Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian | Ezra Wheeler

More than 100 previously unreleased Stax recordings made public this week

ezrawheeler.1@gmail.com (Ezra Wheeler) — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 15:35:53 -0500

A 7-CD box set brings together 146 demos from the legendary label, including 140 previously unreleased recordings.

Move over, Mariah: Ring in the season with Memphis music instead

ezrawheeler.1@gmail.com (Ezra Wheeler) — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 04:00:05 -0600

The 12 days of Memphis music includes gems from Robby Grant, B.B. King, Valerie June, Otis Redding, Cordell Jackson, Jessie Mae Hemphill, Star & Micey, Indo G, and more.

New, daylong music festival debuts at Crosstown Concourse

ezrawheeler.1@gmail.com (Ezra Wheeler) — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 06:59:28 -0600

“We talk a lot about ‘the Memphis Sound,’ which means something very different if you’re discussing rock or soul or hip-hop. Our goal was to build a lineup that showcases what the ‘Memphis Sound’ means in various contexts.”

Memphis sounds: Five must-listen local albums for the fall

ezrawheeler.1@gmail.com (Ezra Wheeler) — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 18:57:26 -0600

2022 has been a banner year for new Memphis music, and this fall is no exception.

Sivad’s 1963 single rises again with reissue

ezrawheeler.1@gmail.com (Ezra Wheeler) — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 20:13:32 -0500

In 1963, “Sivad Buries Rock and Roll” failed to reach the heights of “Monster Mash,” but Watson Davis, aka Sivad, was backed by an assemblage of respected Memphis musicians for the single, which has an unexpectedly solid and infectious groove.

Sheiks, Subteens heat things up as Sweat Fest returns

ezrawheeler.1@gmail.com (Ezra Wheeler) — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 10:39:49 -0500

Shangri-La Records is bringing back its popular summer event, with an impressive line-up and a pandemic-sized backlog of record deals.

Air ways and airwaves: Local air traffic controller makes name for herself as DJ

ezrawheeler.1@gmail.com (Ezra Wheeler) — Sat, 2 Jul 2022 10:22:28 -0500

“It’s all about establishing a rhythm,” said Ashley Wimbush/DJ Alpha Whiskey. “When I’m talking to planes, I have to keep things focused and moving, which isn’t that different from working a crowd with my music.”

With new Memphis music festival, the MVPs are the venues

ezrawheeler.1@gmail.com (Ezra Wheeler) — Tue, 10 May 2022 08:37:25 -0500

It might have began as a joke, but Memphis’ MVP Fest — started by a group of high schoolers — is a serious commitment to the local music scene.

Spin doctor: How a Downtown hotel has become a home for music lovers

ezrawheeler.1@gmail.com (Ezra Wheeler) — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 09:56:07 -0500

At Eight & Sand, where old-school vibes meet state-of-the-art technology, Chad Weekley is responsible for making sure the music is bumping — and that it’s primarily from Memphis.

Harbor Town's River Series returns with Mouserocket, Greg Cartwright

ezrawheeler.1@gmail.com (Ezra Wheeler) — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 13:53:31 -0500

Now in its seventh year, the River Series announces its spring concerts on three Saturdays: April 30, May 14, and June 4.

Bigger gets better: Local Americana star releases new album

ezrawheeler.1@gmail.com (Ezra Wheeler) — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 04:00:07 -0500

Although she just celebrated her 22nd birthday, Bailey Bigger is already a well-established presence in the local music scene and a rising star within the world of Americana.

From 'Texaco' to 'U Night,' CBHS songwriter coming into his own

ezrawheeler.1@gmail.com (Ezra Wheeler) — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 04:00:07 -0500

Much of the local buzz around Son.Person has sprung from his dynamic and self-assured live performances, which have been ramping up recently as COVID-related restrictions are lifted.

Tambourine Bash showcases Memphis music today

ezrawheeler.1@gmail.com (Ezra Wheeler) — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 19:06:10 -0500

Music Export Memphis’ annual Tambourine Bash brings local musicians together, showcases them for local fans, and helps them take their music on the road.

From ‘Alone at Parties’ to on the road, Memphis’ Blvck Hippie breaks out

ezrawheeler.1@gmail.com (Ezra Wheeler) — Fri, 1 Oct 2021 04:00:12 -0500

With his band Blvck Hippie, Josh Shaw’s joined a growing Memphis renaissance of young Black artists. And with a debut album getting buzz, he’s taking the show on the road.

After virtual 2020, punk/garage-rock gathering Gonerfest retakes the stage

ezrawheeler.1@gmail.com (Ezra Wheeler) — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 12:26:00 -0500

After a streaming-only 2020, Gonerfest will bring punk and garage-rock bands and fans to town for an all-outdoor, fully vaccinated return festival, but will keep last year’s virtual option.

'Blast' off: Musicians follow Memphis tradition with new indie label

ezrawheeler.1@gmail.com (Ezra Wheeler) — Wed, 4 Aug 2021 04:00:09 -0500

“Like Sam Phillips, one of our goals is to release local music that is raw, visceral, and real,” says Graham Winchester.

‘Blue’ sounds: Rodd Bland brings his dad’s music back to Beale

ezrawheeler.1@gmail.com (Ezra Wheeler) — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 04:00:14 -0500

Second-generation Memphis musician Rodd Bland, the son of late soul/blues great Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland, pays tribute to his father’s sound, on a new tribute album and a Beale Street concert.

A room with a tune: Memphis Listening Lab is a music fan's dream come true

ezrawheeler.1@gmail.com (Ezra Wheeler) — Fri, 9 Jul 2021 10:32:47 -0500

The Memphis Listening Lab lets visitors explore more than half a century of pop music.

Rhodes, Bobby Rush create Memphis version of 'America the Beautiful'

ezrawheeler.1@gmail.com (Ezra Wheeler) — Fri, 2 Jul 2021 09:50:50 -0500

Despite suffering from COVID-19 just last year, Bobby Rush has been on a tear since his recovery.

An architect of the 'Memphis Sound' tells his story in new book

ezrawheeler.1@gmail.com (Ezra Wheeler) — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 04:00:06 -0500

Legendary drummer Howard Grimes discusses Stax, Hi and his biggest influences as a drummer. His autobiography, “Timekeeper: My Life In Rhythm,” co-written with author Preston Lauterbach, will be released on Devault Graves Books on July 1.