Memphis, TN-AR-MS (1888PressRelease)
July 31, 2007 - The Memphis Sound Band has been selected among all Memphis bands to headline the First Annual River Arts Fest to be held October 26-28 in Memphis, Tennessee. Billed as 'A Celebration of the Visual, Performing and Culinary Arts On Historic South Main Street' in Downtown Memphis, the festival features an Artist Market, a Juried Art Exhibition, an Invitational Art Exhibit, live Memphis Music, Drama, and Dance, and Culinary Arts entitled 'A Taste of South Main.' For More information on the River Arts Festival, visit http://www.riverartsfest.com
The seven member Memphis Sound Band features Memphis Premiere Female Vocalist Award Winner Jackie Johnson and Lead Vocalist / Producer / Keyboardist Elwood 'Woody' Degan performing the legacy of Memphis Music.
"The Memphis Sound Band is no accident. When clients want to give their guests a Memphis show, they call us." states Degan, who began years ago as an A&R intern for Capitol Records NY. Under the tutelage of Josh Deutch, who is still widely recognized as the #1 A&R man in the world, Degan won Capitol Records National A&R Promotions Contest, and never looked back. Drawing on that experience, he conceived and developed the idea for the band and "recruited these players from among the finest in the Memphis Music scene. There was, at that time, a void for bands who were performing The Memphis Sound music with authenticity and style. Of course we can play all of the popular contemporary hits, but our main presentation is the legacy of Memphis Music that is The Memphis Sound. We started with the best players, to get the proper foundation, also keeping in mind the need for strong vocals. Along the way we had to make a few changes to get the level of commitment, consistency, and dependability that we needed, but that's the same as in any organization - it's just personnel management. Beyond that, our focus is the music. Admittedly, we don't jump around on stage as much as some of these other Memphis bands do, but our groove is tighter, our vocals are a cut above - sometimes two - and that's what our clients pay for. All of the promo in the world can't take the place of a great musical and vocal performance."
"Talk about musical performance! When I finally had the opportunity to sing with Jackie Johnson, I was blown away. I've held my own on stage with some big name vocalists world-wide, from Hootie and The Blowfish to Vince Gill, Sammy Davis Jr. to Dishwalla, but it is indeed a humbling experience singing next to Jackie every night. Even her 'off-nights' are excellent. Yet, she is at the same time so complimentary to me and supportive of what I do. Personally, she's one of the most delightful, positive people I've ever met. Nice quiet demeanor, but then she sings. Gift from God."
"Neil Bowen, on bass, is our band leader. There is nothing I can say here that could adequately describe his talent - on every instrument. Effortless. Extra extra-ordinaire. He also advises me on the music theory, and the other players - whether this guy or that guy is a fit. Although we're usually always on the same page, when it comes to player performance, I rely on Neal's opinion above my own. Guitarist Marlin Branch, whose roots are in jazz and R&B, has provided a new level of dependability, preparedness, and professionalism that directly filled a void. He came in on short notice and provided a team spirit that we desperately needed. We never missed a beat. His presence has been at the same time a very uplifting and comforting experience for all of us. Our drummer, Lafayette Adair, has a groove that you can certainly feel, and almost see! In a word: STRONG! Saxophonist Mike Neal plays several saxophones, piccolo, and sings great background vocals, which allows us to pull off those three and four part harmony parts. The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra hired Mike to play Tommy Dorsey's part. Enough said! Mark Franklin also plays trumpet with us when we expand to the larger band sound. Mark is also well recognized as one of the best around this music community, as evidenced by his schedule."
The Memphis Sound band is perfect for corporate entertainment, festivals, private parties, and special events of all kinds. The band carries their own staging, sound, and lighting systems for any crowd size!
The Memphis Sound band performs regularly within the mid-south region, but also travels to other U.S markets like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, St. Louis, Nashville, Jackson, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Charlotte, Boston, Denver, Houston, Birmingham, Tampa, Washington, New Orleans, and across the globe.
To book the Memphis Sound Band please contact Heidi Smith 901.861.0500 or visit http://www.memphissound.com for additional information.
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