CD REVIEWS
By Michael Swanger scenescribe@mchsi.com
Hamilton Loomis
“Live in England”
Ham-Bone Records
The story goes that when Texas native Hamilton Loomis was 16 years old, he went backstage to meet Bo Diddley and before the night was over he was playing onstage alongside the rock legend. The two became fast friends, touring and recording together, as Diddley advised the young singer-multi-instrumentalist to “innovate, don’t imitate.” During the course of his brief recording career, which is revisited on this live album full of R&B and rock tunes like “Bow Wow” and “Best Worst Day,” Loomis seemingly searches for something beyond traditional blues, but he hasn’t found it. At best, he is revisiting classic R&B grooves and sounds complete with funky drumbeats, saxophone and loop machines. So a more apt description of his hyphenated sound would be “R&B.” Only time will tell if he becomes an innovator. CV
(Hamilton Loomis performs Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. at Blues on Grand. $10.)
Old Canes
“Feral Harmonic”
Saddle Creek
It took Chris Crisci of the Appleseed Cast more than three years to make “Feral Harmonic,” the sophomore recording for his side project, the Old Canes, in his home studio known as the Toyshop. But if you are a fan of new musical ideas and energy, then you will agree that its recent release is worth the wait. Though several musicians contribute trumpet, harmophone, cello and hammer dulcimer to this indie- and punk-rock affair featuring 12 original songs, at its heart is Crisci’s songwriting, singing and arrangements (and tasteful use of a toy piano). Bold songs span from the barreling and joyous (“Little Bird Courage”), to the cautious and foreboding (“Trust,” Next Flood”), to the quiet and wistful (“Southern Radio”). Crisci even throws in a solo acoustic ditty (“Black Hill Chapel”) to remind the listener that traditional folk music is at the heart of the Old Canes’ experimental and entertaining Saddle Creek debut. CV
