In our inaugural episode we speak with Richard Cushing. Richard is the founder of the band FreeWorld, which is possibly the longest running band in Memphis. We get into Memphis history, the Beale Street revival, musicianship, work ethic, and band management. Richard is a wealth of knowledge and a joy to talk to. Enjoy.
4:42 University of Tennessee Martin, first pro gigs, beginning of a career in biology
6:20 Ernestine and Hazel’s story, first FreeWorld gig, Ms. Evelyn Young, the Brass Note
7:30 The legendary Herman Green, Jimmy Ellis, Blues Revue
9:30 Vet aspirations and jobs
9:45 EMT and being a “shard of white light” (1985)
11:33 Remembering Beale street’s reemergence, Alabama, and trying to hang with Uncle Ben (just listen)
12:15 Don McMinn and Rum Boogie…also Chris Lea, David Skypeck, Nokie Taylor, MORE Herman Green (because he’s the man) and Willie Waldman
14:49 Tuesday Night with FreeWorld at the South End
15:24 Ed Finney (fabulous Memphis jazz guitarist)
15:36 “Somebody’s gotta play bass…”, musicality, and more FreeWorld history
19:11 Mosaic, FreeWorld hiatus. Richard wants to write more, first record (1994), and flyer wars.
21:00 Not yet a Tribute act to ourselves.
22:16 Blues City Café (every Sunday night!), George Paul Eldridge
24:30 Dr. Herman Green (yup…another mention)
27:50 “Sit Ins” list
29:50 “Cornering the Market”…No really?
33:15 Brass Note on Beale Street, book by Robert Gordon
36:45 Reality of playing clubs, work ethic, music business. We dig in here.
56:05 New album “What It Is” plus Jim, Luther, and Cody Dickinson
1:01:18 Recording at Ardent. More name droppin’ HA! Jody Stephens, John Fry, John Hampton, Kevin Houston, Adam Hill
1:06:08 Andy Tate and the origin of “What It Is” also current FreeWorld personnel.
1:11:45 Dave Aron
1:14:35 Brad Blackwood (Euphonic Masters) artist David Lynch (cover art)
1:17:00 Financing the/an album and more band business strategies.
1:22:00 Carl tells his favorite FreeWorld story.
1:24:35 Hopes for Memphis
1:27:50 Levon Helm story and other notable sit ins
Links
"What It Is”
https://open.spotify.com/album/2SfgQBzjk8Z6h4AkM366CD?si=3Xb7MSUFQc6tvzNUpRgmuw