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Theo Andrew Obrastoff, known to many as simply Theo, or to others as simple Theo - is a pretty interesting guy who has experienced some painful bumps along the way. None more painful than suffering the loss of a child. As a result of wanting to ensure his son's legacy Theo founded Andy's Angel's Records is a not for profit charity. The charity serves as a legacy to the memory of his son Andrew who passed away after a fifteen year battle with cystic fibrosis and heart-lung transplant complications. Fans of Daniel Amos, Lost Dogs, and Jeff Elbel should know that these artists have contributed songs to some of the projects, and that Theo himself has written and released a number of songs under the Andy's Angels banner. I first met Theo after a concert in February of 2003 in Vancouver where he opened for Lost Dogs. We chated about music, weird tunings - the basic small talk you trade with people you've never met but respect. He was warm and genuine, and impressed me as a guy on a mission. I remember that Jeff Elbel was also there, and he was sitting in a corner all by himself, and I never walked over to say hi. Over the next couple of years Theo and I would trade messages, and get together a few times. We've played together (he's a way, way better singer than me), and our families have spent time together hanging out. Basically we've struck up a friendship. Of course when it comes to reviewing stuff, objectivity goes right out the window when writing about your friends; but it's harder too, just because you're friends it doesn't mean that you have to like everything he does, and Theo can be showtunes baby, but he's sincere and blessed with a great voice and a pretty good ear. Andy's Angel's Records is an independent label whose sole (soul) purpose is to further the awareness of CF, and to honour the memory of those who have fallen. The message is simple - you are not alone. As 2005 drew to a close, Theo started a new chapter in his life and started his own Snow Globe Studio, and although Andy's Angel's remains active, for everything season there is a turning, and Theo is carrying on. |
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| 2001 | |
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The Final Christmas Show (©2001
AAR)
This little e.p. is very good. I'm not just trying to be nice and give Theo a bunch of ego strokes ... I've called him enough names and teased him when he uses his show tunes voice in the past, so he knows I'll call it as it see it. "Rock-n-Roll Christmas Show" is a ballad that opens with keyboard and voice, and builds to an 80's flavoured powerchord anthem (except for the bop-shiddy-bop, at least I think he's singing shiddy ... hard to tell). "Tinsel" isn't a great song, but musically he's pulling off a great guitar solo reminiscent of Charles Norman on Larry's Home At Last era stuff. I wasn't planning on doing a song by song analysis, but it's only six songs, so why not? "Father, Take Us Back Again", is another 80's retro song, and dang it if he hasn't written a Big Country song - he even channels Stuart Adamson, which actually kind of surprised me. At times he's pretty darned good on that electric twanger. "On Fire" - Theo loves to say that Terry Taylor told him to lay off the death metal. All I can counter with is, does Terry even listen to death metal? If anything, this sounds like cheesy Goth. Although Mister Taylor was right in his overall assessment of the song. If the song really is on fire, shouldn't it be a smokin' tune? See, I can take cheap shots. "Sign of Love" features Jeff "I can sing" Elbel on vocals. My wife can't stand this song, and frankly if she ever sees that I've put that in print she'll be horrified. So who ever reads this is sworn to secrecy! Me, I happen to like Jeff's voice, and this song is pretty good. Which brings us to the album's closer "The Final Christmas Show", and it is a beauty song. Danny Coleman showcases his bass guitar chops, while Kristi Sundquist supplies a great counter vocal. This is my favourite song on the album. Rob Watson mixed this one, and I've got to say for a homegrown little album I was really impressed. One can only hope he was kidding about this being his last Christmas show. Reviewed May 27, 2005 |
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Theo
Come As A Child-
The Andy's Angels Concert
#20 (©2001 AAR) (disc 2) 1: Startin' Monday 2: Pie Hole 3: With I Should Have Said 4: Capistrano Beach 5: Pretend I'm Elvis 6: Papa Danced On Olerva Street 7: Divine Timing (Talk) 8: Angels Must Smile Like That 9: Ten Gallon Hat 10: You Lay Down 11: How Foolish! (Talk) 12: A Certain Love 13: The Doctor Is In (Talk) 14: Bullet Train 15: Free Drinks And Dream / Vegas Story 16: What's That Smell? (Talk) 17: Eleanor It's Raining Now 18: Built For Glory, Made To Last Recorded December 8th 2001, I missed out on the bootleg DVD - but managed to snag the CD-R version. For me this recording holds a special place. Aaron Sprinkle kicked off the show, and as a result of hearing his short set I've since picked up some of his solo work. He's very talented. This was the recording that introduced me to Mike Roe as a solo artist. A performer who can hold an audience in the palm of his hand. He's funny, he's poignant, and he's a masterful player. Terry Taylor took a solo turn before joining with fellow Lost Dog Mike Roe to close off the evening. This concert was also a catalyst for getting Mike and Terry on the road as a traveling duo. The two pay homage to The Smothers brothers, Everly Brothers, and Bob and Doug McKenzie. If you ever get a chance to see them, you will not be disappointed. These discs are an honest representation of one special evening, and although these discs are no longer available - it reflects the magic and common bond forged through young Andrew. If this was half as much fun to see as it was to hear it must have been a heck of a show. Reviewed May 22, 2005 |
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| 2002 | |
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The Father Loves the Son (©2002) not rated
The story unfolds from September 2000 to May of 2001. At just under fifty pages this isn't so much a book as it is a reminder to people not to overlook the little things in life. You have to live each day, not just mark the hours or wait for things to happen. You have to make things happen. The book leans heavily on the faith that Theo and his son shared as a matter of fact. The danger in a book such as this is that the simple story of a father's love for his son could be overshadowed by the proselytizing nature of the narrative. Not here. The faith is held, cherished, doubted, and ultimately treasured. There has to be a happy ending in this somewhere, and what is faith for? There are tears here, lots of them. My wife read this in bed, and the next day her eyes were red rimmed and swollen. One can't read a story such as this and not feel anything. Unless you're the Tin Man and are still waiting for your heart. This isn't widely available, but you can snag a copy from here. It's a simple story, and one that bears repeating. Reviewed December 2003 |
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Suffer
the Children (©2002 Andy's Angels'
Records)
This is an interesting tease to Theo's upcoming benefit album Come As a Child. I'll not be too gushy - as an album it's pretty good, but it's nothing extraordinary. Of the seven songs four lean heavily on the contributions of DA frontman Terry Taylor, which if you're like me this was reason enough to pick this up. Theo's song "Andre" is pretty good, better than I expected actually. Try as I may, I can't get into Jeff's song, I can't put my finger on it, but it just doesn't work for me. Riki Michele's song is simple and beautifully sung. I am looking forward to the full blown album as it should be pretty solid from what I've read. The proceeds go to a good cause, and if you're interested in the movong story behind the project check out Theo's site. It's a bitter sweet story. I've met Theo, and we chat on the same message board once in a while. He's got a good heart. Reviewed March 31, 2003 |
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| 2003 | |
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Three
to Six AM (©2003 Andy's Angel's Records)
Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that make you sit back and pay attention. These six songs are in the classic singer songwriter vein. Theo and a guitar, no overdubs, no strings and no laugh track. Recorded by John Piccari between three and six in the morning (gee could that be a reference to the title?), it’s not so much and album as an audio snapshot of Theo sitting on a stool playing for fun. Which makes for a natural and effortless performance.
The songs express Theo’s faith in God, himself, and his love for his family. It’s a little window into his heart and it’s kind of fun to peer over the sill and see what’s going on inside. It’s happy and somewhat melancholy at the same time.
The packaging is minimal, with song titles and a CD sleeve, which actually works as part of the minimal concept. For what it is, it’s pretty nice.
Reviewed April 1, 2004 |
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Taylor
& Obrastoff - Come As A Child, Or Not At All An open letter to Theo. I rarely get an evening to myself, so it was that I came home tired from work, and there on the counter was a note from my wife informing me that she's at her mom's with the kids for dinner. She also gave me permission to stay at home and rest. She is an angel. It didn't hurt that we were over there the previous evening, so I got a get out of mom's free card (I love my mother in law, she's as cool as they come). So I wandered over to the mail box, and to my happy surprise my package from you had arrived. It was a beautiful July evening and put it on; opened the balcony doors and sat myself down to read the liner notes and listen to the album - with no distractions. I felt something strange on my cheek. I reached up and brushed away a tear. Holy crap, I'm crying. I plucked my glasses off and did the time honoured nose pinch with my thumb and forefinger. Outside playing an eerily pleasant counterpoint to the songs were a couple of young kids bouncing on a trampoline and making the joyous noises of summer. It's all too much. A flood of bitter sweet memories of my father in the days before passing away a year and a half ago, and the strange child like helplessness of my father as he lay there passing away play like a scene from a Capra film before my eyes. The joy knowing that his suffering was over. I listen and hear a uniform message of acknowledgement of pain, of bitterness at having future moments taken, at the reconciliation of God's plan to our designs. It's a powerful thing music. It can bend your heart like a string, or pound your gut like a bass drum. What you and Terry have done is create a living legacy and although he was your Andrew, you've shared him with the world, and in the process given us a glimpse of grace, terror and perserverance. And to be honest I feel a little bit of "Thank God it was you and not me", as I would not go quietly into that goodnight knowing my precious child could not be protected by my arm's nor healed with the magic of a daddy's kiss. This was profound Theo, and you either caught me at my most maudlin, or you have created one of the most powerfully poignant threaded albums in a long time. This will be a difficult listen for many people, and many will react with fear, some will feel like a scab has been picked, and many many more will hear the strength of the songs and give thanks. I am in a word in awe. The pre-release was good but it did nothing to prepare me for the sparse beauty and cohesiveness of the real deal. (The next bit contains a cheap shot; if you want to maintain the sentimental tone of the letter please skip ahead) Except for "Lili Lou" - ick, Terry must really like this song a lot 'cause it stands out like Alfalfa's cowlick. Did you lose a bet and he put the song on as a result? (Continue from here) This is really something. If you don't have a copy, shame on you. Reviewed July 14, 2003,
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Theo
- Americana (©2003
Andy's Angel's Records)
Here we have Theo pretending to release a country flavoured record, which in all honesty doesn't sound anything like a country flavoured record (okay there are moments where he does that odd thing with his voice that country singers do, and "Move Away from this Place" is a freaking hoe down, but other than that this isn't country). Theo has an odd style which doesn't fit easily into a nice little cubby hole. I guess it would be fair to say he's a singer songwriter. Lyrically Theo breaks the rules all the time. He's wordy, and often his phrasing is clunky and awkward, but dang it all, if it doesn't work. (Hey, don't look at me like that. Bumble bees aren't supposed to be able to fly either). The first listen through I thought this was okay, but Theo's work is like the proverbial parfait (or onion, both have layers according to Donkey in Shrek). It doesn't take long for this to get under your skin. The one song that really surprised me was "Mindful of Me" - I don't know what it is about this one, but I really liked it. This is a pretty cool little album, and it's cheesy fun. PS Theo, you really need a lead guitar player. You're a heck of a singer and a really good musician, but man - you need help (there I took the cheap shot, and the poor man can't defend himself - God bless the internet!) Reviewed May 20, 2005 |
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| 2004 | |
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The
Jordan River Project - Kara (©2004
Andy's Angel's
Records)
I think I bought the first one from the webstore, although who knows. I do know that Theo had to work for this one. I got my copy autographed with a kiss. I almost scanned it in, but I didn't want to frighten the children. Kara is a pretty good little e.p. of "Girazh" material. It's light, fun, rough, and worth a few spins. It's not among my favourite Theo projects, but if you've been following the guy's side projects this one is worth picking up just to see what he's been up to. "Girazh Band" ("life is a rock but the radio rolled me" - Joey Levine) is quirky and reminds me of that old Servant (gee talk about dating myself) song "Jungle Music", - heck it's been a long time. Not that it sounds like it, just reminds me. Theo and Kristi pull off an amazing Timbuk 3 impression, and it's a hoot. "Kara" the title track is Theo in storyteller mode. "Dreams", features an intro with Theo doing his best Jimmy Stewart - I think it's Stewart. It sounds like a showtune (I think he's going to hit me next time I see him). Hey, it's an e.p. and was done for fun. It's not going to sell a billion copies, but it will appeal to the loyal fan, and the guy has more than a few of them out there. Have I mentioned that Theo is a good singer? Reviewed January 3, 2005 |
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Obrastoff
& Watson - Like an Orange to a Child
Theo has grown a lot as an artist over the last few years. Taking what he had learned during the first Come as a Child album, Theo created his own vision of what he wanted to express, and proceeded to write and record the tracks himself. He enlisted the help of Rob Watson, and his touch is all over this album. For those people who consider Terry Taylor's Knowledge and Innocence as a high water mark, there are many of those attributes here. This is a really strong album, and I have to admit I was a bit of a doubting Thomas as to whether or not Theo could pull this off - but he did in a big way. Although he does leave in the occasional cheesy bit, for which he remains staunchly unapologetic. Still, there are a number of wonderful songs here, and with vocals by the likes of Terry Taylor, Mike Roe, Jeff Elbel, Bill Harmon, and Carolee Mayne this is an album worth checking out. The biggest surprise was the haunting "At Harvest Time" sung by Theo. It is probably my favourite song of his - period. For those of you who may not have heard of Theo, but recognize some of the names on the album, I'd encourage you to take a chance. This is for charity so it's a win win for all involved. Reviewed July 15, 2005 |
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| 2005 | |
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Advent
- A Mass For Christ (©2005 Snow Globe Studio)
Adent marks Theo's second foray into Christmas territory. The first, The Final Christmas Show was a really solid collection of contemporary pop songs, and this time around he's put together a rock-cantata (I guess that's his busy big edjumacated word for showtunes). That Theo, he shore do love Christmas, hyuck hyuck. This one is short, clocking in at just over 25 minutes but it's enough to get his point across ("What's the point?" you ask). The songs are earthy and have just enough polish to make them shine. Theo handled all of the chores again, and there aren't a lot of weak spots to poke at (I could but what purpose would that serve?). He knows his strengths and for the most part he colours within the lines. He could sure use a drummer to add the extra life, but it's a minor quibble. To be honest I was pleasantly surprised by the strength and consistency of the songs. I'm always curious to see what Theo is up to, and there are times when I really enjoy his stuff, and other times it's like musical fridge art, but he's having fun and he knows he lucky to be doing what he's doing. For a small market artist you can tell Theo is doing what he wants when he wants for the thrill of creating. You can hear his development as an artist over the last couple of years, and with the power of home gear nowadays he's found his niche. Since this is Christmas Theo knows that it is indeed better to give, and me being an essentially greedy person I was happy to receive. Reviewed December 12, 2005 |
1:
Rock-n-Roll Christmas Show 2: Tinsel Town 3: Father, Take Us Back Again
4: One Fire 5: Sign Of Love 6: The Final Christmas Show
(disc 1) 1: Theo's Welcome 2: Not All Bad 3: The Boy Who Stopped The
World 4: A Friend I Had 5: Big Black Tattoo 6: Come As A Child 7: The
Father Loves The Son 8: Jesus, Bless My Little Angel Boy 9: Blue Sky
10: Smokescreen 11: Related / Genuine 12: Go With God, But Go/MT 13:
Who'll Stop The Rain 14: Kites Without Strings 15: Wall Of Heaven 16:
Mr Tamborine Man/The Lust, The Flesh And The Pride Of Life 17: If You
Want To 18: Buffalo Hills
Theo
has lived through my worst nightmare, the loss of a child. Not a sudden
separation, but a long drawn out withering and dying of a loved one.
Such an experience in unimaginable to me. With The Father Loves the
Son, Theo allows the reader in to his private thoughts, the joy, the
hell, and the certainty that all things are part of a larger whole.
Andre
(Theo) / Rice paper Wings (DA, from MBD) / Faces to the Window (DA,
live, previously unreleased) / Buffalo Hills (TST, live from Moses Lake,
2001) / Rocky Mountain Mines (Lost Dogs from Part Tour) / Return to
Sender - Father's Arms (Jeff Elbel & Ping) / The Sweetness (Riki Michelle)
1:
Jesus Is My Friend 2: Robin 3: I Don't Wanna Lose 4: No Soul 5: Midnight
Livingroom 6: The Father Loves The Son 
1:
Yellow Haired Monkeys (The Choir) 2: All The World To Me (Derri Daugherty)
3: Loved & Forgiven (Lost Dogs) 4: Said One Mother (Kim Patton-Johnsson)
5: The Sweetness (Riki Michele) 6: Let There Be Angels (Terry Scott
Taylor) 7: Come As A Child (Theo Obrastoff) 8: Broken Things (Eve Selis)
9: The Afternoon (Terry Scott Taylor) 10: The Sins Of The Father (Daniel
Amos) 11: God In Me (Mike Knott) 12: Light Princess (Rob Watson) 13:
Noelle (Randy Stonehill) 14: Lovely Lili Lou (Terry Scott Taylor) 15:
You (Carolee Mayne) 16: Audrey (Michael Roe) 17: Lord, Protect My Child
(Lost Dogs) 18: Song Of Innocence (Terry Scott Taylor)
1:
But For the Grace 2: Can Jesus Come Out and Play 3: Officer Rollo's
Dooughnut Fair 4: Boy's Got Stress 5: Grief-Torn 6: Move Away from this
Place 7: Mindful of Me
1:
Most Unoriginal Song 2: Girazh Band 3: Kara 4: Dreams
1:
Forget Me Not 2: Can I Hide My Heart Here 3: Master Plan 4: I Will Dance
With You 5: At Harvest Time 6: All Around Me 7: Little Pioneer 8: No
Soul 9: The Father Loves the Son 10: Wind is Blowing 11: Presence 12:
Little Angel Boy 13: Requiem
1:
Bethlehem 2: Zechariah's Song 3: Magnificat 4: Gloria! 5: Simeon The
Prophet 6: Rachel Weeping 7: O' Little Town