HARD LUCK SOUL by OHIO PENITENTIARY 511 ENSEMBLE

Repress from privately-pressed LP from 1971, and a legend in obscurity; a master class in what can be achieved in the most trying of circumstances !The 511 Jazz Ensemble was made up entirely of serving prisoners in the Ohio State Penitentiary. It was founded in 1971 to give those prisoners with a musical aptitude an opportunity to be productive and creative. Band leader Reynard Birtha was originally from North Carolina, where he played in a band called 'The Outer Limits' before getting into a scrape with the law and being incarcerated by the local Sheriff's office. During a stint on a Southern style road gang he escaped and ended up in Cincinnati, and through a mutual passion for music he met fellow musician Logan Rollins, nephew of jazz legend Sonny Rollins. They became friends and jammed at local clubs before both ended up in the State penitentiary, for reasons not entirely clear. At the time it was customary for musicians to visit the prison and give concerts, especially during the Christmas period. Reynard remembers renowned musicians such as Art Blakey and Kai Winding giving recitals at the prison. These visits were not only a source of entertainment for the prisoners, but they were also a source of inspiration for musicians like Reynard. He and Logan formed the 511 Jazz Ensemble, incorporating the remnants of the prison Pit Band. Reynard recalls that "the number 511 was the PO box address of the prison, and we would perform in the yard during every holiday, while the prisoners marched around and got their food".