Chris O'Leary

Devastatingly soulful vocalist, dynamic harmonica master and superlative songwriter Chris O'Leary is among the blues and roots world's most talented unsung heroes. The award-winning O'Leary--disciple and friend of both The Band's legendary drummer/vocalist/songwriter Levon Helm and iconic blues harmonica giant James Cotton--has been playing professionally since the 1990s, with five previous solo albums to his credit. The Marine veteran, ex-Federal police officer, former lead singer of The Barn Burners (featuring Levon Helm on drums) and loving father has walked a hard line from his upstate New York home to stages all over the world. No Depression magazine says, "O'Leary's voice contains startling emotion...reaching an intensity and emotional rawness [that's] primal. The performances practically vibrate with an authenticity that stays with you." Between his large, athletic frame and his military-style "high and tight" haircut, O'Leary commands attention, singing his indelible original songs with pure, unadulterated soul and playing harmonica with urgent locomotive power. His keenly written songs come directly from his colorful and sometimes harrowing life experiences. On his Alligator Records debut, The Hard Line, O'Leary set his sights high and created what he says is, "the best work I've ever done. It's the most focused, most to-the-point album I've ever made."