Hamilton Kirkland a.k.a. "Harmonica Ham," was born in Greensboro, Georgia, the son of a Baptist preacher.
After taking up harmonica in his early 20s, Ham went on to win several awards for his country music playing, including twice winning the National Harmonica Championship. He honed his "blues-infused country" style while performing in various "dance-hall" and country show bands, sharing the stage with such notables as Hank Thompson, Rhonda Vincent and Chelee Wright.
The influences of bluesmen such as Little Walter Jacobs, James Cotton, Paul Butterfield and Muddy Waters are apparent in the earthy tones Ham squeezes from the harp, even on country tunes.
In this first recording, backed by reknowned performers Rhonda Vincent and Lew Houston, Kirkland demonstrates mastery of the harp on bluegrass and traditional country favorites. His rich baritone voice shines on country blues covers and his original tune: E.S.P.
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.harmonicaham.com
Track List:
1. Black Mountain Rag
2. Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
3. I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love With You)
4. Tuff
5. Golden Rocket
6. Foggy Mountain Breakdown
7. E.S. P.
8. Today I Started Loving You Again
9. Folsom Prison Blues
10. Orange Blossom Special
Suggested CDs:
After taking up harmonica in his early 20s, Ham went on to win several awards for his country music playing, including twice winning the National Harmonica Championship. He honed his "blues-infused country" style while performing in various "dance-hall" and country show bands, sharing the stage with such notables as Hank Thompson, Rhonda Vincent and Chelee Wright.
The influences of bluesmen such as Little Walter Jacobs, James Cotton, Paul Butterfield and Muddy Waters are apparent in the earthy tones Ham squeezes from the harp, even on country tunes.
In this first recording, backed by reknowned performers Rhonda Vincent and Lew Houston, Kirkland demonstrates mastery of the harp on bluegrass and traditional country favorites. His rich baritone voice shines on country blues covers and his original tune: E.S.P.
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.harmonicaham.com
Track List:
1. Black Mountain Rag
2. Pick Me Up on Your Way Down
3. I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love With You)
4. Tuff
5. Golden Rocket
6. Foggy Mountain Breakdown
7. E.S. P.
8. Today I Started Loving You Again
9. Folsom Prison Blues
10. Orange Blossom Special
Suggested CDs:
- Lonnie Joe Howell
- COUNTRY: Bluegrass
- COUNTRY: Traditional Country
- MOOD: UPBEAT