Soul Country - Americana with a Groove

Will McFarlane is one of the great unsung heroes of the Muscle Shoals sound, catch him in #13 unpacking five decades of soul, country and R&B from the inside out. Guitarist for Bonnie Raitt from age 22 to 26, session ace for the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, and a master of the compact lick, McFarlane rode the late 70s with Bonnie through Little Feat, Tom Waits, Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy before Jimmy Johnson of the Swampers called him down to Alabama. He never left. From there he cut tracks for Etta James (with Jerry Wexler producing and Steve Winwood duetting), Bobby Blue Bland, Little Milton, Johnnie Taylor, Bobby Rush and a deep run of Malaco sessions with Roger Hawkins and David Hood. He plays signature licks live, including Last Two Dollars, soul rhythm chops and two-string chord work, and breaks down the fatback feel, the art of listening on the floor, and why a Telecaster can cut a session at one dB and you'll still feel it. Also in the mix: Jesse Ed Davis and Taj Mahal changing his life at 19, Roy…

The King of the Chitlin Circuit, Bobby Rush holds court with host Ric Stewart in Soul Country on country, comedy and blues. In this 1 minute trailer get a preview of the podcast get a flavor for Bobby's comedy, blues and funkiness as he plays a snatch of "I'm a Funky Bluesman." All that and more in Soul Country #2.

Dylan, Elvis and Orbison sideman Charlie McCoy is a hall of fame harmonica-centric multi-instrumentalist. Born in the same hospital where Hank Williams perished, McCoy brings his own mastery to many hits including "Take This Job and Shove It," "Delta Dawn," "Mohair Sam," "Guitar Man" and "The Boxer" among thousands of tracks. Elvis entrusted him on 13 albums and Dylan made him bandleader for 5 records waxed in Nashville.

A visual blast of Jonathon "Boogie" Long through the years as checks in for Soul Country #5. The Baton Rouge native demonstrates his sizzling guitar work with "Chicken Pickin'" blues, country and Southern Soul styles and stories. With his intense, heartfelt performances, Boogie Long has established himself as a high performance sideman to Luther Kent and his album and stage work with Samantha Fish among many others. Hear some hot licks and stories from this expert craftsmen in this trailer to the podcast

Olivia Wolf brings a rare blend of country, folk, and bluegrass into Soul Country with her live band and new release, Silver Rounds. In the live cutaways check out their Band-like takes, and her startling variety of moods, sonics and rhythms making this an eye opener. She's carving a new path by telling how it is. In the full podcast hear about the funky sounds she attributes to her penchant for Daft Punk textured by 90's household favorites like Lucinda Williams and Tom Waits. Her ear for the psychedelic sounds informs the spiritual journey, or so I'm told. ✌🏻She also previews her version of Crazy Mama, the J.J. Cale staple of Soul Country. Check out season 3 for Ivan Neville, Dean Parks, Charlie McCoy and trailers and playlists at @——Olivia Wolf is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter whose soulful blend of country, folk, and bluegrass resonates with raw emotion and authenticity. Raised in Northern California and shaped by the Appalachian sounds of Virginia and Tennessee, her debut album Silver Rounds…

Ivan Neville talks and plays The Rolling Stones, Keith Richards & The X-Pensive Winos and Robbie Robertson in the action-packed highlights to Soul Country #10. Seeped in the New Orleans funk and soul scene, Ivan has a unique spot classic rock history having recorded with the Rolling Stones on Dirty Work and Voodoo Lounge. His tasty piano licks make this a great spot to learn a bit about more in his full length podcast Ivan Neville where he plays a bit of what keyboard wizard James Booker taught him. Born August 19, 1959, in the Crescent City, Ivan—son of R&B icon Aaron Neville and nephew to The Neville Brothers—grew up steeped in funk, soul, and jazz. A multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire on keyboards, guitar, bass, and drums, he's left an indelible mark on the industry.Ivan's journey kicked off in the '80s with his debut album If My Ancestors Could See Me Now (1988), boasting hits like "Not Just Another Girl" and a duet with Bonnie Raitt. He toured with Raitt's band, played keys on The Rolling Stones'…

Patrick Sweany and McKinley James from East Nashville's resident blues purists, The Tiger Beats, drop in for Soul Country episode 1. They talk blues, country, The Rolling Stones and British Blues, Hollywood Fats, Bobby Blue Bland, Magic Sam, Clifton Chenier, Louis Jordan, Jump Blues, Howlin’ Wolf, Ray Charles, Hank Williams, Little Milton, Nirvana and pursuing retro-purity in Nashville. Catch the podcast, playlists, trailers, bios, photos and more at soulcountry.com Supported in part by grants from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation

