- Genre :: Blues
- Listen :: Saturday Night Rub | Mississippi Blues | Rough and Rowdy Ways
- View :: Band Website
- download :: HiRes Image
Little Joe McLerran Quartet (Tulsa, OK) 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.
Joseph McLerran (guitar) is a guitarist from Boulder, Colorado who now calls Tulsa home. McLerran started playing the guitar at the age of eight, and has since released four albums: Son Piedmont and the Blues Krewe, The Hard Way, Live at Last and I Believe I'll Make a Change. This genuine, dedicated musician has devoted his life to learning everything he can about the blues. McLerran tours and plays at music festivals around the country and throughout Europe. McLerran won first place at the 25th Annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis in February 2009, competing against 63 solo/duo acts from around the world.
David Berntson (harmonica) plays the diatonic and chromatic harmonica in the blues style, and describes himself as both musician and passionate educator. Berntson has played the blues harmonica for over 40 years and he is the recipient of the 2006 “Keeping the Blues Alive in Education” award from the Blues Foundation. In addition to performing and recording, Berntson regularly presents blues education and harmonica workshops in schools and at festivals throughout the United States and Europe. Berntson resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Robbie Mack (bass) is an acclaimed bassist and songwriter from Boulder, Colorado. A musician with many talents, Mack began as a drummer in the third grade school band before taking up the guitar in junior high. He finally discovered his niche as a bassist in 1960. Throughout an impressive 50-year career, Mack has achieved three major label recording contracts and toured internationally in the 1960s with the Astronauts (RCA Records). Mack gives private guitar lessons, and currently resides in Sapulpa, Oklahoma.
Ron McRorey (drums) is a drummer and percussionist from Tulsa, Oklahoma. He started playing at the age of nine and has since developed a style that is a mix of soul, roots, blues, and rock & roll. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Woodstock ten year reunion, and worked with an array of prominent musicians including Rick Danko, Paul Butterfield, Asleep at the Wheel, and Hank Ballard. McRorey was a 2007 regional winner in the band category in the International Blues Challenge, and he has played internationally in Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and at the Dutch and French Blues Festivals.
