Book a Band Listing

"The Ultimate in R&B and Classic Soul"

Memphis Train Revue is a 9-piece Texas institution, a gumbo of R&B, funk, soul, gospel and jazz that’s been simmering for 15 years. We start with a funky base of Will McGowan on drums, Yoggie Musgrove on bass, Willie Scoggins on guitar and Phil Redmond on keyboards; toss in a solid horn section of Keith Fiala on the trumpet and Paul Klemperer on sax; and, for that truly unique quality, top it off with the signature smooth, strong, and vibrant vocals of Glenda Dotson, Sheree Smith and Kim Pollini. These ingredients are rare but sophisticated and bring just the right flavor to create the perfect, delicious combination that is Memphis Train Revue. More about the ingredients: Glenda Dotson The daughter of a career army man and minister, Glenda was raised with the soulfulness of a weekly churchgoer and the worldliness of an army brat. With her broad exposure to musical styles from across the country and around the world, it is little wonder she found a unique voice all her own. Glenda has performed for countless audiences with such artists as Kyle Turner, Mr. James Polk and Women in Jazz, all while successfully pursuing her own solo career. Sheree Smith Born and raised in Attalla, Alabama, Sheree’s talents as vocalist and performer have been in demand since before moving to Austin in the 1980’s. Sheree has lent her voice to recordings for Overlord, Spencer Gibb, the San Antonio Spurs and the San Antonio Riverwalk and has starred in such popular musicals as Beehive and Dreamgirls. Sheree’s theatre experience helps her erase the barrier between performer and audience, allowing the audience to feel the thrill of the spotlight. Kim Pollini Kim’s vocal history is as rich as it is varied. She began singing Gospel at age 5, attended the renowned University of North Texas and earned a B.A. in Music/Voice at Austin College. Kim has toured Europe and, as a member of the UNT Jazz Singers, is a recipient of the “Best College Jazz Choir” award from DownBeat magazine. She has performed with such legends as Jon Hendricks and Maya Angelou and most recently recorded and performed with Bruce Robison at the ACL Festival. Keith Fiala By all accounts, Keith was a child trumpet prodigy. He began playing in the third grade, was featured in the “Who’s Who of Young Musicians,” toured the world playing jazz festivals, and won the prestigious Louis Armstrong Jazz Award all before attending college at the University of Texas on a full music scholarship. Keith recently re-joined Memphis Train Revue after a year touring the globe with late jazz legend Maynard Ferguson. Paul Klemperer Born in Boston, Paul discovered jazz at an early age, sneaking into smoky clubs by age 13. He studied with jazz legends Archie Shepp, Max Roach and Ray Copeland before moving to Austin in 1982 where he worked with such greats as Marcia Ball and members of the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Paul earned his master’s degree in Ethnomusicology at the University of Texas and released two CD’s of original jazz tunes before joining Memphis Train Revue in January 2006. Will McGowan A native of East Austin, Will was so enamored with the drums that he taught himself to play with nothing more than a couple of tree branches and empty cans of Crisco. Despite his grandmother’s constant pleas to “quit making all that racket,” Will pursued his love and, at the age of 19, with a real drum set in hand, played his first gig on Austin’s famed 6th Street. Since then, Will has served as the music director of one of Austin’s largest churches, toured the “Chitlin Circuit” with Kyle Turner and entertained our troops in Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo and Sarajevo. Yoggie Musgrove What can you say about Yoggie Musgrove' The man is the most highly sought bassist in central Texas. When Freescale Semiconductor built a band to back Bonnie Raitt, Eric Johnson, Kris Kristofferson, Ian McLagan, Stephen Bruton, Ruthie Foster, and Malford Milligan for their “Road to Austin” concert, they hired the absolute best and Yoggie Musgrove was there. On multiple occasions, Yoggie has been voted the Best Bassist in Austin by readers of the Austin Chronicle, proving that he is a player with broad appeal, not merely a musician’s musician. Willie Scoggins Willie Scoggins developed his steadfast work ethic while shucking corn and milking cows on his grand-daddy’s farm just outside of Fort Worth. Willie began his music career at the age of 8 when he was given the choice of learning piano or taking ballet. He chose piano and three years later, received his first guitar as a gift from his dad. Willie graduated from the Guitar Institute of Technology where he taught for 7 years before joining Memphis Train Revue in 1995. Phil Redmond A keyboard player, guitarist, drummer, trumpet player, producer, engineer, singer, and songwriter, Phil is a modern day renaissance man whose skills are in high demand among the elite of the central Texas and national music scenes. And why not' It’s in his blood. Phil grew up with a father (Roy Redmond) who sang with James Brown, Ray Charles and Sam and Dave. Phil has forged his own career playing with such notable acts as El Debarge (Motown), Tommy Shane Steiner (RCA) and Toby Beau (RCA). We are proud to have Phil back in the band after a 4 year hiatus.