The Rhythm Section: A Memphis Music Podcast

In this episode of The Rhythm Section Podcast, hosts Derrick and Jeff kick things off by recapping a night out at Neil’s Music Room enjoying a killer set by The Boneyard. Then they welcome special guest Bobby Ireland, drummer for Hairspray Nation, for a deep dive into his musical journey. Bobby shares how he landed the gig with Hairspray Nation and how it’s become a family affair with his son Nick...

Today’s featured guest is Eric Stone, vocalist for The Deb Jam Band. In addition to learning more about The Deb Jam Band, the gang talks about Eric’s start as a vocalist and musician in church growin up, his experiences in touring the chitlin circuit for several years, his first plastic guitar, his sparkly shoes and much much more. Eric’s story is rich with history and came to play. Fun was had by...

On this episode of The Rhythm Section Podcast, hosts Derrick and Jeff kick things off with a quick chat with Eric Graham from Deadfall Road to promote their epic July 4th Reunion show, Concert Under The Trees, in Arlington, TN—featuring Your Mom’s New Boyfriend at 4:30pm and Deadfall Road headlining at 8pm. Plus, they’re celebrating the digital release of Come What May! (More at deadfallroad.band...

Today’s featured guest is John Roth, legendary Memphis guitarist and long-time member of Winger and Starship. We go deep into his history, covering his different projects over the years and how he landed the gigs for Winger and Starship. Apple - https://bit.ly/3rqqZLP Spotify - https://bit.ly/3EJOGBO YouTube - https://bit.ly/3UgqsY2   TIP BUCKET If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause...

In this celebratory episode of The Rhythm Section Podcast, hosts Derrick and Jeff kick things off with a heartfelt recap of their epic Episode 100 live taping at Rooster’s on June 7th. They show love to the incredible fans, venue staff, and all the special guests who helped make it a night to remember. Then, the spotlight shifts to a lively feature interview with Brent Dennis, lead vocalist of the...

Our featured guest is legendary bassist Davy Dave Smith. After our Josheen Moisturizer shenanigans, we dig deep into Dave’s history as a Memphis bass player both on stage and in the studio. He has worked with such acts as Kris Kristofferson and Rita Coolidge, Jonny Lang, Buddy Guy, John Mayall, Cat Power, Leo Kottke, Luther Allison, Al Green, Willie Mitchell, Steve Cropper, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, S...

In this episode, Derrick is joined by guest co-host Steve Owens, who fills in for Jeff and recaps Rooster’s Original Night from Sunday, May 25th. Steve also shines a light on Take 12, a fresh band making waves in the Memphis scene. The featured interview is with Preston Jones, lead vocalist for Your Mom’s New Boyfriend. Preston shares the story of how the band came together, current and former mem...

Our featured guest is Julian Wong, guitarist for Formerly Known As. Julian is one of the most laid-back humans and always has a smile on his face. In this interview, you will learn about his beginnings as a musician, his influences, and much more. Apple - https://bit.ly/3rqqZLP Spotify - https://bit.ly/3EJOGBO YouTube - https://bit.ly/3UgqsY2   TIP BUCKET If you find it in your heart to donate to...

In this special episode of The Rhythm Section Podcast, Derrick and Jeff dedicate the show to their dear friend and beloved Memphis Icon, Thomas Halfacre, as he courageously battles cancer. They're joined by Becky Croft and Paul Moreau, two close friends of Thomas, to help promote the upcoming benefit concert at Rooster’s Blues House Highland on Sunday, June 1st. Becky shares powerful insight into...

In this heartfelt and high-energy episode of The Rhythm Section Podcast, Derrick and Jeff kick things off with another tribute to their friend Thomas Halfacre and his upcoming cancer benefit concert. They share all the details about the event at Rooster's Blues House Highland on Sunday, June 1st—featuring bands like Almost Famous, Black 59, Play Rough, and The Pinch, with special guests John Roth,...

Our featured guest is Nick Ireland, guitarist for bands Land/Divided and Hairspray Nation. In this interview, you will learn about Nick’s influences, time at Stage Stop with Dad, Land Divided's formation and creative process, and how he joined Hairspray Nation. Apple - https://bit.ly/3rqqZLP Spotify - https://bit.ly/3EJOGBO YouTube - https://bit.ly/3UgqsY2   TIP BUCKET If you find it in your heart...

In this episode of The Rhythm Section Podcast, hosts Derrick and Jeff shine a spotlight on an important upcoming event: a cancer benefit for Thomas Halfacre, happening Sunday, June 1st at Rooster's Blues House with performances by Almost Famous, Black 59, Play Rough, and The Pinch. It’s $10 at the door, and all proceeds go toward Thomas' medical expenses. Then, they dive into an inspiring conversa...

