Time Signatures with Jim Ervin

Gutfiddlin' Ghost Notes: Lil' Ed Williams

Before Ed found his way into the world of the Blues, he worked at a car wash in the Greater Chicago area, and his uncle J.B. Hutto taught him and his half brother, Pookie to feel the music and play from the heart. That lesson was never lost on the young men, and when Alligator Records’ Bruce Iglauer invited the band to record for a song or two on an upcoming album, their off the chain performance in the studio allowed them to record their first album quite by accident! Lil’ Ed also talked about their new album, “Slideways”, the recent restructuring announcement by Alligator, and lots more. You do not want to miss this episode! Website: Lil' Ed Williams Website: Alligator Records - Lil' Ed Williams Facebook: Lil' Ed Williams Spotify: Lil' Ed Williams YouTube: Lil' Ed Williams _________________________ Facebook: Time Signatures YouTube: Time Signatures Facebook: Capital Area Blues Society Website: Capital Area Blues Society Friends of Time Signatures _______ Website: University of Mississippi Libraries Blues Archive Website: Killer Blues Headstone Project Website: Blues Society Radio Network Website: Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation

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Carolyn Wonderland: Electrifying Border Blues

It’s another ‘Women of the Blues’ episode with Lonestar Lady and Alligator Recording Artist, Carolyn Wonderland. Carolyn dropped in to talk about her early days in music, her time with legendary frontman, known as the “Godfather of the Blues” (per Walter Trout), John Mayall, and he new album, “Truth Is”. We got to see Carolyn earlier this summer in Kalamazoo for the Blues Festival, and her and the band put on a fun show for sure! We are closing in on our 150th regular episode….any guesses who it might be? Website: Carolyn Wonderland Facebook: Carolyn Wonderland Spotify: Carolyn Wonderland YouTube: Carolyn Wonderland _________________________ Facebook: Time Signatures YouTube: Time Signatures Facebook: Capital Area Blues Society Website: Capital Area Blues Society Friends of Time Signatures _______ Website: University of Mississippi Libraries Blues Archive Website: Killer Blues Headstone Project Website: Blues Society Radio Network Website: Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation

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Michael Frank: Building Earwig Music

This week on Time Signatures with Jim Ervin, Erv welcomes another Chicago legend, Earwig Records founder and producer, Michael Frank. Michael came to the table with lots of great stories of his early days as a music lover, his ultimate move to Chicago, and the nearly 40 years he spent with David ‘Honey Boy’ Edwards as his manager, producer, and touring partner. Season 7 is rolling along, and there are several great episodes on par with this one just on the horizon, so be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of them! Website: Michael Frank Facebook: Michael Frank _________________________ Facebook: Time Signatures YouTube: Time Signatures Facebook: Capital Area Blues Society Website: Capital Area Blues Society Friends of Time Signatures _______ Website: University of Mississippi Libraries Blues Archive Website: Killer Blues Headstone Project Website: Blues Society Radio Network Website: Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation

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Framing the Mississippi Saxophone: Jacki Sackheim

As a young girl, today’s guest remembers her Father taking thousands of photos of her and her siblings. As she got older, she discovered the art for herself, even learning how to develop the film and print the photos as well. That passion for the art has led to her new book, “Tales From the Harp”, a 131 page tabletop book that dedicates one page to each harmonica player she is showcasing. The photos are just the start, as she contacted each musician and got information from them about the type of harmonica used, and constructed the book around each performer. It’s a fun chat, so don’t miss out! If you have issues finding the page to order, you can reach out to Jacki directly at jackisackheim@mac.com Website: Jacki Sackheim Facebook: Jacki Sackheim _________________________ Facebook: Time Signatures YouTube: Time Signatures Facebook: Capital Area Blues Society Website: Capital Area Blues Society Friends of Time Signatures _______ Website: University of Mississippi Libraries Blues Archive Website: Killer Blues Headstone Project Website: Blues Society Radio Network Website: Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation

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Jovin Webb: Blues Dipped in Hot Sauce & Bourbon

