Press kit
Peace Oratorio: the Life and Times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Music and Lyrics by John “JB” Meldrum
the show
"Peace Oratorio," a masterwork by singer-songwriter, librettist, and performer John "JB" Meldrum, introduces a new generation to the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the civil rights movement of the 1960s, and the ongoing pursuit of peace, freedom, and justice. JB employs a modern reinterpretation of the classical music form, the oratorio. The piece is a multisensory experience that blends jazz, reggae, pop, and gospel. Through song, oratory, dance, and drama, "Peace Oratorio" brings people together by tearing down walls, raising the audience's consciousness of the epic battles, those who fought them, and those who sacrificed in pursuit of a more just and equal society. It’s a plea for peace, an affirmation of faith in humanity, and a celebration of the spirit that drove leaders like King. Convinced of the humanistic and artistic potential of this work, JB's compositions are sweet and beautiful, rocking and raucous, and reflect the promise of America's place in the world. At the intersection of the spiritual and the social, Peace Oratorio builds a bridge where people learn to live together in peace, where all races and creeds find a common ground of understanding one another, every sister, every brother, singing freedom and justice for one and all.
"Peace Oratorio" is a cycle of compositions for soloists, choir, string orchestra, rhythm section, and African drums. The songs are based on themes that progress from oppression and despair to activism and finally to hope and joy. The unifying thread is the moving narrative chronicling the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
jb meldrum
The Composer
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, John “JB” Meldrum began his career writing and recording music for the advertising industry. JB was awarded many industry accolades during that time, including a second-place prize in Billboard’s New Talent Writers Search for his breakout instrumental composition “Samba del Mar.”
Moving on and finding a new home in Paris, Meldrum joined composer and performer Freduia Ageymang, playing and recording West African Highlife music. As his career in Paris flourished, he assembled his group, the “Zongo Ambassadors.” The resulting album, “Ayijah,” traverses genres from Highlife to pop to gospel. JB’s song “Brother, Brother,” from the album, was performed with children from twenty-seven countries at the UNESCO Auditorium in Paris. John received his first commission in 2009 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the choir festival Voix sur Berges. He composed a long-form work in Latin, French, and English entitled “The River of Love” with over two hundred singers. His music appears in the documentary “Grandpa Was a Freedom Rider,” by the young French filmmaker Martial Buisson. He has also written and produced the album “Indiana” by French-Italian singer Julie Cavalieri.
Subsequently, Meldrum wrote and recorded his first solo album, “No Rules Here.” As the title suggests, the work adheres to no particular style, but explores the range of his talents in various genres, including rock, pop, jazz, and classical guitar. “No Rules Here” was followed by JB’s critically acclaimed release, “Long Live Love.“ Heralded as a “melancholy masterpiece which features his gifted guitar work and heartfelt vocals.”
Throughout his artistic journey, John was fortunate enough to meet notable figures such as Carlos Santana, Salif Keita, Cheick Tidiane Seck, Tony Allen, Flea, Damon Albarn, Max Roach, Jacques Higelin, Jean-Philippe Rykiel, Nana Danso, and Madeleine Peyroux.
The Peace Oratorio Trailer
Other Videos:
Selections from “Peace Oratorio Soundtrack- Live
Contacts :
Zap Artist Management International LLC
Rob Eggleton, Managing Partner
330.283.4338. www.zapami.com
Media
Peace Oratorio
REVIEWS
“Peace Oratorio is a spiritual invocation that transcends the religious, as if all of humanity were raising a prayer. It is a plea for peace, an affirmation of faith in humanity, and a celebration of the spirit that drove leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King. JB Meldrum is an artist who deserves your attention. He doesn’t just write songs; he builds bridges. And at that intersection of the spiritual and the social, his music finds its greatest power. ”
“The Peace Oratorio has a sense of spirit and purpose. The instrumentation feels vibrant and uplifting, and the live energy adds a raw, communal urgency that beautifully reflects the message of hope and movement. The joyful rhythm, likely echoing the celebratory undertones of marching and progress, gives the piece a strong emotional pull that aligns perfectly with the overarching narrative of Dr. King’s legacy. The energy and historical importance of his project deserve a spotlight, and I believe this work will resonate with audiences seeking inspiration and truth through the musical narrative of Dr. King - your music carries a message the world needs now more than ever.”
“Yahweh from the Peace Oratorio Soundtrack Live has been added to our “Top 300 Playlist. We’ve also included it in our Blog “The Weekly Round Up.’ Keep up the good work!”
“Peace Oratorio Soundtrack live is featured in issue #224 of ALÉM DA BR, our collection of international releases. We’ve also added it, as promised, to the playlist of the same name, ALÉM DA BR. Peaceful hugs from Brazil!”
“Peace Oratorio Soundtrack Live, the song “Yahweh” in particular, rises as a moment of spiritual invocation – a call to the divine that is both intimate and expansive. Meldrum’s impassioned vocals, poetic lyrics, and masterful guitar work blend seamlessly with the live ensemble’s warmth and dynamic range. The result is a transcendent, emotionally charged track that invites reflection and connection.
- Zedclout, Blogger on the New Music Scene.”