It all started with a passion for live music. While serving on the board of the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival, Marblehead resident Joy Jolliff, a self-proclaimed “diehard blues fan,” felt strongly about promoting live music on the North Shore. Renowned Marblehead saxophone player Henley Douglas Jr. shared her goals, as did fellow Board member Kurt Overberg and music aficionado Leila Cavallaro. Spreading the word that live music on the North Shore was alive and well became their life’s work.
Henley, a founder of the festival, is locally known for Heavy Metal Horns, Krewe de Groove, HDRnB, Krewe de Roux, the Boston Horns, and the Cape Ann Big Band.
“Several of us who were on the board of the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival wanted to produce music with HDRnB,” Joy recalled of their decision to launch Sounds of Salem Soul (SOSS) Records, a record and promotion company.
“It started with a conversation about promoting local music and putting on shows,” said Henley, who has shared the stage with the Del Fuegos and Red Hot Chili Peppers, and toured internationally with Extreme and the Boston Horns.
In addition to producing music, SOSS Records created a signature calendar of events.
“We felt there was a need to get the word out about venues with live music on the North Shore. So we started the SOSS calendar in 2017, and it was well received by the North Shore music community,” Joy said.
SOSS members are keenly aware of the ever-changing live-music landscape. The members of Heavy Metal Horns were regulars at local favorite Johnny D’s, which closed its doors after 46 years.
“This, in turn, spawned three additional HMH reunion shows at the Cabot and an HMH Essentials CD,” Joy said, emphasizing the need to pivot.
In 2020, the pandemic presented new challenges in finding ways to connect musicians and fans.
“We added live-music streaming events to our live-music calendar. We started our Backyard Music Series, and it really connected us with music fans and helped get both the musicians and fans through a tough time,” Joy said.
SOSS has endured, as has its combined sense of optimism.
“New rooms are opening up, creating more opportunities for SOSS to promote live-music events,” Henley said.
Paying close attention and “keeping an open mind” to both new directions and new opportunities is what he sees as vital to ensuring local music continues to thrive.
Joy attests to music’s power to heal and to bring people together. “Throwing live shows is so much fun and a great way to connect with the local musicians and fans. Seeing the reaction and expression on people’s faces to the live music is a true joy!”
Henley and Joy were married at Congo Square in New Orleans in October 2014. Together with their SOSS team, they live their lives as the truest disciples of live music.
The second annual New Year’s Day show at Sea Level Oyster Bar in Salem, 3 – 7 p.m., has just been announced. “Skunk Funk” will feature Skunk Sessions, led by Brandon Tarricone, followed by Henley’s HDRnB band (featuring new vocalist Hannah Smalltree). The bands are scheduled to perform together at the end of the show.
A listing of upcoming events may be found at https://www.sossrecords.com/sosscal/
Leslie Martini is a freelance writer and children’s book author. Though she and her family have lived in Marblehead for more than 26 years, Leslie is still discovering countless untold stories. If you’d like to share your story, please contact leslie@marbleheadweeklynews.com.