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Music : Rise Above It
1 2
Rating: 
- An Obscure Masterpiece
I got this CD primarily for "What's A Good Ol' Boy To Do", which received heavy video play upon its release. Turns out that's not even my favorite track on the collection. It's a thoroughly enjoyable release from start to finish, with a chugging, bluesy rhythm on several tunes. The entire CD was written solely by O'Hara himself, as he proves himself a master wordsmith. Several exceptional ballads are also sprinkled in, including "The Cold Hard Truth", which George Jones covered on his album of the same name. "It Ain't Over" is a soft country lullaby, while "50,000 Names" (another tune covered by Jones) is a touching Viet Nam tribute.
Whether it's the rockers or ballads, O'Hara has an easygoing vocal delivery reminiscent of Billy Ray Cyrus's softer side, which maintains a laidback feel throughout, along with a distinct Roy Orbison vibe. A true gem.
Rating: - Real Country
Excellent Album/CD. I don't remember hearing any of these songs when the album was released but, as a Vietnam Veteran purchased it for 50,000 names. I agree with another review that the lack of success for the album is a reflection on what is wrong with the country music industry.
Rating:
- Totally Forgotten
I can't see how this didn't get anyone's attention. Although it does have slight hints of "radio candy" this release was a very professional and country effort.
The songs are all acoustic based, and O'hara's winsom voice is at the forefront of the arragements.
Now please be advised, if you liked the country sounds of this release, then please be advised that his next effort is totally the opposite of "Rise Above It"
Rating: - Almost Unforgiveable!
It is almost unforgiveable that this CD can't be bought. That in itself tells us where country music has drifted over the last 10 years. We hear very few songs like these, very few expressions of what we live with every minute of our lives. Jamie has the insight and the soul of the silently haunted. He "sees" what we all feel. Every song on this CD is real and that is not what the world wants . It is a shame. If you can find this CD buy it and you will change.
Rating: - A Master At His Trade!
I was fortunate enough to come across this CD while I worked at a country music radio station, and just simply fell in love with it. The lyrics could seduce the Ice Lady while the music kisses her goodnight. I just don't get stopped in my tracks very often by an artist as raw and honest as Jamie, and wore that CD out on the air. I went to Nashville and found him playing at the Bluebird Cafe several years ago, and spent one of the most enjoyable nights of my life, alone, sober, and watching him do what he does best. He is just as polite, smooth and hypnotic in person as the swooning of his voice with RCA, and I happen to believe they completely missed the boat on this good ol' boy.
I am a writer/artist, and can appreciate all that takes places behind the scenes of someone struggling to make it doing what they love to do. If Jamie never did another song, wrote another lyric, or ever played in public again, he still has forgot more than some will ever know. 50,000 Names would be touchy right now, but very effective to tell the very story he set out to tell. I think he is an astronomical addition to the folk/country music industry.
- An Obscure MasterpieceI got this CD primarily for "What's A Good Ol' Boy To Do", which received heavy video play upon its release. Turns out that's not even my favorite track on the collection. It's a thoroughly enjoyable release from start to finish, with a chugging, bluesy rhythm on several tunes. The entire CD was written solely by O'Hara himself, as he proves himself a master wordsmith. Several exceptional ballads are also sprinkled in, including "The Cold Hard Truth", which George Jones covered on his album of the same name. "It Ain't Over" is a soft country lullaby, while "50,000 Names" (another tune covered by Jones) is a touching Viet Nam tribute.
Whether it's the rockers or ballads, O'Hara has an easygoing vocal delivery reminiscent of Billy Ray Cyrus's softer side, which maintains a laidback feel throughout, along with a distinct Roy Orbison vibe. A true gem.
Rating:
- Real CountryExcellent Album/CD. I don't remember hearing any of these songs when the album was released but, as a Vietnam Veteran purchased it for 50,000 names. I agree with another review that the lack of success for the album is a reflection on what is wrong with the country music industry.
Rating:
- Totally ForgottenI can't see how this didn't get anyone's attention. Although it does have slight hints of "radio candy" this release was a very professional and country effort.
The songs are all acoustic based, and O'hara's winsom voice is at the forefront of the arragements.
Now please be advised, if you liked the country sounds of this release, then please be advised that his next effort is totally the opposite of "Rise Above It"
Rating:
- Almost Unforgiveable!It is almost unforgiveable that this CD can't be bought. That in itself tells us where country music has drifted over the last 10 years. We hear very few songs like these, very few expressions of what we live with every minute of our lives. Jamie has the insight and the soul of the silently haunted. He "sees" what we all feel. Every song on this CD is real and that is not what the world wants . It is a shame. If you can find this CD buy it and you will change.
Rating:
- A Master At His Trade!I was fortunate enough to come across this CD while I worked at a country music radio station, and just simply fell in love with it. The lyrics could seduce the Ice Lady while the music kisses her goodnight. I just don't get stopped in my tracks very often by an artist as raw and honest as Jamie, and wore that CD out on the air. I went to Nashville and found him playing at the Bluebird Cafe several years ago, and spent one of the most enjoyable nights of my life, alone, sober, and watching him do what he does best. He is just as polite, smooth and hypnotic in person as the swooning of his voice with RCA, and I happen to believe they completely missed the boat on this good ol' boy.
I am a writer/artist, and can appreciate all that takes places behind the scenes of someone struggling to make it doing what they love to do. If Jamie never did another song, wrote another lyric, or ever played in public again, he still has forgot more than some will ever know. 50,000 Names would be touchy right now, but very effective to tell the very story he set out to tell. I think he is an astronomical addition to the folk/country music industry.