Chris O'Leary Band

Chris O'Leary and his blues ensemble hail from New York's Hudson Valley, but there's more than a trace of New Orleans in their music. O'Leary, a Marine veteran and former federal police officer, sings and plays harmonica and mandolin. His band boasts a laid-back sound, yet their solid groove, tight playing, and O'Leary's superlative songwriting make them a powerful unit. Notably, their Alligator Records debut album, The Hard Line, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart upon its release . O'Leary also served as the lead singer and frontman for Levon Helm's Barnburners for six years.