevin Gordon’s songs have been covered by everyone from Keith Richards and Levon Helm to Irma Thomas and Todd Snider: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/22/arts/music/kevin-gordon-releases-gloryland-his-first-album-since-2005.html

 

 

Tuesday – 8:30pm – Applewood Road – Radio Café (4150 Gallatin Pike)

On Applewood Road, Paste Magazine was “impressed me with their close harmonies” while No Depression said, “lovely… near perfect folk album… I was mesmerized.” Crosby, Stills & Nash; Simon & Garfunkel; The Everly Brothers; The Civil Wars; Gillian Welch & David Rawlings: some bands have voices that were just meant to sing together. Applewood Road is one of those bands. Applewood Road is Emily Barker, Amber Rubarth and Amy Speace: http://www.thebluegrasssituation.com/read/stream-applewood-road-applewood-road

 

Wednesday –11:30am – Don Bryant on Southern Stream Panel – Country Music Hall of Fame and Music, Ford Theater (222 5^th Avenue S) and available to live stream at http://countrymusichalloffame.org/streaming

Americana music, like all American music, is fundamentally eclectic, born of the myriad cultural crossings that form the basis of our complex national history. Within every country song is a blues root and a soul heart; every folk ballad has traveled within a diaspora that may have touched the Caribbean, Mexico, or the Native American West. This songwriters round brings together four artists whose music reflects very different family legacies and life experiences, from Southern soul to Latin-tinged country to African-diaspora folk. Their songs and stories form a portrait of Americana music that reflects the true and varied foundation of Americana music. Moderated by Ann Powers of NPR Music, the program will feature performances and conversation from Don Bryant, Yola Carter, Raul Malo, and Joan Osborne.

 

Friday – 10:15pm - Kevin Gordon – Douglas Corner (2106 8^th Ave S)

 

Saturday – 7pm - Kevin Gordon – Bobby’s Idle Hour (1028 16^th Ave S)

 

Saturday – 9pm - Don Bryant & The Bo-Keys – 12^th & Porter (114 12^th Ave N)

 

 

The Fat Possum “Soul Survivor” and “I Can’t Stand The Rain” songwriter Don Bryant is fresh from a packed house, standing ovation performance at Lincoln Center Out of Doors with Lincoln Center’s Jill Sternheimer calling him “incredible” and a subsequent European tour. His comeback album ‘Don’t Give Up On Love’ has earned raves this year from NPR Music, Rolling Stone, Paste, UNCUT, MOJO, and All Music: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/inside-cant-stand-the-rain-writer-don-bryants-return-w478767

David Wax Museum 'Electric Artifacts' album

SOUL SURVIVOR & FAT POSSUM SOUL MAN DON BRYANT’S MUSIC FEATURED IN NEW FILM DETROIT AS AMERICANA FEST PANEL ADDED

HI RHYTHM SECTION – FEATURED ON NEW ALBUM ‘DON’T GIVE UP ON LOVE’ – TO BE HONORED AT AMERICANA MUSIC AWARDS FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

The new film Detroit features the classic song “Weak and Broken Hearted” from soul legend the songwriter of “I Can’t Stand The Rain,” Don Bryant. It’s part of a big year for the Soul Survivor, who’s earned it with a “joyous miracle” (Paste Magazine) of a new album ‘Don’t Give Up On Love’ (Fat Possum).

Don will be a performer and panelist during the Americana Music Festival at the Country Music Hall of Fame on September 13, in addition to his official showcase September 16 at 12th & Porter:

Panel and Performance: Southern Streams
11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Ford Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Available to live stream at countrymusichalloffame.org/streaming
Americana music, like all American music, is fundamentally eclectic, born of the myriad cultural crossings that form the basis of our complex national history. Within every country song is a blues root and a soul heart; every folk ballad has traveled within a diaspora that may have touched the Caribbean, Mexico, or the Native American West. This songwriters round brings together four artists whose music reflects very different family legacies and life experiences, from Southern soul to Latin-tinged country to African-diaspora folk. Their songs and stories form a portrait of Americana music that reflects the true and varied foundation of Americana music. Moderated by Ann Powers of NPR Music, the program will feature performances and conversation from Don Bryant, Yola Carter, Raul Malo, and Joan Osborne.

Also spotlighted during Americana Fest will be the Hi Rhythm Section, members of whom played on ‘Don’t Give Up On Love,’ including Charles Hodges on organ, Archie Turner on keyboards, and Howard Grimes on drums.

Bryant has earned raves this year from NPR Music, Rolling Stone, Paste, UNCUT, MOJO, and All Music.

Don Bryant tour dates

September 5 – Great Hall of La Villette – Paris, France
September 6 – Nefertiti - Göteborg, Sweden
September 7 – Kulturbolaget – Malmo, Sweden
September 8 – Cosmopolite – Oslo, Norway
September 16 – 12th & Porter – Nashville, TN (Americana Fest, 9pm)
October 6 – Hardly Strictly Bluegrass – San Francisco, CA
October 7 – Orpheum Theater – New Orleans, LA (Ponderosa Stomp)
January 25 – Carolina Theatre – Durham, NC (Take Me to the River tour)
January 26 – Jefferson Center – Roanoke, VA (Take Me to the River tour)
January 27 – Harbison Theatre – Irmo, SC (Take Me to the River tour)
January 29 – University of Florida Phillips Center – Gainesville, FL  (Take Me to the River tour)
January 30 – Florida Theatre – Jacksonville, FL (Take Me to the River tour)
February 3 – Parker Playhouse – Fort Lauderdale, FL (Take Me to the River tour)

Jake La Botz "Feel No Pain" music video

Bette Smith clips

The Bluegrass Situation - Bette playlist (August 28, 2017)

Billboard Q&A (July 26, 2017)

Paste Magazine feature and performance (Nov 9, 2017)

NPR World Cafe session & interview (Dec 6, 2017)

KEXP Song of the Day (January 24, 2018)

SUSAN CATTANEO EARNING EARLY PLAUDITS FROM MOJO, POP MATTERS, & BEYOND FOR AMBITIOUS DOUBLE ALBUM ‘THE HAMMER & THE HEART,’ OUT THIS WEEK ON JERSEY GIRL MUSIC

CATTANEO TO PERFORM ON JOHN PLATT’S WFUV ON YOUR RADAR CONCERT
SEPTEMBER 12 AT ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL, STAGE 3 IN NYC

Susan Cattaneo’s ambitious double album ‘The Hammer & The Heart’ comes
out this Friday to plaudits from outlets as varied as MOJO and Pop
Matters. The Berklee College of Music songwriting professor stretches
out artistically on an album that spans honky tonk, Americana, rock &
roll, and folk music and features special guests The Bottle Rockets,
Bill Kirchen, Mark Erelli, Duke Levine, and The Boxcar Lillies (with
whom Susan also plays).

Susan will perform as part of WFUV’s On Your Radar series via John
Platt at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 3 on September 12, 2017.

"In the Grooves" music video (OK to share): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYWN4MxqXLU

Here’s what we’re reading:

“Country rocking celebration.”
- MOJO, September, 2017

“Riveting.”
- Jonathan Frahm, Pop Matters, July 31, 2017

“Truly spectacular… 5 stars… She nails it – and how… an excellent
double album and could even become a beacon of inspiration for future
country rock artists should they choose to make the bold step… the
album soon mesermizes you with its slick compositions, relentless
grooves, and brilliant story-telling… this is certainly one for the
collection.”
- Christian Brown, Maverick Magazine (UK), September, 2017

"Cattaneo has previously been nominated for a number of awards in the
independent music category and it would come as no surprise if she
actually snags one with this top-notch offering... one thing shines
clearly: her purposeful, colorful lyrical strength coupled with a
percussive, driving rhythmic style and delivery."
- Iain Patience, Elmore Magazine, August 21, 2017

