Chris O’Leary

Gonna Die Tryin’

American Showplace Music

Chris O’Leary is an ex-marine who returned to the states and began apprenticing with Levon Helm and The Barnburners.

In 2011 The Chris O’Leary Band received a Blues Music Award nomination in the category of Best New Artist for their debut recording “Mr. Used to Be”. In 2012 their follow up album “Waiting for the Phone to Ring” continued to thrill audiences. 2014 saw the band release “Live at Blues Now” a live set containing songs reprised from their first two albums.

O’Leary isn’t afraid to take chances. He is a passionate Chicago styled vocalist and harp player but by including a horn section in his band he continues a bandleader tradition that includes 1967’s “Colwell-Winfield Blues Band”, 1970’s “Sir Douglas Quintet”, 1977’s “Roomful of Blues” and bands led by his mentor Helm.

This new album is what we have patiently been waiting for. “Gonna Die Tryin’” is O’Leary’s third studio recording and it is produced, recorded and mixed by Ben Elliot of Showplace Studios. The Chris O’Leary Band features the horn section of Andy Stahl, tenor sax; and Chris Difranceso, baritone sax. They are grounded by the rhythm section of Matt Raymond, bass; and Jay Devlin, drums. Special sauce is provided by guitarist Chris Vitarello whose inventive playing can be heard throughout the recording. Be sure however this is O’Leary’s band. Additional musicians include Bruce Katz, piano and organ; Vinnie Noble, trumpet; and background singers Willa McCarthy and Libby Cabello.

“Can’t Help Yourself” is the first of eleven new songs written by O’Leary who often writes about his experiences while in the marines. “19 Cents a Day”, and “Letters from Home” are two of O’Leary’s most passionate vocals. The former features solos by Katz, O’Leary and Vitarello. The later features an extended guitar solo from Vitarello.

On “The Devil Drove to Town in a V8 Ford” Katz switches to piano. “Hook, Line and Sinker” features a tenor solo by Stahl. O’Leary closes the title track “Gonna Die Tryin” with some more harp. “Harvest Time” features special guest guitarist John Mooney and background singers McCarthy and Cabello. O’Leary closes out this fine album with “Tell It to Me Straight”.

The Chris O’Leary Band is one of the most exciting bands touring today. Give this a listen so you’re prepared when they come to town.

Richard Ludmerer