Memphis Rockabilly Band

Artist Information

Biography

The Memphis Rockabilly Band was formed by Jeff Spencer and Bill Coover in 1978. The band quickly became one of the most popular bands in Boston and New England, as well as other destinations up and down the east coast. MRB traveled to Europe in 1981 and 1982 and recorded for France’s Big Beat Records. The band also released an album on Blind Pig Records in 1986.

Between 1979 and 1989, MRB was privileged to play with artists such as Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, Delbert McClinton, Roomful of Blues, Duke Robillard, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Link Wray, Jack Scott, The Persuasions, Etta James and others. Carl Perkins called them “the best rockabilly band I have ever seen.”

Jeff Spencer and Bill Coover again teamed up in 2005 to create a new incarnation of The Memphis Rockabilly Band. The band now includes bassist Paul Justice and drummer Alan Sheinfeld.

Memphis Rockabilly Band has returned to Europe after a 23-year absence, playing to crowds of adoring fans, and establishing itself at the forefront of the American roots music scene in Europe.

As in the past, the band’s repertoire includes original and cover songs drawn from rockabilly, surf instrumentals, blues, rock & roll, hillbilly and rhythm and blues. Memphis Rockabilly Band has always been known as a great dance band that tries to keep 'em on the dance floor and has been a favorite of swing dancers.

Instrumentation

Jeff Spencer - lead vocals, guitar
Bill Coover - lead guitar, vocals, tenor sax
Paul Justice - bass, vocals
Alan Sheinfeld - drums, vocals

Discography

Currently 2 CDs on Big Beat Records (France)
Available online at iTunes, Rhapsody and others.

Records released on Big beat in 1981, 1983.
One album on Blind Pig in 1986.

Official Website

http://www.memphisrockabillyband.com

Audio

• Show Me the Money
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• Ducktails
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• Pleated Pants
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• Honey Don't
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• The Man Who Can Do No Right
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• Rio Grande Moon
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Lyrics

• The Man Who Can Do No Right

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Memphis Rockabill, all the way from Boston [+ Show ]
  

  Spencer's versions of Elvis' Sun records are first-rate. He captures the stammers, stutters and yelp...Spencer's versions of Elvis' Sun records are first-rate. He captures the stammers, stutters and yelps perfectly, while augmented by the slinky finger-piced leads of Coover, who has the licks of Scotty Moore down pat.

• Memphis Rockabilly shows combine roots rock, surprise [+ Show ]
  

  MRB revels in the joy and spontaneity of presenting infectious rock 'n' roll with showmanship and de...MRB revels in the joy and spontaneity of presenting infectious rock 'n' roll with showmanship and delightful unpredictability. Dancing is almost mandatory and fun is almost unavoidable.

• Memphis Rockabilly Band [+ Show ]
  

  Coover seems to know every Scotty Moore and Cliff Gallup lick backwards and forward. Lead singer Jef...Coover seems to know every Scotty Moore and Cliff Gallup lick backwards and forward. Lead singer Jeff Spencer's clear, pleasant baritone easily expresses the nuances of the style.

• Rockabilly band reels in crowd
  

  When the phrase "the joint is jumpin" was coined, somebody had this band in mind.

• Boston boys play crazed 50's bop [+ Show ]
  

  Watching these cats ... is a dizzying experience. They play bop to the hilt and you will be up on th...Watching these cats ... is a dizzying experience. They play bop to the hilt and you will be up on the dance floor clelebrating with them as soon as the ants in your pants start dancing.

• Rockabilly [+ Show ]
  

  MRB plays a clean, undiluted brand of the form. They produce a sound remarkably like the music heard...MRB plays a clean, undiluted brand of the form. They produce a sound remarkably like the music heard on the earliest Sun recordings. Lead singer Jeff Spencer's baitone, on some of his early Elvis covers sounds exactly like the late lamented king. His other vocals span an almost 20-year period, including Hank Williams, Conway Twitty and Eddie Cochran. Billy Coover's tasteful guitar playing was a welcome change from much of the overplaying that many guitarists could be accused of.

Setlist

Set times vary as needed. Usually 3X50 minutes.
Originals plus cover music from circa 1954-1964.
Mostly uptempo with scattered slow songs.

Basic Requirements

Calendar