Blues Roadhouse

Tom Hambridge — “Down the Hatch” — Quarto Valley Records

“Rock and roll was in my head, the blues was in my heart.”

That line from the song “Willie Dixon’s Gone,” from his latest album, “Down the Hatch,” perfectly sums up the musical whirlwind that is Tom Hambridge.

Or, as he describes this rousing session:

“It is me being me. I love the blues, I love rock ‘n roll, I love Willie Dixon, I love Buddy Guy; this album is me doing what I love. It’s what I do; it’s in my blood.”

That helps explain Hambridge’s extensive career as a songwriter, singer and drummer, writing 1,000 songs, producing 100 albums, and working with everyone from Bo Diddley to Buddy Guy, including Guy’s most recent, “Ain’t Done With the Blues.” And just for a minute here, he’s enjoying the personal satisfaction of making music for himself.

Hambridge chose these songs because, “I wanted to do my version — the way I heard them in my head while writing them.” Some of the songs on this album were originally songs written or co-written by Hambridge for others, like “Every Time I Sing The Blues,” “Willie Dixon’s Gone” and “Believe These Blues.”

“Down the Hatch” follows Hambridge’s critically acclaimed 2023 album, “Blu Ja Vu.” His backers here include guitarists Rob McNelley, Bob Britt, and Tom  Bukovac; keyboardists John Lancaster, Mike Rojas, Jimmy Wallace, Noah Forbes, and Kevin McKendree; bassists Tommy MacDonald, Anton Nesbitt, or Glenn Worf; Tim Lauer, accordion; and special guest Buddy Guy. (Full list of songs and credits at end of post.)

Hambridge opens by rocking out with “Willie Dixon’s Gone,” originally written with George Thorogood for an album that Hambridge produced. It’s a hard-driving ode to Dixon, the legendary singer, songwriter and producer who helped define Chicago blues and beyond. “Every Time I Sing The Blues” follows, a more traditional blues originally recorded by Eric Clapton and Buddy Guy. The lyrics reflect Hambridge’s philosophy: “I find my inspiration in tears and desperation. / Sad, sad stories we all know so well; / There’s always one more story to tell.”

“I Want You Bad” is a tough blues shuffle filled with descriptions of just how bad: “Doctor wants a patient, actor wants a line, judge wants a jury, the police want a crime.” The toughness continues relentlessly in “How Blues Is That”: “Went to Chicago tried to get a break, had lots of doors slammed in my face, sang on the corner, poured out my heart – how blues is that?”

“Hard Times” is more solemn, pounding out its mournful message: “Children of the future, better find a better way, doomsday’s ‘round the corner, gonna be some hell to pay.” Another straight-ahead rocker turns up on “What Does That Tell You,” with a deliciously rollicking piano: “I’d Like to call you sometime, but I’ve got my doubts. What does that tell you, baby? We both got things we need to figure out.”

“Believe These Blues” is a slow blues-rocker with a touch of blues philosophy: “I see bad things happening everyday … I see children going hungry, nothing on their plate, I believe these blues will always be around.” The explosive “Making Lemonade” squeezes the last drop out of his message: “I’m making lemonade, no money in the bank, no gas in my tank…I’m making lemonade, fifty cents a cup…I just laugh it up,”

“What Might Have Been” is a gently sung love song: “Thinkin’ ’bout what might have been, it hurts me seeing you with him, I’m deep into the blues again, thinkin’ ’bout what might have been.” It’s a nice changeup that lets you catch your breath before “You Gotta Go Through St. Louis,” a sparkling instrumental tribute to Chuck Berry (from St. Louis), with whom Hambridge played drums. Buddy Guy contributes furious guitar while Kevin McKendree rocks the keys like Johnnie Johnson did for Berry, all highlighting the road to the origins to rock ‘n’ roll.

“Start Drinking Early Day” is a whimsical lament on the quest to keep the whiskey river from running dry. The upbeat closer takes him on a more personal quest — “I Wanna Know About You”: “Are your stars aligned, is your head on straight, do you hide your dreams when you’re wide awake?”

Tom Hambridge’s says this is the music that comes from his heart (the blues) and his head (rock ‘n’ roll). That exhilarating musical blend creates the rousing soul of “Down the Hatch.” You’ll want more than one dose!

“Willie Dixon’s Gone” from the album:

Tracks & credits: