Chris O’Leary

The Hard Line

Alligator Records

Chris O’Leary plays entertaining roadhouse blues styles from boogie woogie to Southside Chicago and Louisiana stompers. These performances emote passion and authority.His forceful harmonica accentuates his powerful songwriting. His first album “Mr. Used To Be” was nominated for a Blues Music Award and won a Blues Blast Award for “Best New Artist Debut CD”. His equally exciting follow up “Waiting For The Phone To Ring” was also on Vizztone Records.

O’Leary began to teach himself the harmonica after first hearing James Cotton when he was ten years old. Eventually O’Leary befriended Cotton and was mentored by the master as he began to perform in Update New York. After serving in the marines he formed his own band and was asked to front Levon Helm’s Barnburners when Helm lost his voice. He stayed with Helm for seven years.

All in all, O’Leary has a total of five previous albums on Vizztone and on American Showplace Records. With over 30 new songs to choose from Alligator President Bruce Iglauer and O’Leary chose the best 12. His songs range form “Lay Your Burden Down” and the heart wrenching “I Cry At Night” to the humor filled “You Break It, You Bought It. The songs are filled with sharp imagery and witty wordplay. The first song to be released is “Lost My Mind”.

O’Leary self-produced the album and the long list of contributing musicians includes current and past band members. O’Leary is excited about being on Alligator Records and the label is excited to bring him to you.

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