The World of Fifty-Weight is and always will be grounded in giving the public the best service and products available. Even from the early days in Shreveport, La., Dale Jackson and Russell Rogers have strived to be the best and be associated with quality. Having performed clinics with such noted musicians as Bill Watrous, the late Stan Kenton and others during their time at Captain Shreve High School performing has been a priority.

The performance with Bill Watrous, trombonist extraordinare, was a highlight in the development of the lives of Russell and Dale. While at the National Association of Jazz Educators convention, Dallas, Tx., in early 1978, the jazz ensemble under the direction of Mr. Mike Raliegh, performed and were observed by Mr. Watrous. Having enjoyed what he heard, he introduced himself to the group and told them what a good sound they had. It was during these discussions that Mr. Raliegh invited him to come to Shreveport, La. for a clinic and performance with the jazz ensemble. It was by far one of the best times in their lives. And to make those times sweeter for them, the night before Mr. Watrous’ performance Grover Washington, Jr. was in town for a performance. Russell and Dale attended this concert and by circumstance, met the band Locksmith that backed up Mr. Washington on tour. As if it couldn’t get any better,they got a chance to meet Mr. Washington. His passing was indeed taken on a personal level.

The history and the friendship of Russell and Dale have merged. Their devotion and commitment to quality also merged into one. Today the result of that dream is not finished. The 2B1 sound machine is the heir to the Fifty-Weight sound.

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Russell Rogers is from Shreveport La. He began playing music at the tender age of 12 yrs old by joining the Jr. high band. The main instrument he studied was the alto sax. When Russell went to high school he started playing the baritone saxophone, where he eventually earned a scholarship to Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La. During the 80’s Russell married and raised a family which took him away from pursing a career in music. He worked different jobs with the last being an Over-The-Road Truck driver “Although I wasn’t able to actively pursue music“ says Russell,” I did stay somewhat connected to music. I still had my sax and I was able to buy a 4 track recorder". He and a long time friend Dale Jackson, decided that the time was right to try and get their sound out by producing a CD of their own. This collaboration gave birth to Fifty-Weight and the 2b1 sound. In 1999, with the debut of their release “Too Be or Not, Rogers learned that the business of music and the making of music were not the same. From those trials and experiences "Emotions" comes to further the sound of 2b1

Today

We are so very happy to now be the sound of choice for a very talented and sexy vocalist by the name of KarenJ. Her new CD “New Beginnings” is available for review. It is indeed a pleasure working with her. She has a gift so rarely seen these days in that she likes to thread where others are not as comfortable.

Her management, Stagefright Music & Video Productions , led by Tim Hall, has been very instrumental in seeing that all the mechanics needed for her success are and continue to be in place. He says that “ if we fail, it will not be because of a lack of effort”. We definitely agree with Mr. Hall on that!

StageFright MVP is also involved in various other products. The movie Fulgazi is an urban comedy that Tim Hall is an executive producer. You can also hear some of the 2B1 FX in this movie.