John Paul Keith and 145s

Overnight Lows

Jack O and the Tennessee Tearjerkers

Missing Monuments

The Limes

JOHN PAUL KEITH AND THE 1,4,5s

Fat Possum/Big Legal Mess artist John Paul Keith is a native of Knoxville, TN, who has moved around a lot and played in a lot of bands (The V-Roys, The Nevers, Ryan Adams' Pink Hearts, Stateside, Harlan T. Bobo, Jack Oblivian, and Jim Dickinson's garage rock project, Snake Eyes).

Keith moved to Memphis a couple of years ago and hooked up with Alvin Youngblood Hart's former rhythm section, bassist M. Edgar Stuart and drummer John Argroves. Not content to embarrass just themselves, they soon recruited guitarist Kevin Cubbins, along with pedal steel player John Whittemore and organist/piano man Al Gamble. The result is the grand tradition of Memphis rock n roll, updated for modern ears.

http://johnpaulkeith.net/main/

images: http://johnpaulkeith.net/main/?page_id=208

OVERNIGHT LOWS

Goner Records is proud to release City of Rotten Eyes, the debut from Jackson, Mississippi’s Overnight Lows. It’s about time. Marsh and Daphne Nabors, guitar and bass, have been playing out as Overnight Lows ever since their previous band, The Comas, imploded in early 995. Goner and many other labels have badgered them to record for years. Their reluctance to release anything until now reflects both their disdain for musical trends and their quest for a recording worthy of their sound. With City of Rotten Eyes, they’ve achieved it. Playing everything “in the key of Hep C,” the Overnight Lows mix a sick and sickened attitude with a classic Angry Samoans / Queers aesthetic: establish a blazing guitar riff, yell some memorable antisocial blather over it, hit a chorus, and get out.

http://www.myspace.com/theovernightlows

images: http://www.goner-records.com/blog/?page_id=485

JACK OBLIVIAN AND THE TENNESSEE TEARJERKERS 

Jack Yarber (aka Jack O) is an underground Memphis legend. With a band family tree that goes back to the early 80s with Corinth, Mississippi punks Johnny Vomit and the Dry Heaves and Memphis new wavers The End through ragged rockers the Compulsive Gamblers and the influential garage punk trio the Oblivians, Yarber knows no bounds - and, unlike many in his field - seems to get better with age. After putting a blender to Dan Penn, Dr. Feelgood, Marc Bolan and Ernie K-Doe on his last five solo records, "The Disco Outlaw" is the happy result of his musical exploration and ambition: a focused album packed with bits and pieces of his past that flows seamlessly to create something entirely new. Is this the year Yarber finally gets his due?

MISSING MONUMENTS

It’s impossible to imagine Goner Records without King Louie Bankston somewhere in the mix — Goner’s third-ever release was a two-song seven-inch by King Louie and the Harahan Crack Combo, immediately followed by the Royal Pendletons‘ (featuring Louie on drums) “Smokin’” EP. Not long after, Goner founder Eric Friedl joined forces with Bankston (and current Tirefire guitarist Jason “Panzer” Craft) for the Bad Times — and Louie’s one man band opus, Chinese Crawfish, remains one of the most popular albums in the Goner catalog.
A living legend on par with Jerry Lee Lewis or the Legendary Stardust Cowboy — and one of the most prolific musicians to come out of New Orleans — Bankston has also done time in Kajun SS,Kondor, the Clickems, Black Rose Band, Loose Diamonds, the Exploding Hearts, and the Persuaders.

http://www.myspace.com/missingmonuments

images: http://www.seattleshowgal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/kingl.jpg

The Limes

Memphis is home to several of rock’s most endearingly offkilter rock storytellers, from Jim Dickinson to Jeffrey Evans to Ross Johnson. To that list, one can now add Shawn Cripps, leader of The Limes.
On the band’s debut full-length, Rhinestone River, (Out August 24, 2010 on Goner Records) Cripps
retains the musical talents of Harlan T. Bobo, who previously helped on The Limes’ Rock ’n’ Roll Heart single. Bobo’s hypnotic keyboards perfectly complement Cripps’s gritty guitar work and vocals, particularly on “Sounds Like a Shimmy.” Rhinestone River also features contributions by Memphis scene stalwarts Ross Johnson, Paul Buchignani (Afghan Whigs, Bobo’s backing band), Alicja Trout (Lost Sounds, River City Tanlines) and Bruce Saltmarsh (’68 Comeback, Porch Ghouls).

http://www.myspace.com/limesrus

http://www.myspace.com/officialjackoblivian

images: http://www.230publicity.com/jacko.html

Darien Clea

Battle Victorious

Donte’ Everhart

Keia Johnson

Speakerboxx

Darien Clea

A musical combination of indie, pop, and folk, Darien’s addictively rhythmic and melodic songs voyage through all the heart’s territories; from whimsy to melancholy. With a growing presence in the Memphis music scene, and a self released EP under her belt, she has begun to win the hearts of many music lovers. Darien is passionate about creativity that breaks the rules, about justice for those who cannot defend or provide for themselves, grace in times of human imperfection, and love for those who have been burned by hatred. She is currently studying songwriting at VISIBLE SCHOOL in Memphis, TN.

