
Oval Opus
Meet Oval Opus...the hottest upcoming band in the country, fresh out of Cincinnati, OH. Having opened for many favorite artists, they're embarking on a musical journey and want you to come alone! Look for their brand new release, Oxygen, to hit stores in mid-December; and check them out at a city near you!
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
The Cincinnati area band, Oval Opus, has enjoyed overwhelming success in its short three-year history. This band was created in the winter of 1997 at Miami University. Dan Edmondson and his younger brother Josh had been playing together for years but felt as though something was missing. That winter, the two brothers met Aaron Patrick at the University. Aaron, who is rooted in folk and gospel music, quickly became a friend to the brothers and a musical partnership had begun. Dan grew up mimicking players such as Kenny Aronoff, Steve Gadd, and Dave Weckl. His younger brother Josh is a student of blues and jazz, but grew up admiring folk guitarists such as Jim Croce, Bob Dylan, and James Taylor. The three of them were rewarded with each others musical background and were ready to move forward. During the next six months, the three wrote, produced, and arranged the music for their debut album Wagonwheel.
This self-produced album turned out to be a great success. Just five months after the release of the album, Oval Opus was named Cincinnatis Best New Artist at the Cincinnati Entertainment Awards. The following summer, they had created such a buzz in the area that they were asked to open for The Doobie Brothers during their Cincinnati stop at Riverbend Music Center. In May of 1999, the band was blessed with an accomplished bassist, Amos Heller. Amos is experienced in funk and jazz, which adds a unique texture to the already acoustic sound of the band.
Oval Opus is featured on the WOXY-FMs 97xposure compilation album which was created from the areas 20 best bands out of 208 that were vying for a spot on the disc. In March of 2000, they were voted Cincinnatis Favorite Band and Cincinnatis Best Alternative Rock Band by The Cincinnati Enquirer. The band also had the opportunity to perform with Guster during their 2000 winter tour and Sister Hazel during their spring tour. Oval Opus is currently in the studio recording their second album, which is due for release this fall and promises to outdo the standard that was set with the first album. In the meantime, Oval Opus has continued to entertain packed clubs throughout Ohio because of the bands growing fan base. Their energy-packed shows are second to none and they will proceed to fill their schedule with dates all of the Midwest.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Yes! Anywhere we can, and we love it. We've had many special moments, including opening for Vertical Horizon, Sister Hazel, Guster, and The Pat McGee Band.