OHO: Up

OHO

Up

© 2003 OHO Music, BMI (659057379722)

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"OHO sounds like Jefferson Airplane landing on top of (Gabriel-era) Genesis and then taking a time machine ride with Fairport Convention to play at H.G. Wells' birthday party." -Jeff Lindholm (Dirty Linen #103)

notes

OHO: an artistic collective of musicians and artists based in the Baltimore, MD area who interweave sophisticated songwriting, slashing lava-like guitarism, and muscular rhythms with stunning female vocals, lush production, and state-of-the-art basement technology. The ensemble has existed since 1973. Nowadays, 35 years and two radical transformations later, they are a little more settled with an acid folk underpinning and a womanly presence from the keyboards and vocals of Jane Brody, Angela Lazaroni, Elise Major, and the warbling of Grace Hearn, Mary O'Connor, Sue Ellen Sacco, and most recently Kelly G and Liz Murphy, not to mention significant contributions from a couple dozen OTHER PEOPLE. OHO offers rare proof that the unforgiving dragon of rock, with its voracious appetite for youth and novelty, can be slain by silver throats, silver hair and/or a bald pate. OHO have released a new (03/2008) 2 disc CD/DVD digipak entitled "Bricolage." It is NOW available at CD Baby. Both albums are being offered at bargain prices and are guaranteed to urge your spirit to soar from "over here to over there."

"We (REM) decided that just 'UP' was the way to go. We hope in the future that all other bands will also adopt this title in a showing of solidarity." -Peter Buck

"On this collection of songs from the past 18 years, OHO sounds like Jefferson Airplane landing on top of Genesis and then taking a time machine ride with Fairport Convention to play H.G. Wells' birthday party. The lyrics, in the best prog tradition, are dense and, like the music, definitely swirly."
-Jeff Lindholm (Dirty Linen #106)

"Best known for their work in the 70s, especially the quirky, psychedelic masterpiece 'Okinawa' and the more overtly progressive 'Vitamin OHO,' both of which have seen re-release on vinyl in recent years, we've also seen archival CD releases from that period as well, like 'Ecce OHO' and 'Recollections.' But OHO soldiered on through the 80s and sporadically through the 90s and in fact is still intermittently going to this day. As one might imagine, the years have brought changes, and for the period covered by this release (1985-2002) OHO was a trio with various other musicians revolving through the lineup, fronted by a succession of female singers. The disc starts off with 3 tracks of recent vintage with vocalist Jane Brody at the fore. These have a very pleasing sort of west-coast psychedelic sound with jangly guitars (think the Vejtables or early Airplane) mixed with some Celtic/folky elements, all updated with a modern sounding production; opener 'Shouts In the Street' and follow-up 'The Secret' are positively contagious. From there we go back further in time with Grace Hearn--who occasionally sounds a bit like Stevie Nicks; songs here are a bit more earthy, many having a less acoustic, more produced pop character. Many gems here as well, but the overtly psychedelic and 'live' closer 'Dream Lifted Up' is a standout. Fans of finely crafted female fronted pop will surely enjoy 'UP.' -Peter Thelen, (Expose #29)

"OHO's music makes you want to exclaim the band's very name! This is intelligent power pop for the new millennium. Truly innovative, their sound is energetic, 'BIG,' produced (without being overly so) and professional, having elements of pop, folk, jazz, celtic and rock (and all with an alternative twist). David Reeve's rhythms are alternately flowing and funky, and are set beneath daring and creative melodies, excellent instrumentation and fantastic female vocalisation, ideally suited for OHO's tendency to employ minor chords. Even with their dark and sometimes spooky sound, the feeling is upbeat. There are also sparkling guitars (ala Lindsey Buckingham), Steve Carr's grumbling bass (some of the best ever) and J. Graboski's thoughtful lyrics. As produced as this CD appears to be, the soul remains intact. 'UP' is an excellent CD and 'Where Have You Been?' is one of my favorite songs on it. It's as if the band members and 29 guest artists have put themselves fully into this project and have given themselves away. OHO!!!"
-Les Reynolds, Indie-Music.com

"OHO's music maneuvers, folds and turns on itself exactly where it should...fascinating!" -Music Connection

"A romantic, lushly harmonic collection having a wary acid-folk edginess and unpredictable lyrics. One of the best things about the OHO recordings is how good they sound...every element in their intricate arrangements shines." -The Washington Post

"Melodic and thoughtful power pop on this Maryland quintet's debut."
-CD Review (Editors' choice favorite selection)

"Generating an irresistible urge to dance and sing, this CD is a tight mesh of modern, melodic, crisp grooves with vocals that are clear, strong and seamless, amazing guitar work, and songs that are contagious." -University Reporter

