Release of an Oath - The Electric Prunes (Warner Bros./Reprise) '68/'06

“Here we are, over 40 years since the original recording of Holy Are You by the Electric Prunes, which was packaged into the 1968 LP,  Release of An Oath.   The last two Electric Prune CDs were re-issued in 2006.  One of the tracks has resurficed on a current hip-hop CD and a single,” says Richard Whetstone, vocalist on the original recording…”it’s hard to imagine.”

During a time when concept albums were beginning to emerge, Release Of An Oath utilized the arrangements of  David Axelrod,  along with  a group of top LA session musicians to complete the ’68 LP that would be re-released in 2006 on Collectors Choice Music/Rhino. 

Rakim - The Seventh Seal - CD

 Hip-hop artist Rakim utilized the version of the original recording by the Electric Prunes on his The Seventh Seal, released in Nov. 2009.  Rakim’s CD debuted in the #3 spot on the hip-hop charts. 

The track is titled Holy Are You, and maintains the same title on Rakim’s CD and his first single from the CD on the SMC label.   The track includes the vocal loop performed on the original 1968 recording with Earl Palmer and Carol Kaye on bass, along with Howard Roberts on guitar, Don Randi on keyboards, Pete ‘Pedro’ Wyant, guitar, etc.  among other top LA session players. 

The current recording of Holy Are You on The Seventh Seal by Rakim  features the instrumental track, along with the vocals of Richard Whetstone from the original Electric Prune recording. 

Even more ironic is concept for the original Release Of An Oath built the Kol Nidre (also known as Kol Nidrei and Kal Nidre) (Aramaic)  which is an Aramaic declaration recited in the synagogue before the beginning of the evening service on every Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Though not a prayer, this dry legal formula and its ceremonial accompaniment have been charged with emotional undertones since the medieval period, creating a dramatic introduction to Yom Kippur on what is often dubbed “Kol Nidrei night”.

David Axelrod composed and conducted Release Of An Oath, working with Dave Hassinger, the Electric Prunes producer and owner of the Sound Factory.   All of the material for that record was com­posed and arranged by David Axelrod, shortly after coming off triumphs as the producer for Lou Rawls and Cannonball Adderley.  The original recording took three nights to complete and the first single to be released from the album was Holy Are You, sung by Whetstone.  Add four decades, and you can now hear the hip-hop version on Rakim’s CD and single.

Rakim- Holy Are You, from the CD The Seventh Seal ('09)

Resources:

YouTube Rakim Website | Sampled track comparison
 | The Seventh Seal | Billboard.com

 Rakim Bio – LastFM.com

REVIEWS -

Hip Hop Galaxy-

http://www.hiphopgalaxy.com/RAKIM-Drops-Holy-Are-You-hip-hop-9362.html

Hip Hop DX-

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/album-reviews/id.1315/title.rakim-the-seventh-seal

March 10, 2010 – Jazz at Lincoln Center and the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs announced that the Little Joe McLerran Quartet will tour to the Middle East with The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad program. The blues quartet from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was selected from a pool of 132 applicants to travel abroad and promote cross-cultural understanding. International tour activities will include public concerts, master classes, lecture-demonstrations, workshops, jam sessions, collaborations with local musicians and media outreach.

Little Joe McLerran Quartet will tour the Middle East as part of the The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad program

The Little Joe McLerran Quartet is a collective of seasoned musicians drawn from the ranks of Tulsa’s finest, who came together specifically for The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad. The ensemble brings blues to life through the study and performance of this unique American roots genre, and all players are deeply committed to keeping the blues alive and bringing the music to diverse audiences. Little Joe McLerran Quartet believes that blues explores music from many cultures and is filled with possibilities. In its unique approach, this ensemble presents blues and American roots as a “Soup Recipe,” which has been stirred, mixed, handed down, and revised by generations of people who brought their music from all over the world to America. Little Joe McLerran Quartet members describe their style as simple, supportive, inspired and, above all else, inventive.

The band members are: Joe McLerran (guitar), David Berntson (harmonica), Robbie Mack (bass), and Ron McRorey (drums)

As part of The Rhythm Road, Little Joe McLerran Quartet will also perform two concerts in the United States. In Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Society will present the first concert on June 3, 2010 at 7:15pm at the Grosvenor Auditorium, 1600 M St. NW. The second concert will be presented by Jazz at Lincoln Center on June 5, 2010 at 2 pm at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Fredrick P. Rose Hall, home of the Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Little Joe McLerran Quartet will tour Bahrain (March 29 – April 2), Saudi Arabia (April 3 – 11), Kuwait (April 12 – 15), Oman (April 16 – 21).        *Dates and locations subject to change

The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad

Where/When:

Little Joe McLerran Quartet tour will take them to Bahrain (March 29 – April 2), Saudi Arabia (April 3 – 11), Kuwait (April 12 – 15), Oman (April 16 – 21).        *Dates and locations subject to change

• New York City: June 5, 2010 at 2pm at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center

How:

For more information visit The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad at jalc.org/TheRoad, now with additional elements including featured countries, bands, stories from the road, and more.

Sponsorship:

The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad program is made possible with underwriting support from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State.

Jazz at Lincoln Center proudly acknowledges National Geographic Live as the Washington, D.C. concert series partner. WPFW-FM is the media sponsor for this series.

Jazz at Lincoln Center is dedicated to inspiring and growing audiences for jazz. With the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and a comprehensive array of guest artists, Jazz at Lincoln Center advances a unique vision for the continued development of the art of jazz by producing a year-round schedule of performance, education and broadcast events for audiences of all ages. These productions include concerts, national and international tours, residencies, a jazz hall of fame and concert series, weekly national radio programs, television broadcasts, recordings, publications, an annual high school jazz band competition and festival, a band director academy, jazz appreciation curriculum for students, music publishing, children’s concerts and classes, lectures, adult education courses, student and educator workshops and interactive websites. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis, Chairman Lisa Schiff and Executive Director Adrian Ellis, Jazz at Lincoln Center will produce thousands of events each season in its home in New York City, Frederick P. Rose Hall, and around the world. For more information, visit jalc.org

U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs promotes mutual understanding between the United States and other countries through international educational and exchange programs. Through its Cultural Programs Division, the Bureau supports a variety of cultural exchanges that support U.S. foreign policy, foster America’s artistic excellence, and demonstrate America’s respect and appreciation for other cultures and traditions. The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad program presents selected professional American performers on concert tours in countries with limited exposure to live American culture. For more information, visit exchanges.state.gov/cultural/rhythm.html.

Additional Information at Little Joe’s website:
http://www.LittleJoeBlues.com

Photo by R J Whetstone
Graphic by R J Whetstone

RootsMusicReport - Top 50

Jan. 29, 2010 – Roots Music Report is the number one independent music chart in the world. RMR compiles radio airplay data from radio stations around the globe that play all forms of roots music, so that each week you can see which independent artists are being played the most by what stations…   

Little Joe has reached the #1 spot on the Roots Music Report in the blues catagory for the week of Jan. 29th !  

Here is a sample from the RootsMusicReport, in the
blues category for Jan. 29. 2010: 

Visit Roots Music Report online for expanded listings
in a multiple of catagories:

http://www.rootsmusicreport.com/

Little Joe’s website:
www.LittleJoeBlues.com   

damprock
aka R. J. Whetstone   

The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad for 2010

American music groups from across the United States specializing in jazz, urban/hip hop and other American roots music – blues, bluegrass, Cajun, country, gospel and zydeco – applied for the opportunity to share their music with the world to promote cross-cultural understanding, with special emphasis on countries not often visited by American musicians.  Selected for their artistic integrity, musical ability and educational skills, the finalist bands are:

• Little Joe McLerran Quartet (Website) (RhythmRoad)
• Charlie Porter Quartet
• Chen Lo and the Liberation Family
• Johnny Rodgers Band
• Mark Sherman-Tim Horner Quartet
• Nasar Abadey and SUPERNOVA
• Oscar Williams and Perfected Praise
• Paul Beaudry & Pathways
• The Student Loan
• Turning Pointe

 ________________________________________________

  ________________________________________________

International tour activities will include public concerts, master classes, lecture-demonstrations, workshops, jam sessions, collaborations with local musicians and media outreach.  Over the past four seasons, 118 musicians from 31 ensembles have toured with the program, visiting 97 countries on five continents. 

Around the globe:
Ensembles travel around the globe for approximately one month from March through December 2010. The program also incorporates free performances by each ensemble hosted in New York by Jazz at Lincoln Center at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, and in Washington, D.C. presented by National Geographic Live! at the Grosvenor Auditorium.

For more information visit The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad at jalc.org/TheRoad. In addition, you can listen to music and program stories free of charge on Jazz at Lincoln Center Radio at jalc.org/jazzcast/program.asp?programNumber=262 and jalc.org/jazzcast/program.asp?programNumber=205 

Quotes:

Maura M. Pally, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs:
“Music has the power to bridge political, cultural, language and generational differences with audiences around the world.  Through music we can celebrate both cultural diversity and common ground.”

 Susan John, Director of Touring for Jazz at Lincoln Center:

“The Rhythm Road tours continue the historic tradition of such musical alumni as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie and focus on diverse geographic audiences and the transcendent interaction born of music.  The program’s emphasis on both education and performance leads to powerful exchange for musicians and audiences alike.”

The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad program is made possible with underwriting support from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State.

Jazz at Lincoln Center is dedicated to inspiring and growing audiences for jazz. With the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and a comprehensive array of guest artists, Jazz at Lincoln Center advances a unique vision for the continued development of the art of jazz by producing a year-round schedule of performance, education and broadcast events for audiences of all ages. These productions include concerts, national and international tours, residencies, a jazz hall of fame and concert series, weekly national radio programs, television broadcasts, recordings, publications, an annual high school jazz band competition and festival, a band director academy, jazz appreciation curriculum for students, music publishing, children’s concerts and classes, lectures, adult education courses, student and educator workshops and interactive websites. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis, Chairman Lisa Schiff and Executive Director Adrian Ellis, Jazz at Lincoln Center will produce thousands of events each season in its home in New York City, Frederick P. Rose Hall, and around the world.
For more information, visit jalc.org

U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs promotes mutual understanding between the United States and other countries through international educational and exchange programs. Through its Cultural Programs Division, the Bureau supports a variety of cultural exchanges programs that support U.S. foreign policy, foster America’s artistic excellence, and demonstrate America’s respect and appreciation for other cultures and traditions.  The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad program presents selected professional American performers on concert tours in countries with limited exposure to live American culture.  For more information, visit exchanges.state.gov/education/citizens/culture/index.htm.

Little Joe McLerran’s website:
www.LittleJoeBlues.com

CD Cover Photo by Frank Stewart for Jazz At Lincoln Center
Graphic / CD design by R J Whetstone

Damprock Blog -
R J Whetstone

In the meantime, you can now order 
Believe I’ll Make a Change online through CDBaby.com

Visit Little Joe’s website: www.LittleJoeBlues.com

Little Joe McLerrans new 2009 CD

It’s has been a very busy and rewarding year for Little Joe McLerran, Piedmont style, roots blues guitarist from the Tulsa, Oklahoma area.  On February 7, 2009, he received First Place honors at the International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis during its 25th annual blues competition, sponsored by the Blues Foundation.  Little Joe won center stage at the historic Orpheum Theatre on Beale Street, where the finals took place in the Solo/Duo category. 

