Tag Archives: Oklahoma

Loading
loading..

Split Pea Soup & Ham

Oklahoma Commercial Kitchen Requirements

Ingredients:

1 pound dried split peas, rinsed and picked over
1 ham hock, ham bone, or 1 pound diced ham
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: thyme, parsley, or other herbs for flavor

Instructions:

Prepare the ingredients: Rinse the split peas under cold water and pick out any debris. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.

Sauté aromatic vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Add split peas and broth: Add the rinsed split peas to the pot, along with the ham hock, ham bone, or diced ham. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add bay leaves and any other herbs you’re using.

Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened, about 1 to 1.5 hours. If using a ham hock or bone, remove it from the soup once the meat is falling off the bone; shred the meat and return it to the pot.

Season to taste: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust any other seasonings to your liking.

Serve: Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy hot. Optionally, you can garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.


Tips:

You can customize the soup by adding other vegetables like potatoes or leeks.
For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Split pea soup tends to thicken as it sits, so you may need to add more broth or water when reheating leftovers.

Standards Oklahoma

The “Tulsa Sound”

Scholarly studies specifically focused on the music of Leon Russell are limited, and there is little evidence of extensive academic research dedicated solely to his work in peer-reviewed journals or scholarly books. However, Russell’s contributions to music, particularly in rock, country, gospel, and the Tulsa Sound, have been discussed in broader musicological and cultural studies, as well as in biographical and historical works. Below, I outline the relevant findings based on available information and the provided context.
Scholarly Studies and Academic Works
  1. Bill Janovitz’s Biography (2023):
    • The book Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time’s Journey Through Rock & Roll History by Bill Janovitz is described as the “first holistic study” of Russell’s career. While primarily a biography, it offers a comprehensive analysis of Russell’s musical contributions, including his role as a session musician with the Wrecking Crew, his work on Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs & Englishmen, and his influence on artists like Elton John and Willie Nelson. The book examines Russell’s songwriting, piano style, and genre-blending innovations, such as his gospel-infused rock and contributions to the Tulsa Sound. Although not a peer-reviewed academic study, its depth and critical reception (e.g., praise from Rolling Stone and The New York Post) suggest it serves as a significant scholarly resource for understanding Russell’s music.

  2. Musicological Context in Broader Studies:
    • Russell’s work is often referenced in studies of American popular music, particularly in discussions of the 1960s and 1970s rock scenes, the Wrecking Crew, and the Tulsa Sound. For example, his piano playing and arrangements for artists like Phil Spector, the Beach Boys, and Frank Sinatra are noted in works about the Los Angeles studio scene. Scholarly books on session musicians or the Wrecking Crew, such as Kent Hartman’s The Wrecking Crew (2012), likely include references to Russell’s contributions, though not as the primary focus.

    • His influence on the Tulsa Sound, a blend of rock, country, and blues, is mentioned in studies of regional American music. Academic works on Oklahoma’s musical heritage, such as those exploring J.J. Cale or the Gap Band, may contextualize Russell’s role in shaping this sound. However, specific journal articles or dissertations centered on the Tulsa Sound and Russell’s contributions are not widely documented in the provided sources or general academic databases.

  3. Songwriting and Standards:
    • Russell’s songs, such as “A Song for You,” “This Masquerade,” and “Delta Lady,” are recognized as standards in academic discussions of American songwriting. These songs have been covered by numerous artists (e.g., Ray Charles, George Benson, The Carpenters) and are noted in studies of the Great American Songbook. Scholarly analyses of these songs often focus on their lyrical depth, harmonic structure, and cross-genre appeal, though such analyses are typically part of broader studies on popular music rather than Russell-specific research.

Related Academic Discussions
  • Cultural and Social Context:
    • Russell’s career intersects with cultural studies, particularly in discussions of race and audience reception. His collaboration with his then-wife, Mary McCreary, a Black singer, and the racist backlash they faced (e.g., nooses thrown on stage) are noted in Janovitz’s book and could be a point of analysis in cultural studies or sociology of music. This aspect of his career might be explored in academic work on race in rock music, though no specific studies are cited.

