Review: Hamilton Loomis, Nantwich Jazz and Blues Festival (PICTURES)
HE MAY not be a household name, but Hamilton Loomis has a devoted band of fans - three of whom had travelled from Spain to watch him perform in Nantwich last night.
The trio were on a stag do and one of them, wearing a T-shirt bearing the Texan musician's name, had been a fan for five years.
Last night's show in the Crown ballroom was part of the 13th Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival, which kicked off on Thursday.
It was clear from the moment Loomis came on stage that the audience was in for an entertaining night.
Still only in his 20s, the singer and guitarist had the late rock 'n' roll legend Bo Diddley as his mentor from the age of 16.
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And while the show was peppered with a few covers, including a new take on Bob Marley's Jammin, Loomis, whose style is a blend of blues, soul and rock, focused on his original material.
Blessed with a powerful, soulful voice, it's his talent on the guitar which really stands out, not to mention his energy.
He also knows how to work a crowd, which he proved when he and the saxophonist walked among the tables for a 'play off' against each other.
Another surprise was when he brought a 12-year-old singer and guitarist on stage to perform with him.
Based on last night's performance, Loomis's reputation for bringing blues into the 21st century is richly deserved.
* The Jazz, Blues and Music Festival continues until Easter Monday.
See pictures and more reviews in tomorrow's Sentinel and on www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk
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