Music of the River City

Shelby Martin Anderson is a singer, guitarist, songwriter and teacher who cut his teeth in the Austin music scene and now performs as solo acoustic act around central Mississippi. We talk looper pedals, guitar magazines, and Shelby's approach for solo performing.

Together, singer and guitarist Julie Harrison and her husband and drummer Josh Harrison are Opalescent Sky. Performing acoustic renditions of 90s hits and singer-songwriter favorites, they always get the audience singing along. In this interview we talk about how they got started performing together and the music that engages them.

Pianist, organist and choir director Julia Blake and violinist Nick Blake join me for an interview. We talk about playing music in church, genre purists, raising a musical family, and how Irish music - and a plate of cookies - brought them together.

Death Throes from a Star are a Vicksburg-based band that features Adam Rogan on drums, Jordan Wilson on bass, and Palmer Shiers on guitar. Their music is pensive and powerful, and in this interview we talk about their songwriting process, approach to jamming, and reverb pedals!

Jerrel Cooper has been playing music in and around Vicksburg for decades, performing as a singer, guitarist, bassist, drummer, and bandleader. Now, as the leader of the Levi's Gathering Place, he still does it all for the people - to connect with the musicians and music fans of his community. I had a great time talking to Jerrel, and I know you'll enjoy listening!

Don Hill is a singer, guitarist, songwriter, and leader of the jam sessions on The Roof at 1311. In this interview we talk about songwriting, jam sessions, Don's band the Down Hill, and the growing Vicksburg music scene.

Zechariah Lloyd is an singer, guitarist, and award winning songwriter from Vicksburg, MS. In this interview we talk about how he got into writing songs, his approach to music and songwriting, and Zechariah talks about making his first music video after becoming Mississippi's songwriter of the year in 2022.

Andy Arthur has run sound for Grammy winning artists like Jason Crabb and Christone "Kingfish" Ingram. He's also the drummer for Howl and the Big Bad Wolves. In this interview, Andy talks about how becoming a Christian changed his music, some of the great artists he's worked with, why he enjoys running sound, and, for the drummers out there, the Purdie shuffle.

Ashley Dawson books talent and organizes jam nights and singer-songwriter sessions at one of Vicksburg's best music venues - The Roof at 1311. Ashley is working hard to provide a fun atmosphere for the people of Vicksburg to enjoy live music by local musicians. We talk about The Roof and all the great things they have going in this episode.

Doug Spires and Tim Goodson are music ministers in Vicksburg, Mississippi who have written some great songs, individually and as a team. In this episode we talk songwriting, music ministry, and debate song lyrics.

Cindy Veazey and Eric Fowler are a big part of the Vicksburg music scene - from recording to live production to performing to theater to songwriting. In this fun, wide-ranging interview we talk about Studio 61, Devil's Duo, Howl and Wolf, and much more!

Shirley Stuart is reprising her role as Louise Seger in Always Patsy Cline at the Vicksburg Theatre Guild this May. We talk about Patsy Cline, handbells, Shirley's vocal group, and much more in this great interview.

Patchwork - featuring Jenni Piazza-Taylor on vocals, Clint Barela on bass, Brian Robbins on drums, Rusty Gardener on guitar, and Steve Taylor running sound - is a Vicksburg band that plays everything from rockabilly to metal, and has fun doing it. We laughed a lot during this conversation as the group talked about their experiences with the band.

Christie Beasley is the director of the Vicksburg Chamber Choir and the choir director at St. Aloysius High School in Vicksburg. A lifelong musician, Christie has a passion for music education and helping kids connect with music. We talk about learning to sing, pop versus classical vocal techniques, and Christies experience as the director of the Chamber Choir

Rachel Storey has played piano most of her life and recently finished her Masters degree in piano performance. She's been teaching piano to students covering a wide range of ages and also been playing and singing at her church. We talk about all that and about striking the right balance between ego and confidence as a musician.

Nathan Hoben is a guitarist and the administrator of the "Queue the Music" Facebook group. We talk about guitars, pedals, and going digital with your rig. We also talk about some of the interesting guitars and equipment we've found recently. Nathan talks about starting the Facebook group and his aspirations for the Vicksburg music scene.

Noel Tello has been performing music in and around Vicksburg for over three decades. His wife, Missy, recently directed her first musical, 1940's Radio Hour. Noels current band, Blue Dog and the Subwoofers, features their son, Nick, on drums. Missy and Noel join me to talk about music, theater, and performing. We had a ton to talk about and it was a great conversation!

David Goodin, Joshua Goodin, and Cody Salter join me to discuss our new album, Feast of Trumpets.

Jerry Stuckey has been playing guitar for bands in Vicksburg for nearly four decades. In this episode we talk about all things guitar. Jerry talks about the differences in being the only guitar in his current band versus the two-guitar lineups he's been a part of, compares playing rhythm on acoustic and electric, and talks about getting involved in playing guitar at church. We also talk about his gig at Riverfest a few years ago. Don't miss it!

This is part 2/2 of my top 50 album draft with Dan Edney of Mighty River Records. We took turns picking our favorite albums, 25 picks each. In part 1, we made it through the first half of picks. In part 2, we finish up all 50 picks. Dr. Edney draws me into a long ode to Eric Clapton, and there are some laughs and surprise picks along the way!

Dan Edney, owner and operator of Mighty River Records, joins me for a top 50 album draft. We take turns choosing our favorite albums, with our picks now available at Mighty River Records. Whoever sells the most wins! This episode is part 1 of 2.

Author, musician, and Grammy winner Elijah Wald is a leading expert in blues history and Robert Johnson. He joins me to talk about Mississippi Delta Blues, Robert Johnson, and the history of blues music.

