“I’ve lived the craziest life,” says world-class blues star, harmonica, vocal and songwriting master Chris O’Leary. “Going to war, performing and touring with (The Band’s) Levon Helm, befriending and learning from blues legend James Cotton, now recording for Alligator. It’s something I’ll never take for granted.” On his new Alligator Records album, BLUE COLLAR, the Marine combat veteran, ex-Federal police officer and former lead singer of Helm’s legendary Barn Burners turns his myriad life experiences into timeless blues tales. His all-original songs are musically irresistible, often funny, and filled with honest truths and sage advice. They are a one-of-a-kind, energetic, deep-dish gumbo of Chicago blues, Memphis soul, and New Orleans funk—intoxicatingly refreshing and pure Chris O’Leary.
O’Leary is bursting at the seams with talent. He has become one of the blues world’s most exciting discoveries. The self-produced Blue Collar delivers eleven original, emotionally complex songs featuring O’Leary’s powerful harp work and soul-testifying vocals. The music is fueled by his dynamic band, exuding swaggering confidence at every turn. The songs, says O’Leary, are “all personal, all real-life.” On the boisterous opener “Bad Decisions” and the late-night warning “After 2 A.M”., O’Leary sings of all the trouble one person can get into after making a few ill-advised choices once the sun goes down. The funny-because-it’s-true “How’d I Ever Get Along?,” and the barn-burning, swampy “Live Baby Gators” (featuring Louisiana accordionist Wayne Toups), turn the heat up. Adding to the proceedings, O’Leary’s friend and mentor Bob Margolin brings his Muddy Waters-infused guitar work to the slow and soulful “Nothing But A Memory.” And O’Leary’s legendary Alligator labelmate, Lil’ Ed Williams, brings slide guitar firepower to the autobiographical “One More Cup Of Coffee.”
This record is a little bit lighter in subject matter than (Alligator Records 2024 debut) THE HARD LINE. O’Leary says, “probably because I’m in a better place. But I try and keep it real and live in the moment, because life happens and you’re knocked on your ass before you know it. I have real experiences—good and bad—that I write about. It’s a deep well. But right now, I’m having a good time and loving life.”
(excerpted from his Alligator Records bio)