Olivia Wolf brings her soulful blend of country, folk, and bluegrass into Soul Country. She plays a few and tells a few about how she put her band and latest release together. In this episode we hear clips of her band live in Nashville and her playing her tunes solo.The funky sounds she attributes to her penchant for Daft Punk textured by 90's household favorites like Lucinda Williams and Tom Waits. Her ear for the psychedelic sounds informs the spiritual journey, or so I'm told. ✌🏻She also previews her version of Crazy Mama, the J.J. Cale staple of Soul Country. ——Olivia Wolf is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter whose soulful blend of country, folk, and bluegrass resonates with raw emotion and authenticity. Raised in Northern California and shaped by the Appalachian sounds of Virginia and Tennessee, her debut album Silver Rounds (January 2025) explores themes of loss, resilience, and spiritual connection. Produced by Sean McConnell, the album reflects her journey through personal tragedy, into a sound…

If you've heard Steely Dan - you've heard the guitar artistry of Dean Parks. He plays "Peg," "Josie," "Haitian Divorce" and "Rikki Don't Lose That Number." In this exclusive episode, Dean shares stories from his collaborations with music giants like Eric Clapton, Crosby & Nash, and Johnny Rivers. Discover how he became a key player on The Sonny and Cher Show and hear his expert advice for aspiring guitarists. We wrap up with a stunning improvised original performance, showcasing Parks’ soulful artistry. Don’t miss this deep dive into the career of a guitar legend whose riffs helped define an era. Tune in to Soul Country for an unforgettable journey through music history with Dean Parks! Dean Parks is a legendary session guitarist whose versatile playing has shaped countless iconic recordings. Born in 1947 in Fort Worth, Texas, Parks began his musical journey early, mastering guitar across genres like jazz, rock, and pop. His distinctive style—marked by melodic precision and soulful phrasing—made him a go-to…

Ivan Neville plays and talks thru an illustrious history recording with the Rolling Stones in the 80's, becoming a sounding board for Robbie Robertson, stepping into his uncle Art's shoes for the Funky Meters show at Funk Fest and his festival dates with Dumpstaphunk. Ivan and seen it all, and taking the cue from his father Aaron Neville's golden pipes, he registers a great vocal every time. He plays Longhair, Dumsta, Keith and Mick and his own compositions in this down home and funky episode of Soul Country.

With credits including Elvis, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, Charlie McCoy describes highlights from his hall of fame career on Soul Country. Find out what it was like recording on Simon & Garfunkel's, "The Boxer," Dylan's "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 from bandleader and master harp player who doubles on bass and triples on guitar. His multi-instrumental prowess meant more Nashville sessions with Jerry Reed, Chet Atkins, James Burton and more.

Baton Rouge native Jonathon “Boogie” Long demonstrates his sizzling guitar work with “Chickin’ Pickin'” blues and country styles from this master craftsman in Soul Country #5. With his intense, heartfelt performances, Boogie Long has established himself as a high performance sideman to Luther Kent and many others including years alongside Samantha Fish. His singer-songwriter material shows he is a well-rounded talent worthy of his 2019 admission to the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. The trailer is culled from several years of New Orleans Cigar Box Guitar Festivals and other exclusives. Production made possible in part with grants from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.

Pianist Ben Sidran recounts recording with the Rolling Stones on the Beggars Banquet sessions in 1968 London. Ben's signature piano also work graces Soul Country #8, as he discusses his decades in jazz, including 40 albums and dozens of radio and TV programs for NPR and VH-1.After a few years in the UK spent obtaining a Phd in American Studies, he co-wrote "Space Cowboy" with Steve Miller in SF and became a professor at University of Wisconsin at Madison, authoring a half dozen books along the way. Get ready for some insights into the classic rock era in late-60's London with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Pete Townshend and Eric Clapton. His jazz work also impresses on disc and in the roster of interviewees Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and Sun Ra, really who gets this talent on their show?? Sponsored in part with grants from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation. #bensidran #jazz #jazzpiano #moseallison #petetownshend #thewho #mickjagger #rollingstones #milesdavis #sunra #npr #vh-1 #stevemiller #bozscalls…

Jonathon 'Boogie' Long checks in for Soul Country #5. The celebrated guitarist from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is well known for his powerful blend of blues, rock, and soul. He built a reputation as a top sideman before impressing as a singer-songwriter, he was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame before turning 30! Hear some hot licks and stories from an expert at his craft in #5. Boogie gained widespread recognition with his debut album, Trying to Get There (2013), which featured standout tracks like "The River" and "Pray for Me." His follow-up self-titled album in 2018 included the popular song "Bury Me." Boogie has earned several accolades, including winning the 2011 Guitar Center King of the Blues competition. With his intense, heartfelt performances, Boogie Long has established himself as a formidable force in the modern blues landscape. #blues #soul #soulcountry #guitar #cigarboxguitar #neworleans #batonrouge #Louisianamusic #bluescenter #zztop #gospel #slimharpo #buddyguy #lutherkent