“Eden Brent said to me after the finals, ‘Winning the IBC will launch your career.’  She was right!” said Little Joe in a recent phone interview.   Eden Brent won the IBC event in 2006 and has since collected numerous awards and traveled the world.  A Mississippi Delta native, Eden Brent is a masterful blues pianist and vocal stylist she has won awards for both Acoustic Artist of the Year and Acoustic Album of the Year at the recent 2009 Blues Music Awards.  

Touring more than a dozen states crowded Little Joe’s calendar following his winning performance in Memphis.  Coast to coast blues festivals, which included the Heritage Music Blues Fest in Wheeling, West Virginia to the Waterfront Blues Fest in Portland, OR were among multiple highlights. 

Little Joe and Eden Brent on stage at the Chautauqua Hills Blues Fest, May 2009

In June, a trans-Atlantic jaunt to the Roots n’ Blues Festival in Italy was his first European performance.  Staged in the scenic Parma countryside along the Po River, Little Joe made new fans with his brand of roots blues in the land of Parmesan cheese and ham!  The month of October was jam-packed.  From October 17-24, Little Joe joined cruise line Holland America’s Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise (San Diego, CA to Cabo San Lucas, La Paz and Loreto).  An Impressive array of performers on the cruise included Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Mavis Staples, Susan Tedeschi, Elvin Bishop, Buckwheat Zydeco, Tommy Castro, Phantom Blues Band, Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers, Coco Montoya, Shane Dwight, and Lionel Young Band, to name a few… 

The day after the conclusion of the cruise, Little Joe performed one set in New York City at Jazz At Lincoln Center on October 25^th.   He will be returning to The Big Apple on Dec. 2^nd for a performance at an intimate jazz club, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. 

Little Joe on stage at Roots N' Blues Festival in Italy

October 2009 also brought the release of Little Joe McLerran’s newest CD titled Believe I’ll Make a Change, a Tulsa studio recording comprised of thirteen selections, several self-written compositions, along with several fresh arrangements from roots blues that date back to the 20’s and 30’s.  The CD is now available for online purchase at CDBaby,

http://www.cdbaby.com/cdljm3

 One can only imagine what the  future holds for this talented twenty-five year old in the coming years…

Reviews
“Little Joe plays Piedmont Blues, and since the death of John Cephas [3/4/09], may be the heir to the crown of “the best” around. For a guy that is only 24 years old, this guy oozes with talent. Surely another artist you want to make a point to see.” -Bob Keiser, Blues Blast Writer/Publisher 

…”Kicking off the main stage on Saturday was the 2009 International Blues Challenge solo/duet winner, Little Joe Mclerran. Joe and his bass player were so tight they were squeaking. He gave the crowd a clear picture of why he won!” – Simply the Blues Fest in Fort Madison , Iowa  

“Perhaps the finest Piedmont Blues player on the face of God’s green earth,” writes Billy Austin, editor of Blues News. 

For more information visit Little Joe McLerran’s website – www.LittleJoeBlues.com 

Little Joe & Eden Brent photo by R J Whetstone
Believe I’ll Make A Change CD design/Photography by R J Whetstone 

(C) 2009-2010 Richard J Whetstone

Little Joe McLerran wins in Memphis

The Road to Memphis & the IBC

 MEMPHIS Feb. 5th-7th, 2009 – - Blues Societies from around the world sponsored sixty-five solo/duo acts and another eighty-five bands from around the globe, all arriving in Memphis for the annual International Blues Challenge. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the event hosted along Beale Street, Home of the Blues.

Within a six block span along Beale Street, night clubs, blues bars, restaurants, as well as Mr Handy’s Blues Tent honoring the blues legend W. C Handy, all play host to over one-hundred and fifty musical acts competing for the honor to advance to the finals on Saturday night (Feb 7th) taking place in the historic Orpheum Theatre, on Main and Beale.

The IBC begins on Thursday night – Schedules and time slots for all performers provide every competing act with a twenty-five minute set to impress the three panel judges. Stage management is carried out with military precision, avoiding delays between acts.

Starting time for the competition begins at 6:30 PM and continues late into the evening. Because of the number musicians performing, it is impossible to see and hear them all.

