5 questions: session vocalist Mary Lou O’Brien

After hearing Mary Lou O’Brien’s performance of “Merry Christmas Baby” on the new Made in Aurora holiday album, I usually get the same questions: “Where did she come from – and why am I just now hearing her?”

Possibly, it’s because you’re not a fan of Cornish folk music. O’Brien has been doing session work in the Chicago area for decades. I asked her to give us the scoop.

1. So where did you come from?
I’ve been working as a studio musician for almost 30 years. (Yikes, I guess I really am that old.) My first act was a traditional wedding band where I cut my teeth. After that I was in a straight ahead rock/funk band; we played a ton of private parties. I was in a Scottish folk band for a minute too! Then there was a trio that played a couple times a month at Mill Race Inn for years. That was the easiest gig ever: the carhops helped load/unload the equipment, the clientele were fantastic and the money was great.

2. How did you get into paid session work?
One of the musicians I was in a band with owns a studio and I started doing work for him. Word of mouth led me to other studios. It’s a lot of fun, even when the material isn’t necessarily my cup of tea.

There have been all sorts of projects. I have a friend who used to play keyboards with Kenny Rogers back in the day – he no longer performs, but he still records and has contacts in Nashville. So I do occasional work for him, and he sells his tunes to the powers that be.

As far as more unusual projects go, one of the more different ones was a collection of Cornish folk tunes. Lots of “fal-de-dal-de-diddle-um-day” stuff. And let me tell you, people of Cornish ancestry are serious as a heart attack in making sure it’s understood they are not English; they’re Cornish.

I also recorded a children’s album that was a gas, as it was one of the only kids’ albums I’ve ever heard that had really good tunes and musicians.

3. What’s your favorite project you’ve done?
I have to say that the Made in Aurora projects have been a blast! I’ve gotten to know and work with the nicest and most talented people. I also judge the Kane County Fair Talent Show every year and really enjoy seeing kids of all ages doing their thing. And I have a weekly piano accompaniment gig for a choir at a senior independent living facility and I play for their cocktail parties. The elderly have always had a very special place in my heart, so this was tailor-made for me.

4. What brought you to music in the first place?
I grew up in a musical family of 8 kids and 2 parents, who were all musical in their own way. I began piano lessons when I was 5 years old and continued until I graduated from high school, where I accompanied the choir and musical productions. I always wanted to sing in these activities, but being the only pianist in a small school, I had to stay behind the piano!

I joined a singing group at my church when I was 17 and stayed in touch with the director long after I left. He and I ended up in 2 different bands together over the years. Through that one connection, I ended up meeting every musician I now know.

5. On Made in Aurora Vol. 1, you did some backing vocals – but on the new album we get you up front. Why did you choose the 2 songs you chose?
Well, Joni Mitchell is always a good idea! Although “River” isn’t a traditional Christmas carol, it is about that time of year and it’s just such a beautiful song. And when I hear “Merry Christmas, Baby”, I get a great visual in my head of hanging by the tree, doing the eggnog boogie.

Some of my favorite moments on the album were just hanging with the boys and watching the tunes come to life. And the toughest part was learning how to do a better job of musically thinking on my feet. But I had great teachers and am most grateful!