    • His struggles with mental health (e.g., bipolar depression, paranoia, or possible Asperger’s syndrome) and their impact on his performance and career trajectory are also discussed in Janovitz’s biography, potentially relevant to studies in music psychology or disability studies.

  • Technological Innovations:
    • Russell’s influence on music technology, such as inspiring the “shuffle” timing in the Linn9000 drum machine, is noted in discussions of music production. Academic studies on the evolution of drum machines or recording technology might reference this contribution, though likely as a minor point.

Gaps in Scholarly Research
  • Lack of Dedicated Studies: Despite Russell’s extensive career and influence, there are no widely recognized peer-reviewed journal articles or dissertations specifically analyzing his music, based on the provided sources and general knowledge of music scholarship. This may be due to Russell’s underappreciated status, as noted by sources describing him as a “neglected genius”.

  • Focus on Broader Themes: Most academic references to Russell appear in broader contexts (e.g., Wrecking Crew, Tulsa Sound, or rock history) rather than as the primary subject. His eclectic style, spanning rock, country, gospel, and blues, may make it challenging to categorize him for focused musicological study.
Recommendations for Further Research
If you are seeking scholarly studies, consider the following approaches:
  • Search Academic Databases: Use JSTOR, Music Index, or RILM Abstracts of Music Literature to search for articles or book chapters mentioning Leon Russell. Keywords like “Leon Russell,” “Tulsa Sound,” or “Wrecking Crew” may yield relevant results.
  • Explore Related Fields: Look into studies on American rock, session musicians, or the Great American Songbook, where Russell’s work is likely referenced.
  • Consult Janovitz’s Book: Obtain Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time’s Journey Through Rock & Roll History for the most detailed analysis of his music and career. It includes citations and a bibliography that may point to additional scholarly sources.
  • Regional Music Studies: Investigate Oklahoma-based music archives or university libraries (e.g., University of Tulsa) for theses or local studies on the Tulsa Sound.
Conclusion
While there are no known scholarly studies exclusively dedicated to Leon Russell’s music, his contributions are documented in biographical works like Janovitz’s book and in broader musicological discussions of the Wrecking Crew, Tulsa Sound, and American songwriting. For a deeper dive, Janovitz’s biography is the most comprehensive resource, and academic databases may uncover additional references in related fields. Russell’s underappreciated status suggests that further scholarly attention to his work is warranted.
If you’d like me to search specific databases or analyze a particular aspect of Russell’s music (e.g., his piano style or songwriting), let me know!

