The Rhythm Section: A Memphis Music Podcast

Jay Jones Talks Headbanging Country, Josie Music Awards Win & New Single “Garage Became A Bar”
The Rhythm Section Podcast interviews Memphis-based country recording artist Jay Jones, discussing his “headbanging country” style, his new single “Garage Became A Bar” (releasing October 30 on all digital platforms), and his website headbangingcountry.com. Jay reflects on winning Southern Rock/Country Rock Male Vocalist of the Year at the 12th annual Josie Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry, describes growing up in a church-centered home in Memphis, and explains his path from running a bar with live music to fronting Nuttin’ Fancy, then launching an originals career with the 2018 album Country Boy Proud. He shares recording experiences at Curb Studios with Nashville players, the challenges of balancing covers with originals, charting successes, festival connections in Louisiana, and opening for acts including Saliva, Buckcherry, and Stryper.
This episode is sponsored in part by David Griffin Audio
 
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Derrick and Jeff welcome rambunctious cover band Medicine Hat, introducing bassist “Ruckus,” guitarist Robert Herndon, and drummer Stix Mayfield (wearing a “Butthole Whisperer” shirt), while ribbing absent members Kevin Gamble (lead singer), Chris Horner (guitarist), and Krista (Kevin’s wife/manager). The band shares how Medicine Hat formed from the Delta Coalition, their goal of packing dance floors with singalong covers across genres (from Garth Brooks to Culture Club), and a recent gig where a fight broke out during “Wipe Out.” They discuss influences (SRV, Artimus Pyle, Tommy Aldridge, Zoltan Chaney, Duff McKagan), gear (Sabian cymbals, Ddrum kit, guitars, modelers), and bass rigs/pedals, plus promote upcoming shows.
 
This episode is sponsored in part by David Griffin Audio
 
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
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LMA Brings Rock to Neil’s Music Room, Friday, September 25th, 8pm start, $10 at the door. Three female rockers ready to take the stage with powerhouse vocals, unforgettable harmonies, and a high-energy rock show that brings the house down.
On this episode of The Rhythm Section: A Memphis music podcast, Derrick interviews La-Shon, Melanie, and Angela—collectively LMA—about their new rock-focused project within the Elevation Memphis universe. They discuss recent gigs, how LMA formed to showcase their rock influences, and preview their upcoming show at Neil’s (8:00 PM, $10 at the door) featuring artists like Alanis Morissette, Joan Jett, Linkin Park, Metallica, Nickelback, Audioslave, Velvet Revolver, Ozzy, and more. They shout out the backing band consisting of Mike Russel, Seth Kuykendall, Jimmy Fulp, and Derrick Michaud, highlight their approach to guests and community-building, mention related projects (Tina Turner Tribute Experience and Just Liyah & Maxwell ’90s tribute), and share updates on Elevation Memphis originals, an upcoming album, and merch.
This episode is sponsored in part by David Griffin Audio
 
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
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🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

Jase Harshman & Jeff Horton from Full Metal Rackett on Nu-Metal, Memphis Music, and Wild Tour Stories
On this episode of The Rhythm Section podcast, Derrick and Jeff welcome vocalist Jase Harshman & drummer Jeff Horton of the Memphis-area band Full Metal Rackett to talk about the band’s two-year history, lineup changes, and their focus on late ’90s/early 2000s hard rock and nu-metal covers. They discuss the challenge of singing and performing nu-metal, their setlist mix (grunge into Korn, Limp Bizkit, Papa Roach, Deftones, and more), and Memphis connections to the genre, including Primer 55. Jase shares his background in original bands, touring photography with major acts, thoughts on the current Pantera lineup, and stories from Warped Tour and wrestling. The show also includes plugs for David Griffin Audio, Rhythm Section merch, and upcoming Full Metal Rackett dates, including TJ Mulligan’s 64 on Halloween.
 
Sponsored in part by David Griffin Audio
 
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
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Derrick and Jeff return with a show update after a break, sharing major life changes including Jeff’s move from Olive Branch to a farmhouse in Benton County, Mississippi after 32 years, and Derrick’s recovery from prostate cancer surgery, now about 95% recovered and currently cancer-free. They announce a target relaunch date of September 15, and outline plans for mostly Zoom interviews with occasional in-studio episodes. Upcoming or potential guests mentioned include Jeff Horton (Full Metal Racket), Ken and Darren for an in-studio music episode, Victoria Pride, Jeff Albert of Revolve Guitar, and the new rock project LMA.
 
