A Trifecta of Blues, Soul & Rock in Katy: Hamilton Loomis

Music has been forever changing since the 8-track. Even the instruments are synthetic now. Finding an artist who hasn’t gone heavy on the vocal manipulation is like finding a love song that doesn’t have the ubiquitous “baby” cooed somewhere on its hook. And if authentic is the topic, Hamilton Loomis manifests the real artistry that takes us back to where it all began. Clearly oozing in musical talent and passion for his profession, this Katy resident talks music, New Mexico peppers and Gibson Les Paul.

As with many good artists, Loomis’ inclination for music began early. It was a natural “genetic predisposition” for him to embark on a music career; his mother a versatile singer and his father a bass player, he was conceived to perform. Loomis was so dedicated at such a young age that he sold his prized “three-wheeler” in exchange for recording equipment; as an adolescent he’d jam to his guitar his room where he honed his instrumental repertoire. Before long, he was sixteen and sharing the stage with legendary Bo Diddley. Yes, that Bo Diddley – forefather of Blues Bo.  One of this young artist’s fondest memories was when Diddley took his hat off mid-show and crowned it on his head, as if figuratively passing on the torch and proudly declaring Loomis as the legitimate heir in line.

Loomis and Diddley’s connection was consummated when the Blues’ master appeared on Loomis’ Grammy® Nominated, Hamilton and the most recent release, Ain’t Just Temporary before Diddley’s untimely passing this summer.  Ain’t Just Temporary was quasi-inspired by his 1975 Gibson Les Paul guitar that he’s owned for 18 years. “All the paint is wearin’ off the back of the neck,” he says proudly while mimicking an air-guitar. “I’m actually gonna be retiring it pretty soon” he laments, because the weight of the instrument has reaped havoc on his shoulder. Interestingly enough, this musical magical wand served as a visual component for the latest album’s cover.

What is notable about Loomis is his use of unfiltered grassroots Blues combined with a myriad of contemporary music. He accepts the Houston Chronicle’s description of him as a multi-genre influence artist as being very accurate.

We went on to discuss the ever-present topic of, ‘what do you listen to?’ The paradox is that Blues are not that prevalent in his collection. In fact, heavy metal and old gypsy jazz from the 40’s took precedent over anything that might be encroaching on the Blues or Billboard’s top 10. But, yes. His music is very difficult to define, even for Blues because that’s obvious – he is a Blues artist but the music he creates is so well blended with other genres, making it difficult to categorize.

Dejectedly we talk about the state of music and the young consumers. “Art is something that is kind of underdeveloped in kids…I like when kids come to the shows because I can talk to them and you know parents like it because I don’t drink – at all. And for a musician, that’s weird.” Visibly secure he exclaims, “guitar is my vice, you know what I mean? Making music is my, you know, my habit.” He later says that when he is off the stage for a couple of days he can not completely wean himself from music claiming he would “go crazy.”

In 2002, after playing the Santa Cruz Blues Festival, the head of Blind Pig Records approached him about a record deal. Loomis contends that what makes the record label’s relationship work is the artistic freedom he has over what he records.  Pre-record deal, Loomis took a part in the VH1 movie, At Any Cost, where he played opposite other up-and-coming local musicians and Gene Simmons. “Let’s just say he lives up to his image,” he says of meeting the rocker.

When not touring, Loomis calls Katy home and sites anonymity as a perk to living in this suburb. He emphatically references to another big-time musician living in Katy and the fact that he’s run into him occasionally around town inconspicuously wearing a pulled down cap (wouldn’t you like to know who it is). Typically, when Loomis is in town, he spends his time resting and writing music. When hunger pangs strike; you can catch him at Snappy’s restaurant or the “taco truck over on the Katy cut-off on Morton.”

It’s safe to say there is a love-hate relationship with touring, well not hate but maybe dislike. Yes, he shares his passion with people around the world but he’s gone about 180 days out of the year.  One of the benefits of being on the road is seeing the world.  His touring route usually covers the United States, Europe and Australia. He boasts proudly about the mileage of his touring van and the slew of landmarks he’s seen: Castles in Europe, Koalas in Australia, Yellowstone and one-of-a-kind Chili peppers from New Mexico. “There’s this whole sub-culture, man” he says enthusiastically. “It’s regional. They only have it in New Mexico …it’s a delicacy and they put it on everything. They put it on everything!”  He is talking about the Hatch Chile pepper native to New Mexico which has its own festival and is only grown in the land of enchantment.

Touring to share ones artistry is the dream of many musicians, and Loomis has managed to stay very busy. From Grammy® nomination to Hollywood and great albums, it restores your confidence in music again. And just like the Hatch Chile pepper, Loomis is unique and comes with a kick for life and music.

Check out Hamilton Loomis’ website or Myspace profile.

Live in Oxford, England

Photo by: David Tannen