Arts & Entertainment
One More Song Before She Goes
Preeminent local musician and singer, Rich Oddo, bids farewell to his singer/musician daughter, Caroline, as she leaves for school to follow in her father's footsteps.
It's September again. Another summer has come to an end and for many parents a rite of passage is causing bittersweet tears and smiles. Their children are leaving their sides, going off to school, whether it be to kindergarten for a day or a freshman semester at school faraway.
Local singer/guitar player/father Rich Oddo, Red Bank, is shining a big, genuine smile through the change. His 18-year-old daughter Caroline, an accomplished and talented singer and musician in her own right, recently left town for her first year at school, her first extended time away from home. She's begun her first year studying voice at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia.
"It's natural I suppose for any father to be a little sad to see their child go away after having them beside you for so long, to hug, to play with," Oddo said, "...but I couldn't be happier. I'm excited for her. She deserves this because she's worked really hard for a really long time at what she does and that's why she's good at it."
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Oddo, by the way, is one of those local players who, has over the years, stitched himself into the legendary fabric of the Jersey rock sound and scene. Having played with multiple, well-known shore bands like the Crazy Chester Band, The Shades, Soul Purpose and Rude Awakening, opening for the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughn, B.B. King and Meatloaf.
It was with Crazy Chester that Oddo jammed frequently with the dearly departed Jersey rock god, Clarence Clemons at the Tradewinds in Sea Bright in the 70s. And it was with The Shades that Oddo first connected with current bandmate and friend, Red Bank legend Pat Guadagno of BobFest fame. Oddo is one of Guadagno's Tired Horses, the stellar BobFest band.
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This year the Oddo's, Rich and daughter Caroline, performed together at the annual Dylan birthday party concert, creating one of the most truly special moments of the show. Caroline sang Girl From a North Country while dad accompanied on guitar.
Before she left for Philly, the Oddo's played once more together, reprising that song for Patch Producer Steve Rogers.
