Only one cook in this kitchen
Oscar Butler is an award-winning performing songwriter and magnetic solo artist known for his soulful vocals, intricate delta-style guitar work, and story-rich songs that blend the heart of Southern blues with the warmth of indie folk.
A standout in the Southwest music scene, Oscar was named the 2025 New Mexico Entertainment Award winner in the Jazz/Blues category, following his 2023 New Mexico Music Award win for Singer/Songwriter and 2024 nomination from NM Entertainment in Jazz/Blues.
His celebrated one-man show, “Smooth Like Gravy Gourmet Blues Show,” combines music, storytelling, and humor with live-projected illustrations that bring each song’s narrative to life. His performances explore themes of love, resilience, and human connection—infused with Southern charm and heartfelt honesty.
Oscar’s sound is deeply rooted in the acoustic blues traditions of legends like Mississippi John Hurt, Robert Johnson, and Son House—artists whose rhythmic grooves and raw storytelling continue to shape his delta-style guitar work. His lyrical voice draws inspiration from Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Keb’ Mo’, Jonatha Brooke, Eric Bibb, Taj Mahal, and David Wilcox, blending timeless blues depth with contemporary folk sensibility. Whether performing in intimate theaters, listening rooms, or TEDx-style events, he leaves audiences smiling, stirred, and uplifted.
Highlights:
2025 New Mexico Entertainment Award Winner – Jazz/Blues
2023 New Mexico Music Award Winner – Singer/Songwriter
2024 NM Entertainment Award Nominee – Jazz/Blues
Creator of “Smooth Like Gravy Gourmet Blues Show”
Weekly video series: Behind the Lines: The Story in the Song
Festival appearances: Garden of the Gods Art Festival, Red River Jamboree, Cheesman Park Art Fest, Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festivals, Cider Festival
Featured in listening rooms, house concerts, and arts centers across the Southwest
Performance Details:
Set Length: 1-2 hrs with optional intermission
Format: Solo guitar + vocals, includes storytelling and visuals
Technical Needs: Vocal mic, boom stand, DI box (2 guitar lines), stage lighting
Ideal Venues: Theaters, listening rooms, festivals, corporate events
“Oscar Butler doesn’t just perform—he connects. Every note, every story feels like it’s being shared across a kitchen table. His music is gourmet blues for the soul.”
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MUSIC & LIVE VIDEO
PRESS / REVIEW
The New Mexico Music Awards of 2023 marked a watershed moment for Oscar Butler, as he emerged victorious in the singer-songwriter category with his poignant composition, “A Mountain You Must Climb.” Despite it being his debut entry into the esteemed competition, Butler’s evocative song captivated both judges and audiences, securing him the coveted honor. “A Mountain You Must Climb” stands as a testament to Butler’s exceptional songwriting prowess, with its poignant lyrics and soulful melodies leaving an indelible impression on listeners. Butler’s win serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring musicians, underscoring the power of authenticity and raw talent in the fiercely competitive music industry. With this accolade propelling him forward, Butler is poised to carve out an enduring legacy in the singer-songwriter genre.
2025 New Mexico Entertainment Award – Jazz/Blues
Oscar was named the winner of the 2025 New Mexico Entertainment Award in the Jazz/Blues category, honoring his soulful blend of acoustic blues and heartfelt storytelling. The award celebrates artists making a cultural and creative impact in New Mexico. Known for his expressive vocals, delta-style fingerpicking, and engaging live shows, Oscar stood out among a diverse field of performers. This recognition affirms his place as a leading voice in the region’s roots and blues scene, and shines a light on his mission to uplift and inspire through story-driven, soul-nourishing music.
“We hired Oscar for the Cider Days festival in Lakewood CO. Oscar is an amazing performer who plays a great mix of original songs and covers. His songs are fun and bring smiles to everyone. He also has a great range from a blues sound to James Taylor folk. I highly recommend him!”
-Tom Quinn
“If you are needing a musician for your event, HIRE OSCAR!! He is fantastic, fun, beautiful voice, and kind heart! What more could you ask for!!”
–Shira Greenberg, Keshet Dance and Center for the Arts
“ALWAYS the best.
You can’t go wrong if you hire Oscar – such great tunes, good vibes, chill, happy music. His voice is outstanding, and he’s a breeze to work with! Couldn’t recommend him more.”
–Liz King, Dash Events
Friday July 18 - Albuquerque Journal newspaper article
Oscar Butler – Chorus Of My Life
Format: CD – Digital / Label: Cool Duck Stuff Records
Release: 2023
Text: Peter Marinus
Warm, intimate, soulful…all key words that describe the new album by singer-songwriter Oscar Butler from Greenville, NY. This artist now lives in Albuquerque, NM, and has been active since 1998.
On his new album Oscar plays all instruments himself with the exception of harmonica contributions from Dr. Brandon Bentz and Noland Harmon .
In terms of style, Oscar Butler’s album is somewhere between blues and soul, but captured in a very intimate sound in every song.
The album opens with the intimately propulsive You Got Me . An acoustic blues song with soulful vocals in which Oscar describes his love in a special way as “you got me sweatin’ like a pig on a barbeque”…. Then True Work Of Art is a light, swinging, folky, blues song with a wonderfully sparkling sound. Woke Up This Morning sounds melancholy howling in a soulful bluersy swaying manner.
The howling pumping harmonica of Dr. Brandon Bentz from Salida, CO, is featured on the intimate soulful blues Busted Broken & Blue . He can also be heard in the pleasantly shuffling Just Say What You Mean . Noland Harmon’s harmonica is a guest in the sultry, grooving Uranus Fudge Factory . Chorus Of My Life is an intimate sparkling song followed by the bluesy, languidly grooving Life On My Street.
The lazy and relaxed sounding By The Time I Get To Where I Belong carefully moves towards the work of Keb’ Mo’.
In the closing I May Become A Star, Oscar Butler muses about the strings on his guitar and the music he grew up with.
Chorus Of My Life by Oscar Butler has become a wonderfully intimate bluesy album!
