Chris O’Leary: Blue Collar Review

If you’ve been hungering for some down-home, real-life, foot-stomping, hand-clapping blues music, then throw on Chris O’Leary’s brand new album, Blue Collar, and hang on. But before we get into the tasty musical spread cooking on this recording, allow me to tell you a little bit about the artist.

Chris O’Leary was born and raised in Mount Vernon, New York. As a youngster, his dad pointed him in the direction of the blues by introducing him to Muddy Waters, and since then he’s become a lifelong blues lover, taking up the harmonica at age 10. He’s a genuine songwriter, soulful vocalist, and phenomenal harmonica player. O’Leary is a U.S. Marine combat veteran who served seven years, including time during Desert Storm (thank you for your service), and a former federal law enforcement officer (thank you again for your service). I’m guessing that a fair amount of his songwriting is drawn from experiences during those times. He’s an award-nominated artist who has shared the stage with, or recorded alongside, the likes of Levon Helm (he was a member of Helm’s band), Hubert Sumlin, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Albert Lee, Jeff Healey, Jimmy Vivino, and James Cotton. He has taken his often humorous and honest performances all over the world.

Chris O’Leary has said this about his own songwriting: “I write what I know. That’s pretty much how I’ve always approached things.” I think that very quote is evidenced by listening to his songs.

Blue Collar is a collection of 11 quality tunes where no filler exists. Each song is well done, and those who contributed to the recording can be proud of what they’ve created. That includes Chris O’Leary, all of the outstanding, truly impressive musicians, and those involved in the recording, mixing, and mastering process. Bob Margolin and Lil’ Ed Williams, among others, make guest appearances on the album.

The opening track is a humorous, but honestly truthful, tune called “Bad Decisions.” I, for one, can vouch for the lyrics here: “Sometimes the best stories start with bad decisions.” How about you? I bet while you’re listening you’ll be thinking of one of your own bad decisions that made for a whale of a story later on. There’s some great picking here and some of that fine blues harmonica work by O’Leary.

Track four, a great little tune about one of my favorite things in life, is “One More Cup of Coffee.” It features some classic slide work by Lil’ Ed Williams of Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials. If you’re going to keep the beat with this one, you may need a cup or two of that high-octane, get-up-and-go juice. Chris O’Leary sings, “Give me one more cup of coffee.” If one cup is good, then two are better. Just grab ahold and hang on. This one is cooking.

“Justice Must Be Blind” is full of humor that mirrors a lot of real life. I can’t help thinking about Jerry Reed’s classic 1982 hit, “She Got the Goldmine (I Got the Shaft),” when I listen to this one. O’Leary sings about the judge in a divorce case and the way he splits the assets of a couple. “He said, nah, it’s gonna be a square deal. I’ll give you both a set of wheels. You’ll get the Schwinn (a bicycle); she’ll get the brand new Chevy.” Sounds like a fair deal, right? I almost guarantee you’ll be laughing along as you listen.

Track 10 on Blue Collar, “How’d I Ever Get Along,” is another comical, but sometimes true, reflection on that special person who co-occupies your humble abode. It’s the person you can never seem to satisfy. O’Leary sings sarcastically, “How did I ever get along without you; telling me what to do? I folded laundry, cleaned my kitchen; even mowed my own front lawn. I guess I didn’t know, I was doing it all wrong.” Aside from the great slow-blues vibe here, there is some solid musicianship on display in this song.

I absolutely love it when I get the opportunity to review a recording that is so impressive from start to finish, and Blue Collar is one of those rare jewels. The songwriting, musicianship, vocals, and arrangements are all exceptional.

If you get a chance to go out and catch Chris O’Leary live take that opportunity. He has performed all over the world and has tour dates scheduled from July through September of this year in the U.S. I would also suggest checking his social media for more details.

I will surely be looking forward to his next project.

The Review: 9.5/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Bad Decisions
– One More Cup Of Coffee
– Justice Must Be Blind
– How’d I Ever Get Along

The Big Hit

– Bad Decisions