Tommy Ray O'Dell is unique in the world of Christian music. He is an impressive artist who needs to be discovered by the world. There is only a handful of blues CD's out there that capture authentic blues with a spiritual essence.
His music is rough-rustic soulful blues. Preachers who played the blues such as Reverend Gary Davis and Blind Willie Johnson, as well as bluesmen John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, Albert King, Howling Wolf and, the Wolf's legendary guitarist, Hubert Sumlin have influenced O'Dell's style.
He has also absorbed native styles from his travels to more than 70 nations around the world and it shows in his exotic rhythms.
He concentrates on carrying the Gospel to audiences unresponsive to traditional hymns or contemporary Christian music. O'Dell plays blues/gospel at its best, reminiscent of those few Dylan blues/gospel moments but his voice has its own bluesy darkish sound.
His lyrics are poetic and his soulful voice has a folk edge that is distinctive and memorable. Tommy's blazing guitar lines match the passion of his message, with soulful chops that integrate funk with classy Jazz and roadhouse blues.
Excerpts taken from "The Critical Review" (www.criticalreviews.com) and "Timeless Jazz", WUTC
