Go Memphis Stories: Memphis music reviews, previews and commentary

Back from the 'dead,' Bob Frank and his music career live again

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:57:00 -0000

As the Internet turns 40 this year, one of its lesser — but still profound — successes has been the resuscitation of music artists that were once thought forever banished to the cut-out bin of history. One such musician saved from obscurity is Bob Frank, the Memphis-born singer-songwriter whose respectable music career ended in 1972 shortly after it began. Frank has at last found an audience for his distinct songwriting vision, and he performs Saturday at Otherlands.

Listen Up: M. C. Mack takes aim from 'street side'

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:00:00 -0000

M. C. Mack described his 2003 Macknificent album as more "stylish" and his new album Pure Ana Part 1 as "more on the street side." "I rap kind of fast," he said. That's 'pure ana' — pure animosity. I'm shooting my lyrics like a .38." Mack performs at 11 tonight at The Plush Club at 380 Beale.

Folklorist William Ferris tracks Southern culture, music

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:15:00 -0000

Over a long, distinguished career as a folklorist and scholar, William Ferris has made innumerable contributions to the academic study of the blues and the Southern culture. But in his latest project, a sprawling multimedia effort that includes a new book, CD, DVD and Web site, Ferris reaches beyond the dry, impassioned cataloging of regional history and traditions. He will be in Memphis on Saturday to sign copies of "Give My Poor Heart Ease" at Davis-Kidd Booksellers and the Center for Southern Folklore.

The face of soul: Pictures document rhythm of the blues

mehr@commercialappeal.com (Bob Mehr) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0000

New York photographer Jacob Blickenstaff had an epiphany of sorts in Memphis in 2006. He'd come to town to attend the Ponderosa Stomp, the New Orleans-based heritage music festival that highlights forgotten and overlooked greats of R&B, soul, country and rock and roll. For Blickenstaff, it was a crucial moment that would shape his work for the next three years. Now, his efforts are being collected in a new photo exhibit at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Casino Scene: Snoop Dogg's 'Wonderland High' tour comes to Tunica

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:06:00 -0000

In the game more than 15 years now, rapper Snoop Dogg (born Cordazar Calvin Broadus) has long been the most contradictory of hip-hop artists. A former gang member and unapologetic pot smoker, he is, nevertheless, one of mainstream America’s most popular rappers, thanks to his easy wit and laid-back style. Snoop’s “Wonderland High” tour promoting his new album arrives in Tunica Saturday for a show at Harrah’s Tunica Event Center.

Commentary: Chuck Berry's 'Memphis, Tennessee'

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:46:00 -0000

If I had to name the best short story in the form of a song lyric, I suspect the winner would be Chuck Berry’s “Memphis, Tennessee,” first released as a B-side in 1959. Lately, it has been haunting me — the metrical precision of the lyrics, its emotional realism and, of course, the revelation in the penultimate line. You know the one: that this is a father’s mournful love song to his daughter, Marie, who is only 6 years old.

Eclectic experiences mature, grow singer-songwriter Neko Case

mehr@commercialappeal.com (Bob Mehr) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:00:00 -0000

It's early in the morning in Vermont and music is the furthest thing from Neko Case's mind. "Mostly I've been concentrating on hybrid seeds and farming," says the 39-year-old roots songstress from the multiacre spread she lives on in the northern part of the state. "It's nice to be near nature 'cause that's where I get most of my inspiration." Case gets back to her second nature, singing, when she performs at Minglewood Hall in Memphis on Wednesday.

Native son Tim Terry back to offer music venue

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:00:00 -0000

Neo-soul artist Tim Terry spent several years writing and recording in California, and after returning to his hometown of Memphis four years ago, he found the music scene here not particularly embracing of his brand of sophisticated R&B. You don't have a lot of venues that allow you to showcase original material. It's a mainstream-type of city where you have to follow the status quo."

Casino Scene: Lenny Kravitz's rock vision is undiminished

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:38:00 -0000

His most recent, last year's It Is Time For A Love Revolution, was one of his best-received and most accomplished efforts in years. That album also started Kravitz on a path back to his roots, a journey that has come full circle this year with a mammoth worldwide tour that marks the 20th anniversary of his debut album, Let Love Rule. The 50-date tour took in Europe, and a U.S. swing that includes a show Halloween night at Harrah's Tunica.

Southern pop poppa Mitch Easter headlines Memphis Pops Festival

mehr@commercialappeal.com (Bob Mehr) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:17:00 -0000

Starting in the early ’80s, Mitch Easter would craft a succession of influential and highly regarded albums for the likes of R.E.M., Game Theory, the Windbreakers, and Marshall Crenshaw. But his work in the studio meant that his first passion, playing music, was set to the side. Easter has returned to his first love — at least part time. On Friday, he’ll headline the third annual Memphis Pops Festival, a free concert taking place Downtown next to Earnestine & Hazel’s.