This week on Time Signatures with Jim Ervin, it’s time to break out the hot sauce and bourbon, as Erv welcomes American Idol Top 10 contestant, Jovin Webb back for a discussion about life in the Blues world over the past two years, what it meant to celebrate his birthday in Paris at the Eiffel Tower, and his hot new album, “Son Of A Sinner”. The new album, produced by multi-grammy winner Tom Hambridge will be released worldwide this Friday morning! If you are a fan of Jovin Webb, this new album absolutely does NOT disappoint, and if you don’t know who he is yet…..get your copy today and join the Fam! Website: Jovin Webb Facebook: Jovin Webb Spotify: Jovin Webb YouTube: Jovin Webb _________________________ Facebook: Time Signatures YouTube: Time Signatures Facebook: Capital Area Blues Society Website: Capital Area Blues Society Friends of Time Signatures _______ Website: University of Mississippi Libraries Blues Archive Website: Killer Blues Headstone Project Website: Blues Society Radio Network Website: Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation

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Raised by the Blues: Jimmy D. Lane

A chance purchase at Vintage Sound in Williamston, MI led Erv to discover a tie to Chicago Blues he had no knowledge of previously. This week on Time Signatures, Erv is joined by the son of the late, legendary Bluesman Jimmy Rogers, Jimmy D. Lane. The two discussed life as the son of a Chicago Bluesman, featuring regular visits by the top Bluesmen of the day, their sage advice to Lane as a young man, The who’s who of the Blues he worked with through the years, and the album that ended up paying homage to the memory of his late Father. It’s an incredible discussion you do not want to miss! Website: Jimmy D. Lane Facebook: Jimmy D. Lane Spotify: Jimmy D. Lane YouTube: Jimmy D. Lane _________________________ Facebook: Time Signatures YouTube: Time Signatures Facebook: Capital Area Blues Society Website: Capital Area Blues Society Friends of Time Signatures _______ Website: University of Mississippi Libraries Blues Archive Website: Killer Blues Headstone Project Website: Blues Society Radio Network Website: Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation

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Bob Sarles: Capturing the Technicolor Rainbow of the Blues

This week on Time Signatures with Jim Ervin, Erv welcomes celebrated editor, Bob Sarles for a chat about his early work in film, his documentary on Mike Bloomfield, and his subsequent work that landed an opportunity to take over and finish “Born in Chicago”. “Born” showcases a small handful of young white guys (Mike Bloomfield, Paul Butterfield, Corky Siegel, Charlie Musselwhite and others), who learned their Blues craft at the feet of Blues giants like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and many others. The program itself is incredible, and you can see it on YouTube and Amazon. C'mon in and enjoy! Amazon: Born in Chicago YouTube: Born in Chicago (Trailer) Ravin’ Films Bert Berns Story Sweet Blues (Michael Bloomfield documentary) KXSF Radio _________________________ Facebook: Time Signatures YouTube: Time Signatures Facebook: Capital Area Blues Society Website: Capital Area Blues Society Friends of Time Signatures _______ Website: University of Mississippi Libraries Blues Archive Website: Killer Blues Headstone Project Website: Blues Society Radio Network Website: Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation

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Journey of a Thousand Miles: Ruthie Foster

On this week’s edition of Time Signatures with Jim Ervin, Erv welcomes back 2025 Grammy winner, Ruthie Foster. This time around, she and Erv discuss her spring-time trip to Australia, but the biggest point of discussion is her accidental injury suffered late last fall as she ran to an airport gate to board for a flight. That injury slowed her down considerably, resulting in surgery in December of last year, but prior to that surgery, Ruthie returned to Nashville for a writing and recording session with Mileage collaborators, Rebecca Lovell (Larkin Poe) and producer Tyler Bryant. She was also joined by Megan Lovell (Rebecca’s sister and Larkin Poe bandmate) and her husband, Mike Seal. “Just Say Yes” releases August 28th! It’s a conversation that is chicken soup for the soul, so join us, won’t you? Mentioned This Episode: Preorder the Album HERE Website: Ruthie Foster Facebook: Ruthie Foster Spotify: Ruthie Foster YouTube: Ruthie Foster _________________________ Facebook: Time Signatures YouTube: Time Signatures Facebook: Capital Area Blues Society Website: Capital Area Blues Society Friends of Time Signatures _______ Website: University of Mississippi Libraries Blues Archive Website: Killer Blues Headstone Project Website: Blues Society Radio Network Website: Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation

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Slide into the Groove: Joanna Connor

