The Rhythm Section: A Memphis Music Podcast

#114. Standard Issue

Derrick and Jeff invite the band Standard Issue—Mark Vines, Dennis Rosti, Tory Jay, and Jesse—to discuss the group’s formation, members’ backgrounds, and plans for the future. They explain how Dennis and Jesse began jamming after meeting through FAA work, how Tory joined, and how Mark came aboard after the original bassist Brandon left. The band teases the possibility of adding Johnny Lamb on keys and vocals, talks about the challenges of singing while playing, and shares influences ranging from Rob Halford and Bruce Dickinson to Gene Simmons and Keith Moon. They run through their cover-heavy setlist (including Stone Temple Pilots, Audioslave, Alice In Chains, Metallica, Dio, and more), recap a successful first gig at the Delta Fair, promote an April 2 show at The 10th Inning in Southaven, and reveal upcoming recording sessions at Sun Studio with artist Michael Inger.
 
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#113. Donnie Wayne Smith: Smith Artisan Photography, Touring with Winger, & Stage Stop Stories

Derrick and Jeff welcome Donnie Wayne Smith to The Rhythm Section Podcast, sharing how he started guitar at age six, was inspired by early concerts and albums like Ratt’s “1984” and Ozzy’s “Bark at the Moon,” and played Memphis-area rooms including the Stage Stop, where he recalls Nita’s guidance and classic club moments. Donnie discusses his COVID-era YouTube series “Separate Studios Together,” explaining his remote-stem workflow and listing collaborators from the local scene. He details joining Winger as John Roth’s backup guitarist from 2014–2019, including major festival experiences and how vocal-cord damage eventually ended his live singing work. Donnie also covers his transition into full-time photography with his wife through http://SmithArtisan.com , his approach to making clients feel confident, and his studio/gear-focused recording setup.
Smith Artisin Photography
http://www.smithartisan.com
Separte Studios Together
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ghpHj9AUFI&list=PLH0k5a_ZXiHSa3TtZf3nsJgSHnex1wTuu&index=2
 
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#112. Rick Forbus | Amber McCain & Spectrum

On the Rhythm Section podcast, Derrick and Jeff chat with Memphis guitarist and longtime instructor Rick Forbes about his background as an army brat who settled in Memphis in 1976, switching from saxophone to guitar after classic rock concerts, and joining bands soon after arriving. Forbes discusses how radio, FM album cuts, and modern streaming changed music discovery, and how he teaches students not to rely solely on YouTube. He outlines his current projects with Amber McCain and the cover band Spectrum, as well as past work with Jared Price’s “Almost Elton.” He describes the challenges of faithfully performing pop and Elton John material live. He also recounts years in the instrumental jazz group Pacific Flight, odd gigs, and transcription work for Willie Mitchell’s catalog, and highlights common Memphis venues and scheduling challenges.
 
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#111. Kevin & Bethany Paige | Saddle Up Memphis

Kevin & Bethany Paige Return: Launching Saddle Up Memphis + Recapping the “All About Love” Show
Derrick and Jeff welcome back Kevin and Bethany Paige for their second appearance and talk about upcoming and recent projects. The main focus is the debut of Saddle Up Memphis, an ’80s/’90s (with a few exceptions) “diva country” band featuring Bethany Paige on lead vocals. They share details for the debut show on Saturday, May 2nd at Neil’s Music Room, encourage listeners to follow Saddle Up Memphis on Facebook and reserve tables, and discuss plans for future gigs. The conversation includes influences and artists they plan to cover (e.g., Reba, Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, Jo Dee Messina, Patty Loveless, Bonnie Raitt, Dixie Chicks, Rascal Flatts, and more), thoughts on story-driven country vs. “beer and trucks,” and the appeal of ’90s country for musicians and dance floors. They also recap Kevin and Bethany’s “All About Love” event at the Esplanade Event Center in November, including theextreme effort it took to put it on, and the large band lineup (including Angelo Earl, Gerald Allen, Eric Freeman, a four-piece horn section with Victor Sawyer, Mark Franklin, Chris Barnes, and their daughter singing). Additional topics include their duo performances around Southaven and elsewhere (Tequila, casinos, Lucky Dog, Lafayette’s) and their sitcom-theme segment (e.g., The Jeffersons, Facts of Life, Friends, Cheers). The episode ends with reminders to check out Saddle Up Memphis at Neil’s on May 2nd
Saddle Up Memphis Premier, Neil’s Music Room, Saturday, May 2nd at 8 pm
Event Link - https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ap6vE5a1w/
 
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If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
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#110. Fevertree…ALL OF THEM

