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Twisted Roots & Twisted Highways ~ Originals

by Chris O

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Rich Larson
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Rich Larson A rather eclectic collection of tunes, many with a Gaelic flavor - all tied together with the vocals of Chris O. Loved the album cover too - depicting life's journey of one artist. Almost looks like a Dirk Wuestenhagen photograph. Favorite track: Dirty Boots.
Mark Bishop
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Mark Bishop This is another great album by Chris O but with a twist. I know Chris as the blues lady of The Blues Mountains but with this album she not only strums out her unique style of blues but has also tapped into other roots influences with some haunting Celtic style songs. This album is not only a joy to listen to but has some unique collaborations with other great musicians. You won't be disappointed in purchasing this album. Thanks Chris for some excellent music and a unique take on various styles of music.
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1.
Dirty Boots 03:33
Dirty Boots (Okunbor, C) The grass grows greener on a distant shore, But then the rain’s gotta pour down a whole lot more. You can run away from trouble and hide from strife, Find more rainbows in a distant life. When you leave my boots outside the door, Your worries at the back porch floor You leave your dirty, muddy boots outside the door. Never been to heaven but some folks say, We’re living in a land of milk and honey. Get some animals. Plant some trees, And I’ll sing to all the stones in a mountain stream. When I leave my boots outside the door, My worries at the back porch floor I’ll leave my dirty, muddy boots outside the door. Sorrows may come and fears get sown, Troubles start rattlin’ the old home’s bones. Well the rain may patter and the rain may pour, But the sun’s gonna’ shine down a whole lot more. I’ll leave my boots outside the door, Worries at the back porch floor I leave my dirty, muddy boots outside. Never been to heaven but some folks say, We’re living in a land of milk and honey.
2.
I went to see my Molly (Trad. Arr. Okunbor,C. & McAlexander, J.) I went to see my Molly, All in the bloom of youth. I went to see my Molly, So she may understand I’m going to join the army And join the Yankee Band. Oh don’t say so dear Johnny, Your words will break my heart. Come on let’s get married, And naught but death shall part. When we are married Happy we will be. Oh don’t say so dear Johnny, Be kind, and marry me. These yellow locks I’ll cut off, Men’s clothing I’ll put on. I’ll follow you dear Johnny, No matter where you roam. I’ll fear no death nor danger, How great the danger be. Oh don’t go there dear Johnny, Be kind, and marry me. For ten long weeks and better You’ve been with child by me. So stay at home dear Molly love, Safe and patient be. Our Captain has commanded us, And I shall have to go. For the army needs men my love, I dare not answer no.
3.
The North Country Traditional lyrics re-arranged Okunbor, C. melody by Kirwan, M. My love he comes from the Northern land, He was born in the North Country. Where the hills and high mountains, Rise up from the sea. He’s the fairest man I ‘er did see, Back in in the North Country. My love’s as wild as the rowan so free, Growing in the North Country. He clings to me as the bark to the tree, Way up in the North Country. But those leaves are going to wither The roots they will decay, And all of my love’s beauty, Will one day fade away But my love he’s as wild as the rowan so free Growing in the North Country. My love he comes from the Northern land, That rises from the sea.
4.
Love this Land (Okunbor, C.) Leaves upon a mountain river flying by. Eagle soaring, lazy loops the sky. Who would ever know, the way these moments blow, away, On a whipper wind. Tonight I’ll match the rhythm of the Moon. I’ll whisper songs while waiting for the dawn. Who would ever know, the way these moments blow, away, On a whipper wind. Though the wheels of life keep turning And the grind is getting tough, I don’t want to die until I’ve kissed the Earth enough. ‘Cos I love this land we’re on, Dreaming makes me one, Catch the moments, while you can. With the dust of ancient rocks under my feet, And the fairings of a new day brought to me, Now I think I know, The way these moments blow, away, On a whipper wind. Now I think I know, The way these moments blow, away, On a whipper wind.

about

This latest release from Australian Blues and Roots artist, Chris O, is a folk and roots album, that draws on a lifetime of encounters with places, people, traditions, and magic. These songs from the album are originals, and traditional folk songs, and a hard copy of the full cd is available via emailing me through my website:www.chrisokunbor.net

Come for a stroll down these twisted highways...no heavy baggage required.

"Gossip of the wrens.
The icy boughs are ringing
brittle whispered rhymes." (Chris O)

credits

released February 2, 2018

It was a great pleasure to have created these songs with friends from Soundcloud and beyond, throwing lyrics, melodies and arrangements across the Universe via cyberspace. Such awesome musicians, and beautiful souls.

USA:
Josh McAlexander

Australia:
Charlie McMahon, Simon Watts

Ireland: Martin Kirwan


Dirty Boots
Chris O guitar, slide, vocals, song composition

I went to see my Molly (Trad.)
Chris O guitar, slide, dulcimer, banjo, vocals. Josh McAlexander vocals & fretless bass. Simon Watts fiddle.

The North Country (Trad.)
Chris O vocals, dulcimer, whistle, beats, guitar, lyrics arr. Martin Kirwan guitar, shruti box, sitar.

Love this Land
Chris O vocals, resonator guitar, bamboo flute, song (APRA). Charlie McMahon didgeridoo.



Audio Engineering
Chris O ~ Dirty Boots, I went to see my Molly, The North Country
Josh McAlexander ~ I went to see my Molly (TRAD.)
Martin Kirwan ~ The North Country (TRAD.) (guitar, shruti and sitar)


Eliot Reynolds, SongCave Studios ~ Love this Land

Mastering
Don Bartley, Benchmark Studio


Cover photo by Justin James Photography, Hobart.

Chris’s “Machat Headdress” by Jools Elphick, U.K.

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Chris O Australia

Chris regularly tours Europe, and was Solo Blues Performer of the Year for at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, USA, and the National Women in Blues Showcase.

Three albums out, another in progress.

"Chris is a gifted songwriter, understated singer and wicked multi-instrumentalist with catholic tastes and a penchant for inspired and creative collaborations." Sing Out Magazine, USA.
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