For the past 30 years, Larry Oxley has been blowing the back out of his blues harp with some of the biggest names, at some of the biggest venues in Portland
It all began back to his middle school days when he got his first BB King record and “was instantly hooked on the blues.” Coming up under the tutelage of the late local legend, Paul Delay, Oxley was able to learn from a master while developing his own distinct style. Well-seasoned in Chicago and Rockin’ Blues, he can also bring a southern twang to Country and some solid harp power to Rock & Roll.
Oxley’s playing is reminiscent of some of his peers and influences like Delay, William Clarke and Paul Butterfield; however, his soulful playing and sheer musicality lets listeners know that he has created a style all his own.
Oxley honed his chops as well as his formative stage presence playing with prominent local acts such as The Portland Playboys, Catfish and most notably Eric Hatcher and the Workerbees.
During Oxley’s extensive 7 year run with Eric and The Workerbees, he and his bandmates saw the release of a CD entitled “Bad News”, performed at some great local shows, and completed multiple tours, which included two appearances at The Waterfront Blues Festival.
Oxley’s blues harp has also graced the stage of the Blues Festival with Step Up and the acoustic duo Home Cookin’. Oxley has also performed with the highly regarded California band Kelly’s Lot and in 2012 he shared his blues talents at The Next Walz. His most current music venture is with Danny Joseph in Oxley & Joseph and there are no signs of stopping the music any time soon!
The seasoned stylings of Larry Oxley’s playing can add the right touch to a host of different types of bands.
Oxley is currently seeking a hardworking, fun-playing band to be a part of.
A true professional, he is not only a quick study musically, but also an experienced booking agent.
Oxley’s sound, style and hard work would be a welcome addition to any band in need of some professional blues harp.
Look no further than Larry Oxley.
Carey Bell, John Prine, Rick Estrin, Paul Delay, Rod Piazza, Kim Wilson, Howlin Wolf, Dave Mathis, Junior Wells, Sonney Terry, John Popper, Bill Rhoades, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, David Lipkind, Hank Williams, Gram Parsons, Merle Haggard, Dr.Isaiah Ross, Paul Butterfield, Charlie Musselwhite, Sonny Boy Williamson II, George Harmonica Smith, William Clarke, Little Walter