It’s another Women In Blues episode on Time Signatures, as Erv welcomes one of Chicago’s treasure’s, slide guitarist extraordinaire, Joanna Connor. Joanna dropped by to talk about her early years in Chicago, her nearly 40 year relationship with The Kingston Mines, her recent marriage and move to Jamaica, surviving Hurricane Melissa last year, and her hot new LIVE album, due for release on Friday of this week! Website: https://joannaconnorguitar.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joanna.connor.14/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0MJGyEl8BgJbBTv3xeeFeB?si=I_1tS4jcTCWi-bKFIyMtRQ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2cAO7D5I-f4vrEv8Dp0BdA _________________________ Facebook: Time Signatures YouTube: Time Signatures Facebook: Capital Area Blues Society Website: Capital Area Blues Society Friends of Time Signatures _______ Website: University of Mississippi Libraries Blues Archive Website: Killer Blues Headstone Project Website: Blues Society Radio Network Website: Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation

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From Ann Arbor to the World: Shaun Murphy

Over the next three weeks, Time Signatures with Jim Ervin is paying a special salute to the Women of the Blues, featuring three of the top names in the Blues. This week, Erv welcomes Shaun Murphy to the program. From making her first appearance on a Blues stage at the 1969 Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival, to working with Seger, the Moody Blues and Eric Clapton, Shaun has certainly made a solid name for herself in the music business. She stopped by to share more great stories on this, her second appearance, but also to talk about her new album, “Brand New Blues”. Come help us celebrate week #1 of our salute to the Women of the Blues! Website: https://shaunmurphyband.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2430592380485191 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1twaZYQvHBNn2eHbY4vc8m?si=h-1-yVPMShqg4SzDthit5A YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ShaunMurphyBand _________________________ Facebook: Time Signatures YouTube: Time Signatures Facebook: Capital Area Blues Society Website: Capital Area Blues Society Friends of Time Signatures _______ Website: University of Mississippi Libraries Blues Archive Website: Killer Blues Headstone Project Website: Blues Society Radio Network Website: Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation

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Zak Bekkers: It’s Never Too Late for the Blues

This week on Time Signatures with Jim Ervin, Erv welcomes International musician, Zak Bekkers. Zak’s music is best described as “Blues-driven Rock with a dark Americana soul. He stopped in to talk about his journey into and through the Blues, his new life as a parent, and his position as an official endorser of Bushman Harmonicas-the company that just happens to be endorsing us! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574848214725 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Ws836YFczimCTFRyprYN5?si=3mON7CGJTeiXgLCBibxBXA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9mcwHPAxj57H8ii4ipNvoA Sick Rats Video: https://youtu.be/8ovbGu8b_N4?si=mQCV1FsGFvfuGjYr _________________________ Facebook: Time Signatures YouTube: Time Signatures Facebook: Capital Area Blues Society Website: Capital Area Blues Society Friends of Time Signatures _______ Website: University of Mississippi Libraries Blues Archive Website: Killer Blues Headstone Project Website: Blues Society Radio Network Website: Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation

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Deadheadicated to the Blues: J.P Reali

Time Signatures is pleased to welcome a 35 year veteran of the Washington, D.C. music scene, J.P. Reali. He and host, Jim Ervin talk about his early years of being influenced by the constant diet of music he enjoyed as a young man, his 7 years with a local psychedelic band, his time working with his brother as one half of the “Reali Brothers”, and also his TWO visits to the International Blues Challenge in 2010 and 2011. J.P. is also here to promote his new EP, “Grateful Blues” a six song homage to a band he saw in concert dozens of times through his teens and into adulthood. Website: https://www.jpreali.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jpreali Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/520STMyJtM1x5HD3Gh0Ymg?si=HiFnVE9DQ2C7n4a0boob5g YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jpreali/videos _________________________ Facebook: Time Signatures YouTube: Time Signatures Facebook: Capital Area Blues Society Website: Capital Area Blues Society Friends of Time Signatures _______ Website: University of Mississippi Libraries Blues Archive Website: Killer Blues Headstone Project Website: Blues Society Radio Network Website: Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation

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Jamiah Rogers: Just a Blues Machine

