The Mar-Keys - Memphis Experience (1971) Stax - Rare Soul/Inst

As a very young mod here in the UK back in the day i cut my Teeth so to speak on these wonderful Musicians that left a lifelong impression on my quest to satisfy my obsession with everything Soul. Despite scoring only one national hit, the 1961 instrumental smash “Last Night,” the Mar-Keys remain one of the most important groups ever to emerge from the Memphis music scene. As the first house band for the legendary Stax label, they appeared on some of the greatest records in soul history, with their ranks also producing such renowned musicians as guitarist Steve Cropper and bassist Donald “Duck” Dunn. the Mar-Keys formed in 1958 and included drummer Terry Johnson, pianist Jerry Lee “Smoochie” Smith, saxophonists Don Nix and Charles Axton, and trumpeter Wayne Jackson in addition to Cropper and Dunn.
Originally dubbed the Royal Spades, in 1960 the group joined the staff at Axton’s mother Estelle’s Satellite label, backing artists that included Rufus Thomas and his daughter Carla. A year later, the Mar-Keys headlined the Chips Moman penned “Last Night,” which reached the number three spot in the summer of 1961 in the US. When Satellite changed its name to Stax, the Mar-Keys remained on board, laying the foundation for the classic Memphis soul sound through with their funky, sophisticated grooves, concurrently they recorded a series of singles including “Pop-Eye Stroll,” “The Morning After,” and “Philly Dog,” although none repeated the commercial success of “Last Night.” In 1962 Cropper and Dunn left the lineup to co found the famed Booker T. and the MG’s. Other personnel changes followed, although the Mar-Keys continued on for several more years before the name was eventually dropped. Wayne Jackson & Andrew Love then formed another top-notch session group, the Memphis Horns, while Axton led the Packers, scoring a 1965 hit with “Hole in the Wall.” Nix, meanwhile, mounted a solo career, also producing records for artists including Freddie King, Jeff Beck, and Furry Lewis.The rest as they say is History!...many thanks go to USMAN47 for covers!

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