Listen to Can't Hide From The Truth

Dr. Rackle And The Sound Griots was formed in 1995 by Raymond "Dr. Rackle" Williams in Hartford, Connecticut. Raymond was given the name Dr. Rackle by his teacher and mentor Jackie McLean, who is also known as Dr. Jackle. The song "The Griot", recorded on Jackie McLean's Album "Fire And Love" which was released by Bluenote Records, was composed by Williams, who was just becoming a member of McLean's band in 1993. The "Griot" was written in reference to McLean, as the term "griot" means a knowledgeable and wise person who passes that kowledge on to the community through music.poem,and storytelling. Williams mentioned to McLean (The Griot), a few years later, his vision of starting his own band, and was set on naming the band, "The Raymond Williams Quintet"' McLean suggested to Williams that he name the band "Dr. Rackle And The Sound Griots".

Dr. Rackle And The Sound Griots has performed extensively throughtout Connecticut since its formation until October 2000, when Williams moved back to his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. Williams started the band again in 2001, performing in many New Orleans venues such as Bean Brothers, Snug Harbor, The Zeitgeist Multidisciplinary Arts Center in a tribute concert to Jackie McLean, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 2003 and 2005. Due to Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, Williams had to disband the group and has been working extensively with the Hot 8 Brass Band and as a freelance musician in various bands. This year Dr. Rackle has his heart set on forming the Sound Griots again, to bring the traditional, modern and contemporary jazz sound, to include bebop, modal, free form, and funk, to audiences everywhere. Dr. Rackle And The Sound Griots performs original music, as well as the music of Jackie McLean, Ellis Marsalis, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Clifford Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk and Herbie Hancock as well as many other jazz greats.

Dr. Rackle And The Sound Griots are currently available for tours, club dates, parties, weddings, concerts, Festivals, Clinics, Workshops, residencies, master classes and private lessons.

Dr. Rackle can be contacted at: 8502 Bill Street, New Orleans, LA. 70127, Phone numbers: (504) 289-0771 or (504) 329-4410, e-mail: drrackle@gmail.com