Place: Orlando, Florida
Venue: Friendly Confines
Date: January 20, 2017
The real beauty of the blues is it's Diversity. Yes, this music is pure American Roots that originated in the deep south from American Africans. However, much like the Mississippi River - it flows into smaller rivers, tributaries and creeks to nearly half the states of our country.
So it is not surprising that a young man from New York can lock onto the blues, learn to play harp & sing, then move to Louisiana, and eventually form his own band, and travel the world sharing the gift and keeping the torch lit so that others can be inspired and appreciate this unique music.
For six years of his life Chris O'Leary played with one of the finest musicians the world has ever known - Levon Helm. When you listen to the Chris O'Leary Band you definitely can hear the influence of Levon come through if you were a fan of the legendary group; The Band.
They say: Variety is the spice of life, and that is what you get when you see Chris O'Leary live. His time in New Orleans served him well. He and the band can get you up on your feet by playing some New York jump style blues, then all of a sudden, turn on a dime and precisely deliver a slow and sultry Dr. John, French Quarter, Cajun inspired tune.
O'Leary and the band played two lively sets, primarily drawing material from his four recordings thus far. It was a pleasure to meet him after the show and find out that this ex Marine is a hard working bluesman that writes songs from his life's experiences and is influenced by a wide variety of older, journeyman musicians. Go catch the Chris O'Leary Band at a town near you, as he tours a good part of the year, or check out his music available on ITunes and other online outlets. The Nikon was with me and I was able to catch a few frames and share them with you.
Date: January 20, 2017
The real beauty of the blues is it's Diversity. Yes, this music is pure American Roots that originated in the deep south from American Africans. However, much like the Mississippi River - it flows into smaller rivers, tributaries and creeks to nearly half the states of our country.
So it is not surprising that a young man from New York can lock onto the blues, learn to play harp & sing, then move to Louisiana, and eventually form his own band, and travel the world sharing the gift and keeping the torch lit so that others can be inspired and appreciate this unique music.
For six years of his life Chris O'Leary played with one of the finest musicians the world has ever known - Levon Helm. When you listen to the Chris O'Leary Band you definitely can hear the influence of Levon come through if you were a fan of the legendary group; The Band.
They say: Variety is the spice of life, and that is what you get when you see Chris O'Leary live. His time in New Orleans served him well. He and the band can get you up on your feet by playing some New York jump style blues, then all of a sudden, turn on a dime and precisely deliver a slow and sultry Dr. John, French Quarter, Cajun inspired tune.
O'Leary and the band played two lively sets, primarily drawing material from his four recordings thus far. It was a pleasure to meet him after the show and find out that this ex Marine is a hard working bluesman that writes songs from his life's experiences and is influenced by a wide variety of older, journeyman musicians. Go catch the Chris O'Leary Band at a town near you, as he tours a good part of the year, or check out his music available on ITunes and other online outlets. The Nikon was with me and I was able to catch a few frames and share them with you.
