Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s first Pops concert of its 80th season is a hometown celebration of the first order, as Jackson-based guest artists Jacktown Sons make their MSO debut. Stirring R&B classics meet symphonic splendor in an evening guaranteed to energize.
With the temporary closure of Thalia Mara Hall, the October 26 concert moves to Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center.
Polished harmonies, dynamic dance moves and the high-energy, soulful thrills of hits universally known by heart are all part of the package with Jacktown Sons.
The four vocalists — Larry Armstrong Jr., Juan Knott, John Macklin and Brian Williams, all from the Jackson metro area — were Jackson State University students when they first blended voices in the JSU choir 30 years ago. They competed a capella in talent shows, Boys 2 Men-style, while still students, then graduated to backing tracks and standout choreography. Through several musical entities, they grew into a top-notch band that has played across the country and in Europe with artists such as Michael Bolton, Cassandra Wilson, Grace Bumbry, Peabo Bryson and Ronald Isley.
Newly rebranded as Jacktown Sons, they’re eager to explore the next frontier, taking the party favorites of groups like The Temptations, Four Tops, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles and more, plus their own rhythm section, into a symphonic setting.
“This is a very bold experiment,” MSO Maestro Crafton Beck said, “both on our part and on the company producing them — this collaboration to create something that’s homegrown.” Previously, in MSO’s search for R&B and soul guest artists to appear with the symphony, “There’s just not a lot out there. Then we realized, those people are here.”
Beloved songs such as The Temptations’ “Get Ready” and “Can’t Get Next to You” and the O’Jays’ “Love Train,” with brand new arrangements by Bill Murphy of Jackson, will make the most of the R&B groove-meets-pops orchestra instrumentation. Veteran Jackson session drummer and musical director Vince Barranco serves as liaison between the group and the orchestra.
That’s what MSO President and Executive Director Jenny Mann proudly calls “Mississippi through and through.” Mississippi is the birthplace of America’s music and MSO is its flagship symphony. “We’re working very hard to show the world what amazing artists we have right here, right now.”
“Sharing a stage with a symphony orchestra marks a pinnacle for any musician, especially a singer,” lead singer Armstrong said. He likened this project to a new painting.
“You’re creating this base line and on top of that, you have all the colors you would find in a Crayola box. It’s a beautiful thing, with violins and cellos, the core of having your normal guitar and drums, then with all your woodwinds and brass coming in, in order to make this piece of auditory art,” Armstrong said. “I’m just excited about it! We’ve been in the business forever, but this is a totally new experience for us.”
He foresees opportunities for Jacktown Sons worldwide. “The style of music we’re using is universal — the Motown and things of that nature. Generations are going to sing it!
“I told the guys, ‘It’s almost legacy-building.’ We’re doing something that’s never been done before.” Taking this show from Mississippi out into the world, and spreading that happiness to another city, another state and beyond — it’s amazing, he said. “I want to put it in a digital format and send it to Mars!”
Armstrong thought about all the different Jackson and Mississippi artists who have touched their lives and touched them musically as a group — Andy Hardwick, Patrice Moncell, Dorothy Moore. Then, zooming out nationally, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, The Temptations, Four Tops and the like, who have shaped what they do. “It’s beautiful … taking what we’ve learned and putting it in a format that can gel with MSO.
“It’s going to be awesome!”
MSO’s Pops series is sponsored by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi. The concert sponsor is Meyer and Genevieve Falk Fund for Culture and Arts at the Community Foundation for Mississippi. Jacktown Sons are sponsored by Franscogna Law Group, PLLC.
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Reminder: New Venue
Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center — 4908 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211 — is the location for MSO’s “Jacktown Sons” concert at 7:30 p.m. on October 26, 2024. Seating is general admission with a reserved section for Conductor, Connoisseur, and Loge season ticket holders.