Time Signatures with Jim Ervin

Ben Levin returns with his good friend from Japan, Tak Asano to talk about Ben’s introduction to Tak during a visit to Clarksdale, his recent trip to Japan for a short tour with Tak, and also his newly released Christmas album, ‘Ben Levin Presents a Holiday Blues Revue’. The album features Ben and his friends, Tak Asano, Candace Ivory, Lil’ Jimmy Reed, Lil’ Ed, and Sonny Hill. We have one more epi...

On this episode of Time Signatures, Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist AND College Professor, Jennifer Lyn stops by for a discussion with Erv to talk about her band, ‘The Groove Revival’ and her background in music. Jennifer recently released an album, which was available free of charge for those willing to pay shipping, and Erv bought the album-leading the two to connect. She also shared her stories o...

Vanessa Collier, a talented saxophonist and singer, joins Jim Ervin on Time Signatures to discuss her journey in the blues music scene and her latest album, "Do It My Way." Collier emphasizes the importance of self-expression and musical authenticity, sharing how her experiences with renowned artists like Joe Louis Walker helped shape her artistic direction. Throughout the conversation, she highli...

Dennis Jones, a former member of the award-winning Zach Harmon Band, joins host Jim Ervin on Time Signatures to discuss his rich journey in the blues music scene. From his beginnings at the age of 13 when he first picked up the guitar to his current success as a solo artist, Dennis shares insights into his influences, including the legendary Jimi Hendrix, and his unique blend of blues rock. He ref...

This episode of Time Signatures with Jim Ervin was just plain fun! Connor Korte is Buddy Guy’s stage manager and his personal guitar tech. On top of that, he also serves as guitar tech for Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram when he isn’t on tour with Buddy! Join host Jim Ervin as he chats with Connor about working with two of the most notable Blues musicians on the planet, his daily routine while on the...

This week on Time Signatures, host Jim Ervin welcomes a new voice to the Blues to the program. He first appeared on American Idol, Season 18, and he was a top 11 finalist. If you like your Blues with that down deep and gritty sound, you are going to love Jovin Webb, and he and Erv talk about his start in music, his path through Idol-navigating that competition during covid, AND the new CD, of cour...

This week on Time Signatures with Jim Ervin, Erv welcomes The Head Special Collections, Blues Curator and Professor from The University of Mississippi, Greg Johnson. Johnson joins us to discuss the foundation of the Blues Archive. Founded between 1982 and1983 with B.B. King’s donation of around 10,000 33s, 45s, 78s and even some Edison wax cylinders, the Blues Archive is about to celebrate its 40t...

This episode of Time Signatures with Jim Ervin features one of Michigan’s most gifted musicians. The Floridian transplant, Rusty Wright and wife Laurie join Erv for a fun discussion about his entry into the music world, via a garage sale find guitar and his Mom’s band, and Rusty’s ‘out of the box’ brand of the Blues. But the fun doesn’t end there, Rusty and Laurie talk about that Heritage find at...

It’s another local/regional Blues program this week on Time Signatures. Join host, Jim Ervin as he welcomes two former members of a longtime Lansing, MI Blues band, Those Delta Rhythm Kings. Ray Aleshire and Andy Wilson talk about their early memories in music, the founding of TDRK, and their 28 year run as a Blues band. It’s a fun interview, so bring the popcorn! _________________________ Faceboo...

This week on Time Signatures with Jim Ervin, we welcome 10 year U.S. Marine Veteran, and one of the top Bluesmen on the planet, 40 Below recording artist, Sugaray Rayford. Reared in deep gospel roots, this Tyler, Texas native stopped by to talk about his early years in music, breaking out in the Blues, and his new album ‘Human Decency’. Website: Sugaray Rayford Facebook: Sugaray Rayford Spotify: S...

On this edition of Time Signatures, host Jim Ervin welcomes two more of Lansing’s mainstay musicians, Twyla Birdsong and Benjamin Richard Hall. The pair stopped by for a discussion about their early years in the Blues, competing in the IBC in Memphis, and of course their vast local work in the Lansing music scene. Ben also talks about his long running Blues radio show, which was a staple on the Mi...

This week on Time Signatures, host Jim Ervin welcomes a second generation Blues musician, whose life changed after a chance meeting at his high school with legendary Bluesman, Larry McCray. Tune in and hear the story of Rhett Yocom, how he won a guitar during one of Larry’s presentations, and Rhett’s never look back attitude since. Erv and Rhett also talk about life since that serendipitous moment...

