Album Notes

It’s been said that Memphis is mentioned in more song titles than any other city. On In The Mood For Memphis you’ll hear a diverse musical testimonial from some of Memphis’ most dynamic voices. For the first time ever, a CD has been compiled celebrating the rock and blues Mecca of the world with 16 songs, each with Memphis in the title. From the mainstream "Walking In Memphis" performed by Eddie Harrison to the underground sounds of Mud Boy & the Neutrons’ "Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again," In The Mood For Memphis is filled with soul-pleasing, groove-controlling, guaranteed satisfaction.
Powerful and charismatic singers Gary Johns and Susan Marshall each perform different versions of the title track. Don McMinn’s funky "Memphis In May" sets the mood for an exquisite rendition of "Memphis In June" by jazz diva Joyce Cobb. With Delbert McClinton on harmonica, Dan Penn’s "Memphis Women and Chicken" is smooth, Southern and irresistible. You’ll also hear Holly Shelton’s sultry interpretation of W.C. Handy’s "Memphis Blues" (followed by a haunting instrumental with The W.C. Handy Preservation Band). Songwriter Bob Cheevers adds his irresistible "Memphis Till Monday" exclaiming the virtues of good ole Memphis barbecue and fun. Gusto jumps in with a lively version of Lyle Lovett’s "I’ve Been To Memphis." Other highlights include Daddy Mack Orr and Billy Gibson on the Chuck Berry/Johnny Rivers classic "Memphis," the soulful sounds of the Memphis All-Stars on their feel-good original "Lovely Memphis Day," and The McCarty-Hite Project’s "Memphis Town." Cult rockers The Delta Queens include their raw, but fiercely independent "Memphis (Highway 72)," as the almost final track.

Patrick Dodd concludes the CD in a reflective tone with "Memphis Keeps Rolling On," a gospel-tinged pop ballad that examines the struggles and triumphs of Memphis and its legacy.