Midtown Jazz Mobile Bakatak

The Midtown Jazz Mobile (Memphis) released two albums in the early 80’s. Fugitive (1982) and Bakatak (1984). The core members of remained the same with very few personnel changes in their 15+ year stint playing gigs in and around Memphis, TN. Members Gerard Harris,Guitar and Composer, graces Memphis with his unique guitar sounds for over 40 years now, and is well into his second decade teaching in the Shelby County School System. He also spent years touring with Kool & the Gang. Sylvester Sample was a first call bassist, just out of high school, and continued to play with the most notable jazz giants of his era - James Williams, Bill Mobley, who he grew up with. After stints in Chicago and Texas during his career, he’s back home in Memphis where he’s on the faculty of the Memphis Jazz Workshop. Doug Garrison is a drummer’s drummer, able to nail any style and add his own thing. He’s played with Phineas Newborn and Alex Chilton, and now lives in New Orleans where as a member of The Iguanas, he’s in demand all over town. George Caldwell’s artistry has led him into the piano chair of both the Duke Ellington AND Count Basie Orchestras, music production, playing, and conducting on Broadway - Sophisticated Ladies, The Full Monty, and Black and Blue to namea few. Having played with countless jazz heroes over the years, he enjoys playing with his own George Caldwell Quintet. Saxophonist and composer Jim Spake got an early start playing music in Memphis, has toured with Jerry Lee Lewis, Levon Helm, Alex Chilton, Rufus Thomas, Lucero, and others, but has managed to stay plugged into the local live music and recording scene in between Guest: Nokie Taylor – trumpet and Shof Beavers – waterphone