Little Joe McLerran, pictured at left performing, hails from Tulsa, and even though he has traveled coast to coast and border to border across America playing his Piedmont blues, he has yet to play in Joplin. That is until now.
After winning the International Blues Challenge held in Memphis last year, McLerran performed at blues festivals across America and Europe. With his band, he will soon travel to the Middle East on behalf of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
“This isn’t a USO tour.” McLerran said. ”We are taking the blues to the citizens of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain in an attempt to reach out to them just as Americans. Our departure date is set for mid-March.”
New York City's Jazz at Lincoln Center, an organization dedicated to inspiring and growing audiences for jazz, has worked with the state department to engage the musicians for this program that dates back to the 1950s when Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington became the first American Jazz Ambassadors. The Little Joe McLerran Quartet will be one of 10 finalist bands selected for their "artistic integrity, musical ability and educational skills."
McLerran explains, ”The blues is an American musical form that developed from the various cultural and musical roots of the immigrants who came to America seeking freedom. Some of those immigrants came not so willingly, but their contribution to the blues has been paramount. From an educational point, we are presenting the recipe for American Root Soup seasoned and stirred by those who threw what they had into the pot.”
Inspired by blues players, McLerran has been playing the guitar since he was 8-years-old. And since he has amassed a huge repertoire of blues songs, rags and field hollars, some dating back to the early 1900s.
Born in Boulder, CO, McLerran moved to Tulsa while in high school. Now at the age of 26 he is ready to prove himself. His latest album for RBR Records, "Believe I'll Make a Change," is bringing him recognition.
McLerran will be performing with his bassist, Robbie Mack, starting at 9 p.m. at TRIOs, 112 N. Main St. in Joplin on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010. Tickets are $10 each in advance, $12 each at the door. For information phone (417) 626-7580. Go Back | 