"A brightly melodic collection of 19 impeccably played tracks with five supremely emotive female singers. Man, this stuff is FUN! 'Shouts In the Street' and 'Long To Be Latin' are so infectious you want to play them repeatedly. No one I've encountered in my years of doing PROGRESSION exemplifies the indomitable spirit of progressive music any better than Jay Graboski and his band,OHO." -John Collinge, Progession Magazine

"OHO have the measurable parameters of success with stellar, unwavering female vocals, Steve Carr's crystalline production of the material, David Reeve's muscular rhythms and Jay Graboski's assiduous imagination. The confidence of their presentation kept my attention reeling. Their music had reached that zone of objectively fine quality. It was as if I was doing MYSELF a favor by listening." Le Marquis de Rhythm, -Rhythm

"This isn't resurrection, but rebirth, with new songs, a new sound, a new approach. Bright and tuneful, the selections here arrive right on time, hitting the basics of contemporary pop, but adding just enough of a twist to grab your attention and hold it. OHO sneaks around the musical conventions that have mummified so many others, unleashing sliders where you'd expect curve balls, fastballs where you'd expect change-ups. OHO sneaks around the conventions that have mummified so many others. For OHO the time is NOW!" -J.D. Considine

"An imaginative exploration of affecting acoustic guitars, head-expanding lyricism blending with hi-tech bravado, and a liberal dose of some of the brightest vocal harmonies your ears will ever absorb. THERE IS JOY IN NEARLY EVERY GROOVE. A fine testament to a band in which to clearly believe." -Maryland Musician

"The men and women of OHO have been creating outstanding progressive rock on and off in a career spanning 30 years, and while the lineup of musicians may change, the musical quality and talent of the band remain the same. With 'UP' OHO proves again that it can produce vocal-driven folk rock while still delivering the musical goods that have led to their long and successful career."-Greg Yost, Music Monthly

"The OHO CD? It's fast. I dig it!!!" -Sahffi (Baltimore Songwriter's Association)

"Jay, you are my musical hero!" -Paul Rieger (United States of Existence)

"OHO indeed!" -Baltimore City Paper

reviews

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  • "It's remarkable!"
    author: Bennett Davis

    "Danger and Play" is a monster--good song. I was really listening to the production and the little easter eggs and flourishes, and it's remarkable!

  • We love "Up"!
    author: cloud nine and cloud seven

    Internet Music Radio, "Gone Fishing for Blue Skies", loves the world of OHO.

  • "TOP NOTCH, WONDERFUL STUFF!!!"
    author: Keith Adkins (Washington, DC)

    Congratulations! Very refreshing to know that quality exists amidst the ubiquitous crapola out there. Thanks for the great tunes! It's really top-notch, wonderful stuff.

  • "Killer Songwriting!"
    author: Susie Mudd (Editor/Music Monthly)

    It's typical Graboski--killer songwriting.

  • "The best 'unfamous' band I have heard!"
    author: Ken Duffy (Canton, OH)

    I am listening to "Out of Thin Air." In my humble opinion OHO is the best "unfamous" band I have heard. With the miracle of modern technology and the internet, surely something could be done to rectify such an injustice.

  • "An inextricable web of sound!"
    author: Mary Gibbons (Rockville, MD)

    The irrepressible "Shouts In The Street" weaves an inextricable web of sound. Jane Brody sings of the transition from unconscious, habitual behavior to a level of living that is more conscious: from dependency-based reaction to creative response. Heralded by the P-Funk Horns, OHO has driven their way through the millennium myth and into realization with their cutting-edge music.

  • "One of the most outstanding musical personalities in the progressive Baltimore
    author: Sergio Vilar, Argentina (Nucleus)

    Not everyday does one have the opportunity to dialogue with types of Jay Graboski's stature, one of those artists rarely appearing in the world of rock with his own personal style, talent and charisma. With the step of the years Jay, the relating man behind the mythical band OHO, has become one of the most outstanding musical personalities of the progressive scene of Baltimore. Let us enjoy!

  • "Like Honey!"
    author: Metro Santa Cruz

    The ethereal vocals of Grace Hearn flow like honey carried along by the exquisite guitar work.

  • "Imagine a modern Gentle Giant fused with Fleetwood Mac."
    author: Ernie Oldershaw (Dundee, Scotland)

    I DO like OHO--their "Vitamin OHO" album is excellent. Last week at a local CD/record fair, I chanced to get another CD of theirs that I didn't know of, simply called "UP." The songs are superbly arranged, with five very fine girl vocalists--imagine a modern Gentle Giant fused with Fleetwood Mac.

  • "OHO ROCKS!"
    author: Dennis D. Tirch PhD (Yeshiva University)

    OHO rocks, by the way. Reading your write-ups and hearing your music, I really can appreciate where you're coming from. I'd love to collaborate at some time in the future, or just meet up to grab a beer.

  • "Sounds great at 35,000 feet!"
    author: Rick Morgan (Applied Systems)

    "UP" now has a permanent place on my iPod. I travel a great deal and can assure you OHO's "UP" sounds great at 35,000 feet. Thanks again for the CD. It is much appreciated.

  • "Every track is ear candy!"
    author: Angela Lazaroni (former OHO member)

    Nestled among the bills and holiday sale flyers was OHO's "UP" CD: an unexpected surprise! I enjoyed it immensely! The packaging and the music selections are absolutely beautiful; and how "PERFECT" Grace's voice is. The water metaphor is right on target when it comes to describing her voice. Every track is ear candy!! "Flip Side" is a real treat: awesome song/production. I also loved the violins playing the keyboard lines on "It Will Not Be Late." That was like listening to what I heard in my head. I could go on and on.

  • Outstanding music cd, can't stop listening to it!!
    author: wayne holden
  • "Sprightly acoustic guitars and airy vocal harmonies"
    author: Rolling Stone

    Shimmering Folk-Rock that would appeal to fans of 90's Adult Alternative, particularly fans of female vocalists. Plenty of sprightly acoustic guitars and airy vocal harmonies.

  • "DOWNRIGHT STELLAR!"
    author: Mike Ezzo (Expose)

    The music's persona is purely an American phenomenon. It shows through in almost every moment, precluding one from the discouragement we often feel when hearing slavish copies. I love the way OHO arranges melodic motives so effortlessly, utilizing their talents to lay out the music in a way that captures so many variations of expression and orchestration.

  • WOW, WHAT A PACKAGE!!!
    author: Crystal Bass, Baltimore, MD

    The best, a real class act; and I truly mean it from the bottom of my heart.

  • "PSYCHEJANGLIC!"
    author: Paul Carosi, Radio Free Tunes

    I've uploaded "Til Death Do Us Part" and "Flip Side." I guess I'm a Grace Hearn fan.

  • "Bewitching!"
    author: Neal Copperman

    The first time I saw OHO I was transfixed. The songs swooped and soared and I was smitten. It was always Grace's involvement that captivated me and anyone who has seen her perform knows she is a bewitching presence. In OHO she was an even more animated version of where she is now. "Out of Thin Air" is a dizzyingly perfect pop song. I didn't realize OHO had released a newer CD. Thanks.

  • "A VERY INTRIGUING LISTEN ALL TOLD!"
    author: Anna Maria Stjarnell (The Ectophiles Guide)

    A very nice and varied record. The band go through many different styles and appear to be at home in all of them. The tracks Grace Hearn sings on are elevated by her uniquely spirited delivery. The other singers bring something special to the table as well. Recommended to prog-flavoured, pop/rock fans or Hand to Mouth completists.

  • "I'm 18 and I like it!"
    author: J. Livingston & E. Istwan (RADAR .7)

    (Cover artist) A histrionic Connell Patrick Byrne, striving for King Crimson cosmos, instead plows into Alice Cooper plumes. These funhouse impasto plastic-mystic renderings whirl with Spinal Tap energy. (JL) What we've got here is that most sincere and charming form of hallucinogenic-type art--it's supposed to make you think hard about big things like destiny and extinction and rainforests and humanity and stuff. A mind really is a terrible thing to waste. (EI)

  • "Positively contagious!"
    author: Peter Thelen, editor, Expose

    Many gems here having a very pleasing sort of west-coast psychedelic sound with jangly guitars. Fans of finely crafted female fronted pop will surely enjoy "UP."

  • "Fascinating!"
    author: John Collinge (Progression Magazine, #45)

    In this retrospective of the past 18 years of Baltimore's OHO, mainstay guitarist/songwriter J.P. Graboski offers a fascinating examination of male-female dynamics in the creative process.

  • "TRULY WONDERFUL!"
    author: John Fiorentino (Cranberry Twp., PA)

    Just bought "UP" from CD Baby. It is a truly wonderful CD! I am looking forward to OHO's next release to see how the music is evolving, but I wanted to compliment you for "UP."

  • "Good work!"
    author: Mike Penard, ISA Radio (Lhuis, France)

    Thanks for the CD you kindly sent me. I have found a bunch of songs to be aired. Good songs, good sound, and great vocals. Good work! Please say "HI" to the band for me. Take care.

  • "Acoustic masterpiece!"
    author: Andrea Stolle, Radio Teutoburger Wald (Hereford, Germany)

    To conceive all the fine details of this CD one must listen to any track at least twice. In any case a masterpiece of acoustic music. At the moment our listeners like the tunes #2, #7 and #10.

  • "Spotlighted!"
    author: Doug Dick (WVGN, Virgin Islands)

    "UP" was a recent indie spotlight CD on my radio show."