"Special... powerful vocals and her vivid lyrical storytelling...
Cattaneo is an authority when it comes to songwriting... her most
important musical endeavor to date... this is an album that truly
captures the full spectrum of Cattaneo’s talent. The music itself is
at times reminiscent of her peers such as Bonnie Raitt, Patty Griffin,
Carole King and Emmylou Harris... Cattaneo is truly an artist’s
artist."
- Glide Magazine, August 10, 2017

“A strong dose of twang… everything from barn-burning rockers to heart
wrenching ballads.”
- Susan Hubbard, Mother Church Pew, August 21, 2017

OKAY PLAYER PREMIERES KRYSTLE WARREN’S “STIRRING” NEW ALBUM ‘THREE THE HARD WAY’: http://www.okayplayer.com/music/krystle-warren-three-the-hard-way-album-stream-premiere.html

KCRW, OTHERS RAVE AS 1ST US SHOWS SET IN NY, LA

Krystle Warren – the artist who Rufus Wainwrights calls “one of the greatest living singers” – released her album ‘Three The Hard Way’ this past Friday on Parlour Door Music. An eclectic, "stirring" (Okay Player) work, it sees Warren playing all of the instruments and co-producing with Ben Kane (D’Angelo, Emily King, PJ Morton). The album includes a number of powerful moments, foremost among them “Red Clay,” a stripped down song about the aftermath of a KKK attack on an Oklahoma community in the 1921, not far from where Krystle’s grandmother grew up.

On September 20, she will join with previously announced artists Billy Bragg, Esperanza Spalding, Frank Turner, Frightened Rabbit, Gregory Porter, Joan As Policewoman, Julien Baker, KT Tunstall, The Magic Numbers, The National, and others, each of whom will play Sofar Sounds concerts in partnership with Amnesty International as part of the Give a Home benefit concert series. More info on that series: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2017/06/give-a-home

Upcoming spotlights are due in Downbeat and Sheen Magazines. Here’s the buzz thus far:

“Evocative storytelling.”
- Audie Cornish, NPR All Things Considered, May 25, 2017

“I highly doubt it will leave my top 5 of best albums of 2017… A must have… Captivating… I absolutely love Krystle Warren. To say she is a phenomenal talent would be an understatement and I’m not one to dabble in hyperbole.”
- Aaron Byrd, KCRW, August 18, 2017

“Beautiful… stirring.”
- ZO, Okay Player, August 18, 2017

“Haunting.”
- Chris Steffen, All Music, August 4, 2017

"Sublime... organic experience that is full of life and feeling... Warren works with inspired expressions & rhythms that strips down conventional R&B to find new points of meaning & purpose that frames hopes for the future while still holding remembrances of the past in heart & mind."
- Sjimon Gompers, Impose, July 21, 2017

Krystle Warren Tour Dates

September 18 – The Bridge (KCPT) taping – Kansas City, MO
October 3 – Zebulon – Los Angeles, CA

Warren has earned prior praise from T Magazine, The Guardian, Consequence of Sound, and the LA Times and counts kd lang and Joe Boyd among her high profile fans.

