Ric Chetter - From Radioland

Episode 375: Cooking With Kenny Wilkerson

Nova Rex was once named as one of the top 50 metal bands of the 1980's and they are still rockin'. Although the pandemic has slowed things down, they are planning on being back out on the road this summer. Bassist Kenny Wilkerson sat down with Ric to talk about the rock and roll world, his influences and some stories from the road. Apparently, there were some really wild times when they came through Memphis. Also, Kenny has a new book out featuring recipes from other musicians. All the proceeds from the sale of this book goes to a worthy cause and you will hear all about it in this episode. Plus, Ric has vaccine news and an update from the Studio C food bank.

NEXT WEEK: Bobby Rush

 

Episode 374: When Oak Trees Attack & John Primer

It is that time of the year when the single most offensive thing happening in the back yard is an oak tree. Also, Ric & Natalie sit down with Chicago bluesman John Primer to have a chat about his long and storied career spanning at least 86 albums. Not to mention the fact he can remember everything that ever happened to him. Fascinating stories, great laughs and some music from one of the best in the business.

NEXT WEEK: Kenny Wilkerson of Nova Rex

 

Episode 373: Suburban Gangsters Author Michael Dineen

Organized crime has long been a fascinating genre in book form, even more so when the stories are true. Author Michael Dineen joins Ric in this episode to talk about his new book Suburban Gangsters. It's true because Michael lived every story told in this book. Treat this as a cautionary tale about what happens when one wrong decision sets up a series of bad decisions each one progressively worse than the last. It's a hair raising tale and Michael gives you a taste of what to expect within the pages of this riveting book.

NEXT WEEK: Brenda Taylor

Episode 372: Quality Time with William Bell

Truly one of the greatest Memphis musicians is up for a Blues Music Award celebrating his lifetime achievement in the field of blues and soul. He was there at the beginning of STAX and was there through the end. He is now re-united with STAX as Concord Music has acquired the label and all of it's holdings. He sat down with Ric & LJ to have a conversation about his storied career and a few great stories were told. The great William Bell called into the show and here it is as it aired. Also, Facebook sprung a leak and more than likely, your personal data got released to the public. 

NEXT WEEK: Who knows?

Episode 371: Ric Gets Shot & The City Champs

With the proverbial light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, Ric has scheduled his first Covid19 vaccination. In this episode, he tells you about some of the prevailing thoughts going around about the vaccine. Also, a conversation with The City Champs. Al Gamble, Joe Restivo and George Sluppick and their new album Luna '68. You'll hear some of the stories that came out of making this record and you'll hear a few select cuts. Plus, the whole notion of Doom Scrolling and how you should probably try to avoid that practice.

NEXT WEEK: A show & an interview

Episode 370: Upstream Downstream & Eddie Cotton

In this episode, Ric talks about the ups and downs of internet broadcasting thanks to a recent exploration into the numbers that drive the business of show business, analytics. The wild west of the internet is still very much without form or real function but the notion of content as king kind of gets turned on its end when you realize just what the real commodity of the internet is. The real lesson learned is this, just because you are "on demand" doesn't mean you are "in demand". Subtle, but quite accurate. Also in this episode, a conversation and music from Eddie Cotton, Jr.

NEXT WEEK: The City Champs

 

Episode 369: Airing Out The Cat & John D'Amato

When early spring rolls around to Memphis, it's time to let the cat out. In this particular sense, it means the two cats that live with Ric like to get outside. But there is a funny illusion to this practice. Also a conversation and new music with a long time friend of the show, John D'Amato. He joins the conversation via the miracle of the internet to debut some new music as well as some interesting tales from the studio. 

NEXT WEEK: Eddie Cotton

 

Episode 368: Memphis Ribs & Gina Coleman

For the first time in the history of this show, Ric took a week off. It wasn't planned. It was an accident. In this episode, Ric tells you what happens when your feet are behind you and you land on a curb. Right on your ribs. Not fun but, he is now a part of an interesting club of people who can never describe to anyone what it is like when the sauce comes off your ribs, so to speak. Also in this episode, a conversation with Gina Coleman from Misty Blues as well as a few tasty cuts from their latest collection of songs available now. 

NEXT WEEK: John D'Amato

 

Episode 367: The Big Thaw and Steve Hamm

It seemed as though most folks had a week off of everything thanks to the recent polar vortex. There were those who suffered with it more than others and it wasn't just a simple extra blanket on the bed kind of thing. In this episode, Ric takes a brief look at the damage done and the repairs being made. Also in this episode, he sits down with pilot and actor Steve Hamm to talk a bit about flying and acting as well as working through a pandemic.

NEXT WEEK: Gina Coleman and Misty Blues

Episode 366: Everybody Loves Leland Sklar

He's the bassist's bassist. He's toured with Phil Collins and Jackson Brown among many others and chances are, you have heard his work if you have listened to any classic rock. More than likely, his work is lurking in your record collection. Leland Sklar has worked on some 2,000 albums in his career. During the pandemic, he can be found on YouTube talking about some of the songs he's worked on and tells stories about the artists who have hired him. Also, Leland has a book out with absolutely delightful premise. He talks about it with Ric in this episode.

NEXT WEEK: Actor Steve Hamm

Leland Sklar's YouTube Channel