Dent May and his ukulele play just the right tune for fans

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:00:00 -0000

Despite such high-profile devotees as financier Warren Buffett and Beatle Paul McCartney, the ukulele is pretty well shunned in modern music. But from the unlikely wellspring of Mississippi, one musician has helped rehabilitate the ukulele’s status. Dent May, born and raised in Jackson, Miss., learned to play the ukulele from his mother, and now his wistful tunes and unusual instrumentation have won him plenty of press and acclaim. He plays the Hi-Tone in Memphis on Tuesday.

For Bettye LaVette, long-overdue change comes

mehr@commercialappeal.com (Bob Mehr) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:25:00 -0000

For Bettye LaVette, "The Great Lady of Soul," it has been a year of hard-won change and long-overdue recognition. On Tuesday, LaVette will perform, along with O'Jays singer Eddie Levert, at the National Civil Rights Museum's Freedom Awards gala. "Now, I'm getting to a place where all these things are happening, and people are coming to see Bettye LaVette. So I can finally be me."

Casinos still got game, but stage is draw

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:01:00 -0000

For a long time, casino entertainment was associated with cheesy lounge acts -- third-rate Sinatra wannabes and crusty magicians who let the trick out of the bag as often as not. But in recent years, casinos like the ones in Tunica have revamped their entertainment offerings, bringing in hipper, top-tier music acts and buzzed-about shows like the Cirque du Soleil productions in an effort to lure younger, more entertainment-savvy consumers in the door.

Jemina Pearl packs punch — on solo debut, vs. show hecklers

mehr@commercialappeal.com (Bob Mehr) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:00:00 -0000

Jemina Pearl is no shrinking violent. Though at a glance, she won't strike fear into anyone, the former Be Your Own Pet Singer and current solo artist has earned a reputation as someone not to be trifled with. Just last week, during a concert in Detroit, she responded to a violent front-row heckler with a little bit of rock and roll justice. According to several published reports, Pearl gave the much-bigger man an old-fashioned beatdown while her backing band played on.

All things music in Memphis celebrated

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:02:00 -0000

On Saturday, the Memphis Music Foundation kicks off its first Memphis Music Week, a celebration of local music and artists in all their different forms. "What we're attempting to do with this is cause the community in general and the business community specifically to appreciate that we can use our music to become ... a catalyst for economic empowerment," says Al Bell, former Stax head and newly appointed chairman of the nonprofit foundation.

R&B star Will Downing sings with renewed spirit

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:11:00 -0000

At the height of his career, smooth R&B singer Will Downing found himself at the lowest point in his personal life. In late 2006, the Grammy-nominated singer was diagnosed with polymyositis, a chronic disease that left him confined to a hospital bed, barely able to move. With his own body seemingly in revolt against him, the one thing that kept him going, the one part of himself that did not fail him, was his voice. Downing is back on his feet and is appearing Saturday at the Cannon Center with smooth jazz saxophonist Najee.

Life experiences, adventures fuel the music of Michelle Shocked

mehr@commercialappeal.com (Bob Mehr) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:36:00 -0000

After a lifetime of work, Michelle Shocked knows how to write a song. “I compare myself to an archer. I’ve been practicing hitting that target for so long that when I take aim, I’m pretty good at getting my shot in,” says the 47-year-old tunesmith. For Shocked, love and politics are the concepts at the heart of her latest album, Soul of My Soul. Touring in support of the disc, Shocked appears in concert tonight at Midtown's Hi-Tone Café, her first Memphis appearance since 2003.

Concert Review: Maxwell melts the crowd at FedExForum

mehr@commercialappeal.com (Bob Mehr) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:12:00 -0000

Maxwell’s “BLACKsummers’snight” tour brought him to the FedExForum Tuesday night to face a somewhat light, but wildly enthusiastic crowd. Emerging in dark suit and looking GQ slick, Maxwell proceeded to deliver a nearly two-hour set that blended his neo-soul sound with an air of old-school elegance. From the silken curtained backdrop to the stellar 10-piece big band backing him, every element of the show was designed to highlight the sophisticated cool at core of his music and persona.

For The Mars Volta, a trickle of music becomes a deluge

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:31:00 -0000

For Omar Rodríguez- López, the guitarist and chief sonic mastermind of the progressive rock group The Mars Volta, making music is a constant process. The El Paso, Texas, native spends most of his time writing and recording, becoming famous for his cache of unreleased music. "There's this big myth to songwriting and to ideas ... that it's this special thing," says Rodríguez-López, dismissing creative inspiration. The band will be in Memphis tonight performing at Minglewood Hall.

Casino Scene: Evans takes stage at Harrah's fest

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:00:00 -0000

Harrah's Casino will hold a three-day Fall Festival this weekend with rides, food and a carnival midway in its parking lot opening daily at noon. Also on tap is live music, including Sunday's night headliner, best-selling country artist Sara Evans. Evans, known for hits like "Born To Fly" as well as for a stint on the television show "Dancing With the Stars," recently signed on as national spokesperson for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's "Dream Home Giveaway."