Ask Grok to search deeper

was leon russell part of the tulsa sound
Yes, Leon Russell was a key figure in the development and popularization of the Tulsa Sound, a distinctive musical style originating from Tulsa, Oklahoma, that blends elements of rock, country, blues, and gospel. Below is a concise explanation of his role based on available information:
Leon Russell and the Tulsa Sound
  • Definition of Tulsa Sound: The Tulsa Sound is characterized by a laid-back, rootsy groove combining rock ‘n’ roll, country swing, blues shuffle, and gospel influences. It emerged in the 1950s and 1960s, with Tulsa as a hub for musicians who shaped this eclectic style.
  • Russell’s Contributions:
    • Early Career in Tulsa: Born in Lawton, Oklahoma, Russell grew up in Tulsa and began playing piano in local clubs as a teenager. He was part of the vibrant Tulsa music scene, performing with figures like J.J. Cale, David Gates (later of Bread), and others who influenced the Tulsa Sound.
    • Musical Style: Russell’s piano-driven, gospel-infused rock, as heard in albums like Leon Russell (1970) and Carney (1972), embodied the Tulsa Sound’s blend of genres. Songs like “A Song for You” and “Delta Lady” showcase the soulful, rootsy aesthetic associated with the style.
    • Collaborations and Influence: Russell’s work with other Tulsa musicians, such as J.J. Cale, helped define the sound. His production and session work, including for artists like Bob Dylan and Joe Cocker, brought the Tulsa Sound’s relaxed, organic feel to a broader audience.
    • Tulsa as a Hub: Russell’s establishment of Shelter Records in Tulsa (with Denny Cordell) and his studio, The Church Studio, made the city a recording destination, attracting artists like Tom Petty and Willie Nelson. This solidified Tulsa’s role in the sound’s legacy.
Context and Recognition
  • Connection to J.J. Cale: J.J. Cale is often cited as the quintessential Tulsa Sound artist, with his understated, “shuffle” style. Russell’s more flamboyant, gospel-rock approach complemented Cale’s work, and their shared Tulsa roots linked them to the same musical lineage.
  • Scholarly and Cultural Recognition: Sources like Bill Janovitz’s biography (Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time’s Journey Through Rock & Roll History, 2023) highlight Russell’s role in the Tulsa Sound, noting his influence on its development and its spread through his national and international success.
  • Legacy: Russell’s contributions to the Tulsa Sound are evident in his influence on later artists like Eric Clapton (who covered Cale’s songs) and the Red Dirt movement, which built on the Tulsa Sound’s rootsy foundation.
Conclusion
Leon Russell was not only part of the Tulsa Sound but also one of its most prominent ambassadors. His piano playing, songwriting, and production work helped shape and popularize this genre-blending style, making him a central figure in Tulsa’s musical heritage.
If you’d like a deeper analysis of specific songs or Russell’s influence on the Tulsa Sound, let me know!
Birthplace: Leon Russell, born Claude Russell Bridges, was born in Lawton, Oklahoma, on April 2, 1942.
High School: He attended Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he grew up and began playing music in local clubs as a teenager.
This information is drawn from biographical sources, including Bill Janovitz’s Leon Russell: The Master of Space and Time’s Journey Through Rock & Roll History (2023) and other accounts of his life. Let me know if you need more details!
analyze specific songs
explore J.J. Cale

Theatre: Lighting Design

Artificial lighting was first introduced to theater dramatic performance stages in the 17th century. The use of candles and oil lamps initially provided a means to illuminate the stage, allowing performances to take place in the evening and enhancing the visibility for both actors and the audience. Before this development, theatrical performances were typically held during daylight hours due to the reliance on natural light.

In the early 17th century, theaters in England began experimenting with various lighting techniques. Thomas Killigrew’s Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, in London, is often credited as one of the first theaters to use artificial lighting. The use of candles and later oil lamps evolved over time, leading to more sophisticated lighting setups as technology advanced.

The 18th and 19th centuries saw further innovations in stage lighting, including the use of gas lamps. Eventually, the introduction of electric lighting in the late 19th and early 20th centuries revolutionized stage lighting, providing theaters with a more reliable and controllable source of illumination. This allowed for greater creativity in the design and execution of lighting effects, contributing significantly to the overall theatrical experience.

Oklahoma City University

More

Stage Lighting 101 — Everything You Need to Know

Boston University: Theater, Lighting Design

Wayne State University: Lighting Design

Illumination 100

 

 

Rumbledethumps

This content is accessible to paid subscribers. To view it please enter your password below or send [email protected] a request for subscription details.

Athletics facilities upgrades: $390 Million

Program Title Page

OSU was founded in 1890 as Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College under the Morrill Land Grant Act of 1862 set in motion by President Abraham Lincoln. It has approximately 30,000 students across 1500 acres with 400 buildings. Its athletic department runs an operating budget of about $100 million.

Facilities Management

Standards Oklahoma

Orange Crush Couples

Brunch Grits

This content is accessible to paid subscribers. To view it please enter your password below or send [email protected] a request for subscription details.

Layout mode
Predefined Skins
Custom Colors
Choose your skin color
Patterns Background
Images Background
Skip to content