The Memphis-based artist, who is from San Francisco and of Austrian descent, pours out heart and soul like a native of the hill country of north Mississippi, the nexus of her musical inspiration. The lyrics are simple, clean and powerful like the blues should be, and speak to truths to which every listener will relate.

“Blues is the truth,” she says. “Speak the truth and you’ll know the blues.”

Classically trained in voice, piano and violin, her musical mastery is obvious.  What is a pleasant surprise to the listener is the way she is able to shape and mold an old musical tradition into something that is uniquely hers while honoring the traditions of countless blues predecessors.

Her early mentors, Maria Muldaur and Los Lobos, laid the groundwork for her to understand how to survive long-term in the business.  Her blues inspiration derives from Jessie Mae Hemphill, Bessie Smith, Ella Fitzgerald, Junior Kimbrough, Memphis Minnie, and Peggy Lee.  Their influence is evident in both her performance and her songwriting ability.

Critics agree.  T. Speed of Honest Tune magazine said that “it's a laid back affair, with Mathus and his buddies providing a remarkably adept backing band, and Olga's sultry voice proving that the blues is really good time music.”  Silvano Brambilla of Italy’s Il Blues says “Olga may represent a sort of ‘new move’ on the blues chessboard.” The album is a treat for blues aficionados and those wanting something new and exciting to add to their listening repertoire. Olga’s new album, Now Is The Time, is available in retail stores, on iTunes, and from  her website at www.laolga.com.

Olga has shared the stage in recent times with Los Lobos, Chris Isaak, North Mississippi Allstars, Robert Randolph, Jimbo Mathus, Michael Franti, Mofro, Papa Mali, DJ Logic, Jim Dickinson...