In Soul Country #7 we shine a spotlight on Bruce 'Sunpie' Barnes, a revered musician, cultural historian, former NFL'er and National Park Ranger who has become a pillar of New Orleans' vibrant music scene. Sunpie demonstrates a dazzling array styles on harmonica, accordion and piano, playing key songs from his repertoire in #7. He learned from his father in Arkansas, a contemporary of Sonny Boy Williamson, and many legendary mentors in New Orleans music scene. His music thusly is a powerful blend of blues, zydeco, gospel, and Afro-Caribbean influences, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of the region. Exploring world music took Sunpie to Africa to get deeper into the roots and learn styles of South African accordion playing. That expertise caught the ear of Paul Simon and Sting with whom Sunpie has toured on multiple continents. Host Ric Stewart and Sunpie discuss the fusion of different musical traditions in the South and how these sounds have shaped the cultural identity of New Orleans and beyond.…

Erin Coburn is a dynamic guitarist and singer-songwriter known for her electrifying performances and soulful blues-rock sound. Hailing from Kentucky, she blends modern rock with classic blues influences, captivating audiences with her powerful voice, intricate guitar work, and passionate stage presence. Her music resonates with authenticity and raw emotion. She drops by Soul Country to share some old tunes, tales from the road and a bit about her tech stack. The multi-instrumentalist is gearing up a new band and sound to take to stages this fall. She also discusses a history of writing songs that began at age 13 after school and is now maturing into a second decade. Season 2, Episode 2 was recorded in Nashville, TN.#erincoburn #americana #guitar #electricguitar #nashville #metal #cincinnati #soulcountry #thebluescenter #bluescenter

Multi-Grammy winner, King of the Chitlin Circuit and stand-up comedian - and guy, Bobby Rush relaxes into Soul Country. Episode #2 features Bobby's funky licks on guitar and harp and discussion of his Mississippi and Chicago blues histories. He talks and plays Chicken Heads, Country & Western, blues and pookie poo. Host Ric Stewart leads the charge into Soul Country - where this time the stuff is funky.

Gary Talley talks about his amazing run since the 1960's in country, R&B and rock in Soul Country #4. The original Box Tops guitarist recounts legendary encounters, gigs and sessions with Dr. John, The Beach Boys, The Doors, Billy Preston, Willie and Waylon, and, of course, former bandmate Alex Chilton. You'll hear a rendition of "The Letter," "Cry Like a Baby," Sam Cooke's "Bring it on Home to Me" and "Whiter Shade of Pale." Soul Country captures tales from the intersection of countrified, R&B and bluesy Americana with podcasts featuring interviews and this is your life highlights from remarkable musicians, writers and producers. Soul Country's origin story has just been released - Blues, Rock, hit Soul Country, a 28-minute music doc full of exclusive performances and interviews from Rock and Soul Hall of Famers and Grammy winners. Check out all the episodes and the movie at SoulCountry.com and follow the podcast on your favorite platform.#soulcountry #soul #theboxtops #alexchilton #danpenn #billypreston…

Gary Talley talks about his amazing run since the 1960's in R&B, rock and country in Soul Country #4. The original Box Tops guitarist recounts legendary encounters, gigs and sessions with The Doors, Billy Preston, Willie and Waylon, Dr. John, The Beach Boys and, of course, former bandmate Alex Chilton. You'll hear a rendition of "The Letter," "Cry Like a Baby," Sam Cooke's "Bring it on Home to Me" and "Whiter Shade of Pale." Soul Country captures tales from the intersection of countrified, R&B and bluesy Americana with podcasts featuring interviews and this is your life highlights from remarkable musicians, writers and producers. Soul Country's origin story has just been released - “Blues, Rock, hit Soul Country” a 28-minute music doc full of exclusive performances and interviews from Rock and Soul Hall of Famers and Grammy winners. For the movie, trailers and more check out SoulCountry.com

Multi-Grammy®-winner, feature film actor and now author Chris Thomas King joins host Ric Stewart for an overview of The Blues: The Authentic Narrative of My Music and Culture. The free ranging talk addresses the Creole Origins, his work on O Brother Where Art Thou? and his start with Arhoolie records. For playlists and other exclusIves, check out soulcountry.com.

Multi-Grammy®-winner, feature film actor and now author Chris Thomas King joins host Ric Stewart for an overview of The Blues: The Authentic Narrative of My Music and Culture. The free ranging talk addresses the Creole Origins, his work on O Brother Where Art Thou? and his start with Arhoolie records. For playlists and other exclusIves, check out soulcountry.com.

Multi-Grammy winner, King of the Chitlin Circuit and stand-up comedian - and guy, Bobby Rush relaxes into Soul Country. Episode #2 features Bobby's funky licks on guitar and harp and discussion of his Mississippi and Chicago blues histories. He talks and plays Chicken Heads, Country & Western, blues and pookie poo. Host Ric Stewart leads the charge into Soul Country - where this time the stuff is funky.

Patrick Sweany and McKinley James from East Nashville's resident blues purists, The Tiger Beats, drop in for Soul Country episode 1. They talk blues, country, The Rolling Stones and British Blues, Hollywood Fats, Bobby Blue Bland, Magic Sam, Clifton Chenier, Louis Jordan, Jump Blues, Howlin’ Wolf, Ray Charles, Hank Williams, Little Milton, Nirvana and pursuing retro-purity in Nashville. Catch the podcast, playlists, trailers, bios, photos and more at soulcountry.com Supported in part by grants from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation