Being a part of the Memphis music scene for almost twenty years now, I have seen a lot of bands come and go. Most have a good run for a few years and fizzle out. Often members will attempt to reform in different projects. Many play it safe, never pushing the envelope, and become somewhat of a parody of their former glory. Over the years you get used to the cycle. I think that is why the New Mary Jane made such an impression on me.
Last fall I saw the New Mary Jane the first time at the Buccaneer. Being a Grifters fan, I was very interested in seeing them perform. Even though I wasn’t aware when I arrived, I was about to see them play twice. The set at the Buccaneer was very minimal. John Argroves was playing a stripped down drum kit ala Mo Tucker. Dave Shouse and Scott Taylor painted sonic soundscapes with their guitars, synths, and extensive pedal collection, while James Godwin held it together with solid bass grooves. It was one of the best blends of experimentalism with pop sensibilities I have seen in a long time.
Microgore by The New Mary Jane
http://soundcloud.com/thenewmaryjane/microgore
A few hours later I caught them playing again at Murphy’s. I was totally expecting to see more of the same. I was surprised when I heard many of the songs I had just heard performed completely different. The show at Murphy’s was pure rock n roll, very reminiscent of the Grifters earlier work, had they been a bit more experimental. I have since learned that you never know what to expect when you see them. They mix things up, experiment, and reinvent. To me this is more admirable than how hard you rock. That’s why I love the New Mary Jane.
Allen Morrisson has been a local musician in Memphis since the early 90’s. He has played in rock bands such as Richard James and the Special Riders, Angel Sluts, Twin Pilot, and as a solo artist. He is also known as an electronic experimentalist who has collaborated with Roy Berry of Lucero in a project called Overjoid. Allen currently works as a hair stylist at Empire Hair Studio.
