Formed in 2002 by bassist Chris Lomas ( ex Parkers Alibi ) and guitarist Mark Shaw Memphis In The Meantime were originally a trio playing raw blues, cool west coast swing and rock ‘n’ roll so hot that it could get them there own liquor license!
In 2003 they recruited the services of ace Hammond organist and piano player Fred Skidmore whose truly original approach and registration became an integral part of the bands sound.
Drummers came and went but when Micky Barker ( Magnum, Steve Gibbons, Trevor Burton ) got behind the kit then the sparks really did start to fly. His powerful, groove-oriented style was perfect and the final piece of the jigsaw fell into place.
The early part of the bands career was spent backing various visiting American blues acts, touring the UK with Tommy McCoy ( with whom they recorded a live album ) and Jimmy Griswold both from Florida and also Paul Byrd from Fort Worth, Texas. But despite this busy schedule they still managed to clock up critically acclaimed appearances in their own right at The Dragon Blues Festival in Wrexham and in many of the clubs on the UK blues circuit. They recently shared the bill with the legendry Chris Farlow at The Littlecote House Blues Weekend are booked to open for Madeline Bell ( ex 70’s chart toppers Blue Mink ) on the main stage at the 10th Nantwich Jazz & Blues Festival and have secured a prime spot on the Blues Matters / Roadhouse stage at the Great British R’n’B Festival in Clone, Lanc’s, the largest festival of it’s type in the UK.
In 2003 they recruited the services of ace Hammond organist and piano player Fred Skidmore whose truly original approach and registration became an integral part of the bands sound.
Drummers came and went but when Micky Barker ( Magnum, Steve Gibbons, Trevor Burton ) got behind the kit then the sparks really did start to fly. His powerful, groove-
The early part of the bands career was spent backing various visiting American blues acts, touring the UK with Tommy McCoy ( with whom they recorded a live album ) and Jimmy Griswold both from Florida and also Paul Byrd from Fort Worth, Texas. But despite this busy schedule they still managed to clock up critically acclaimed appearances in their own right at The Dragon Blues Festival in Wrexham and in many of the clubs on the UK blues circuit. They recently shared the bill with the legendry Chris Farlow at The Littlecote House Blues Weekend are booked to open for Madeline Bell ( ex 70’s chart toppers Blue Mink ) on the main stage at the 10th Nantwich Jazz & Blues Festival and have secured a prime spot on the Blues Matters / Roadhouse stage at the Great British R’n’B Festival in Clone, Lanc’s, the largest festival of it’s type in the UK.
Interest from one of Europe’s biggest blues & roots labels led to the band starting work on there debut album, featuring originals and favorites from there live set.
‘Take Me Home’ The Album
Memphis In The Meantime may have started out as a straight blues band but on their debut album Take Me Home they have begun to incorporate a mixture of different styles. The Blues is still their address, the main one, where the get their mail, you only have to witness them ripping into Tommy McCoy’s Blues Thing, Rock Bottom’s Web Top Checker, The Tailgators Stop That Rappin’ and the Wynonie Harris classic Bloodshot Eyes, all shot through with authenticity. They absolutely capture the feeling of the originals but always leave their own personal stamp on their renditions.
As the album progresses they could at times be classified as rockabilly, blues, southern soul, cajun, rock n roll, and even jazz but this diversity manifests itself into a unique, distinctive and powerful sound which retains a cool rootsy retro vibe while showing signs of great originality and embraces many aspects of the contemporary scene.
The recording of Take Me Home marked a creative turning point for the band and they hope with the release of the album they will be able to concentrate more developing their own identity and sound.
The Future
Still very much in demand as a backing band - they are collectively recording and touring this year ( 2006 ) with Jean Vincent, Jimmy Griswold ( USA ) and individual members are involved with The Mighty Houserockers, and John Lynham.
The great thing about Memphis In The Meantime is that they can play blues clubs and festivals or rock venues, a diversified band yes, but everybody’s on the same page and that page is headed “The Blues”.
‘Take Me Home’ The Album
Memphis In The Meantime may have started out as a straight blues band but on their debut album Take Me Home they have begun to incorporate a mixture of different styles. The Blues is still their address, the main one, where the get their mail, you only have to witness them ripping into Tommy McCoy’s Blues Thing, Rock Bottom’s Web Top Checker, The Tailgators Stop That Rappin’ and the Wynonie Harris classic Bloodshot Eyes, all shot through with authenticity. They absolutely capture the feeling of the originals but always leave their own personal stamp on their renditions.
As the album progresses they could at times be classified as rockabilly, blues, southern soul, cajun, rock n roll, and even jazz but this diversity manifests itself into a unique, distinctive and powerful sound which retains a cool rootsy retro vibe while showing signs of great originality and embraces many aspects of the contemporary scene.
The recording of Take Me Home marked a creative turning point for the band and they hope with the release of the album they will be able to concentrate more developing their own identity and sound.
The Future
Still very much in demand as a backing band -
The great thing about Memphis In The Meantime is that they can play blues clubs and festivals or rock venues, a diversified band yes, but everybody’s on the same page and that page is headed “The Blues”.