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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Darrin Brady on Ken Houston Duo Gigs, No Hit Wonders Return & Memphis Music Stories
TRS interviews guitarist/singer Darrin Brady shares his current work with Ken Houston as an acoustic duo (started around COVID), playing venues like Huey’s, Knuckleheads, Villa Casorotti, and Delta Blues Winery, averaging heavy gig counts and varied setlists with audience interaction. He recounts joining Ken’s band The No Hit Wonders in 2018, and notes the band is rehearsing again with members including Ken Houston, Bobby and Nick Ireland and Joe Cutrell. Darren also covers his Memphis musical roots, early bands, influences (Kiss, Van Halen, Rush, Billy Gibbons), Kisstory shows, gear stories (including stolen guitars/amp), and adds that his dad graduated with Elvis.
 
Sponsored by David Griffin Audio
Thank you to our band sponsors, Standard Issue and Heath & AJ
 
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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🌐 Follow The Rhythm Section Pod: therhythmsectionpod.com
🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

Heath & AJ Live in Studio: Acoustic Country Covers, Weekly Neil’s Residency + Memphis Music Talk
The Rhythm Section Pod welcomes acoustic duo Heath & AJ (Brandon Heathand Brandi Jaco). AJ, newly relocated Arkansas singer and retired law enforcement lieutenant/criminal investigator, and Heath, a longtime Memphis-area working musician, share how they met, started dating, and formed the duo, now building a 90+ song repertoire focused on ’90s/2000s country. They discuss recent gigs at Neil’s and Mama’s Roadhouse, upcoming dates (including weekly Fridays at Neil’s 4–8 PM with no cover), and plans to expand to an electric/full-band setup. In-studio performances include “Ashes” (Lee Ann Womack) and “Lucky One” (Alison Krauss).
 
Sponsored by David Griffin Audio
Thank you to our band sponsors, Standard Issue and Heath & AJ
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

Derrick and Jeff share a serious update: Derrick shares his story behind being diagnosed with prostate cancer back in May, which will put the show on another hiatus after two remaining episodes (June 16 and June 23). Derrick explains his history of prostatitis and family risk, a PSA spike, biopsy and cystoscopy results, and a PET scan showing no spread; doctors believe it was caught early. He chose surgery scheduled for July 2, discusses recovery expectations (including a week with a catheter and significant activity restrictions), and says July will likely be off while they reassess in August. They emphasize the importance of getting checked, and thank supporters.

Patrick O’Daniel Talks Heartless, Magnum Dopus, Memphis Music, and Writing ‘Crusaders, Gangsters and Whiskey
The podcast welcomes Memphis bassist and author Patrick O’Daniel. They talk about Patrick’s recent gigs, including Italian Fest with Heartless and a rain-soaked show at Ghost River. Patrick explains Heartless set choices, their “Ladies of the ’80s” breakout, and the advantage of two female lead vocalists, Vanessa Sudbury and Katie Marlier. He shares his musical beginnings, early influences (Kiss, Zeppelin, Yes, Cream, The Who, Rush), and his fingerstyle start. The episode covers Patrick’s original band, Magnum Dopus—its lineup, writing process, streaming reach, and upcoming recording—plus his other projects (Island 45 and Super Five). Patrick also spotlights his Memphis-history nonfiction books, especially “Crusaders, Gangsters and Whiskey,” available in print, libraries, and audiobook.
 
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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Mike Stoker on Memphis Jones, Stoker Stringed Instrument Repair & Memphis Music History
Derrick and Jeff interview Memphis-born bass player and stringed instrument repairman Mike Stoker of Stoker Stringed Instrument Repair. They discuss how Derrick previously brought basses to him through REvolve Music (owned by Jeff Albert), the kind of repair and wiring work he does, and how he grew his business organically from music retail jobs at Strings & Things and Yarbrough’s. Stoker talks about playing in the trio Memphis Jones since 2012, their Memphis music revue of Sun, Stax, and classics, their regular BB King’s Beale Street slot (Mondays and Fridays, 4:30–7:30), and touring in Canada and abroad. He shares early musical influences including Elvis, his first Sears acoustic guitar, switching from guitar to bass, and his interest in Stax-era rhythm sections.
 
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
📺 WATCH - YouTube and Facebook
🎧 LISTEN - Apple and Spotify
 
🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com