My Picks: Memphis Soul by Glenn Alexander & Shadowland

Memphis Soul – Glenn Alexander & Shadowland

My Picks is back! I know it’s been a while, but for those who don’t remember it’s a feature where I highlight a tune that I recorded which I believe merits a closer look. For the return of My Picks, I chose “Memphis Soul,” a cut off of the debut album of Glenn Alexander & Shadowland. I encourage everyone to check out the lyrics to this song, which are listed below. I have a strong interest in blues and jazz history, something I have pursued it most of my adult life. It has enlightened my entire world about the struggles of African and African American people, as well as other ethnic groups, and how scores died and were tortured beyond belief at the hands of other human beings. Our world of music and art would not be even remotely the same without their enormous, incredible, beautiful gifts and contributions. Memphis is one of those amazing places that was bursting with talent in the late 1800s – and that continues right up until today. The city’s history of jazz, blues and rock ‘n’ roll is astonishing, mind blowing. Yes, its fame dates back to W.C. Handy and his writing of the Memphis blues. There were many jazz and blues artists in Memphis early last century, as well as BB King and so many others in the 1940s. Then, of course, there was Mr. Sam Philips who started rock ‘n’ roll in the early 1950s, while simultaneously building Sun Studios and Records, while signing and recording everyone in rock ‘n’ roll including The King, Elvis Presley. Memphis Soul baby!!

So many have traveled , that long and weary road
Lookin’ for that magic, that southern soul
Home of that Tennessee boy, they called him the king
Standin’ before Graceland, I can hear him sing

Sing it to me brother, so loud and clear
Shoulda been down in the fifties, was all happen here
The place was on fire, with guitars pickin’ the blues
Sam Phillips was raisin’ the sun and rock-n-roll too

Lookin’ for that Memphis soul
Try and turn your dreams into gold
Talkin’ bout that Memphis soul
Give me that old time rock-n-roll

I hear the Top goes there to cut their sides
There’s something in the air, it’s everywhere you can’t deny
They had Booker T & The MGs, Jackie Brenston and Jerry Lee
BB King, Howlin’ Wolfe and the father W.C.

Walkin’ down Beale Street, I can feel the legacy
Like the song with the same name, Cropper, Redding and Dupree
So many legends, well, try and fill their shoes
Like Handy’s Mr. Crump, now called The Memphis Blues

Chorus

Solo

Memphis Soul, can’t find the key
Searchin’ for that river city dream
Memphis Soul, home of rock-n-roll, it’s a life gone by or so I’m told

Chorus
2X
Memphis Soul – repeat over Double time

Hear more from Glenn Alexander & Shadowland