www.myspace.com/darienclea

Battle V

Battle Victorious is a husband/wife duo, that consist of Todd and Emily Marriott. The duo (now based in Memphis) writes about struggle, hope and everything in between. Battle Victorious radiates true authenticity in their unique blend of harmony & lyrics. Their eclectic folk rock show has grown into an expressive and entertaining performance that leaves you wanting more.

www.myspace.com/battlevictorious

Donte Everhart and The End Time Movement

This Tennessee based band is comprised of Ministers, Elders, Worship Leaders, Music Directors, Theologians, Youth Workers and all talents of musicianship with a staging position as of a Broadway style musical.  However, they work mainly for the purpose of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and witnessing to the lost.

www.myspace.com/dellhart

Keia Johnson

When Mary J. Blige threw her hands up and told Memphian Keia Johnson she could sing, all signs pointed to suspending her preoccupation with her cover band to distinguish herself as an original solo artist. When Keia’s raw talent for combining two legacy inclining genres panned out, she was left with what she calls, “Rock Soul,” which all but promises her success in this cut-throat world known as the music industry.

www.myspace.com/armasecreta

Arma Sercreta

Arma Secreta pronounced “sikretta” is Portuguese for “secret weapon”. Arma Secreta is a band from Memphis, TN that takes rock to a whole new level. Blending a variety of genres, including post-punk, indie, and math rock, Arma Secreta brings you what they call “21st Century Action Rock.” Arma Secreta’s intensity will surely satisfy the craving of any adventurous music listener. Musically driven songs fueled by long instrumentations and spacey themes resemble something out of a sci-fi action movie.

www.myspace.com/contactkeia

SPEAKERBOXX

Out of Memphis, Tennessee has come an imaginative new group that has begun to make its mark on the music world. Quickly becoming known as "Leaders of a New Sound Movement", SPEAKERBOXX has astounded audiences with their remarkable blend of live hip-hop and Rock music.  Solid musicianship, insuppressible energy, and a strong commitment to "bring life to the masses," has put this band on the map.

www.myspace.com/speakerboxxmusic

U of M Jazz band

The Sheriffs of Nottingham

D Monet

Tony Dickerson

Reba Russell

The Marcela & Orquesta Caliente

University of Memphis Jazz Quartet

For the Festival, a Quartet from the Jazz Ensemble II will sing.  The Jazz Ensemble II is a 17 piece jazz ensemble that performs concerts at the University of Memphis and rehearses twice a week. Participants receive one hour of undergraduate credit. The group works on sight reading and skills necessary to play in the jazz ensemble genre. Rehearsals are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Auditions are held every fall semester. For more information contact Dr. Jack Cooper, conductor by email or at 901-678-2547.

http://www.memphis.edu/music/jazzensembles.php

The Sheriffs of Nottingham

The Sheriffs of Nottingham are a warning shot across the bow of anyone who thinks Memphis music isn't exciting anymore. Their music is born out on the ragged frontier of rock, blues, and soul. They're too loud. They believe in energy and emotion over technique. When they play a show, they want everyone in the building to have as good of a time as they do.

Justin Jamerson (vocals, rhythm guitar), Kevin Lipe (lead guitar), Curry Smith (bass, vocals) and Kyle Fagala (drums) first got together in early 2008. After a long Spring of writing, rehearsing, and trying to find their own sound somewhere in the constellation of Memphis' musical giants, they started playing shows and quickly built a solid following of devoted fans.

The Sheriffs of Nottingham released their debut album "Hard Places: The EP" on November 14, 2009.  They continue to write and perform their unique brand of rock 'n roll music—and it is definitely that; original and yet unmistakably Memphis. They sound like the city: rough around the edges, sometimes beautiful, always gritty, always real. That is their aim, and they achieve it well.

http://www.facebook.com/thesheriffs
http://www.myspace.com/thesheriffsmusic
http://www.twitter.com/thesheriffs
http://www.thesheriffs.bandcamp.com

D Monet

D Monet is a singer/songwriter who has always thought of music to be the greatest influence in her life. At age 7, she began to teach herself how to play the piano by ear. By the time she reached the 5th grade, she had written her first song. Deven spent several years singing in church, through school and through college as well. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Vocal Music Performance and graduated Cum Laude from LeMoyne Owen College in Memphis, TN. She has performed in Los Angeles and New York, and she has performed solo and sang backup with several local artists on the Memphis musical scene. Some of her biggest musical influences are Rachelle Ferrell, Oleta Adams, The Clark Sisters, Anita Baker, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Ledisi, and Celine Dion. D Monet performs in many of the local Memphis venues and sings backup for some of Memphis’ local artists. She also formerly sang backup for local cover bands such as Dubbel Mpaq, The Titanics, and Carmen and Friends. She performed in New York City as well as sang at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles alongside Vocalist Elaine Gibbs. She is a feature on Aaron Northern’s Beats and Measures album and performed studio vocals for jazz pianist Marcus Johnson's Poetically Justified album. From classical to jazz to r&b, D Monet's voice is definitely one to be reckoned with and one that will be uniquely remembered for years to come.