It’s another great conversation with the current/next generation of the Blues as host Jim Ervin welcomes Chicago’s Jamiah Rogers for a fun discussion about starting out as a VERY young drummer, his development as a multi-instrumentalist, finding himself on stage at the Chicago Theater with legendary Jimi Hendrix bassist, Billy Cox, touring with John Primer, Billy Branch, and Annika Chambers, and how he is working to make his own mark on the genre. C'mon in, and enjoy! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamiah.rogers/ Brotherhood of the Guitar: https://brotherhoodoftheguitar.com/?team=jamiah-rogers Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OFTCHri7tRbRJw52DTxTD?si=egYoN_2yQ-uGpsMnTltSVw YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw2oD8CEcvvlhmM6pQPbc7Q _________________________ Facebook: Time Signatures YouTube: Time Signatures Facebook: Capital Area Blues Society Website: Capital Area Blues Society Friends of Time Signatures _______ Website: University of Mississippi Libraries Blues Archive Website: Killer Blues Headstone Project Website: Blues Society Radio Network Website: Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation

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Treasuring the Music Made for Everyone: Terry Abrahamson

This week on Time Signatures with Jim Ervin, Erv welcomes another member of the Chicago music Family, Songwriter, Radio Host, and self-professed “Guy with a camera”, Terry Abrahamson. Terry brought stories of the early days in the Chicago Blues scene, how he became enamored with the camera, his passion for the Blues, and how he met and began writing for Muddy Waters all those years ago. And you should also look into getting your own copy of “In the Belly of the Blues: Chicago to Boston to LA 1969 to 1983” website: https://www.inthebellyoftheblues.com/ Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terry.abrahamson Facebook for In the Belly of the Blues Book: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063848160989 Facebook for The Blues Parade Children’s Book: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063673714173 _________________________ Facebook: Time Signatures YouTube: Time Signatures Facebook: Capital Area Blues Society Website: Capital Area Blues Society Friends of Time Signatures _______ Website: University of Mississippi Libraries Blues Archive Website: Killer Blues Headstone Project Website: Blues Society Radio Network Website: Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation

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Kim Wilson: More Than a Fabulous Thunderbird

Season Seven kicks off with legendary Bluesman, Kim Wilson of the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Kim talks about his early years in the music business, his early experiences with “the Originators” of the Blues, and the move that would forever change his life and lead to the foundation of The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Kim and Erv also discuss the young newcomers to the genre, and the music business in general. What a fantastic start to this new season! website: https://fabulousthunderbirds.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fabulousthunderbirds/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6zmLTiN3NBNCDECRbbJKkT?si=Wx6Y7HCgRqyWj8JODvkm9Q YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfAXkyD5vxFXypN4ZqcF-kQ/featured _________________________ Facebook: Time Signatures YouTube: Time Signatures Facebook: Capital Area Blues Society Website: Capital Area Blues Society Friends of Time Signatures _______ Website: University of Mississippi Libraries Blues Archive Website: Killer Blues Headstone Project Website: Blues Society Radio Network Website: Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation

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A Voice Built for the Blues: Big Llou Johnson

This week, Time Signatures with Jim Ervin celebrates another amazing season finale’ with arguably the most recognizable voice in the Blues, Big Llou Johnson. You will recognize his resonant tones if you listen to SiriusXM’s B.B. King’s Bluesville, but he also hosts events in Memphis during the BMA’s and he hosts a kickoff party in Chicago the week of Blues Fest! Llou came to visit with a bundle of great stories from his early years in Chicago, including his foundation of the only black-owned business of its kind back then (the talent agency), and his conversation with Bill Wax that led him to more than 25 years serving as the voice of Bluesville. Oh….yeah…..you will also note that he is now the voice of Time Signatures with Jim Ervin, too! “Shucky Ducky!” Website: https://www.bigllou.com/ Golden Voice Audio Foundation: https://goldenvoiceaudio.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biglloujohnson Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5O0jMfta6bIkog87GWvvi9?si=J1kISE3tRqeivKmraMrADg YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@bigllou _________________________ Facebook: Time Signatures YouTube: Time Signatures Facebook: Capital Area Blues Society Website: Capital Area Blues Society Friends of Time Signatures _______ Website: University of Mississippi Libraries Blues Archive Website: Killer Blues Headstone Project Website: Blues Society Radio Network Website: Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation

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John Hall: A Harmonica in Hand, Is Worth Two in the Bush

