Neal Oldham
Harmonica & Vocals

I grew up with all types of musical influences, from classical to Beatles, surf, funk, R&B, rock and heavy metal. My mom played french horn in the Oklahoma City Symphony. My dad was an amateur singer and played a little harp as well. My oldest brother, Jack, is a world class harp player. In addition to studio work, he has played in bands such as The Safaris, August Wind and The Stan West Band. My present day hero is my brother, Mark, "Master Bass Player." He pushed me along once I really got on a roll; he became a great support as well as a band member in my last couple of bands.

My life in the early 90s took several turns, many of which gave me an understanding what the blues really are. The death of my wife, mother and father within two years was devastating, to say the least. I found myself with my one and four year old baby girls. I was lost, without direction, trying to hold down my job, take care of my babies and work through the pain of my losses.

Out of everyone who tried to console me, the person I was most distant from, my childhood hero -- "all the kids came to our house to see him on Band Stand" -- my oldest brother, Jack, showed up at my door with a little brown case of harmonicas and a hand full of CDs. He asked, "Do you know how the blues got started?" He talked me through the history of the blues and simply ended it with "you can keep them in or you can blow them out."

For hours on end I stood in front of the stereo and listened and played to Paul Butterfield, Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson, Jimmy Reed, Junior Wells, Magic Sam, Carey Bell, Charlie Musselwhite, and most of all, Little Walter. I learned tunes note for note. Well, as good as a white-boy could.

I went to a local club to see my brother's long time friend, Stan West, play the blues. Stan had this great harp player, Jay Loeffel. "Jay blows a mean harp." He was easy to talk to, too, and every question I asked he answered or would show me. He taught me that every harp player has his own style, and we need to respect each other. He said that when it comes to music, egos need be checked at the door. He told me of a pro blues jam night in Covina. That's were I got my first exposure years ago. Thanks to Jay, Notcho, Teddy, Lighting Boy, and all the harp players that let me go first so I could get home to my girls.

From there I feel very fortunate to have hooked up with some great local talent. I have performed with DOC Ryan and the Blue Falcons, Hit Men, The MoJoTones, and Dan Perreault and West Coast Gumbo. I love to play and for me it's all about fun and letting go. I'm looking forward to performing with The Delta 88s, we seem to have a groove on. I hope you all make the time to come out and have some fun with us.

NealO

Click here to email Neal