THE
JOHN O’LEARY BAND – TWO FOR THE SHOW
Here’s an album
(well two, actually) giving a harp-led history of the British Blues
movement from its infancy in the 1960’s right up to the present
day. John O’Leary was, of course, a founder member of Savoy Brown;
a band that bounced the weary old American Blues back across the
Atlantic rejuvenated , taking the form from juke-joint to stadium.
Savoy Brown weren’t the only ones - there were the Yardbirds,
Rolling Stones and later Led Zeppelin amongst a host of other British
worthies. Whilst most of us claim our moment in this sunlight of
memory by narrating the bands we saw gigging at this time, John
O’Leary was actually involved in the revolution. Not just involved
but at the forefront. For this, we must pay huge respect as we must
for his subsequent catalogue of work. So, what of this double-CD
release? There is a studio CD ‘Sins’ including John O’Leary’s
take on a number of standards as well as a personal retrospective –
including Savoy Brown’s ‘I’m Tired’ which has always been a
favourite of mine. The second CD is a Live recording from legendary
‘Mr. Kyps’ in Poole, Dorset. The collection amply demonstrates
that John has lost none of his enthusiasm for playing and creating
new arrangements. In the hands of The John O’Leary Band the musical
form clearly shows its roots whilst demonstrating just how far it has
evolved. This is a worthy addition to anyone’s CD
shelves.
www.gtfm.co.uk