Music On The Couch

PETER WARD Peter has followed up his debut solo album, with Train To Key Biscayne, a collection of 12 original songs from Peter.  We will find out about Peter’s journey and talk about the new album, which is loaded with friends.   ADAM HOLT Adam is out of Alabama and he brings his smokin’ guitar and soulful voice to the music on Kind Of Blues, his latest album.  I look forward to sitting with Adam and learning what is behind his music.   ARTHUR JAMES – COUCH KID NEW MUSIC Arthur returns to The Couch to talk about Hey…I’m Still Here, his latest release.  Arthur gives us his interpretation of some incredible songs, which you never thought could be Blues. Arthur is always a blast.   REVEREND FREAKCHILD – COUCH KID NEW MUSIC The Reverend returns with Road Dog Dharma, his newest collection of songs that tell his tale.  It also includes clips with some of the top DJs…We’ll find out about the Reverend and how this road-dawg is doing.

KATIE HENRY Katie has released her debut album, High Road.  A collection of song features the musical skills of this NJ native.  I look forward to traveling with Katie and learning of her journey. WEB SITE        FACEBOOK PAGE   CHRIS O’LEARY – COUCH KID NEW MUSIC Chris returns to talk about 7 Minutes Late, his latest album.  All new music from Chris telling tales of hope and despair.  Chris and I will chat about the music and all that has been going on in his world. WEB SITE       FACEBOOK PAGE   KEVIN BURT Kevin came to Memphis in 2018 and took home first place in the Solo/Duo Challenge at the IBC.  We’ll learn of Kevin’s journey and listen to music from Heartland & Soul. WEB SITE       FACEBOOK PAGE   PAULA HARRIS – COUCH KID NEW MUSIC Paula returns with Speakeasy her latest project that swirls us in a world of Blues and Jazz.  Paula and I will discuss the project and her future plans. WEB SITE       FACEBOOK PAGE

BOB MARGOLIN – COUCH KID NEW MUSIC Bob returns to talk about his new self-titled album.  The album contains 6 originals and 9 songs Bob hand selected from his mentors and friends. TRUDY LYNN – COUCH KID NEW MUSIC Trudy was scheduled for a month ago when we could not connect. Tonight, we finally get to chat with her about the new music on Blues Keep Knockin’ and all that is going on in her world. FIONA BOYES – COUCH KID NEW MUSIC Fiona will be calling in from Australia to talk about her new music, Voodoo In The Shadows and we will catch up on this remarkable artist. KIRK FLETCHER From Australia to Europe, we get to meet and chat with Kirk Fletcher about his journey and the new album, Hold On.

05/08/17 - Show #372 Celebrating WOMEN IN BLUES for Mother's Day Week THORNETTA DAVIS Thornetta Davis’ new album, Honest Woman, is a collection of 13 originals that show the incredible strength of this Detroit native.  The Queen Of Detroit Blues joined me to talk about her journey…the joy she finds in sharing her music her dominance at the DMA this year, her BMA nomination and more. VANESSA COLLIER – Segment Begins At The 48:40 Mark Meeting My Soul is the latest from singer, songwriter, saxophonist Vanessa Collier.  The album, released on the Ruf label, has a collection of amazing musicians and Vanessa shares 8 originals and 3 covers.  It was great to chat with Vanessa, talking about her road to The Blues and the songs on the new album. LAUREN MITCHELL – Segment Begins At The 1:31:00 Mark Lauren Mitchell took her considerable talents to Los Angeles to work with Tony Braunagel for the new album, Desire.  The 13 songs come from a year of turmoil, with personal loss and the loss of her band.  Lauren and I went back to the beginning and followed her journey to today. SAMANTHA FOX – COUCH KID NEW MUSIC Segment Begins At The 2:17:30 Mark Samantha returned with Couch Kid New Music.  The new album, Chills & Fever, has already taken the world by storm. Samantha stepped out of her comfort zone to embrace the music she loved as a teen and the result is a whole new sound for this talented young woman.

