MUSIC ON THE COUCH

SHOW # 141 - 01/21/13 - IBC PREVIEW

JOE WHITMER 

Joe Whitmer is Deputy Director of the IBC and is the main lead on the International Blues Challenge, ensuring it runs smoothly each year. Of course, he could not do it without the legion of volunteers. These folks take time off from their jobs, fly in, pay for their hotels and meals and still put in 15 hour days! I spoke with Joe about his getting involved in the Blues Foundation and the IBC. He talked about the most important things an act can and can't do before coming to Memphis and while here. We discussed recent rule and schedule changes and new technology being used to keep the world up to date.

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CHEF CHRIS - Segment Begins At The 38:36 Mark

With his band, The Nairobi Trio, Chef Chris came to Memphis in 2002 for the 18th IBC and they took first place in the Band Challenge. Throughout his life two passions have driven him, cooking and the blues. What has Chef Chris been up to since winning 11 years ago? He talked about the whirlwind he and the band experienced following the IBC and how one passion has taken a larger role in his life today. Chris talked about the Challenge and his thoughts on what an act needs to do to do well here in Memphis. We also checked out some tunes from the 2002 album, Ruff Cuts.

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WIRED! - Segment Begins At The 96:15 Mark

Last year's band Challenge winners, WIRED! Band takes their seats. I was joined by drummer Rick Jacobson and Bassist Keith Bakke as Guitarist Kevin Sutton suffered from the flu. We discussed their past year and the many festivals they were invited to play as a result of their win. They each discussed the best moment (other than the win) they experienced while in Memphis and also talked about their ideas for the way an act needs to navigate the IBC Week. We also listened to music from their album Washington Blues.

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THE RUSTY WRIGHT BAND - COUCH KID NEW MUSIC 

Segment Begins At The 134:45 Mark

Rusty Wright and Laurie Lacrosse-Wright, who originally sat with me back in May 2011,  joined me to bring their new album This, That & The Other Thing to The Couch. This new album shows all of the Rusty Wright Band strength. Originals and covers all delivered with strong lyrics and tasty licks. Rusty and Laurie discussed the album, the song selection, and their Kickstarter campaign.

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