Greg O'Brien Guitar and Vocals 
Greg O'Brien is also known by many blues enthusiast as Overjive, Overdrive, and the Jackhammer. Greg's latest project, the Spoodoo Cadillacs, blends his original compositions with traditional blues to create a "Hot Rockin" blues sound. Greg's life experiences are the foundation of his music and give him all the tools to represent the blues musical style with total conviction.
His first musical experience took place at the age of seven when he set fire to the family home, in the early morning hours, looking for the flute his mother bought him for school. No one was hurt although his flute and his brother's school clothes where consumed by the fire and forced Greg to wait until everything was replaced to resume his musical journey.
In the 70's, as his family moved across the country, Greg learned to communicate with people of all ethnic and social backgrounds thus helping him to solidify his appreciation for all cultures. His parents discouraged his early musical impulses due to a lack of funds for lessons but music was in Greg's heart. This motivated him to seek out friendly neighbors to show him how to play basic chords on the guitar.
Hard work was part of Greg's childhood. Greg's grandfather owned a TV repair shop and Greg would help by loading and unloading equipment. Once, to show their appreciation and knowing of Greg's love for music his grandparents bought a 25 dollar guitar at K-mart. However, when his father learned of the gift he stomped the guitar to pieces before Greg could even play a chord. This experience did not discourage him; he simply continued to learn guitar by borrowing from friends who understood his passion for music.
Greg was however, encouraged by his grandfather to study electronics to facilitate a secure future. He spent two years in a trade high school learning communication electronics. Greg still found time for music by blending his passion for music with poetry to write love songs for his many girl friends. Poetry is still his main style when writing the blues.
To put himself through college, Greg worked in music stores, repairing guitar amps. Graduating with degrees in electrical and broadcast engineering, he packed his bags and moved to California chasing his dream of a music career.
In California, Greg studied guitar under Bernie Pearl, Wayne Johnson of Manhattan Transfer, Don Rassesburger of Chill-boy and the Firebirds, Ronnie Earl, other teachers include Kirby Kelly, and Jack Pearson, Matt Smith.
Greg has opened shows for B.B.King, Robin Ford, Les Paul, C.J.Chenier, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Shemekia Copeland, Koko Taylor, Pat Travers, Beth Nelson Chapman, and Maynard Fergusson.
After moving back east in the late 90's, Greg enjoyed a highly successful career playing in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky with Maximum Overdrive and the Hurricanes.
His musical style and energy has also befriended him to Victor Pisano and Judy Belushi-Pisano, of the House of Blues. Greg works with Victor in various music projects helping to promote the blues and the creative musical development of young artist in all genres of music.
some quotes from the press show the intense style and energy that is a trade mark of Greg
from the 2-3-06 issue of Goldmine mag.
" with songs that range from delta blues to kick ass R&B the spoodoos travel across the heart land , with singer/Guitarist
O'Brien effortlessly slinging out the kind of guitar riffs that
make fellow axe men gnash thier teeth in envious frustration. "
" Like lightening in a bottle Greg kicks ass and
intoxicates his audiances every where "
The Anews
" the soul drenced raspy vocals and original blues music
that Greg plays moves his audiance to get there grove on
it is a real treat for those who love a good show
along with up beat rocking blues"
Tthe Huntingdon music review
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