Live from Sun Studios: Adam Levy

Yet another session of Live from Sun Studios is up, this one featuring Adam Levy.

  Interview

As mentioned in the Amber Rubarth post, Adam Levy is part of Norah Jones’ Handsome Band.  In the Sun Studio piece, he performs In the Morning, which he wrote and Norah included on her Feels Like Home CD.

Adam is an accomplished guitar man, providing the solo on Tracey Chapman’s Give Me One Reason:

I knew I liked this guy from the Amber Rubarth vid, and then it is confirmed with the fact that he played guitar on Amos Lee’s debut CD:

  Colors

You may recall that Amos opened for Norah Jones for a while and that debut CD was produced by Lee Alexander, Norah Jones’ bass guitarist and shack-up.

Here’s Washing Day, performed by Amber Rubarth and written by Adam Levy.  Yes, it do go ’round in circles….

Through the wonders of YouTube, I even found this rendition of Johnny B. Goode performed by Levy and his high school band, back in the glorious year of 1982.

 

Grace of the Sun (Studio Sessions)

Somebody gave me a heads up that Grace Potter & The Nocturnals were kicking off artist sessions from the famed Sun Studios in Memphis, TN.

Now I’ve been to Sun Studios several times. It’s located at 706-710 Union Avenue, right in the heart of Memphis. It’s known as the birthplace of Rock & Roll, where Sam Phillips discovered the Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins, widely known as Phillips’ Million Dollar Quartet.

Here’s a recording of a jam session when all happened to be at the studio one day….you might recognize the tune.

But, I digress.

Sun Studios is a very simple place. It was never about the surroundings, acoustics or fancy mixers…it was (and is again) about the music.

I think it’s appropriate that Grace Potter kick off these sessions, as she is surely “about the music”. The sessions are designed to highlight up and coming talent, both known and not so well known. They will be featuring new artists each Monday, Wednesday and Friday through the blog, Live From Sun Studios. I’ve added it to the Blog Roll here, so make sure to check them out. If the upcoming sessions are as good as Grace’s inaugural contribution of Mystery Train, then we’re all in for a treat.

As for Grace, my friend John Furnari informs me that Grace’s train just keeps running. The young Ms. Potter is gaining wide acclaim, recently jamming with The Meters on JamCruise. It’s also just been announced that GPTN will be performing on the bill with Tom Petty, Radiohead, Ben Harper, Steve Winwood, Wilco, Jack Johnson, Drive-By Truckers, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Regina Spektor, Donovan Frankenreiter, and MANY more at Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival in San Fransisco, August 22-24. All you West Coasters need to make this one a priority.

For all the latest on GPTN, make sure to stop by ThisisSomewhere.com. Somebody’s always glad to see you there.

 

Memphis in the Meantime, Baby.

John Hiatt & The Goners

Today is a new day. A new year.

I’ll be up in Memphis for my new job for the rest of the week, but I’ll be checking in.

Working on some thoughts on the music biz that I hope to get up before Friday. Until then, have a great start to ’08, and say a little prayer for me in sub-freezing temps.

YIKES!!

 

Memphis in the Meantime

Until I’m readily available again….a reminder provided by an old friend.

The difference between Memphis and Nashville.

Chris Smither

John Hiatt

 

Memphis on My Mind

Of the cities I’ve lived in, Memphis was my favorite. It’s just too far from “home” and from the water, but a great city. It’s on my mind.

Walkin’ in Memphis, Marc Cohn

I loved Memphis in May, The Pyramid, Mud Island, and The Redbirds. The people are inviting, genuine and eclectic. The skyline is dynamic and downtown has seen a pretty amazing transformation.

Memphis Skyline, Rufus Wainwright

Memphis’ musical history started with W.C. Handy, “King of the Blues”, and was elevated to new heights by Elvis Presley and Sam Phillips. Via Sun Records, Memphis produced Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and “The King” himself.

Memphis, TN, Chuck Berry & John Lennon

Memphis continues to be a “crossroads” from East to West, North to South, where music, good food, and great people meet.

I’ve Been to Memphis, Lyle Lovett

While different from Nashville in the type of music produced, Memphis is a “music” city….just a little more nitty gritty.

Music Makin’ Mama from Memphis, Hank Snow

A storied and turbulent history produces a spirit of perseverance there…an air of survival. It’s truly a Gateway to the Deep South.

My Heart’s in Memphis, Irma Thomas

From B.B. King to Stax superstars, Memphis has produced music that has shaped musical history with its wondrous “soul”.

Memphis Soul Stew, King Curtis

With fond remembrance of a great old, new city….I kinda feel this way:

Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again, Bob Dylan

Is everything old, new again?