Exclusive Interview With Hamilton Loomis!

Bman:  Hi Hamilton. I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me. First I want to say that I am still enjoying the Live at the Hub DVD. It never fails to put a smile on my face. Your energy is contagious.

HL: Thanks for that!  I'm glad that energy translates to the screen...I love what I do, and I love making music.

Bman: That's very apparent! Who were your main influences as a kid. My musical tastes are pretty broad and when I first heard you what attracted me were similarities to the first Edgar Winter recordings and Johnny Guitar Watson. Then as I started to listen more, I saw you had developed an entire style of your own. Who do you currently listen to that inspires you?

HL: I was influenced in many different ways. For guitar, I listened to a lot of Freddy King and BB King.  I then got to learn from greats like Joe "Guitar" Hughes and Gatemouth Brown by not only listening, but sharing the stage. But growing up, I also listened to rock, funk, pop, and especially soul music (Stax and Motown), which influenced my writing/arranging style.  Then Bo Diddley told me, "You got to do your own thing...be original", so I basically took everything I loved and used what I thought were the best traits of all those styles and tried to make a sound of my own.  Nowadays, I tend to listen to any artists who are original-sounding, or who have something unique about them.

Bman: Funny that you should say that. When I was younger I was much more focused on specific sounds. Now I listen to a lot more variety in music and instead of the familiarity I look specifically for something different and special.

I was having dinner with some friends a while back and my friend Bob said, “Everyone in Texas has a guitar. It’s a part of life to get together with the family and play.” Is this true or an urban myth? Got me thinking because there seems to be an inordinately large number of great blues musicians from Texas.

HL: I think there's definitely some truth to that...maybe not in every single household, but it's definitely very common. 

Bman: I know you’re working your tour but is there a new recording in the works?

HL: I'm writing stuff now for a CD to be recorded and released (hopefully) by October 2012...we've already recorded 4 new tunes, and they're available for download on CdBaby and iTunes.

Bman: We’ll have to check that out! CDBaby Link

I see that you have a real personal interface with your audience as opposed another of my favorites, Jeff Beck for example, who says he prefers not to play smaller venues because he feels like people are looking at all of the flaws.

HL: Did he really say that??  I feel the opposite...while large venues like festivals and concerts are great because you get in front of a lot of people at once, small venues are sometimes even more fun because of the intimacy with the audience.  I like it when people are looking at us and you can see their facial expressions because you feel more of a connection.  Besides, flaws are part of what makes a live performance unique!

Bman:  Oh Yeah…he said that.   He’s pretty flawless as a player and a bit of a recluse really. I’m sure that he likes being appreciated but a bit shy really. Your warm personality comes through on stage and I can definitely prefer seeing you in a smaller club… but a small club is my preference in any case. I like being up on the action.

Are you constantly writing or do you have to sit down and grind it out? Doing what I do, I come across great old songs that I may have heard twice and think, wow ... what a great song for a cover. I mean, if I’ve never heard it or barely remember it … and it’s great, there’s a good likelihood that it will sound fresh played by a different talented musician.

HL: I'm constantly thinking of ideas, but when it comes down to it, I have to sit down and grind it out.  I'm very easily distracted.  I've noticed I work best under pressure, so when I have a deadline, I sit down and grind it out...a lot of that consists of sorting through my iPhone "voice memos", which is a great tool for recording little ideas while driving.

Bman: We’re a lot alike in that way.

I’m a gear head. Do you keep a stash of guitars and amps for fun or do you pretty much just have a working arsenal?

HL: I've always been lean on gear, even though I love trying new gear.  I don't own many guitars/amps/effects, and they all get used onstage, just rotated occasionally.  I'm pretty much a "one guitar" kind of guy on the road...so I guess I just have a "working arsenal", which is fine with me.

Bman: I can see that. You have honed a specific sound and it's great! Mine is more a luxury than a need.
Do you have a favorite piece of gear that you will likely always have?

HL: Well, for the last 4 years I've been in love with Music Man guitars...they're amazing!  They're so versatile and ergonomic, I can't really see myself playing much else...not for a long, long time.  Ironically, lately my trademark for many people has been those red alligator shoes I wore in the DVD, so I'll probably switch gear before I switch the shoes (laughing)!

Bman: That’s great! We’ll be watching the shoes. Is there anything else that you’d like to share with your fans?

HL: Thanks for supporting live music...without you we couldn't bring our music to the world.  Thank you!

Bman: Thank you pal for all of the great music!! I appreciate your time and hope to see you again soon!

If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”