Season 4, Ep. 7: Mark Edgar Stuart

Mark is the founder of South Main Sounds which essentially a record store but one that is also a “songwriter venue in Downtown Memphis and advocates for original music.”

Andria Brown is the founder of Folk All Y’all which is an organization that endeavors to create “intimate, attentive listening rooms presenting world-class singer-songwriters all over Memphis.” Andria began providing these spaces in her own home and soon this labor of love grew into a network of contributors.

Carl and I had the pleasure of working with Joshua during the Wednesday Night Titans show where McLane and Brennan performed with their band, HEELS. Joshua is a comic in Memphis. An art form for which, I dare say, Memphis is not necessarily known. We have a candid conversation about McLane’s life within each his performing arts.

Part 2 of our conversation with Rod and Steve.

Rod Norwood is a font of knowledge when it comes to vintage guitars. A dealer for decades, we get into the world of the vintage guitar market and all the related shenanigans. Steve Selvidge and Rod have known each other for quite some time and their relationship on social media is all but legendary. We have attempted to get these two on the show for 2 seasons now and we finally did it. Enjoy the ride.

We wrap up season 4 with the loveliest of chats with none other than Amy LaVere. Amy is a bassist, singer/songwriter and Archer Records recording artist. Amy talks very plainly about the realities of the music business. On the road sometimes 200+ nights per year we discuss the challenges of travel, touring and performing with her husband Will Sexton, and even a few tips for caring for your voice. Then naturally we talk about sewing and cooking and how it is obviously time for her to make a Christmas album. A wide ranging conversation to say the least.

Hailing from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Stuart came to Memphis on an orchestra scholarship as a double bassist. Soon he became a session bassist around town. While he still works as a bassist you are just as likely to him playing guitar and singing his originals. His songwriting is story driven and often autobiographical in the best way. We talk about the a life of gigging, the creative process, and a positive take on music in the nineties for Memphis and north MS music. Go hear Mark!

Susan is synonymous with Memphis music. Marshall’s first pro session was with producer Tom Dowd and Lynyrd Skynyrd…not to shabby. As with many of our guests this season we discuss transitions. In Susan’s case, transition from musical theatre, to session vocalist, to artist, to producer. We get into when to simply shut up and listen and other nuggets of wisdom in this interview that need heeding.

Steve Selvidge was born into Memphis music. His earliest musical influence was his father, Sid Selvidge, a folk blues musician and gifted singer who was known for his solo performances, for playing with Furry Lewis, and for his longtime association with Jim Dickinson, Lee Baker, and Jimmy Crosthwait in the supergroup Mudboy and the Neutrons. To this day, Steve continues the tradition, keeping their repertoire alive with the group Sons of Mudboy, alongside Jimmy Crosthwait, Luther and Cody Dickinson, Ben Baker, and extended Mudboy family members.Co-founder of 1990’s era psychedelic funk group Big Ass Truck, Steve is known for his virtuosity on the guitar, his voice, and his ability to fully engage an audience, whether he’s playing blistering rock guitar solos at sold out concerts on big stages or singing folk blues favorites in a tiny, packed bar in Memphis. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and on late night shows with David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, and Jools Holland. As a touring musician for the past 25 years, he’s played across the United States, Europe, and Australia. As a session musician, he’s played guitar on more than 60 albums. He is currently a member of the Brooklyn based group The Hold Steady

After pulling a twelve hour night shift as a trauma nurse Hope Clayburn sat down for an interview about the music she makes with the multiple bands she gigs with. In other words Hope Clayburn is a badass. Our conversation with Hope was a journey from Connecticut to Memphis, to Africa, to Brazil. She is a saxophonist and songwriter, leader and sidewoman, charismatic and kind. We had a lot of fun hanging out. Enjoy!