What’s easy about teaching the young student to become a creative instrumentalist? Turns out, a LOT and and nothing. Thara Memory and I sat down at Local 99 at the beginning of the year to talk about his family roots, teaching the very young student (as fast as he can) and what rehearsals really are like. A hint? As easy as unwrapping a gift!

Where It All Began

Although “unions” seem far and few between these days, Local 99 is where I was headed  to meet with Thara Memory. Catch a little rehearsal time as he put his incomparable band through its paces with the theme from Shaft! among the many pieces that are going to be featured at Jimmy Mak’s on Saturday February 1st.  Afterwards, a little sit-down as well. Do NOT miss the live rehearsal sound we caught (at end of convo). It is THE gift. To YOU.

Thara Memory does many things well. But his heart is set on teaching jazz  “as fast as” he can. He told me “nothing is easy about teaching the very young student”. That there are so many hurdles when you want to teach them to be “creative instrumentalists”. As for his stellar band? It’s all about “doing their own thing to it”. So let’s get to it. Enjoy the conversation and a great video shot by my colleague, Robert Parish.

 

THE EXTRAVAGANZA

tharaposter

Thara Memory’s Black History Month Extravaganza
Saturday, February 1st
Two shows at 7:30 & 10:00pm
Advanced Tickets $20 Reserved Seating/$18 General Admission
Available at Tickettomato.com
Tonight, we are proud to welcome back 2013 Grammy Winner, Portland’s own Thara Memory! 
Thara has assembled a stellar band for an extravaganza celebrating Black History Month. In honor of Black History Month, and 50 years of R&B and Soul, Thara is presenting an array of hits from artists that changed music forever. The magic of James Brown, Rufus Thomas, Al Green, Earth Wind and Fire, Isaac Hayes, George Duke, and Stevie Wonder just to name a few. Thara promises to “have you beggin’ for mercy.” 
The show stars Portland’s best vocalists including the incomparable Linda Hornbuckle, LaRonda Steele, Andy Stokes and Tahirah Memory, they’ll have you dancing in your seats. The vocalists will be backed by Portland’s best nine piece, soul review band including Janice Scroggins on piano, Renato Caranto on tenor sax, Stan Bock on trombone, Joby Tijerina on trumpet, Doug Lewis on lead guitar, Errick Lewis on bass, Louis Pain on organ, and Israel Annoh on drums. 
See and hear this 2013 Grammy winner and former James Brown band member up close and personal, and celebrate Black History month in style.

PRP
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