Hamilton Loomis at the Bronte Blues Club

Hamilton Loomis. Native of Galveston, Texas. Fine musician and friend of the late Bo Diddley. On Friday, April 24, 2009, he and his band came to play and give their all in the little Pennine village of Laycock. It was yet another of those nights when one needed to pinch oneself every now and again just to make sure it was really happening. Such a tight band playing a stratospheric standard of music in our own back yard, so to speak.
There was something for everyone. The purists got their share while other tracks reached those who prefer a rockier style. There were even songs (such as the funky Best Worst Day) which, it could be argued, were not really blues at all.
Drummer Jamie Little must really like the Bronte Blues Club. It was his second visit of the season, his first being with the excellent Sherman Robertson back in November. He was on great form, as was saxophonist and keyboards man Stratton Doyle. Bassist Kent Beatty completed a line-up that sounded as if it had been together throughout each of its member’s careers.
Hamilton Loomis is a true showman who recognises that fine musicianship is not quite enough for a performance to be memorable. The show included much leaping around, forays into the audience, solos standing on chairs (the village hall tables were not quite up to it) and other antics and asides, none of which compromised the music.
And if that wasn’t enough, there was also a guest appearance by guitarist Alex McKown who is very good and probably becoming increasingly fed up of people being amazed by his age. I’m sure he’s not by ours.
A wonderful evening. Thanks to Hamilton and all concerned.
Here to see more pics.