Music
Press
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. - Boston Globe
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. - The Patriot Ledger
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. - NY Rocker
When the phrase "the joint is jumpin" was coined, somebody had this band in mind. - Richmond (Va) Times-Dispatch
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. - Hickory, NC Focus
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. - The Weekly Grapevine, Ithaca, NY
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.
Photos
Bio
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.
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