This week on Time Signatures, host Jim Ervin welcomes the founder of Bushman Harmonicas, John Hall. The birth of the rapidly growing harmonica brand began innocently enough on a summer evening in 1990, when John strolled past the legendary Slippery Noodle in downtown Indianapolis. The line launched in 1996 and over the course of the past 30 years, Hall has worked diligently to build Bushman into the number one supplier of his Knittlinger line to the Amish community. We are also pleased to announce that beginning July 1st, Time Signatures with Jim Ervin has secured an endorsement deal with the harmonica brand. We have some BIG announcements still to come.....and lots more in this episode, so come on it and enjoy! Website: https://bushmanmusic.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bushmanharmonicas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bushmanmusic/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bushmanharmonicas _________________________ Facebook: Time Signatures YouTube: Time Signatures Facebook: Capital Area Blues Society Website: Capital Area Blues Society Friends of Time Signatures _______ Website: University of Mississippi Libraries Blues Archive Website: Killer Blues Headstone Project Website: Blues Society Radio Network Website: Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation

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The Holy Grail of Blues Bands: Melissa McKinney & MAMA

With only three episodes remaining on Season 6, host Jim Ervin welcomes first band runner up in the 2026 International Blues Challenge, Melissa McKinney. This woman of the Blues put an incredible band together to compete this year, and narrowly missed taking it all home with her. She has sold her successful music school, and she has come away from the IBC on a mission to bring her deep, soulful Blues to the masses. If you get a chance to check her and her band “Mama” out, you will not be sorry if you do. Website: https://melissamckinneymusic.com/mama Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissamckinneymusic Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1A5EiKAJr86zuGUlTN2oaC?si=Lae7eZ66Qj2t5H9qk8qXgg YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@melissamckinneymusic _________________________ Facebook: Time Signatures YouTube: Time Signatures Facebook: Capital Area Blues Society Website: Capital Area Blues Society Friends of Time Signatures _______ Website: University of Mississippi Libraries Blues Archive Website: Killer Blues Headstone Project Website: Blues Society Radio Network Website: Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation

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Kevin Johnson: Booking the Boggie-Woogie

In the world of music, many of the albums produced are backed by record labels. In the Blues, we have Alligator, Blind Pig, Delmark, Ruf, Malaco and a few others. Each of these labels depend upon the skills of their publicists and radio promoters to help get word of each new artist and their respective albums out to the masses. Kevin Johnson has worked with the Delmark label for years, and he also works with the non-profit label, Little Village Foundation. Additionally, Kevin has work of his own, via Proud Papa Promotions and Publicity, and he is our featured guest this week on Time Signatures. Were it not for PR guys like Kevin, Matt LaFollette, Amy Brat, Jon Bleicher, and a few others, Time Signatures would not be in a position to bring you many of today’s Blues Artists. Enjoy our chat! Delmark Website: https://delmark.com/ Little Village Foundation Website: https://littlevillagefoundation.com/ Proud Papa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProudPapaPromotionsPublicity# _________________________ Facebook: Time Signatures YouTube: Time Signatures Facebook: Capital Area Blues Society Website: Capital Area Blues Society Friends of Time Signatures _______ Website: University of Mississippi Libraries Blues Archive Website: Killer Blues Headstone Project Website: Blues Society Radio Network Website: Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation

One Stop Blues Shop: Billy Prewitt

Billy Prewitt is a self-proclaimed musician in the “Artist Protection Program”, because many of you may not have heard of him. He is a guitarist, bassist, harmonicist, and the originator of the One Man Jam, and he dropped in to talk about the Blues scene of the late 1960’s and early 70’s, a chance meeting with Paul Butterfield on a New York elevator, and a move to Chicago, where he met and began working with Otis Rush at the legendary Mother Blues in Chicago. Billy’s stories are epic, including his first appearance in front of 10,000 Blues fans at the 1969 Ann Arbor Blues Festival. You can catch some of his other stories on his podcast “Talk a Blues Streak” wherever you listen to podcasts. And be sure to catch the last known interview and performance recording of Sam Lay on the Emmy winning documentary “Talk A Blues Streak”, with Billy and host, Dick Shurman. Podcast Website: https://bestrent.podbean.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billsyacht YouTube Documentary Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXqJSllLlk0 _________________________ Facebook: Time Signatures YouTube: Time Signatures Facebook: Capital Area Blues Society Website: Capital Area Blues Society Friends of Time Signatures _______ Website: University of Mississippi Libraries Blues Archive Website: Killer Blues Headstone Project Website: Blues Society Radio Network Website: Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation

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