Soul Country - Americana with a Groove

Will McFarlane is one of the great unsung heroes of the Muscle Shoals sound, catch him in #13 unpacking five decades of soul, country and R&B from the inside out. Guitarist for Bonnie Raitt from age 22 to 26, session ace for the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, and a master of the compact lick, McFarlane rode the late 70s with Bonnie through Little Feat, Tom Waits, Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy befo...

The King of the Chitlin Circuit, Bobby Rush holds court with host Ric Stewart in Soul Country on country, comedy and blues. In this 1 minute trailer get a preview of the podcast get a flavor for Bobby's comedy, blues and funkiness as he plays a snatch of "I'm a Funky Bluesman." All that and more in Soul Country #2.

Dylan, Elvis and Orbison sideman Charlie McCoy is a hall of fame harmonica-centric multi-instrumentalist. Born in the same hospital where Hank Williams perished, McCoy brings his own mastery to many hits including "Take This Job and Shove It," "Delta Dawn," "Mohair Sam," "Guitar Man" and "The Boxer" among thousands of tracks. Elvis entrusted him on...

A visual blast of Jonathon "Boogie" Long through the years as checks in for Soul Country #5. The Baton Rouge native demonstrates his sizzling guitar work with "Chicken Pickin'" blues, country and Southern Soul styles and stories. With his intense, heartfelt performances, Boogie Long has established himself as a high performance sideman to Luther Kent and his album and stage work with Samantha Fish...

Olivia Wolf brings a rare blend of country, folk, and bluegrass into Soul Country with her live band and new release, Silver Rounds. In the live cutaways check out their Band-like takes, and her startling variety of moods, sonics and rhythms making this an eye opener. She's carving a new path by telling how it is. In the full podcast hear about the funky sounds she attributes to her penchant f...

Ivan Neville talks and plays The Rolling Stones, Keith Richards & The X-Pensive Winos and Robbie Robertson in the action-packed highlights to Soul Country #10. Seeped in the New Orleans funk and soul scene, Ivan has a unique spot classic rock history having recorded with the Rolling Stones on Dirty Work and Voodoo Lounge. His tasty piano licks make this a great spot to learn a bit about more i...

Patrick Sweany and McKinley James from East Nashville's resident blues purists, The Tiger Beats, drop in for Soul Country episode 1. They talk blues, country, The Rolling Stones and British Blues, Hollywood Fats, Bobby Blue Bland, Magic Sam, Clifton Chenier, Louis Jordan, Jump Blues, Howlin’ Wolf, Ray Charles, Hank Williams, Little Milton, Nirvana and pursuing retro-purity in Nashville. Catch the...

Olivia Wolf brings her soulful blend of country, folk, and bluegrass into Soul Country. She plays a few and tells a few about how she put her band and latest release together. In this episode we hear clips of her band live in Nashville and her playing her tunes solo. The funky sounds she attributes to her penchant for Daft Punk textured by 90's household favorites like Lucinda Williams and Tom...

If you've heard Steely Dan - you've heard the guitar artistry of Dean Parks. He plays "Peg," "Josie," "Haitian Divorce" and "Rikki Don't Lose That Number." In this exclusive episode, Dean shares stories from his collaborations with music giants like Eric Clapton, Crosby & Nash, and Johnny Rivers. Discover how he became a key player on  The Sonny and Cher Show  and hear his expert advice for as...

Ivan Neville plays and talks thru an illustrious history recording with the Rolling Stones in the 80's, becoming a sounding board for Robbie Robertson, stepping into his uncle Art's shoes for the Funky Meters show at Funk Fest and his festival dates with Dumpstaphunk. Ivan and seen it all, and taking the cue from his father Aaron Neville's golden pipes, he registers a great vocal every...

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...

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...

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 an...

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...

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...

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...

Gary Talley talks about his amazing run since the 1960's in country, R&B and rock in Soul Country #4. The original Box Tops guitarist recounts legendary encounters, gigs and sessions with Dr. John, The Beach Boys, The Doors, Billy Preston, Willie and Waylon, 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 t...

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...

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.

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.

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...

Patrick Sweany and McKinley James from East Nashville's resident blues purists, The Tiger Beats, drop in for Soul Country episode 1. They talk blues, country, The Rolling Stones and British Blues, Hollywood Fats, Bobby Blue Bland, Magic Sam, Clifton Chenier, Louis Jordan, Jump Blues, Howlin’ Wolf, Ray Charles, Hank Williams, Little Milton, Nirvana and pursuing retro-purity in Nashville. Catch...