Soul Country - Americana with a Groove

With credits including Elvis, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, Charlie McCoy describes highlights from his hall of fame career on Soul Country. Find out what it was like recording on Simon & Garfunkel's, "The Boxer," Dylan's "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 from bandleader and master harp player who doubles on bass and triples on guitar. His multi-instrumental prowess meant more Nashville sessions with Jerry Reed, Chet Atkins, James Burton and more.

Baton Rouge native Jonathon “Boogie” Long demonstrates his sizzling guitar work with “Chickin’ Pickin'” blues and country styles from this master craftsman in Soul Country #5. With his intense, heartfelt performances, Boogie Long has established himself as a high performance sideman to Luther Kent and many others including years alongside Samantha Fish. His singer-songwriter material shows he is a well-rounded talent worthy of his 2019 admission to the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. The trailer is culled from several years of New Orleans Cigar Box Guitar Festivals and other exclusives. Production made possible in part with grants from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.

Pianist Ben Sidran recounts recording with the Rolling Stones on the Beggars Banquet sessions in 1968 London. Ben's signature piano also work graces Soul Country #8, as he discusses his decades in jazz, including 40 albums and dozens of radio and TV programs for NPR and VH-1.After a few years in the UK spent obtaining a Phd in American Studies, he co-wrote "Space Cowboy" with Steve Miller in SF and became a professor at University of Wisconsin at Madison, authoring a half dozen books along the way. Get ready for some insights into the classic rock era in late-60's London with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Pete Townshend and Eric Clapton. His jazz work also impresses on disc and in the roster of interviewees Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and Sun Ra, really who gets this talent on their show?? Sponsored in part with grants from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation. #bensidran #jazz #jazzpiano #moseallison #petetownshend #thewho #mickjagger #rollingstones #milesdavis #sunra #npr #vh-1 #stevemiller #bozscalls #soulcountryBen Sidran – Soul Country 8 Podcast

Jonathon 'Boogie' Long checks in for Soul Country #5. The celebrated guitarist from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is well known for his powerful blend of blues, rock, and soul. He built a reputation as a top sideman before impressing as a singer-songwriter, he was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame before turning 30! Hear some hot licks and stories from an expert at his craft in #5.

In Soul Country #7 we shine a spotlight on Bruce 'Sunpie' Barnes, a revered musician, cultural historian, former NFL'er and National Park Ranger who has become a pillar of New Orleans' vibrant music scene. Sunpie demonstrates a dazzling array styles on harmonica, accordion and piano, playing key songs from his repertoire in #7. He learned from his father in Arkansas, a contemporary of Sonny Boy Williamson, and many legendary mentors in New Orleans music scene. His music thusly is a powerful blend of blues, zydeco, gospel, and Afro-Caribbean influences, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of the region. 

Erin Coburn is a dynamic guitarist and singer-songwriter known for her electrifying performances and soulful blues-rock sound. Hailing from Kentucky, she blends modern rock with classic blues influences, captivating audiences with her powerful voice, intricate guitar work, and passionate stage presence.

Her music resonates with authenticity and raw emotion. She drops by Soul Country to share some old tunes, tales from the road and a bit about her tech stack. The multi-instrumentalist is gearing up a new band and sound to take to stages this fall. She also discusses a history of writing songs that began at age 13 after school and is now maturing into a second decade. Season 2, Episode 2 was recorded in Nashville, TN.#erincoburn #americana #guitar #electricguitar #nashville #metal #cincinnati #soulcountry #thebluescenter #bluescenter

Multi-Grammy winner, King of the Chitlin Circuit and stand-up comedian - and guy, Bobby Rush relaxes into Soul Country. Episode #2 features Bobby's funky licks on guitar and harp and discussion of his Mississippi and Chicago blues histories. He talks and plays Chicken Heads, Country & Western, blues and pookie poo. Host Ric Stewart leads the charge into Soul Country - where this time the stuff is funky.

Gary Talley talks about his amazing run since the 1960's in R&B, rock and country in Soul Country #4. The original Box Tops guitarist recounts legendary encounters, gigs and sessions with The Doors, Billy Preston, Willie and Waylon, Dr. John, The Beach Boys and, of course, former bandmate Alex Chilton. You'll hear a rendition of "The Letter," "Cry Like a Baby," Sam Cooke's "Bring it on Home to Me" and "Whiter Shade of Pale."

Multi-Grammy®-winner, feature film actor and now author Chris Thomas King joins host Ric Stewart for an overview of The Blues: The Authentic Narrative of My Music and Culture. The free ranging talk addresses the Creole Origins, his work on O Brother Where Art Thou? and his start with Arhoolie records. For playlists and other exclusIves, check out soulcountry.com.