Every once and awhile I go over 'em, but mostly under.
Waits, Cohen, Cave, Hawkins, Smith, Wolf, Oldham
Sounds Like
Fan Quotes
"Like a breath of fresh whiskey..."
"...rough and sexy..."
"Dark, literate, and musical..."
"There's lots going on here, both musically and lyrically..."
"I was hooked immediately..."
"...full of attitude. Love it..."
"The kind of poetic ramble that brings to mind smokey blues pubs and punters hanging on every word. This guy is a poet."
"This performance is heartfelt and honest...a gift that makes people stop and listen."
Spreading the mantra, "LIVE, LOVE, DIE" from Portland, Oregon!
THE FATHER howls and moans his way into our hearts with his soulful music. As a one man act he falls into a rare breed of singer/songwriter in the company of Tom Waits, Nick Cave, and Leonard Cohen. The Father's surprisingly powerful performances incite boot stomping, drinking, smoking, cheers, jeers, and tears in a single night. His most recent EP release, "Fresh Pack of *Failures", has succeeded in capturing the raw emotion and in-your-face style of his live performances. Don't take my word for it. Here's what "they" say about the music of The Father, J. O'Brien...
Sean Keating (Silk Trade)
"O'Brien's are melancholy narratives of contradictions: fumbling characters steeped in myth; melodies full of charm, wit, bravado, and an ultimately yielding self-effacement. His is a locomotive ride to our collective subconcious: tragically full of that American optimism so inseparable from despair."
Planet Glee
"Planet Glee rocked again. I have so much fun when there's a musical guest on the show. So far, the musicians who have been on are new and raw. Last night's guest was a total trip. He calls himself "The Father J. O'Brien." I asked him where the "father" came from. He said it had to do with a group of friends in San Diego, and then he blurted what he was called before and it had some usually-unheard-on-tv words in it. We were on Planet Glee again.
The Father J. O'Brien is in his mid-twenties sings with the wisdom of someone with more life experience. An old soul with an incredible voice (deep like Tom Waits but also with something else--something a J. Mascis voice of inner knowledge and common sense."
XPress Magazine
"...acoustic romps (that) conjure Tom Waits...audience members even played the solos to the songs on their kazoos and stomping feet."
Whether you sing professionally, sing Karaoke, or just for fun, YOU could be walking away with $500 cash from PORTLAND IDOL!!! It happens EVERY Wednesday night at The Refectory Nightclub. Sign-up's are @ 8pm so don't be late! Sing acappella or bring your own backing track on CD if you'd like. See you there and bring your friends to cheer you on! ..
Sing Acappella or bring your own backing track (on CD) if desired. NO RAPPERS PLEASE this is a singing contest Rappers that sing are fine.
Online Now!
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