Only one cook in this kitchen
Oscar Butler is an award-winning performing songwriter and magnetic solo artist rooted in the modern acoustic blues tradition. With soulful vocals, intricate delta-style fingerpicking, and a natural storyteller’s warmth, he brings songs of love, resilience, redemption, humor, and human connection vividly to life.
Drawing from the same broad acoustic roots landscape shaped by artists such as Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’, and Eric Bibb, Oscar’s music honors the traditions of the blues without being confined by them. His contemporary sound blends acoustic blues with elements of folk, gospel, soul, and Southern storytelling, favoring an uplifting, forward-looking spirit while retaining the honesty, groove, and emotional depth at the heart of the blues.
A standout in the Southwest music scene, Oscar received the 2025 New Mexico Entertainment Award in the Jazz/Blues category and was named a finalist in the 2025 Telluride Blues Challenge at the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival. He is also a 2023 New Mexico Music Award winner for Singer/Songwriter. His continued recognition includes two nominations in the 2026 New Mexico Music Awards and a 2026 New Mexico Entertainment Award nomination in the Jazz/Blues category.
His signature one-man concert, Smooth Like Gravy Gourmet Blues Show, combines original songs, soulful storytelling, playful humor, and expressive acoustic guitar work in a performance that feels intimate, engaging, and deeply personal. More than a collection of songs, the show carries audiences through stories of struggle, joy, love, perseverance, and the everyday moments that connect us.
Designed for theaters, listening rooms, festivals, community concert series, corporate gatherings, and keynote-style events, Oscar’s performances leave audiences uplifted, connected, inspired, and genuinely entertained.
His acclaimed one-man production, Smooth Like Gravy Gourmet Blues Show, blends original songs, engaging storytelling, playful humor, and expressive acoustic guitar work into a warm, intimate concert experience. Built around the connection between performer, song, and audience, the show moves naturally between heartfelt stories, soulful blues, and moments of laughter, creating the feeling of an evening spent sharing music and stories with an old friend.
Designed for theaters, listening rooms, festivals, community concert series, and keynote-style events, the show leaves audiences uplifted, connected, inspired, and genuinely entertained.
Beyond the stage, Oscar deepens that connection through his Weekly Bluesletter and video series, Behind the Lines: The Story in the Song, offering audiences a closer look at the stories, experiences, and creative process behind his music.
Highlights:
- 2026 New Mexico Music Award Nominee – Singer/Songwriter
- 2026 New Mexico Music Award Nominee – Novelty Song
- 2026 New Mexico Entertainment Award Nominee – Jazz/Blues
- 2025 Telluride Blues Challenge finalist (Telluride Blues & Brews Festival)
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, Cheesman Park Art Fest, Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festivals, Cider Festival, Telluride Blues Challenge @ Telluride Blues and Brews Festival
Featured in theaters, 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 (Smooth Like Gravy Gourmet Blues Show)
Technical Needs: Vocal mic, boom stand, DI box (2 guitar lines), stage lighting
Ideal Venues: Theaters, listening rooms, house concerts, 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.”
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!
