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CHRIS O

An Australian multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and award winning producer who mashes up acoustic folk, roots and blues music ~ drawing on encounters with places, people, and magic; echoing global grassroots traditions.

“With a delivery somewhere between Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Memphis Minnie, Chris’s own songs stay firmly within the tradition that has so inspired her, with trains, work gangs, and cotton fields the back-drop to the usual tribulations of life, from hard lovin’ to just makin’ ends meet workin’ for the Man. You can hear the passion, the commitment, and that gives her own songs the necessary authenticity, a true master’s apprentice”. (Rhythms Magazine)

“A well-travelled and truly professional performer, Chris has an extensive repertoire of songs to make you laugh or cry, sing along with or tap your feet to, all sung with great empathy in her special style. A delicate player of the slide guitar, dobro, banjo and ukulele, her voice meanders between roughness and tenderness and is weighted with feeling.” (Blue Mountains Gazette ~ Australia)

“…a gifted songwriter, understated singer and wicked multi-instrumentalist with catholic tastes and a penchant for inspired and creative collaborations.” (SING OUT Magazine U.S.A.)

Folk: An Seann Triucha (trad arr. Okunbor & Kirwan)

BLUES:  Catfish Blues (trad)

BLUES: Police Dog Blues (Blind Blake)

FOLK:  Dirty Boots (Okunbor)

               

“Acoustic Blues has always had a special spot in my heart and soul. It is the sound of pure music and the connection between artist and instrument that first called me to the blues. So thanks you to the artists who carry on this tradition. We first met and saw our winner at the International Blues Challenge. Her performance then and her release this year makes for a bright future for her and the acoustic branch of the tree that is the Blues.”

BLUES 411 JIMI AWARD, USA  

 

* Get in touch with Chris via the CONTACT PAGE on this website.

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Getting ready for summer

Looking forward to performing at MONA, Hobart again very soon, then at two fabulous Tasmanian Festivals.

For the Verandah Music Festival, Evandale, I’ll be performing and also presenting a workshop for intermediate ukulele players “Ukeing the Blues”.

At Cygnet Folk Festival I’ll be performing as well as presenting a movement, singing, and playing together workshop for kids (and big kids!) “Steppin’ Out to The Blues”.

Make Music Day 2021 ~ My Song Is Your Song

I recently took part in a fun project, that involved singer-songwriters throwing their names in a hat, and then swapping and covering each other’s songs through the My Song Is Your Song project – as part of the 2021 Make Music Day.

I was paired up with Amber Fults, from Tennessee. Here’s my cover of Amber’s song “Fire Burning”:

Check out Amber’s original version on Spotify:   https://open.spotify.com/track/30jVabsbADXhiiGzXrVap0?si=112658e31d734de8

 

 

A new blues with a classic feel

https://chriso1.bandcamp.com/track/whiskey-blues-coffee

Sometimes you’ve just got to put the umbrella up, face the cold and rain, and head to the pub for some whiskey and blues, then a coffee to see you home. Feeling good with the blues! Here’s a new original on National Resonator & Aiersi Resonator guitars, and Harp. Cover art by Justin James – a rainy night in Hobart .

 

 

The National Women in Blues Virtual Showcase ~ 2021

In 2016 I was in Memphis for the International Blues Challenge, and also had the opportunity to represent Australia at the National Women in Blues Showcase, right there on Beale Street. At the start of 2017 I was thrilled to have my CD “Wailin’ and Raggin’ the Blues” nominated as a Finalist for Best Self-produced Album with The Blues Foundation.

Remembering that time, and now so excited to be a part of the 2021 National Women in Blues Virtual Showcase – February 14th in America, February 15th here in Australia. (7pm Sydney/Hobart/Melbourne time).

Check out the links to see the fabulous line-up of Blues Women from around the World, and the promo video.

 

Big shout out to Dave Matthews, Vera van Faassen and Deb Mann for the photos.