Our featured guest is Emma Caroline, lead vocalist for Memphis cover band 901 ROX. Learn about her start with school talent shows, discovery of rock music and how she landed the gig with 901 ROX. Apple - https://bit.ly/3rqqZLP Spotify - https://bit.ly/3EJOGBO YouTube - https://bit.ly/3UgqsY2   TIP BUCKET If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so th...

In this episode of The Rhythm Section Podcast, Derrick and Jeff kick things off by spotlighting Watchman, the latest album by Memphis music legend Tommy Cathey—now streaming on all major platforms. Visit http://watchmanmemphis.com for more details. The featured guest is Chris Hinkle, guitarist for Midnite Train, Play Some Skynyrd and The Bone Yard. Chris shares powerful memories of his time with t...

Our featured guests are Brad Riales and Brian Hall from 5 For the Kill. We learn all about their beginnings and writing music for a few years before performing publicly, their quick rise into the local club scene, and how their good friend Steve Owens gives them the push. Apple - https://bit.ly/3rqqZLP Spotify - https://bit.ly/3EJOGBO YouTube - https://bit.ly/3UgqsY2   TIP BUCKET If you find it in...

On this episode of The Rhythm Section Podcast, Derrick shares a hilarious phone call with Tina Hinds, and Jeff recaps a packed weekend of music and shoutouts to friends and venues. Then, bassist David Gregory joins the show! Known for his bass guitar work with 901 ROX and formerly Midnite Train, David dives into his musical journey, from his first concerts to his days as a young metalhead. He and...

Our featured guest is Debbie Jamison from The Deb Jam Band. In this interview, we discuss Debbie’s background, early bands, how she met her late husband, Jimi Jamison, her studio work, and her touring life. Apple - https://bit.ly/3rqqZLP Spotify - https://bit.ly/3EJOGBO YouTube - https://bit.ly/3UgqsY2   TIP BUCKET If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you c...

Derrick and Jeff kick things off by announcing “From the studio to the stage… The Rhythm Section Podcast is turning 100!” Join us as we celebrate our 100th episode with a special live recording — filmed in front of a live audience at Rooster’s Blues House Highland in Memphis! Saturday, June 7th. Doors open at 3 PM. Showtime is 3:30 to 5pm For the feature interview, Derrick and Jeff sit down with s...

Our featured guests are Kevin Greenburg and Kevin Cost from the new band Generation-X. Gen-X is the band that our very own Jeff Ward started in 2023. We discuss the origins of the band and Kevin and Kevin’s back stories, influences, and original music. Apple - https://bit.ly/3rqqZLP Spotify - https://bit.ly/3EJOGBO YouTube - https://bit.ly/3UgqsY2   TIP BUCKET If you find it in your heart to donat...

In this episode of The Rhythm Section Podcast, Derrick and Jeff kick things off with special guests Jimmy Fulp and Paul Moreau to recap the unforgettable KISSTORY tribute show at Lafayette’s Music Room. From killer performances to jaw-dropping stage production, they share highlights and give props to Thomas Halfacre and his phenomenal crew, along with all the talented musicians who made the night...

Sarah Spain from Landslide: A Memphis Tribute to Fleetwood Mac is our guest today. We covered her love for music, the formation of Landslide, teaching at the School of Rock, and Sarah’s profound knowledge in bands. Apple - https://bit.ly/3rqqZLP Spotify - https://bit.ly/3EJOGBO YouTube - https://bit.ly/3UgqsY2   TIP BUCKET If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podca...

In this lively intro to The Rhythm Section Podcast, Derrick and Jeff recap a night to remember—Jeff and Steve Owen’s birthday bash at Neil’s Music Room on Friday, April 11th. With Generation-X bringing the house down (and one unforgettable version of Iris), the guys share laughs, memories, and a hilarious moment from the performance that’s not to be missed. Plus, they introduce a brand-new charact...

We had too much left on the table with Chris DaBaldo so we invited him in for a second interview. We dig deeper into Saliva, Chris’s departure from the band, their performance at Wrestlemania 18, and his projects since leaving Saliva. Apple - https://bit.ly/3rqqZLP Spotify - https://bit.ly/3EJOGBO YouTube - https://bit.ly/3UgqsY2   TIP BUCKET If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and...

To kick things off, hosts Derrick and Jeff sit down with Steve Owens from The Musicians Booking Agency to talk about the upcoming Sunday Originals Night at Rooster's Blues House (535 S. Highland St) on May 25th from 6 to 9 PM. The lineup features 5 For the Kill, Hayden Hunter & The Yearly Trials, and The Half Of It—a killer night of original music you don’t want to miss. Interested in performi...

Chris is the former guitarist for the legendary band Saliva. We go deep into the music business dealings that Saliva experienced, and we discuss their origin story. We run through all of the other bands Chris has participated in over the years and give tribute to the late Wayne Swinny.   HOW TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you ca...