Jake La Botz photos

NEW ORLEANS PONDEROSA STOMP ADDS SOUL AND R&B LEGENDS DON BRYANT, CARLA THOMAS AND CHARLES CONNOR PERFORMANCES

MUSIC HISTORY CONFERENCE ANNOUNCED WITH INTERVIEWS, PANELS, ORAL HISTORIES & MORE

The Ponderosa Stomp has added “legend” (NPR) and Queen of Memphis Soul Carla Thomas; Fat Possum and recording artist Don Bryant, who released a “marvelous” (Rolling Stone) new album ‘Don’t Give Up On Love;’ Thomas has been back in the spotlight with her hit song “B-A-B-Y” prominently featured in the film Baby Driver, but rarely known to make public performances. Bryant, songwriter for Solomon Burke, Albert King and wife Ann Peebles’ hit “I Can’t Stand the Rain,” saw his new album “Don’t Give Up On Love” earn praise from the likes of NPR Music, Rolling Stone, Paste, Uncut, MOJO, and more. Thomas and Bryant join already announced headliners Gary U.S. Bonds, Roky Erickson playing 13th Floor Elevators songs, The Mummies, Barbara Lynn, Roy Head, and Doug Kershaw, among others at the two-night concert October 6 and 7 at the Orpheum Theater in New Orleans, LA.

Spotify playlist of Ponderosa Stomp performers, including new additions: https://play.spotify.com/user/ponderosastomp/playlist/2ptcXdd2KlAA3ZVaxA9IU4

Ponderosa Stomp 2017 teaser video (OK to share): https://vimeo.com/226954586

The Ponderosa Stomp Music History Conference has been finalized October 5th and 6th at Ace Hotel New Orleans. It includes in-depth interviews with Carla Thomas and her sister Vaneese, “Tighten Up” soulman Archie Bell, Louisiana Cajun rock & roller Doug Kershaw, “Quarter to 3” hitmaker Gary U.S. Bonds, and a tribute to Norton Records’ late Billy Miller. It will also delve deeply into the untold stories behind records by Little Richard, Ray Charles, Allen Toussaint, Rufus Thomas, Presley, and other greats.

Also recently added to perform at the Stomp concert are Vaneese Thomas, sister of Carla and daughter of rock & roll DJ and rhythm & blues player Rufus Thomas; Charles Connor, original drummer for Little Richard and creator of the “Choo Choo Train” stick style.

Bios on all Stomp performers: http://www.ponderosastomp.com/concert_2017.php

Tickets and more information are available at http://PonderosaStomp.com

2017 Ponderosa Stomp Music History Conference Schedule

THURSDAY OCTOBER 5TH

10:00 - 10:45 am
Bourbon Street Parade: A Look at Bourbon Street Clubs in the 60s
Featuring “Wacko” Wade, George Porter, Jr. and Moderator David Kunian
Bourbon Street’s musical past is easy to lose in the glare of neon lights and fluorescent drinks. A
close look reveals that the tourist attraction was a vital source of work and a training ground for
the Crescent City’s rhythm and blues artists. From his drum kit behind Freddie Fender and others,
“Wacko” Wade Wright saw the strip transform from District Attorney Jim Garrison’s vice raids
through the passage of civil rights legislation in the 1960s. The incomparable bassist George
Porter, Jr. played in the house band at the Ivanhoe six nights a week in the early years of
desegregation on Bourbon. When Allen Toussaint heard the group he brought them into the studio
and introduced the world to The Meters, who went on to become one of New Orleans’ most
celebrated acts. David Kunian, Curator of Music at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, leads the
conversation.
To explore this subject further, go to the “Bourbon Street Parade” tour on ACloserWalkNola.com ,
the interactive map of New Orleans music history. You can follow it on a desktop or on a mobile
device as you walk through the area.

11:00 - 11:45 am
The Gospel Truth of Rosemont Records
Featuring Al Taylor, James Williams, Andrew Jackson and Moderator Brice White
This panel will examine the history and importance of Rosemont Records, which released gospel
and rhythm & blues records in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as one of the first New Orleans hip
hop records. Rosemont owner and engineer Al Taylor will be joined by James Williams, guitarist
and leader of The Electrifying Crown Seekers, and Andrew Jackson, leader of The Famous Rocks of
Harmony. Panel will be moderated by music historian, record producer, writer, and DJ, Brice White.

