The Martha Bassett Show
Saturdays at 5pm on WVTF Music
The Martha Bassett Show is recorded live at the historic Reeves Theater in Elkin, NC.
This weekly one-hour music program blends the fabric of the national roots and Americana scene with the rich artistry, history, and flair of North Carolina’s Piedmont region. Helmed by one of the state’s most distinguished musicians, the live show features national artists, fresh local faces, and the music of Martha Bassett. Each show is a collaboration in song and conversation between Martha, her band, and the guests.
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Amythyst Kiah visited the show on September 1, 2018, along with Riley Baugus, Joe Thrift & Russell McCumber. We knew Amythyst had a powerhouse voice, but we were still amazed to stand alongside her. Riley Baugus is a longtime fixture around these parts, but is also known for his work on the movie “Cold Mountain” and for his work with Willie Nelson. He also makes banjos, so with the inclusion of fiddle makers Thrift & McCumber on this one, we had a lot to talk about.
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The Martha Bassett Show welcomes John Howie Jr. and Sonny Miles to the Reeves Theater in Elkin, NC. John brought along some of his poignant and heartbreaking country songs, and Sonny got the house dancing with his signature soulful sound. Martha and the band jump in as usual, and Martha does a beautiful version of “Cry Me a River,” which features Rex McGee on fiddle. Rex also performs a piece from his iconic album “24 Creations for Solo Banjo.”
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Accordionist and pianist Sam Reider brought his band, The Human Hands, from Brooklyn, NY, to the show for a high-energy, spirited evening. The iconic North Carolina singer-songwriter and poet Bruce Piephoff also joined the show, and Martha teamed up with Sam and his band on "Viente Anos" and "The Nearness of You."
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Jeff Little / David Childers – Live at the ReevesThe Martha Bassett Show welcomes pianist Jeff Little and singer-songwriter David Childers to the show. This was the first of our Streaming Series at the Reeves Theater, and due to Covid, we all had a great time getting back to some music-making with old and new friends. Jeff brought along his son Luke on mandolin, which was an extra treat, and Jeff joined Martha on a stellar version of her song “Shake.”
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We welcomed the iconic and mesmerizing alt-pop genius Jim White to the show. Jim has long been one of our favorite songwriters, and it was a thrill to get to make some music with him. Also, one of North Carolina’s finest young guitar players, Presley Barker, visited for the first time and brought the audience to their feet. Presley was 13 and has since become one of our regular guests. Martha also performed a very touching sing-along with the audience.
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A night of classic blues and country! Ella Patrick, also known as Momma Molasses, visited from Johnson City, TN, and shared some of her classic country sounds. The music of North Carolina blues troubadour Jon Shain rounded out the night, and he also chatted with Martha about winning the 2019 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.
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Mollie O'Brien & Rich Moore / Rex McGee – Live at the Reeves
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Special – Holiday Classics with Martha BassettHere’s a very special episode featuring Martha singing some of her favorite holiday songs, including performances with some of the finest area ensembles and a guest appearance from the Dan River Girls.
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Chance McCoy (Old Crow Medicine Show) shared some great new songs and filled us in on his recent work in film, both as an actor and composer. Matty Sheets hails from Greensboro and has been a pillar of the NC scene for years. He brought along Ben Singer and Laura Jane Vincent for the fun and also premiered a beautiful new song, “Hit the Road.”
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The Martha Bassett Show welcomed Joe Topping from the UK. He was on the UK’s “The Voice” and is uniquely soulful. TMBS also welcomed troubadours, The Resonant Rogues, and the spectacular outfit Klezmer Local 42 from Athens, GA. As usual, Martha and the band hosted the entire evening!