Introducing Copacetic 901 Band in Memphis
When the groove has to be just right. Smooth jazz that still has an edge.
Introducing Copacetic 901 Band in Memphis
When the groove has to be just right. Smooth jazz that still has an edge.
Who are we?
Memphis Music Heritage
Any professional musician, who plays anywhere in the world, will acknowledge that Memphis has a deep bench of musical talent. The members of our band draw from that deep musical talent pool.
Pronounced "kopesedik" 901
adjective North American informal
in excellent order "Memphis"
Our Musical Inspirations
Our band is influenced by straight ahead, contemporary, and smooth jazz artists. We channel the energy of Oscar Peterson, Herbie Hancock, Fourplay and Boney James. We infuse elements of Funk, R & B, and Classic Rock to create a unique blend that is represented in an eclectic playlist from Sweetest Taboo to In a Sentimental Mood.
About Us
Rick Berryhill - Guitarist
Rickie “Rat” Berryhill (guitar, piano, organ and vocals) was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He is a veteran studio musician, writer and producer. His career started in high school with the Gene “Bowlegs” Miller big band. He holds a degree in engineering. He has been the minister of music for several local/regional churches. He is a B.M.I. affiliated song writer and artist. He has been the musical director and/or producer for several local recording artists including D.D. Joseph & David, Ollie Nightingale, Johnny Scott, Tom Sanders and the Temprees. He is an experienced sideman who has backed many Stax artists and major performers such as B.B. King, Albert King, Denise LaSalle, Koko Taylor, Robert Cray, Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas, Dennis Edwards, Memphis Horns, Jean Knight and William Bell. He has been a part of opening acts for Chaka Khan, Average White Band, The Spinners, Smokey Robinson, The Manhattans, Confunkshun, Nancy Wilson and Al Green. He has been a member and/or leader of several local bands that include Kastle, Beautiful People, Twi-nights, Eminence, Isaac Hayes Movement, The Alfred Rudd Quintet and The Jazz Brothers.
Jason Cooper - Drumer
Jason Cooper is a native Memphian and played his first professional gig at 11 years old. Since then, he has gone on to play in many local bands and has travelled the country playing for numerous acts. Jason has also played in almost 40 professional theatre productions including Dream Girls, Footloose, The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins and Into the Woods. He has also done numerous recording sessions for artists in the US, Canada and throughout Europe.
Steve Joyner Percussionist
Steve Joyner is a percussionist that is well known in the city of Memphis. He was born and raised there, and at a young age fell in love with the conga drums. He has a wide range of musical knowledge, performing rock, R&B, funk, gospel and jazz. He’s an excellent session musician, songwriter and producer. Steve gained his knowledge and experience from working with some very talented musicians throughout his career. To name a few: Angelo Earl (the Bar-Kays) Donald Brown (Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers), Brown Mark (Prince and the Revolutions), Kerry Ashby Gordy (Motown producer) and Kevin Paige. These and others helped develop what he is today. As a professional musician, Steve has shared his percussive rhythms on tours in Singapore, Tokyo, Malaysia, and Sweden. He has performed on TV shows like “Show Time at the Apollo,” “MTV Spring Break,” “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” and “The Pat Sajak Show.” He also created a percussion sound track for a short film called “Edge of Incursion.”
To start a new chapter in his life, Steve is now the percussionist for Copacetic 901 where he is enjoying collaborating a smooth way of presenting music to audiences throughout Memphis.
Autry Parker - Bassist
Dr. P, as he is known to his friends, grew up in the Musical culture of Memphis. Isaac Hayes lived down the street, and the Bar Kays were family friends . As a young man he dreamed of being a professional bassist. As a teenager he got his first professional gig at 16 as the bass player at Liberty Land in the WC Handy theater. However, life took him in a different direction. He pursued a career in medicine but never lost his love for music. In college he was a member of the first Copacetic with members of the School of Fine Arts. While a medical student he played in a reggae band with New York based musicians. He is currently the bassist for Centenary United Methodist Church and Memphis Soul Remedy (Memphis' Doctors' band).
Copacetic 901 is the natural evolution of his musical journey. It started by reconnecting with his first bandmate and childhood friend Steve Joyner on percussion. Then came a high school classmate Rick Berryhill on guitar. Finally because all bassists need a great drummer, Jason Cooper, a Nashville session player who had tired of traveling became the final piece.
Featured Artists
Tara Bady-Barker
Tara Bady-Barker
Tara Bady-Barker
Tara Barker an innovative songstress from Chicago, IL. She began on coffee tables at family functions at the age of 3. Then school & community talent shows, including the TV show "Star Search". Then onto church choirs which is where she was chosen to sing with the Soul Children of Chicago Choir under the spiritual leadership and professional discipline of Walt Whitman.
Moving to Memphis, Tara hit Beale Street where she was noticed by local bands and sought after to be their lead vocalist due to her wide range, captivating, jazzy - soul style. And her anointed ability to sing any genre of music. Tara has been the lead vocalist with Christopher Ward & Company for over 20yrs. In 2001 they recorded and released a jazz Christmas CD titled "My Favorite Season". In 2007 she recorded a contemporary gospel CD under the name of Ambiance. Tara believes that music is a true gift from GOD that helps heals hearts and soothes the trouble souls of this world. And will continue to spread Love with her MUSIC.
Catherine Phelps
Tara Bady-Barker
Tara Bady-Barker
Catherine Phelps was born and raised in Covington, TN. She grew up in a musical family - singing in church, 15 years of piano lessons with her grandfather, school choirs, and competitions. She was classically trained in vocal performance at Belmont University. While in Nashville she sang in many groups around town and worked as a studio musician. She became a nurse practitioner at Vanderbilt moved to Memphis to start her career. She has continued to nurture her passion music of all kinds in the Memphis Symphony Chorus, local church choirs, Memphis Soul Remedy and often as the featured soloist for Copacetic 901.