Review: Chris O’Leary – Blue Collar
Chris O’Leary – Blue Collar
Format: CD – Vinyl LP – Digital / Label: Alligator Records
Release: 2026
Text: Pascal Wilhelm
“Sometimes the best stories start with bad decisions”
– Chris O’Leary
My very first review on this platform happened to be Chris’ debut on the Alligator Label (‘The Hard Line,’ released January 12, 2024) so I couldn’t resist taking this one up as well. This new record, ‘Blue Collar,’ was certainly no bad decision and the songs make up a great story. I watched a You Tube video of Chris playing at The Funky Biscuit in Boca Raton, Florida (040325, link a the bottom).
He puts up a great show, directing the band like William Clarke would do in his days. What I appreciate about Chris’ music, and I said it before, is that he puts the song first. His story telling (sometimes funny, mostly meaningful) and singing are truly outstanding. The video also showcases the vocal harmonies of his band. I guess this asset originates of his time with Levon Helm’s Barn Burners (even a version of The Band’s Ophelia is played, fitting nicely with the rest of the repertoire).
‘Blue Collar’ is self-produced and, compared to its predecessor, sounds more relaxed. Mastering is less pumped-up and a live feel is more pronounced. Chris’ harmonica playing is of a high level, but the highly saturated sound sometimes goes at the expense of tone, in my opinion. Of course, a matter of taste, but in Nothing but a memory you can hear what more tone can do. On this track you can hear his big influence, James Cotton, and oh yes, Cotton als had a saturated sound. Good point. BTW Bob Margolin added guitar parts to this track. Other guest musicians include Wayne Toups (accordion on Live Baby Gators) and Lil’ Ed Williams (slide guitar on One More Cup Of Coffee).
Chris is doing well. He was nominated for three top 2025 Blues Music Awards, including Blues Artist Of The Year and Best Live Performer. He’s also been nominated for top awards by both Living Blues and Blues Blast magazines and toured in in Canada, Ireland, Spain, France, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, the Czech Republic and Portugal.
Eleven great tracks by a hard working musician in the main blues league.
If you’re only on your one-way screen, you’ll be sorry one day.
– Chris O’Leary
Tracks:
01. Bad Decisions 4:21
02. Lady Luck
03. Am I The Only Fool?
04. One More Cup Of Coffee
05. Nothing But A Memory
06. Justice Must Be Blind
07. After 2 A.M.
08. One Way Street
09. Live Baby Gators
10. How’d I Ever Get Along?
11. Daddy Was A Wolfman
Website: https://thechrisolearyband.net/