"If blues, soul, and rock can be said to form a triangle, you'll find Hamilton Loomis right in the center of it", says Guitar Player Magazine. An apt description, as Loomis is one of the young artists at the forefront of bringing blues into the 21st century and redefining it for a contemporary audience. He has been bridging the gap between generations of music-lovers both in the U.S. and around the world. His new release, Ain't Just Temporary, finds Loomis masterfully blending his myriad influences, at once forging ahead into new musical territories while maintaining a strong connection to the blues legends that took him under their wings at a young age.

Born and raised in Galveston, Texas, Hamilton was first hooked on music through his parents' extensive collection of blues, rock, and soul records. Hamilton honed his multi-instrumental chops early, learning drums, piano, guitar, bass and harmonica by his early teens, and performing as part of his family's doo-wop group.

At age sixteen he went backstage to meet Bo Diddley, and before the night was over Hamilton was onstage playing alongside the legend. Since that initial meeting, Diddley has become a friend, mentor, and supporter. "INNOVATE, DON'T IMITATE"…Diddley's words continue to inspire Hamilton and fuel his desire for originality. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member said of Loomis, "You got to put some seasonin' in what you're doin', and this boy's got the whole salt shaker!" Diddley contributes his unmistakable voice and funky tremolo guitar to "You Got To Wait," a tune he and Hamilton co-wrote for Ain't Just Temporary.

Other Texas blues legends such as Johnny Copeland, Gatemouth Brown, Joe "Guitar" Hughes, and Albert Collins also schooled him early on in the finer points of the music, recognizing the youngster's talent and potential. By the time he turned eighteen, Hamilton had performed in front of thousands at the Delta Blues Festival, and he was writing, arranging, and performing his own material. He released his first CD, Hamilton, in 1994, which received a Grammy Nomination for "Best Contemporary Blues Album".

"You got to put some seasonin' in what you're doin', and this boy's got the whole salt shaker!"

- Bo Diddley

Performance review

Have you ever ventured far from home only to discover that the answer you were looking for was in your own back yard? My back yard is Texas, but I journeyed to Bayfront Festival Park on Lake Superior to find my answer. The answer surfaced in a musical genius named Hamilton Loomis.

Hamilton, a native Texan, is one of the most ingenious blues musicians that I have had the good fortune to experience. His original style and energetic performance transformed the fest at the 19th Annual Bayfront Blues Festival. Hamilton exploded onto the Grain Belt Premier Beer Stage in Duluth MN as he mesmerized the crowd with his lightning quick guitar and accomplished vocals. Loomis truly exudes the blues as he intimately intertwines his harmonica with his masterful guitar playing.

The highlight of his performance ignited the crowd when he jumped off the stage to playfully dance with his audience. Hamilton traversed through the throng of fest folk as he delighted them with his innovative musical talents and warm, friendly smile. His journey led him right past me as he played his way back up to join his band. The energy sparking from his soul was absolutely transforming as he went by.

Seeing Hamilton Loomis would have been reward enough for my trip to Duluth.

Darice "Luster" Kurtzer, Blue Monday Magazine, Sept. 2007

$8 advance and $10 day of show

Purchase tickets at The HuB or online at: www.iowatix.com

For further info log onto www.thehublivemusic.com

The HuB

406 Main Street

Cedar Falls, IA

319.266.2360