LIVE, UNCUT & UNCENSORED CONVERSATIONS WITH "MUSICIANS YOU SHOULD KNOW" The John Weeks Band are John on gutitars & vocals, Andras "AC" Csapo on keys, harmonica and vocal, Curtis hawkins on bass and Tim "Chooch" Molinario on drum and their debut album is simply entitled John Weeks Band. They share a blend of blues, funk and rock and we will chat with John, and find out more about the newest member of the band,  Michele Steele. Fo'Reel are a New Orlean's based band bringing the Blues, R&B and Funk that includes C.P. Love, Johnny Neel, Mark Domizio and David Hyde with Jon Smith and their debut album, Heavy Water is just something special.  I'll chat with the guys and find out how they came together and where they are heading Tommy Talton has been doing the Blues, rock, country, southern sound since the early 70's and he just keeps getting better.  His latest is entitled Until AfterThen and it combines all of his influences into an album of superb music. Tommy returns to the Couch for the first of our Couch Kid New Music Segments and we will talk about the new album and other projects. Finally, Jack Rowell Jr has a new project, The Royal Blues Band and a new album Finger Lickin' Blues and he will return in the second Couch Kid New Music Segment of the night to discuss both with us.

Hilda Lamas began singing at the age of 4 and continued to do so in social settings.  While in college getting her degree in Biology, Music again came calling and this time Hilda answered. With the release of her second album, Love Me Alone this past March and she is beginning to make a name for herself on the blues circuit, perfoming on the same atage with acts like Nick Moss, Marcia Ball and Los Lobos. I will chat with Hilda about her life and career while we listen to her music. Guitar lovers everywhere follow Patrick McLaughlin, the guitarist’s guitar player, who brings unique musicianship and electrifying songwriting to the blues experience. Patrick McLaughlin, a blues/rock guitarist/vocalist from Columbus, Ohio, has led a band of his own for the past ten years. I will chat with patrick as we listen to his music. RB Stone is one heck of a musician and he is patient too!  We have been circling each other for a year and finally will be doing this interview - and perfect timing as RB's new album - his 16th! - is just hitting and it is special! RB and I will finally chat and listen to tunes from Loosen Up Isaiah B Brunt joined me back April of 2012 and he returns with new music, Nursery Rhyme Blues,  all the way from Australia ...

Frank Bang spent 5 years touring with Buddy Guy, has played on stage with Eric Clapton, Dave Matthews and Carlos Santana to name a few.  He released 4 albums, and then took time off to raise his family. Now he and his band Secret Stash are back making music.  His latest album is Double Dare and will be released on May 21. Frank will join me to discuss his life, career and new album, while we listen to some tunes.   Sterling Koch is a nationally recognized lap steel guitarist who is a touring/recording solo artist and session musician. Sterling specializes in playing Chicago-style, slide guitar blues in a contemporary style on the lap steel guitar. His latest album, Let It Slide is a collection of some sweet music.  After years of playing guitar, Koch was told he need to stop once a herniated disc was found in his neck.  Foregoing surgery Koch decided to take up the lap steel.  Frank joins me as we discuss his career and listen to his music. Sena Ehrhardt grew up in Minnesota with a blues-loving, guitar-playing dad, so it is no surprise when she followed in his footsteps into music.  Her first album, Leave The Light On, earned her a Blues Music Award Nomination for Best Debut Artist. and now, her second album, All In, was just released and it shows the growth she has gained in her songwriting, playing and singing. Produced by the great Jim Gaines, Sena and her band explode through 11 excellent tunes. I will chat with Sena about her life and how much it has changed in the last year and where she is headed in the future. Keaton Simons joined me back in June of 2012 to discuss his debut album.  He is releasing his new album and bringing it to The Couch with him.  This young man plays music of different genres, but it all falls under the GOOD STUFF label.