  • "I will play more songs from the CD!"
    author: Achim Bierman (Country Folk/Just Good Music, Germany)

    Many Greetings from Deutschland! Thanks for sending the OHO CD. Music like yours is always welcome in my radio show. Our listeners will surely like your other music if their response to 'Long To Be Latin' is any indication. Did you ever think about a concert tour through Europe/Germany?

  • "BRILLIANT!"
    author: Graham Hassall (Radio Nightingale, UK)

    A very strong album, full of top-class singing & brilliant supporting music on all tracks of which these are suitable for my radio show: "Long To Be Latin," "Breaking Away," and "Where Have You Been?" All are very good offerings. All tracks mentioned will AIR. Thanks again for the CD.

  • "I stood in total awe!"
    author: Christoph Absmaier, Germany

    I've just received "UP" today and the only thing I can say is "Great Stuff!" That's exactly the sound I collect for 15 years now. Are you going to tour with the band? Maybe in Germany? That would be great.

  • "Many whimsical surprises."
    author: Jessica Bowers (Baltimore City Paper)

    The cover art for "UP" hints at artist Connell Byrne's mural-painting background, with a busy composition that includes many whimsical surprises, such as a squid hovering among a fleet of hot air balloons and a line of Easter Island-style sculptural heads. It's a bright, sun-drenched beach piece, and yet another example of Byrne's stylistic schizophrenia. Byrne can adapt his his techniques to suit his subject. OHO, indeed.

  • "Sensative"
    author: Diane Kaplan, Israel

    I heard "Long to Be Latin" on the Acoustic Rainbow sampler, one of the nicest on the disc. The vocalist is superb and the pianist very sensative. OHO's music is very nice.

  • "Persistence Perfected!"
    author: Mark Bounds, Senior Editor, Music Monthly

    OHO's music comes across as a magnet to the mind and heart, as well as the body. There is beat, movement, melody, and beauty all working together and in sync. There is no denying the facts!

  • "WOW!"
    author: Sergio Vilar (Nucleus), Buenos Aires, Argentina

    It's fantastic! Congratulatios. I love your music."

  • "I believe."
    author: Grace Hearn

    I can really identify with the lyrics Jay writes. I believe in what this music is saying. To me it's different from any other new music around.

  • "Recalls Seattle's The Other Side."
    author: Peter Thelen, editor, Expose

    OHO reappears with a definite folky influence that wasn't present on their earlier material, with flutes, violin, acoustic guitars, and 12 string.

  • Great melodies,but not a prog album
    author: Eric T

    This is a great album (well produced and full of hooks)It reminds me of some power pop of the 80's or a bit of what The Corrs do best. My little disapointment is in the fact that the album is not a prog one (little complaint here) but a it's fun to listen (and what's more important than that ?)

  • "Superb!"
    author: Lev Gankine, Moscow, Russia

    "UP" is a fine return to form--a highly professional and melodically flawless album. At every stage of OHO's career, they have managed to make highly challenging music.

  • "Can't get enough!"
    author: Carloz Jimenez, Nogales, AZ

    Heard of OHO through Expose and Progression magazines a while back. I have "Okinawa," "Vitamin OHO," & "Ecce OHO" and simply can't get enough of this band.

  • You magnificent basards!
    author: Joe O'Sullivan

    You magnificent bastards! Just happened to listen to 'UP' again, the one with 'what's her name?' What a fantastic CD! I wish I played on it.

  • This is about the BEST thing I've heard lately!
    author: John Harris

    I can't tell you how much I enjoy "UP," a beautiful effort, and good medicine for me. This is about the best thing I've heard lately and all of you should be proud.

  • Excellent melodic folk style music. I highly recommend it.
    author: Walter Parmantie

    OHO is back, but with a slightly different sound. Gone is the 70's style progressive sound. Instead, they have a melodic folk/pop style with enough complexity to the individual songs to satisfy the progressive rocker in all of us. Here's hoping that they do a follow up.

  • This is a great cd.
    author: Charles Dawson

    I've loved this group for years. If you don't know them, this is a great place to start. For long-time fans, I wish they'd provided a caveat that this cd reprises the '91 Sky label cd ( + 7 more songs). If you buy and enjoy this cd, you'll really want to scour the used cd sites for it.

  • OHO has a new fan!
    author: Mike Zampi

    I've listened to "UP" about 7 times and absolutely love it. It is so fresh sounding. Love the vocals, guitar work and drums. Never heard anything like it.

  • "UP" has arrived and has been spinning ever since.
    author: Del Field, Seattle, WA.

    Subtlety and timelessness mesh so well with the intelligence and passion of the lyrics that the music does not appear slick in a contrived way. OHO has some beautiful times and the inclusion of songs spanning 2 decades comes off as seamless. OHO has hit their stride and hung on.

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