Back to the Light

Host J.D. Reager speaks to one of his all-time favorite people, Mr. Ross Johnson, about his richly lived life in the music business.  They discuss his work with Alex Chilton, Tav Falco & Panther Burns, the Modifiers and his new group Turnt, his early life in Little Rock, the pitfalls of alcoholism and more before being derailed by technical difficulties...

Host J.D. Reager chats with one of his musical heroes, the great Ken Stringfellow.  They deep dive into the two projects Ken's most known for, The Posies and Big Star, but also touch on his work with R.E.M., Brendan Benson, Robyn Hitchcock and Tav Falco, what being a member of the Memphis Music Hall of Fame means to him, developing self-confidence in collaborative settings and more.   

Host J.D. Reager is joined by his friend, colleague and a big-time supporter of Memphis music and musicians, Elizabeth Cawein.  Elizabeth talks about her inspiration for founding the non-profit organization Music Export Memphis and it's mission, working with J.D. on the Rock for Love benefit show and her new side hustles as a DJ and radio host.  

Host J.D. Reager acknowledges the birthday of his late friend, bandmate and mentor Bob Holmes before talking to guest David Catching (Rancho De La Luna, Eagles of Death Metal, earthling?, Queens of the Stone Age, Tex & the Horseheads) about his time in Bob's somewhat notorious, but largely unknown punk rock band the Modifiers.  Plus Dave tells the story of how he ended up in an episode of Anthony Bourdain's TV show No Reservations, and J.D. plays some unreleased Modifiers music...

Host J.D. Reager talks to his friend, onetime co-worker and Chicago musician and  "sound artist" Zachary Caputo (Ze'ev, ZJC) about a trio of recent projects: Ze'ev's GTPurp, ZJC's These Monsters Will Haunt You, and underground rap legend Sharkula's BBQ Fingaprints.  They also delve in to some deeper topics like struggling with impostor syndrome, the problematic nature of monetizing and elevating works of art and the value of work ethic...

A very special Lollapalooza-themed episode.  Host J.D. Reager tells his story of attending Lollapalooza 1993 at age 14, guests Graham Burks (Perfect Vessels, Pezz, Sweet Knives, Loose Opinions) and his son Graham Burks (the Becomers), A.K.A. "G3," discuss going to Lollapalooza 2019, and J.D. and returning guest Jack Alberson review the 2020 streaming festival.   

Host J.D. Reager unveils the finished version of his song, "Waking Life (I'm Wearing Out)" before talking to Memphis songwriter/musician Joshua Cosby from the band Star & Micey.  Joshua tells J.D. about his latest project, the collaborative compilation Bandwagon, the future of Star & Micey and more, and performs a live version of his new song "Figure It Out (Sundance's Song)."  

Host J.D. Reager talks to Memphis filmmaker and entrepreneur Chad Allen Barton, who happens to be J.D.'s ex-brother-in-law.  Chad tells J.D. about how the pandemic has affected his creative life, recruiting Twin Peaks' Michael Horse to appear in his film Lights, Camera, Bullshit, co-owning Black Lodge Video, growing up around video rental stores, and more.

Host J.D. Reager has a conversation with Memphis musician, artist and educator Ben Ricketts about his new album, Songs For Ruined X-Rays, hospital nostalgia, relocating to Memphis, not forcing creativity, and more.    

Host J.D. Reager briefly checks in before turning things over to returning guest Aaron Sayers and Memphis blues musician Big Don Valentine (Hollywood All-Stars, Big Don Valentine & the All-Star Band).  They discuss Big Don's long and illustrious career on Beale Street, at Wild Bill's, and beyond, and the importance of connecting with the audience.