This week, join host Jim Ervin as he welcomes longtime Delmark Chicago Bluesman, Mike Wheeler. This musician seamlessly mixes a blend of old school Blues, Jazz and Rock in his shows. Erv and Mike discuss his first bigtime gig with the late Muddy Waters’ pianist, Lovie Lee, his 2014 induction into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame, and his plans to release a new album in 2025. Bring a friend, and join...

On this week’s edition of Time Signature, host Jim Ervin welcome’s one of Lansing’s premiere business owners to the show. Lillian Werbin, CEO of Elderly Instruments drops by for a fun discussion about Elderly’s 50 years in business, celebrating their 2023 ‘America’s Top Business’ award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and what lies ahead for Elderly. Website: Elderly Instruments ________________...

On this episode of Time Signatures with Jim Ervin, Erv welcomes Blues Titan, Joe Bonamassa for a discussion about his meteoric rise in the Blues music world, his career changing moment on stage at Royal Albert Hall with Eric Clapton in 2009, his SOLD OUT show at The Hollywood Bowl, his current Blues Deluxe tour, and his philanthropic work with his Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation. Season three i...

He has been compared by some to the late great B.B. King, but if you listen closely, you might find a bit of Little Milton and Albert King flowing through his guitar as well. This week, join host Jim Ervin for a discussion with one of the Blues up and comers, D.K. Harrell. This Blues traditionalist talks about his early influences in music, and how he started talking (or actually singing) for the...

At the youthful age of 93, this week’s guest, Bob Stroger is quite possibly the oldest still touring musician in the Blues. Join host Jim Ervin as he and Bob discuss his early years in Chicago, where his home shared a common back entrance with the Legendary Silvio’s. It was that first trip to Europe that caused Bob to make it official; he was going to spend his life making music, which was not bad...

This week on Time Signatures with Jim Ervin, Erv welcomes a young Blues musician who truly is the epitome of ‘Keeping the Blues Alive’. Guitarist, Brendon Linsely has spent the greater portion of the past 11 years, learning at the feet of some of Metro Detroit’s biggest names in music. Erich Goeble, Jim McCarty, and Jimmy Alter have spent time with Brendon, and he has developed not only a solid Bl...

On this week’s edition of Time Signatures with Jim Ervin, iconic Chicago Bluesman, John Primer and fellow Chicagoan, Bob Corritore drop by to discuss their latest release, ‘Crawlin’ Kingsnake’. Following their brief chat, John hangs around to talk about his early life on Mississippi sharecropper land, his early years in music, his migration north to Chicago in 1963, and his journey with the likes...

Season three kicks off with the Legendary Bluesman, Walter Trout. Join host, Jim Ervin as he and Walter discuss his early years in music, life as a sideman for John Lee Hooker, Percy Mayfield and others, AND the life-altering journey leading up to and after his liver transplant. Share it with your friends…. Time Signatures is coming on strong with more of the best of the Blues, as we continue to ‘...

As we wind down Season Two of Time Signatures with Jim Ervin, you are invited to join Erv for a candid discussion with another legendary Blues musicians, Mr. Bobby Rush. Bobby shares stories about his early life, his migration north to Chicago, and his return to the south after nearly 50 years. There are stories a-plenty, so pull up a chair and enjoy the chat…and thank you ALL for another fantasti...

2023 Blues Female Blues Artist, Detroit’s Queen of the Blues, Thornetta Davis joins host Jim Ervin in this fun-filled episode. Fresh off her ‘Bark of Millions’ stint on stages all over the world, Thornetta and James stop by for a chat about her BMA, her long career in the Blues and what’s next. Season two is quickly coming to a close, so don’t miss this one, folks! Website: Thornetta Davis Faceboo...

Jennifer Noble Pt2: Join host Jim Ervin for part two of his chat with famed Chicago Blues photographer, Jennifer Noble. On this edition, the two wrap up their discussion about Jennifer’s book, “50 Women in the Blues”, where to get it, and her pending return to her Chicago Roots. Website: Women of the Blues Website: Amazon/50 Women in the Blues Website: Porchlight/ 50 Women in the Blues ___________...

In part one of their discussion, host Jim Ervin welcomes Chicago-based photographer Jennifer Noble in for a chat about growing up in Muddy Waters’ hometown, her early life in the Blues, getting started in photography, and her new book, “50 Women in the Blues”. Recorded live from Jennifer’s home in London. Website: Women of the Blues Website: Amazon/50 Women in the Blues Website: Porchlight/ 50 Wom...

For some people, ‘Keeping the Blues Alive’ is about the music. Whether it’s preserving various aspects of the Blues, musical instruments, or just the stories that get passed from generation to generation, each are uniquely important. For Steven Salter, Keeping the Blues Alive means making sure that no Blues musician rests in an unmarked grave. Join host Jim Ervin as he and Steven talk about The Ki...