12:45 - 1:45 pm
South Rampart Street Stroll: The Music and Geography of South Rampart Street
Featuring Bruce Raeburn, Deacon John Moore, Richard Campanella and Moderator Jordan Hirsch
The office towers and parking lots on South Rampart Street in New Orleans today obscure its
remarkable history. Once brimming with honky tonks, dance halls, and shops, this strip was vital
both to the birth of jazz and the development of New Orleans R&B -- the neighborhood was home
to Louis Armstrong and, later, Professor Longhair. The story of “back o’ town” New Orleans, from
Black Storyville to Chitlin Circuit dances to barroom gigs by the likes of Roy Brown, traces the
emergence of the “New Orleans sound” in R&B. The sound would fill the nation’s radio waves and
jukeboxes after World War II, even while much of the neighborhood was bulldozed. Deacon John
Moore, bandleader of nearly fifty years and President of the New Orleans Musicians’ Union, will
share Rampart Street lore and discuss with Richard Campanella, author and geographer at the
Tulane School of Architecture and Dr. Bruce Raeburn, author and Director of Special Collections
and Curator of the Hogan Jazz Archive at Tulane University. Writer and advocate Jordan Hirsch
moderates.
To explore this subject further, go to the “South Rampart Street Stroll” tour on
ACloserWalkNola.com , the interactive map of New Orleans music history. You can follow it on a
desktop or on a mobile device as you walk through the area.

2:00 - 2:45 pm
I’ve Got Reasons: The Return of Mary Jane Hooper
Featuring Mary Jane Hooper and Moderator Neil Pellegrin
Mary Jane Hooper, née Sena Fletcher, is a favorite of record collectors. Called the "Queen of New
Orleans Funk" by some, she performed and recorded with such greats as Allen Toussaint, Eddie Bo,
Lee Dorsey, Wardell Quezergue, Willie Tee and the great James Black as her drummer. Although
most of her recordings were done at Cosimo Matassa's studio, she also recorded at other facilities
like Studio in the Country and Sea-Saint Recording studio. She recorded under the Scram, Power,
Power-Pac, and World Pacific labels and was part of the famed Triple Souls background singers
made up of herself, Inez Cheatham and Mercedes Morris who did background for such artists as
Johnny Adams, Lee Dorsey and others. Wanting to expand her musical wings, she toured with a
well-known rock and roll band called the "Q" in the 1970's. After leaving the music business, she
became a well-known and respected newscaster on WTIX-AM radio, Vice President of a local
advertising agency and a Senior Marketing Consultant for a nationwide telecommunications
company. She will be interviewed by WWOZ disc jockey and vinyl aficionado Neil Pellegrin.

3:00 - 3:45 pm
Willie Knows How: An Oral History with Willie West
Featuring Willie West and Moderator John Broven
Willie West has been making music for over 50 years. After putting together his first band, the
Sharks, as a teenager in Raceland, Louisiana, Willie recorded at Cosimo Matassa’s studio, worked
with such greats as Wardell Quezergue and Allen Toussaint, and released records on a number of
labels, including Rustone, Frisco, Deesu, Josie and Warner Bros. And all of this was before he was
lead vocalist for The Meters when they performed on Saturday Night Live. Willie will be interviewed
by the venerable John Broven , author of South to Louisiana: The Music of the Cajun Bayous and
Rhythm and Blues in New Orleans.

4:00 - 4:45 pm
It Came from Philly
Featuring Archie Bell and Winfield Parker, with Moderator Jason Hanley
Though Archie Bell was born in Texas and Winfield Parker is from Maryland, both artists are
celebrated exponents of the Philadelphia sound. While touring in support of “Tighten Up,” a number
one hit on both the pop and R&B charts, Archie & the Drells met Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff,
Philadelphia's leading songwriting and production team. Their partnership would produce classics
such as "I Can't Stop Dancing" and "(There's Gonna Be A) Showdown," which was later
re-invented by the New York Dolls. Winfield Parker was the flagship artists for Baltimore’s Ru-Jac
label before hooking up with Jimmy Bishop of Philadelphia’s soul station WDAS. From there, he
collaborated with Barbara Mason and charted with “S.O.S. (Stop Her On Site).” In his over 50-year
career he has worked alongside such greats as Little Richard, Otis Redding, and Ike and Tina
Turner. Moderating the discussion will be Dr. Jason Hanley , the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and
Museum’s Vice President of Education and Visitor Engagement.