With 12 cd releases and constant globe-trotting London-born Eddie Martin has been called "The Ambassador of British Blues". Nominated best UK Blues Guitarist, Best Harmonica Player, Best Band, Best Acoustic Artist and Best Blues cd release many times, his songs have made it onto TV and film soundtracks. Featuring funky blues harmonica, whisky stained vocals; slick guitar work and a solid rhythm section Corey Lueck and The Smoke Wagon Blues Band have been gaining momentum and new fans with every high energy performance. Formed in 1997, The Smoke Wagon Blues Band became crowd favorites in Hamilton, Ontario's famous Hess Village music scene, performing classic Chicago blues, New Orleans swing and original material. Mississipi Heat has a new album, Delta Bound which has reached #1 on Living Blues Magazine and #2 on The Radio News Report and the top 10 on the Roots Music Charts. Past guest, Pierre Lacocque joins me to talk about the new album and where Mississippi Heat is going in 2013. Finally, an old friend of The Couch's comes back with new music. Dusty from Robodrum will share their new album, Big Bad Wolf, which has seen limited release but is about to be relased nationwide.  Dusty and I will talk about the recent changes in the band and their plans for 2013. Plus a 2012 review

Terry Evans' musical journey began in Vicksburg, Mississippi and has been racing along ever since. In the sixties, Terry worked with an a cappella group called The Knights, touring throughout the South in clubs and juke joints. He worked with Ry Cooder and others as he continued on his solo journey. His songs have been recorded by Pops Staples and Louis Jordan among others. He just released an album with Hans Theessink entitled Delta Time featuring Ry Cooder on a few tracks. I will discuss this album and his career with Terry. John Lee Hooker Jr.  His name is covered in the blues but he is not resting on his father's name...he is bulldozing through making new fans with every day. His life has not always been one of red carpets...he had to deal with the demons that come to many musicians out on the road constantly. The demons are behind him and this two time Grammy nominee is making some of the best music of his career. I will sit with John Lee and talk about the curvy road he has been on and we will listen to music from All Hooked Up. The Bush League will be bringing their brand new album to Music On The Couch.  Hear it here first! Also Debra Devi brings her new book Language Of The Blues to the Couch

Lisa Biales began her career at 13 and has released 6 albums on her own label since then. She weaves a down home blues vernacular with finger style guitar to create songs that feel like they have been around forever.  Her latest is entitled Just Like Honey, which could be a description of the way she vocalizes her music. I will sit with Lisa to learn more about her life and music. Doug Briney began like so many other musicians, singing in church.  His first solo was when he was two years old.  During his college days, Doug had the opportunity to sing with a gospel quartet and travel all over the western half of the USA. He lives in Alaska and is steeped in country music.  His album, It's All About Country is out and Doug has a number of nominations because of it. We will chat and listen to his music. Paula Harris and her band placed third in the 2012 IBC and won the 2012 Monterey Blues Festival Battle Of The Bands. She delivers a mix of Impudent, Humorous, and Naughty Lyrical content in a Fusion of Blues, Funk and Jazz. With her band, The Beasts of The Blues and her horn section, The Big Ass Brass, Paula has just released Turning On The Naughty and it is sure to bring even more rewards to this wonderful vocalist. Paula and I will speak about her life and career and listen to her new music. "Musicians You Should Know"

Colin McGrath did not make the show this eveing... Sybil Gage is an award winning Jazz and Blues singer/songwriter who has been compared to Eartha Kitt, Dinah Washington, Pearl Bailey, Corinne Bailey-Rae, Laura Nyro, and Janis Joplin. Her latest album,  “NOLA Calling” was also nominated forBest Self Produced CD by the International Blues Challenge of Memphis 2011. I will chat with Sybil as we check out tunes from her album. PLUS...Ms. Cee Cee James comes back to The Coch to preview her latest album, Blood Red Blues. After listening I wrote "When I finished listening I was all hot and sweaty. You need to buy this album before your friends and be the cool kid who introduces them to the blistering blues of Cee Cee James" Another Couch 'Kid' comes back to share music before it is released! "Musicians You Should Know"

Clay Melton was born in Louisiana, but lives in Texas now.  At age 11 he heard Jimi Hendrix's "All Along The Watchtower" and he knew what he wanted in life...to play the guitar. Now, at 17, Clay is making heads turn everywhere he goes.  He has opened for the legendary Johnny Winter and is writing and performing original music with his bandmates, Wes Arvin and Noah Coffelt. When asked what his long term musical goals are, Clay simply says, “I want to bring The Blues Back.” Clay will take a seat on The Couch and we will explore this young man's desires and hear some of his music. Nik West encountered technical difficulties and never made a connection. We are rescheduling her as soon as possible TWO MUSICIANS YOU SHOULD KNOW!

