I’ve been a fan of Mr. Loomis for years ever since I saw him in Friendswood at one of their Concerts in the Park series they run every spring. Hamilton is one of thee hardest working indivduals I’ve ever come across in the local music scene. Born and raised in Galveston, Texas, Hamilton was first hooked on music through his parents’ kick ass collection of blues, rock and soul music. He’s been performing ever since he had the chance to meet Bo Diddley backstage at the tender age of sixteen. Dude can play drums, piano, bass, harmonica and a killer guitar. Hell, he announced that his “Tour Van” has over 400,000 miles on it! Quite impressive indeed.

This evening found Hamilton setting up his OWN lighting for the gig! I’ve been to this venue before and was impressed that Mr. Joel had tore out some booths to accomidate a more intimate setting for live music. Because of a traffic problem, the show got off to a late start which dismayed some of the suburban folks at first. But once Hamilton got it rolling, all was forgiven this night.

By the third tune, he was blasting out harps solos that ruled. Man is a funk machine. He performs with such an effortless manner no matter what he is doing. “What It Is” is a show stopper that had the house rocking. Hamilton LOVES to go out in the crowd and risk injury to climb literally from table to table or whatever there is to scale, without missing a beat! Amazing feat and quite effective.

“No No No I Ain’t Playin’ No More’ was awesome. Along with a rocking funk explosion of a tribute to his idol Bo Diddley and his must be present Led Zep riff tribute, this show was well worth the $10 cover Joel charged. Non-stop touring since 2001, Hamilton has brought his “funk-i-fied” Texas flavored music to audiences around the world. He’s even earned “Best Artist” awards in places like England and Wales.

The dude is carrying the flag of keeping blues music alive for today’s generation. I applaud him big time for his hard woking attitude and friendly down to earth demeanor. Thanks to Joel, a fantastic gig was performed in an improbale setting. “Thee Ugly Dawg” could become a force in an area that I feel is starving for a reliable LIVE music connection. As y’all know, that is what Houston Music Review is all about-supporting musicians where ever they are pleasing the masses! I felt like I stole a gig this night and plan on going back in early 2009 (1/3/09) to Joel’s to catch HL again. Hope to see your ass there, too folks…Until then or somewhere eles, I’m out.