5:00 - 5:45 pm
The RAM Records Story
Featuring Margaret Lewis, Alton Warwick, Roy “Boogie Boy” Perkins, V.J. Boulet and Moderator
Michael Hurtt
This panel shines a spotlight on the Shreveport label RAM Records. Alton Warwick, the co-owner
of RAM who built the label’s studio, will be joined by Margaret Lewis, a RAM recording artist,
producer, and award-winning songwriter; Swamp-pop pioneer Ernie Suarez , otherwise known as
Roy “Boogie Boy” Perkins ; and V.J. Boulet of Bobby & The Riff Raffs. Musician and musicologist
Michael Hurtt , who is currently at work on a book about Detroit’s Fortune Records, will moderate.

6:00 - 6:45 pm
Tales of A Louisiana Man: An Oral History with Doug Kershaw
Featuring Doug Kershaw and Moderators Deke Dickerson and Dave Stuckey
Doug Kershaw, the singer, songwriter and master fiddler known as the Ragin’ Cajun, has had an
extraordinary career. He was a regular on the Louisiana Hayride and a member of the Grand Ole
Opry before recording hits “Diggy Liggy Lo” and “Louisiana Man” – the latter being the first song
broadcast back to Earth from the moon by the Apollo 12 astronauts. His appearances on television
shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show , The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson, and The Johnny
Cash Show brought Cajun music to a national audience. He will be interviewed by musicians Dave
Stuckey and Deke Dickerson.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 6TH

10:00 - 10:45 am
The Man Behind the Montel & Michelle Labels: An Oral History with Sam Montalbano
Featuring Moderator John Broven
Sam Montalbano, known in the music business as Sam Montel, has done it all. He ran Deep South
Studio in Baton Rouge and worked with artists such as The Boogie Kinds, Sugar Boy Crawford, and
Slim Harpo. He owned the Montel and Michelle record labels, putting out regional and national hits
such as Dale & Grace’s No. 1 “I’m Leaving It Up To You.” As a concert promoter, he brought national and international acts to Baton Rouge, including Jimi Hendrix, Otis Redding, Ray Charles, and The Who. Montalbano will discuss his record labels and the South Louisiana music industry with John Broven , author of South to Louisiana: The Music of the Cajun Bayous and Rhythm and Blues in New Orleans.

10:55 - 11:50 am
Last Train from Kicksville: A Tribute to Billy Miller of Norton Records
Featuring Miriam Linna, Todd Abramson, James Marshall, Deke Dickerson and Moderator Michael
Hurtt
This panel will honor the late Billy Miller, described by David Fricke as “a collector and scholar of the raw, fundamental and unapologetic in rockabilly, R&B and garage punk who shared his knowledge and passions with the exuberant, addicting force of a true fan.” Miller, with Miriam Linna, founded Norton Records, which has been releasing important and often forgotten music for over 25 years, and was a heavy influence on the Ponderosa Stomp. Linna was the first drummer for the Cramps and later played with Miller in a band called the A-Bones. She is joined on the panel by James Marshall, a former New York Times critic and former owner of Lakeside Lounge in New York and Circle Bar in New Orleans; Todd Abramson, WFMU DJ and the former talent booker at Maxwell’s, the famed Hoboken, New Jersey nightclub; and Deke Dickerson, a musician, writer, and music historian. Musician and musicologist Michael Hurtt will moderate.

12:35 - 1:20 pm
Evie Sands Oral History
Featuring Moderator Sheryl Farber
Evie Sands made some of the finest blue-eyed soul singles of the '60s. A cult figure of vintage pop,
Sands was born in Brooklyn but came of age in Los Angeles, recording “Take Me For a Little While”
and “Angel of the Morning” before they became hits. She retired from performing in 1979 to
concentrate on writing and producing, but waged a triumphant comeback in the late '90s and has
been at it ever since. Sands will be interviewed by the Grammy-nominated producer, writer and
editor Sheryl Farber.

1:30 - 2:15 pm
Make it Sound Like a Train: An Oral History with Charles Connor
Featuring Moderator David Kunian
As the drummer in Little Richard’s band the Upsetters, Charles "Keep A Knockin’" Connor is
credited with introducing the hugely influential "Choo Choo Train" style – successive eighth notes
with a loud back beat – into the rock ‘n’ roll lexicon. He went on to drum behind legends such as
Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, and James Brown, who credited Connor with being “the first to put the
funk in the rhythm.” Fittingly, his drumsticks are on display at the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame
Museum. Connor, a New Orleans native, was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in
2010. He will be interviewed by David Kunian, the Curator of Music at the New Orleans Jazz
Museum.

2:25 - 3:10 pm
Forever Young: An Oral History with Reggie Young
Featuring Moderator red kelly
You may not know his name, but you know his music: Reggie Young has appeared on over 100
chart hits, in multiple genres, in a career spanning more than 60 years. A guitar great, he appeared
on the Louisiana Hayride before moving to Memphis and recording with Hi Records’ Willie Mitchell.
In 1964, when the Beatles tapped Bill Black as an opener on their U.S. tour, Young, who was
Black’s guitarist, left the studio for the road. He went on to became a top session man in Memphis
and then Nashville, playing on hits for Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Neil Diamond, and Dusty
Springfield, among many others. Music archaeologist and blogger red kelly will talk to Young about
his extraordinary and influential life in music.

3:20 - 4:05 pm
Walking the Dog: Growing Up with the “World’s Oldest Teenager” Rufus Thomas
Featuring Carla and Vaneese Thomas and Moderator Andria Lisle
Carla and Vaneese Thomas, stars in their own right, will discuss growing up with their father,
Memphis R&B and funk pioneer Rufus Thomas, “the World’s Oldest Teenager.” The elder Thomas
had hits with “Walking the Dog” and “Bear Cat,” both recorded with Sam Phillips, as well as hits on
Stax Records such as “The Funky Chicken.” Carla Thomas, whose first duet partner was her late
father, has been hailed as the Queen of Memphis Soul since 1961, when her sweet, yearning ballad
“Gee Whiz (Look At His Eyes)” became a pop and R&B smash. One of the first essential signings at
Stax, she served up a string of hits throughout the ‘60s including “Let Me Be Good To You” and
“B-A-B-Y.” Vaneese Thomas cut two sizable R&B hits of her own in 1987, “Let’s Talk It Over” and
“(I Wanna Get) Close To You).” Her 2016 album “The Long Journey Home” was widely acclaimed.
Writer, curator, and musicologist Andria Lisle moderates.

4:15 - 5:00 pm
I Wanna Holler: An Oral History with Gary U.S. Bonds
Featuring Moderator Todd Abramson
Gary Anderson, better known as Gary U.S. Bonds, will look back at his storied and pioneering
career. In 1960 he recorded his first single “New Orleans,” which became a national hit. He followed
up with the even bigger hit “Quarter To Three,” which inspired Dion and the Belmonts’ “Runaround
Sue.” After years of touring with artists like B.B. King and recording additional albums, Gary left his
record label but continued to perform. A chance meeting in New Jersey led him back into the studio
in 1981 to record the successful “Dedication” album with Bruce Springsteen & Steven Van Zandt.
The record included the hit "This Little Girl," a song Springsteen wrote for Bonds, which brought
him back into the spotlight. Bonds will be interviewed by WFMU DJ Todd Abramson , the former
talent booker at Maxwell’s, the famed Hoboken, New Jersey nightclub.