Four New Artists Join Me On The Couch Back in April, Ariel Cyber PR held their Cyber PR's 6th Digital Press Conference in New York City.  This year I was offered the opportunity to chat with some of their clients via phone and did so. Four guests tonight: Hotels and Higways (Erin "Syd" Sidney, Lisa Piccirillo and Patrick Thomas) spent 10 days last fall at a cabin on a lake in New York and the result is their debut Lost River.  They have been out on the road sharing their music. Patrick Thomas joins me. Van Muller grew up in Brasil and began singing and modeling in her ealry teens.  She eventually moved to New York and has been moving her career forward ever since. Her debut album is out and we get to hear some music and chat with the lovely lady with the amazing voice. Susan Cattaneo from Boston is a solid singer/guitarist with a country flavor.  Her new album, Heaven To Heartache is a collection of songs about strong women put to tasty melodies. Renee Wahl is a Nashville gal with a sense of humor and a self-suredness that is undeniable. Her album Cumberland Moonshine is full of songs of romance, murder and her southern humor. Join me with Musicians You Should Know

A 12-year old singing sensation and Chicago Rock & Roll Cecilia Gault is only 12, but she sings like a seasoned veteran and has been writing music with the fantastic Josh Charles.  Her appearance at the Bridge To Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Benefit Concert at City Winery in New York City brought her to the attention of many.  She performed her original song "Where," which she co-wrote with Charles. You may also recognize her face from an appearance on Law & Order: SVU or her name as she is part of the Scholastic Kids Press Corps. We will chat with Cecilia about her time writing with Josh, where she wants to head, music or publishing and we will listen to some brand new music by Cecilia. Then we sit with the Steepwater Band out of the Chicagoland area.  This act came to Music On The Couch through Krista Hughes, a friend on Facebook.  The band, Jeff Massey (guitarist/lead vocalist), Tod Bowers (bass) and Joe Winters (drums) are a solid power trio who began covering Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker and eventually began writing their own music. With four albums already out and getting much airplay throughout the midwest, we will be chatting with Jeff about their formation, their newest album and the busy touring schedule they have coming up. We get to hear brand new music from the band too! Join me chatting with Musicians You Should Know.

A FEMALE VOCALIST AND A GUITAR MASTER   Tatiana Moroz grew up in New Jersey and spent summers in Poland.  She also began singing and that has not changed.   During her teens she began playing guitar and now she has released her debut album Tatiana.   She will sit with us on The Couch and discuss the journey to today and where she is headed tomorrow and beyond while we listen to selected tracks from her album.   Then, through the wonders of Facebook, I hooked up with an old high school friend.   Rick Figueroa now lives in Minneapolis and has mastered the guitar.  He plays with a passon in a jazzy-rock style and plays in clubs around the Minneapolis area.   Rick is not just a guitarist as evidenced by his videos on youtube.  He plays all the music and has set the songs to slide shows to visualize the music.   I will chat with Rick about his journey from Commack, LI to Minneapolis and where he hopes to head with his music and we will hear a few of his compositions.   Join me as I introduce you to musicians you should know.

An evening of guitars Krista Parrish comes to The Couch through a suggestion by our friend Dusty from RoboDrum.  This young lady is a must hear.  Her music is intelligent and her vocal range is astounding. That might be enough to have you come listen, but adding to that, Ms. Parrish is a smokin' guitar player.  Her song "Mexico" was selected for the Gods Of Indie Guitar album this year. Last year Krista released Playing With Pendulums with bassist/husband Steven Murphy and drummer Michael Fazekas. A song off the album, "Easier Said Than Done" went to #1 on the indie music charts in the rock category. She was recently signed to Cinderella Records and we will discuss her explosive journey and what is on the horizon. Then we get to sit with Austin Young. Austin is a 15-year old guitar sensation from Colorado. With his dad on drums and 16-year old Noah Mast on bass, they perform as Young Austin And No Difference. Austin plays what he has dubbed “Texandrix Blues” a blend of Texas Blues and Hendrix inspired guitar. Young Austin and No Difference were Semi-finalists in the band competition at the 2010 International Blues Challenge. How did Austin become so skilled on the guitar. What has he experienced so far and what is he looking forward to in the years to come. All this and music from their album "Yesterday Is Gone." Join me as I introduce you to musicians you should know.