In this episode, we catch up with the members of Fevertree - Tim Dills, John Paterson, Mike Bertoldo, and Rocco Wallz - for a hilarious and fun-filled Zoom call. The band members reminisce about their past shows, recent activities, and even share some wild and embarrassing stories. From discussing their haircuts and hunting adventures to Rocco's infamous pranks and gadgets, this episode provides an inside look at the band's dynamic and camaraderie. Don't miss out on the laughs and memories shared in this entertaining reunion!
Fevertreeband.com
 
TIP BUCKET
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
Venmo - @‌therhythmsectionpod
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Hitting Play in 2026: The Rhythm Section Pod 3.0

On this episode of The Rhythm Section Podcast, Derrick and Jeff kick off the new year with an update on what the 2026 season has in store. The guys share news about the show’s move to a Zoom-based format for the foreseeable future, along with a few format changes designed to keep things fresh. While the look may be different, the heart of the podcast remains the same—great conversations and the powerful stories shared by the guests who join the show. Same bat time, same bat place… just a new setup as Derrick and Jeff gear up to book exciting guests and get the season rolling at full speed in the weeks ahead.
 
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#109. Scott Sudbury | Almost Famous

In this packed episode of The Rhythm Section Podcast, hosts Derrick and Jeff kick things off by recapping their Friday night hang at Nashoba’s, where they caught a killer set from their friends in Land/Divided. Derrick also gives a big shout-out to Matt and Jennifer at Supernova Music for coming through in the clutch with some much-needed gear support.
The featured interview spotlights Scott Sudbury—lead guitarist, vocalist, and driving force behind Almost Famous, Famous, Lost 45s, Six Feet Thunder, and The Scott Sudbury Band. Scott walks the guys through the origins of Almost Famous, shares what the Memphis music scene was like “back in the day,” and tells the story of how he first fell in love with music.
From playing in a teenage trio of brothers to performing his first show at an Amro Jam, opening for Tora Tora, and gigging at the iconic Stage Stop under the influence of the legendary Nita Makris, Scott’s journey is packed with history. He also reveals how he began performing with Jimi Jamison, what led him back to writing original music in 2025, how he recorded and produced his debut album Static On My Radio, and how the era of Napster changed the course of his solo career.
 
https://www.facebook.com/scottsudburyofficial
http://www.supernovamusicmemphis.com
 
TIP BUCKET
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
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REPLAY | Ric Chetter & Monica Summerfield | Radio Memphis [2/11/25]

For the feature interview Derrick and Jeff sit down with Ric Chetter and Monica Summerfield from Radio Memphis to dive into the origins of the station and its mission to support local, original music. Ric shares his history at Rock 103, while Monica reflects on Memphis’ thriving independent film scene back in the day. They also reveal the story of how they met, Monica’s first introduction to radio, and the exciting new collaboration with Weapons of Mass Production airing after The Rhythm Section. Plus, they discuss Radio Memphis' shift to non-profit status—and introduce the infamous studio doll, Rosie Palms!
Apple - https://bit.ly/3rqqZLP
Spotify - https://bit.ly/3EJOGBO
YouTube - https://bit.ly/3UgqsY2
 
TIP BUCKET
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
Venmo - @‌therhythmsectionpod
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#108. Doug McMinn | Roxy Love, The Deb Jam Band

In this episode of The Rhythm Section Podcast, hosts Derrick and Jeff kick things off by teasing some exciting new content coming to the show through the holidays — and what listeners can expect during the off-season from the traditional interview format.
Then, the guys welcome Doug McMinn, a lifelong Memphis drummer known for his work with Roxy Love, The Deb Jam Band, and Southbound, just to name a few. Doug shares stories from decades behind the kit, including memories of his father, Papa Don McMinn, a legendary figure in the Memphis music scene of the ’70s and ’80s. He recalls the history of Rum Boogie Café, his early touring days, the night he jammed with Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the journey that led him to Roxy Love. Doug also talks about his favorite drummers and the influences that have shaped his groove over the years.
 
TIP BUCKET
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
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REPLAY | Greg Reding(PART 2), Landslide and The Memphis All-Stars [10/9/24]

Greg shares his journey through the music industry with Black Oak Arkansas, overcoming personal struggles, working at School of Rock and his current work with FreeWorld.
Apple - https://bit.ly/3rqqZLP
Spotify - https://bit.ly/3EJOGBO
YouTube - https://bit.ly/3UgqsY2
 
TIP BUCKET
If you find it in your heart to donate to the cause and help fuel the podcast you can do so through our new Venmo and CashApp. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help shine a brighter spotlight on the great Memphis Music Community.
Venmo - @‌therhythmsectionpod
CashApp - $therhythmsectionpod
Thanks for tuning in and supporting the Rhythm Section Podcast.
🌐 Follow The Rhythm Section Pod: therhythmsectionpod.com
🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com