Jazz Ensemble of Memphis Album Listening Event

This record began as a conversation between Memphis International Records owner, Jeff Phillips, his father Johnny and producer David Less about the 1959 album, “Downhome Reunion: Young Men From Memphis.” Recorded in New York, it featured Memphis jazz legends George Coleman, Booker Little, Phineas Newborn, Jr. Calvin Newborn, Frank Strozier, Jamal Nasser and others before they were famous.

The Phillips’ asked Less to produce a new version, recorded in Memphis, of some of the top young jazz musicians that, like on the original record, were at the beginning of their careers but showed promise of future greatness. The Jazz Ensemble of Memphis was not a working group and some met for the first time at these sessions. Their ages range from 17-26. “Playing The Yard” is that album.

This album is dedicated to all of those great Memphis Jazz musicians that came before us. We stand on your shoulders.

The Players:

Drums: Kurtis Gray was 17 years old at the time of recording this album.

Trumpet:  Martin Carodine, Jr. was 19 at the time of this recording.

Bass/Electric Bass:  Liam O’Dell was 21 years old at the time of recording.

Keyboards/Percussionist/Vibes/Congas: DeAnte Payne was 25 years old at the time of this recording.

Tenor Saxophone/Flute: Charles Pender II was 26 years old at the time of this recording

David Less will also lead a discussion following the listening session. This event is from 6-8pm and is FREE to attend.