Meet Oli Rockberger – The Most Enthusiastic Performer You’ve Never Seen

Part of a series introducing you to the extraordinary musicians on A Live Life.

Oli Rockberger

A funny thing happened when Oli Rockberger moved to New York to pursue his solo singing career: he simultaneously evolved into one of its most sought after sidemen in the jazz and indie-pop scenes.

Let me explain.

Meeting Oli

I first met Oli in 2005 at The Black Betty, a bar in Brooklyn I played frequently with the amazing singer Jonah Smith (more about him in another post).

It’s hard to pinpoint the specific date we met; he was sort of lurking at shows I played for awhile. But it was at the Black Betty when he finally introduced himself.

After explaining he was a singer/songwriter, had gone to Berklee College of Music (a couple years behind me), and generally winning me over with his English charm, he asked if I might be interested in playing a gig with him.

What happened between that moment and our first gig together has faded from memory. What I do remember is my first gig accompanying Oli and thinking “Holy $*&%, this guy is amazing.”

Our first show together

We played some small bar in Soho (Soho 323, I believe) and I felt like I was on stage with the cosmic lovechild of Sting, Bruce Hornsby, Peter Gabriel, Donny Hathaway, and Kenny Kirkland.

It was that perfect blend of gospel-jazz chords, pop melody, and deep groove I love so much. And boy did Oli get the crowd going. I actually had not–and still have not–shared a stage with a musician with as much entertaining energy. And here’s the reason it works: it’s not just stage flash. Dude is dealing heavy musical cards.

It took time, and a lot of me being Oli’s sideman, before I finally realized I should be hiring him to play in my band.

Oli joins my band

Bob Reynolds performing aboard John Mayer's Mayercraft Carrier

Oli Rockberger, David Ryan Harris, Obed Calvaire, Bob Reynolds, and Ben Rubin performing aboard John Mayer's Mayercraft Carrier.

OK, that’s a funny sub-title as I’ve not yet had the luxury of a consistent band. But, I did finally get Oli on a gig of mine…it was The Mayercraft Carrier, John Mayer’s first foray into the world of making music on the open seas.

Oli stole the show. He often does.

Since then I’ve been lucky to have him on stage with me many times. Here’s Oli at the Blue Note with me.

Fans who’ve seen us (him) perform are always captivated watching him…he makes these incredible faces and does this thing with his neck that I affectionately call “Oli neck”. You have to see it in person.

I have Oli to thank

The first video I ever posted on YouTube is of me playing with Oli.

And he introduced me to other wonderful musicians I’ve gone on to have a blast playing with. I met both Jordan Perlson (drummer on Live in New York) and Mark Guliana (drummer on A Live Life) on gigs with Oli.

I also have to thank Oli for the tremendous music he’s created with me over the last few years. Most notably on my recent release A Live Life. If you have not experienced that music, you should. It is a special collection and I couldn’t be more proud of it.

Oli’s contributions not only reflect the music I imagine, but inform it, in real time, making my music–and my playing–better at every turn.

GO SEE HIM LIVE!

If you are in the NYC area go see Oli the next time he’s performing. You can thank me later.

Here’s a preview:

PS – I will save this for another post, but Oli is also one third of another ridiculous musical outfit, Mr. Barrington.

Spread the word

These days, nothing is as helpful to us musicians as YOU. I encourage to you to visit Oli’s sites, share this post on Twitter and FB, etc. Help spread the gospel of great music.

Visit Oli on the web: