The Chris O’Leary Band
Played at edition 2024
Chris O’Leary is a man scarred by life. As both an ex-veteran and ex-policeman, he has seen what happens at the top and bottom of society. He was also active as a singer/mouth harmonica player in Levon Helm’s band, The Barn Burners. He played in the band with Levon Helm for six years, until voice problems forced him to quit. After a recovery period, the blood crawled where it couldn’t go and he slowly started performing again.
Alligator Records founder and president Bruce Iglauer saw a performance by Chris and was immediately convinced and offered Chris O’Leary a record deal. What followed recently was a hugely well-received album “The Hard Line” (TIP!).
This man from the school of James Cotton, brings an impressiveharmonica sound complemented by a dyke of a voice. Together with his top-notch band, we can expect a mix of Chicago and Louisiana blues!