www.myspace.com/dmonet33

Tony Dickerson

When the name Tony B. Dickerson is spoken, many automatically associate him with music. As a pianist, composer, and phenomenal songwriter, Dickerson is one of Gospelâs premiere musicians. Influenced by the late great, âMaestro,â Thomas Whitfield, Tony B. Dickerson knows how to fuse the eclectic sounds of jazz, soul, and traditional compositions with contemporary techniques to form a very distinct style of music ministry.

Tony began playing the piano as a child prodigy at age six (6). By age 12, he was already teaching vocal parts and playing the piano for local church and school choruses. His grandmother recognized the gift of music in him and inspired him to persevere and hone his musical skills. Since then, he has not stopped his desire to create quality music.

Tony B. Dickerson has what it takes to present distinguished music. His background in music appreciation, choir decorum, and vocal techniques has allowed him to contribute music performances and compositions to several religious, educational, social and political organizations and events. Dickersonâs tenure in music has led him to different countries and has placed him in the presence of other stellar musicians.

When not on the road touring, you can find Tony serving in the church, the community, and in school as a musician, teacher, and/or conductor. Tonyâs mission is to positively influence hearts and souls with his musical expressions of healing, acceptance, unity, and restoration.

www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/8973488-tony-b-dickerson

Reba Russell

The Reba Russell Band emerged from Jim Dickinson's Zebra Ranch recording facility with a new quiver full of hot, original blues.  Reba, her husband, bassist Wayne Russell, and keys/harmonica player, Robert "Nighthawk" Tooms have made independently produced albums for over 20 years.  The new record, their eighth release, will be called, simply, 8.  It is indubitably their finest collaboration to date, even outshining their formidable greatest hits.  Reba is accompanied by guitars, bass, drums, a beautiful Baldwin grand piano, electric pianos, gutsy amplified harmonica, soul drenched Hammond organ, a superb Memphis horn section and lush background vocals. This project was lovingly mixed by hand using old school techniques (real echo chambers and huge reverb plates!) by Dawn Hopkins at the world renown, hit-making Ardent Studios. It is sublime.

The band, seasoned with the familiarity that comes from touring the world playing festivals, features searing guitar from their spectacular young guitarist, Josh Roberts, and impressive feats of percussion from professional drummer, Doug McMinn. After so many years, Reba's band has hit it's stride, playing solidly, together as one, with a ferocious intensity matched only by it's equally tear-evoking  poignant tenderness.  The interplay of instruments against the strong, sultry vocal styling of Reba Russell rings true to the musical heritage of Memphis, the band's home town... rootsy, blue and deep.  The band seamlessly alternates from loping, hard driving blues with a massive back beat to finessing moving, gentle ballads and gospel-inspired soul music.

This band combines decades of experience, superlative instrumental virtuosity and the most moving female voice in the modern blues pantheon to create one of the most exciting entertainment packages to have ever come from Memphis, Tennessee.

www.rebarussell.com
www.facebook.com/therebarussellband

Marcela & Orquesta Caliente

In the summer of 2009, a new epoch in the sonic storyboard of Orquesta Caliente unfolded with the arrival of vocalist Marcela Pinilla.  At their inaugural performance at the historic Levitt Shell in Memphis, TN,  Orquesta Caliente and Marcela brought a capacity crowd to its knees and right back up to their feet where they shuffled, shimmied, and salsa-ed the night away.  With this concert, Orquesta Caliente and Latin music reestablished itself in the rich cultural fabric of the greatest music city on Earth.
           
Under the direction of Tim Goodwin (bass) and Howard Lamb (trombone), Orquesta Caliente has been a vibrant force in the Mid-South's Latin music scene for over a decade.  These mainstays of Memphis music assembled a crack team of the most talented and versatile musicians that ever tooted a horn or banged on some skins: Tom Link (saxophone), Andre Matlin (piano), James Sexton (drum set), Nate Wilensky (trumpet), and Gerry Garcia (percussion). With the addition of Marcela to this mix of maestros and musical madmen, the cast was assembled to embark upon a musical adventure of epic proportions.

The mission of Orquesta Caliente is not only to entertain and enliven, but also to enrich and educate the people of the Mid South.  To facilitate an appreciation for Latin music and bring people of diverse backgrounds together under the banner of music and dance--this is the vision of Orquesta Caliente.  The circular transfer of raw energy from musician to audience to dance floor and back to musician creates a pulse that permeates dance halls, that penetrates social barriers, and that promotes a creative and open-minded populace.

BIO: download

This is the interview on Channel 3.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uv_oZdvxlAE

http://www.reverbnation.com/marcelapinilla
http://www.facebook.com/marcelapinillamusic
http://www.myspace.com/marcelapinilla