The Chris O'Leary Band

The Chris O'Leary Band

Genres: blues, harmonica blues, oldest swinger in town, texas blues guitar

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About The Chris O'Leary Band

Chris O'Leary - Harmonica and vocals Chris Vitarello - Guitar Sean McCarthy - Drums Frankie Ingrao - Bass Andy (The Hammer) Stahl - Sax Chris (Fez) DiFrancesco - Clarinet Willa McCarthy - Vocals Chris O'Leary spent six years as lead singer, harp player and front man for rock and roll hall of famer Levon Helm's band, The Barnburners, burning it up across the US and Canada. He also spent six years in the Marines, to whom he dedicates the song "Dress Blues." While the Chris O'Leary Band's music is rooted in the blues, you can hear shades of New Orleans, rockabilly and more in their big, high-energy sound. Their music is the fruit of many years on the road, with many nights absorbing the great blues, R&B, and and rock'n'roll that graced so many stages across the country. Several years ago, LEVON HELM was turned on to Chris O'Leary's blues harp playing through a mutual friend, which led to Levon joining in on some of Chris's early recording sessions, and then sitting in on his band's regular gigs. Soon, Levon asked Chris and his compadres to join the house band at his new club in New Orleans. Chris quickly relocated to New Orleans, where he spent the better part of a year at the club as a focal point of Levon Helm's Barn Burners, backing up touring stars and opening for New Orleans' finest players. Levon's club closed in 1998, but Chris continued to tour with his Barn Burners, garnering fans and critical acclaim. In 2007 O'Leary formed a new band, including fellow Barn Burner Frankie Ingrao on bass, guitarist Chris Vitarello (already known from his tasty, incendiary work with the Bruce Katz Band), and drummer Sean McCarthy.

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