Hamilton Loomis

Galveston native Hamilton Loomis is nominally a blues guitarist who absorbed sage advice and picking tips from the likes of Bo Diddley, Albert Collins, and Clarence Gatemouth Brown. But even a cursory listen to Loomis's 2007 CD Ain't Just Temporary (Blind Pig) reveals a multidimensional artist with a thorough knowledge of vintage R&B, soul, and funk, plus a fine, soulful voice and impressive work on harmonica, keyboards, bass, and drums. He wrote all but two of the tunes—pretty impressive for a guy still in his 20s. There's just a bit of contemporary shine on Temporary's songs, which all settle into tasty grooves ranging from New Orleans second line to Memphis, swampy funk, and straightaway Texas electric blues. Loomis's stuff is fresh, smart, and infectious. He's that rare artist who sounds rootsy and innovative at the same time, using the familiar to explore new depths.
Fri., Aug. 29, 9 p.m., 2008