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Gangsters, The – S/T – New LPIncludes 12 page booklet featuring an oral history of surviving band members and archival photography. The Gangsters by The Gangsters< a> Recorded in the early 1970s, this collection of instrumentals is a crystal clear glimpse into a forgotten period of Portlands music history. Fostered by the Albina Art Center, a hangout spot for creatively inclined Black youth, The Gangsters were
Includes 12-page booklet featuring an oral history of surviving band members and archival photography.
Recorded in the early 1970s, this collection of instrumentals is a crystal clear glimpse into a forgotten period of Portland’s music history. Fostered by the Albina Art Center, a hangout spot for creatively-inclined Black youth, The Gangsters were led by trumpeter Thara Memory who produced the sessions heard on this release. After gigging around the city for a few years, the group—who were almost all in their late teens—laid down some tracks at Ripcord Studios, but they disbanded soon thereafter and the tapes sat in a closet, unheard for over 40 years. With Thara Memory leading the charge, the music has a rich complexity, best exemplified by the nine-minute “Suite for Funk Band,” which runs through a series of movements that touch on Latin grooves and post-bop before culminating in an acid rock breakdown capped off by a devastating guitar solo.
For many members of The Gangsters, their careers would continue to flourish. The late Thara Memory became a renowned educator and won a Grammy for his work with Esperanza Spalding on her 2013 album Radio Music Society. Jimmy and Johnny Sanders toured in B.B. King’s band throughout his final decade of performance. Bassist Lester McFarland would go on to play with jazz icons The Crusaders, The Jeff Lorber Fusion, and Tom Grant. But what this record captures is lightning in a bottle, a period when these young men crossed paths and created a burst of energy and light.
For many members of The Gangsters, their careers would continue to flourish. The late Thara Memory became a renowned educator and won a Grammy for his work with Esperanza Spalding on her 2013 album Radio Music Society. Jimmy and Johnny Sanders toured in B.B. King’s band throughout his final decade of performance. Bassist Lester McFarland would go on to play with jazz icons The Crusaders, The Jeff Lorber Fusion, and Tom Grant. But what this record captures is lightning in a bottle, a period when these young men crossed paths and created a burst of energy and light.
released November 16, 2018
All music arranged and produced by Thara Memory.
Recorded at Ripcord Studios somewhere between 1970-1972.
The Gangsters featured on this recording are:
Michael Cooper - Alto Saxophone
Rob Manning - Electric Guitar
Lester McFarland - Electric Bass Guitar
Thara Memory - Trumpet
Jimmy Sanders - Rhodes Piano & Organ
Johnny Sanders - Organ & Rhodes Piano
Melvin Vann - Tenor Saxophone
Calvin Walker - Drums
Ronnie Young - Percussion
Executive production by Bobby Smith
for World Arts Foundation.
Audio transfer by Dave Fulton.
Mastered by Gus Elg.
Record pressing by Cascade Record Pressing.
Oral history by The Gangsters.
Oral history edited by Calvin Walker and Bobby Smith.
Interviews recorded by Chase Spross and Bobby Smith.
Interview location support by Marmoset and XRAY FM.
Interview programming support by American Music Program.
Art direction by Eric Isaacson and Bobby Smith.
Cover and booklet design by Brian Mumford.
Center label design by Austin Tretwold.
This record was made possible with support
from the Regional Arts & Culture Council.
All music arranged and produced by Thara Memory.
Recorded at Ripcord Studios somewhere between 1970-1972.
The Gangsters featured on this recording are:
Michael Cooper - Alto Saxophone
Rob Manning - Electric Guitar
Lester McFarland - Electric Bass Guitar
Thara Memory - Trumpet
Jimmy Sanders - Rhodes Piano & Organ
Johnny Sanders - Organ & Rhodes Piano
Melvin Vann - Tenor Saxophone
Calvin Walker - Drums
Ronnie Young - Percussion
Executive production by Bobby Smith
for World Arts Foundation.
Audio transfer by Dave Fulton.
Mastered by Gus Elg.
Record pressing by Cascade Record Pressing.
Oral history by The Gangsters.
Oral history edited by Calvin Walker and Bobby Smith.
Interviews recorded by Chase Spross and Bobby Smith.
Interview location support by Marmoset and XRAY FM.
Interview programming support by American Music Program.
Art direction by Eric Isaacson and Bobby Smith.
Cover and booklet design by Brian Mumford.
Center label design by Austin Tretwold.
This record was made possible with support
from the Regional Arts & Culture Council.
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★★★★★ 5
Beautiful shoes
Size: 7 Toddler, Color: Tan, Size: 7 Toddler, Color: Tan
Beautiful dressy shoes! I used to get another version of these for size 6 when my daughter was younger, now she’s getting into size 7, I got her a pair of these. They look great on her and she loves them. Hope they will last a while.
The size 6 we had were very worn because she loves them so much that she would pick them over all her other shoes.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2025
★★★★★ 5
Grand daughter likes them, she is 2 1/2 .win win!!
Size: 7 Toddler, Color: Tan
My grand daughter loves these shoes. She is 2 1/2. They are comfortable on her. Her favorite was the white 360 walking shoe but they unfortunately don’t make them in toddler size. (Hint: make them in larger sizes - and why not? ). So I got her these. Stride Rite are good, comfortable shoes for little ones.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2025
★★★★★ 3
Could Be Better
Size: 11 Little Kid, Color: Tan
Look cute for a little while, then the toes peel as shown by other reviewers. It’s such a shame because my four year old LOVES the sparkly stars on the toes. I wish they made a more expensive version in a material that wouldn’t look worn so quickly.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2025
★★★★★ 5
Wonderful, sturdy shoe
Size: 9 Toddler, Color: Tan
I love this shoe. Unfortunately I ordered a size too small this time, but it really is a great shoe.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2025
★★★★★ 5
Great boots for fall and winter, but too short for deep snow.
Size: 9 Toddler, Color: Navy
This is the second round of these boots I bought for my kids. They are comfortable for all day at school, like sneakers. Perfect for wet days, feet stay dry and warm. They are not snow boots. We live in Boston and they are not for more than an inch or two of snow. I buy separate true snow boots for snow days (much warmer and taller boots).
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Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2022