Friday night, the semi-finals attract standing-room only as legendary Beale St lives up to its name. This is the night the huge crowds will learn which acts will advance to the finals at the historic Orpheum Theatre.

It is 12:30 AM on Saturday, and the finals start in thirteen hours with the announcement of the final ten bands, along with six solo/duo musicians competing.

Beginning Saturday afternoon, anticipation and excitement is creating a buzz between performers, as well as fans waiting the final announcement of this year’s International Blues Challenge winners.

I came to Memphis this year to see Little Joe McLerran perform as a soloist. For three previous years I have been witness to Little Joe’s performances with a band (2008), and twice before that as a duo (2006/2007). To this point, Little Joe has never made it past the semi-finals, to the real finals.

My annual sojourn to Memphis this year began in Tulsa, where I joined the McLerran’s and traveled almost four hundred miles to Memphis with Robbie, Candice, Casey and Little Joe all packed into “Bluesy.” We stayed again this year at the Marriott. It was convenient and we knew our way around from previous years – that’s an important item to understand, especially to minimize any tension that could distract from the true purpose of being here. The Main Street trolley was at the back entrance to the hotel and a short 10-12 block ride south to Beale Street. I went there to photograph the event and in particular, Little Joe.

In a random drawing that Saturday, Little Joe McLerran was placed in the third slot for the 2009 IBC Finals at the Orpheum Theatre. The final six finalists in the Solo/Duo category are allowed only 20 minute set tonight. Again, three judges are responsible for evaluating and grading the talent, based upon predetermined categories and standardized criteria.

Each act demonstrated their prowess along many subtle levels. At first observation, you would survey their stage persona, followed by their song selection and performance ability, including both instrumental & showmanship.

Blues can be a vague category, and the finalists confirmed their knowledge and depth of the subject. Some songs performed throughout the night, however didn’t exactly fall into the blues idiom. There were moments of brilliance and inspiration, but I didn’t see an act carry or dominate the entire set, before or after, Little Joe took the stage. His nimble and talented Piedmont style, together with his professional poise, and frequent smile warmed the room – he was in top form!

Little Joe’s 20 minute – award winning set included:

1) All By Myself- Bill Broonzy

2) Blues Before Sunrise – Leroy Carr

3) Lookin For A Woman – Snooks Eaglin

4) I’m Wild About It – Little Joe McLerran

5) Little Joe’s Breakdown – Little Joe McLerran

6) Mornin Blues – Gus Cannon

7) Gotta Move – Homesick James

Little Joe McLerran was selected by the Blues Foundation as this years 1st Place Winner of the 2009 IBC solo/duo division. The celebration and thrill of his accomplishment spread enthusiastically among all Tulsa attendees, which included a large delegation from the Blues Society of Tulsa. It was the Blues Society of Tulsa that once again provided Little Joe the opportunity to compete and this year it was a celebration to be shared with all who came.

The 1^st Place Winner in the Solo/Duo division was Little Joe McLerran, representing the Blues Society of Tulsa; and 2^nd Place went to Alphanso & Richard from the Crossroads Blues Society of Mississippi.

We return to Tulsa tomorrow, but for now, with the memory of a wonderful journey fresh in our minds we spill onto Beale Street. Little Joe is surrounded by well wishers and supporters all anxious to congratulate him.

In the band competition, 1st Place went to JP Soars & the Red Hots, representing the South Florida Blues Society; 2nd Place went to the Cascade Blues Association’s Ty Curtis Band and Ottawa Blues Societies Monkey Junk placed 3rd.

Here we are in Memphis, it’s late, and we’re on Beale Street, so let’s have another big-ass-beer !  This surely is a night to remember, and it’s even brighter under the neon glow of Memphis lights.

More at Little Joe McLerran’s website: http://www.littlejoeblues.com
Poster Graphic and Photograph by R J Whetstone

 damprock -
aka R. J. Whetstone

(C) 2009 R J Whetstone