Oh for sure to O’fosho!

By Diane Miller
Music Editor

Make way Fargo! O’fosho is releasing an album to the public and it’s purple! Well, sort of. “We called it The Purple Album as a cheesy way to spice things up,” says Matt Johnson, the creative leader of O’fosho. “In fact, the cover of the album is white. Purple has to do with a giraffe. Yeah, it was a pretty random idea.”

HPR had a nice discussion with Johnson about his excitement for the release. The young, promising musician has been swimming in a sea of music since childhood and now is about to reach a new height as a musician with the release of his first ever studio recorded album. Joined by fellow Dakotan-raised musicians, Dan Olson on drums and Andrew Overby on bass, O’fosho is made up to be one of Fargo’s best original bands thanks in part to their strong musicianship and fresh sound to the area. With the release of The Purple Album, the band is sure to further their status even higher.

The Purple Album was recorded in Bismarck, North Dakota at Nolyn Falcon’s basement studio and mixed by Dillon Marchus at IPR: Minneapolis Production and Recording School. Both Falcon and Marchus are members of the North Dakota’s most successful jam band, Gypsyfoot, and Falcon also happens to be Matt Johnson’s cousin. Growing up in Bismarck, Nolyn and his band Gypsyfoot was a huge influence on Johnson’s music taste and writing style today. “They were both really helpful to have record for us because we respect their suggestions and points of views,” says Johnson.

The Purple Album consists of nine original tunes written by Johnson, with Olson and Overby laying down essential rhythmic grooves, giving life and energy to the sound of fused rock, funk, and blues. It is a wonderful display of Johnson’s songwriting and guitar playing. To start with, the band had five songs on the table to make an album; from there, more tunes became organically made during practice sessions by laying down grooves, jamming, and throwing ideas back and forth with each other. With Johnson’s appealing singing voice leading the listener’s ear, the band adds to the music experience with their upbeat, danceable, and spirited instrumentation.

Each song on the album has a similar pattern – verse, chorus, verse, chorus, big jam, and chorus. Often the jam is a transition into getting the listener off the focus of the singer and on to the experience of the instrumentals as the players collectively feed off one another’s playing. It is one of the ways that defines the band as a jam band. “I completely embrace the style of a jam band. I love it. I am completely aware of what some people think of it too,” says Johnson, probably in reference to people who use phrases like “hippie bulls***”. It is certainly no secret to know that the general music listener probably isn’t going to fall in love with a band that plays 20 minute long guitar solos… In most cases, people like to hear more vocal melodies that they can follow. Johnson is aware of this. “I come from a singer/songwriter approach first and foremost. It is an essential part of our music that allows us to connect with listeners.” he says.

Key tracks on the album include songs like “Flotta Funk” and “Getaway Train to Bozeman”. They show off the bands energizing and playful sound with appealing melodies delivered by Johnson’s all too fabulous singing voice and strong guitar playing; the opening track, “Peboan”, displays Matt’s voice as calming and smooth on top of one of the catchiest bass line I’ve heard in a while.

Lyrically, the songs are relatable and straight forward. One major theme of Johnson’s lyrics seems to revolve around life’s curve balls and what it takes to stay on your feet when they are thrown at you. This is especially prominent in the final song of the album, “The Heat”, with lyrics like “to find your best you’ve got to reveal yourself and embrace all challenges with no fear or no doubt.” The theme also come us up in the song “Angel Sky” with “got hold on tight to every precious moment cause one day all those moments might pass you by…”

The Purple Album certainly can prove that the band has the ability to go far. With the release of their debut album, the two year old Fargo band has a lot to look forward to. “I can’t wait to finish school,” says Johnson who is set to graduate college this spring with a degree in Criminal Justice. “I only want to be parole officer if I have to be. I want to take this as far as we can go.” Be sure to check out O’fosho at the Aquarium on 11-11-11 to purchase the full album and not only to support the band as they purse their dreams, but to have an enjoyable musical experience as well.

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