Reverend Robert is a master of prewar blues. He has delved deep into the styles of Charley Patton, Robert Johnson and other delta blues giants. In the past two decades he has become accomplished at many other early twentieth century styles including ragtime and early jazz, Hawaiian and Caribbean. He combines these styles seamlessly in a combination of infectious rhythm and an authentic acoustic sound. In 2004 he took first place at the National Slide Guitar Festival in North Carolina The Reverend is known for his true conviction, and powerful delivery. You can hear it on his latest CD "Preachin' Blues." I caught Reverend Robert's set at last years Biscuit and then we ran into each other on the street during the International Blues Challenge and I asked him to join me on the show and he accepted. Then Big Jon Short will join me. Big Jon comes to us from Couch Favorite Brandon Santini who has recorded with Bog Jon. Armed with a suitcase kick-drum, National Reso-phonic Guitar, Lowebow cigar-box reso-hillharp, Reso-Ukulele and kazoo, Big Jon Short's high energy solo performances bring a foot-stomping show that taps into the heart of the songs, regional styles, and folklore of the Blues and its importance to American music. We will talk to Big Jon about his life and music. UPDATED - Brandon Santini will also join me the night before his new album is pre-released!   Come sit with me and artists you should know.

John-Alex Mason hails from southern Colorado and he is a unique artist. His new album "Jook Joint Thunderclap" is a world boogie collaboration of master players from Chicagoland, Holly Springs, Guinea and Colorado. On this project Mason added djembe, bolofon, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica, bass and flos to his one-man band of kick drums, electric guitars and vocals. His shows are a celebration and the crowd becomes a willing participant in the performance. I will chat with John-Alex about his life and music and where he is headed next. Then the band The Sugar Prophets will sit on The Couch. Finalists in last years International Blues Challenge they took the stage and made their presence known to the blues world. Josh Spence-Vocals/Harmonica, Joe Asselin-Guitar/Vocals, A.J. "Apple Jack" Williams-Guitar/Vocals, Al Chapman-Bass, Vince "Fuzz" Elam-Drums combine to create a fresh sound. What is next for the band and what did they learn from their appearance in Memphis? We will discuss that and more. Join me as I sit with artists you should know.

Michael Burks carries the nickname "Iron Man". If you have ever seen Michael live, you understand the moniker. He attacks his guitar and plays long sets. He has also logged tens of thousands of miles in his touring van. I witnessed a Micheal Burks set at last years Biscuit Festival and the Arkansas native played blistering blues guitar and sang with a deep tone that enthralled the crowd. I get to sit with Michael and discuss his latest music and tour. Then Ms. Erin Dickins will sit on The Couch. When I received the information on Ms. Dickins my attention was immediately peeked when I realized she was a founding member of the classic vocal group The Manhattan Transfer. Erin has just released her first solo album entitled Nice Girls and is still enthralling audiences everywhere. She and I will discuss her incredible career and this new journey she is on. Come sit on The Couch and meet musicians you should know.

Matthew Davidson has played with Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Honeyboy Edwards. He has appeared at the Delta Blues Fest and the B.B. King Museum and he wowed the crowd at this years International Blues Challenge. OH, did I not mention that Matthew is only THIRTEEN YEARS OLD? I will get to chat with Matthew and talk about this journey that began with a toy guitar at the age of three. We will also share some music from Matthew and his band. Then I get to sit with the band Grand Marquis. They were finalists at this years International Blues Challenge and put on one hell of a show. With a sound that will hearken back to the Nawlins speak-easy or 1950's Memphis you will fall in love with their sound. Swing, jazz, blues, you can call it what you'd like. I just call it great. Come sit with me and Matthew and the guys from Grand Marquis as I bring you more artists you should know.