This episode features an interview with Vicksburg-based rapper Quinton Harris, aka Saqred. We talk about his new single "Good Enough" and his upcoming EP "Breakthrough." We also get into his approach to songwriting and producing.

Singer, songwriter, and worship leader Landy Maughon joins me to talk about his music, experiences as a worship leader, and watching his kids develop their own talent as Maharmony.

Guitarist and Vicksburg native Carl Crowther discusses his love of guitar, playing classical music, and the music scene in Austin, Texas. Carl also plays a couple of pieces for us. Enjoy!

This episode features an interview with "The Goodins" - Cody Salter on trumpet, Joshua Goodin on drums, and David Goodin on bass. I interviewed the Goodins after a rehearsal for our upcoming gig at the Levee Street Marketplace for their Christmas open house event on December 5th, 2020. The end of the episode features a song by the Goodins, so stick around for the whole thing!

Misty and Jason Fairchild discuss their duo, Simpatico. We talk about songs they love, their music background, and what they're planning for the future. I count down my top 5 favorite early 90's country novelty songs in "Music I Love and I Think You'll Love Too."

Dorothy Brasfield is the Administrative Director of the Conservatory of the Fine Arts in Vicksburg, MS and the organist for the Church of the Holy Trinity. She's touched many lives with her passion and enthusiasm over her decades as a music educator and performer. In this episode, she talks about learning piano from her mother, lessons learned from work as a music teacher, and the history and future of the Conservatory.

Chief City might be the hardest rocking band in Vicksburg, with Adam Rogan on drums, Jeremy Luckett on bass, and Jordan Wilson on guitar and vocals. This episode has an interview with the band and music from their album, "Greetings from Chief City", available on bandcamp.com

Mark Winters, owner of Versatile Recording Studio in Vicksburg, has been working in recording for 30 years. Along the way he's met and worked with some big names in the music industry. Now Mark is working in Vicksburg and keeping a strong focus on helping his community. You'll enjoy hearing Mark's story and learning more about Versatile. This episode also features a countdown of my five favorite album covers.

This episode features an interview with Jack Hollingsworth. Longtime Vicksburg residents will remember his group, "The Blue Boys" from the 70s and 80s and his gospel albums from the 90s. In this interview, Jack takes us along his five-decade journey from rock & roll to country to gospel. He also performs a gospel song - "The Greatest Hero". Warren Central Junior Radyn Horton is highlighted in our Student Feature, singing and playing the piano.

Alaina Fordice, Paul Ballard, and Dorothy Brasfield discuss preparations for the Vicksburg Theater Guild's upcoming performance of "The Sound of Music". Alaina is playing the role of Maria, Dr. Ballard is directing, and Mrs. Brasfield is accompanying on piano. Alaina talks about getting started in the theater and her approach to performing Maria. We discuss the ins and outs of putting on a well-known and beloved show like "The Sound of Music". Alaina performs a number from the show.

Pianist, composer, and high-school senior Jacob Runnels is featured in our "Student Segment". A new segment, "Overrated, Underrated", is introduced, featuring an in depth comparison between Stax and Motown.

Guitarist Mark Doyle and harmonica player Bud Carson have played blues together for over 4 decades, developing a rollicking style that's all their own. Along the way, they've played with legends like Little Richard and Willie Dixon, seen the decline and resurgence of traditional blues, and never lost their enthusiasm for playing music. You'll enjoy this interview as Mark recounts going on the road with Little Richard and Bud relates the time he jammed with Willie Dixon outside Michel's record shop.

New Orleans jazz trumpeter and Vicksburg native Adam Arredondo talks about learning the trumpet, working as a jazz musician in New Orleans, and the evolving relationship between dance and jazz. Stick around to the very end to hear Adam's original composition, "Lazy Days".

Glenda Arredondo has been a singer and actress performing in Vicksburg for over 20 years. She's had some interesting and hilarious experiences along the way, reprising her role as Mamie in "Gold in the Hills" hundreds of times and channeling Patsy Cline for the musical "Always... Patsy Cline." In this episode, I talk with Glenda about how she got into theater and singing, her approach to playing Patsy and Mamie, and the music that's influenced her vocal style.

This episode features an interview with Miss Golden Triangle Holly Brand. Many listeners will remember Holly from her time as Miss Vicksburg's Outstanding Teen and Miss Mississippi's Outstanding Teen in 2017, as well as her more recent appearances in the Miss Mississippi Pageant. Holly and I discuss her approach to preparing music for pageant competition, learning five instruments, and learning to yodel. We also get to hear one of Holly's original songs.

Greg Green is a singer, guitarist, and banjoist who has been playing in and around Vicksburg for over 20 years. In this episode we talk about Greg's inspiration for learning the banjo, TV repair shops, songwriting, and all points in between. Greg plays us a snippet of an unfinished song, Mississippi Flood, and treats us to a little banjo pickin.

An interview with Jennifer and Jamie Tillotson. Jennifer talks about being a church pianist, a music educator, and her new role as co-producer of the Miss Mississippi pageant. Jamie talks about playing drums and the noisy fun of raising kids who also play drums. Both Jennifer and Jamie share words of wisdom from their life as musicians.

This episode features an interview with Dan Edney, owner of Mighty River Records. We discuss what makes listening to vinyl a unique experience, why vinyl is making a comeback, and go over a few basics for listeners just getting into vinyl. We also get to to hear Dr. Edney's list of "must-have" records for any vinyl collector.

Vicksburg musician and songwriter Ralph Miller talks about learning the guitar, his approach to songwriting, and how he's adjusting his performances during the 2020 coranavirus lockdown. We also listen to one of Ralph's original songs, "Autumn Leaves Falling".

Season 1 of "Music of the River City" is coming soon! Stay tuned for interviews with you favorite - or new favorite - Vicksburg musicians.