Tom Hambridge: Down The Hatch Review

It’s doubtful that Tom Hambridge ever sits down with the intention of writing a “hit” song. Instead, he composes music that is genuine and deeply sincere and that, no doubt, is what attracts so many superstar artists to seek his collaboration. He is a master at matching the mood of the music to that intended by the lyrics.

Fortunately for fans, the four-time GRAMMY®-winner, singer/drummer/producer/songwriter/arranger, Hambridge occasionally steps out from behind the mixing board and writing desk to record his own works, and a new one, Down The Hatch, comes on the heels of the 2023 release Blu Ja Vu from Quarto Valley Records.

Hambridge is adept at all aspects of the music business, and his knowledge about what goes into a good performance translates well into the albums he records or produces. This album is no exception. It alternates between a variety of emotional, thoughtful blues and more than a good deal of fun, upbeat tunes guaranteed to lift audiences.

And, once again, he’s used his seemingly endless musical connections to assemble an all-star group of musicians, including Rob McNelley (Bob Seger Band), Tom Bukovac (Joe Walsh), Bob Britt (Bob Dylan) and Buddy Guy on guitar; Glenn Worf (Mark Knopfler), Tommy MacDonald (Johnny Winter) and Anton Nesbitt (BeBe & CeCe Winans) on bass; Mike Rojas (The Black Keys) Kevin Mckendree (Brian Setzer) and Noah Forbes on keyboard. Tim Lauer (The Smashing Pumpkins) contributes on accordion with Hambridge on drums, vocals, and percussion.

The opening track is “Willie Dixon’s Gone,” a song previously recorded by George Thorogood. It’s a fitting opener. Besides being a great rollicking tune, it may well foretell of a time when Hambridge gains the recognition he deserves, much like Willie Dixon or J.J. Cale. They, too, spent much of their careers behind the scenes helping to boost others into the limelight.

In fact, this album features other Hambridge songs previously recorded by others. In a release accompanying Down The Hatch, Hambridge noted, “I wanted to do my version — the way I heard them in my head while writing them.”

“How Blues is That” was recently released by Buddy Guy on his Ain’t Done With The Blues, album, while “Every Time I Sing The Blues,” with a traditional blues sound, was recorded by Eric Clapton and Buddy Guy. Hambridge noted, “It’s the closest to how it feels when you have the blues with lyrics, stating, ‘I find my inspiration in tears and desperation’.”

“Believe These Blues” was previously recorded by Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. It’s the epitome of a frequent blues theme – empathy for others, featuring deeply resonating bottom-end backing guitar and keys.

“You Gotta Go Through St. Louis” is a rock ‘n’ roll number featuring the legendary guitarist, Buddy Guy. “Tom played drums for the great Chuck Berry, who hails from St. Louis, and he wrote this track as an homage to the rock idol with Buddy in mind for the guitar,” noted the release. Right out of the gate, it features smoking piano from McKendree, followed by Guy’s masterful guitar, effectively capturing the famed Chuck Berry sound.

“What Might Have Been” features Hambridge on vocals and Britt on guitar. It contains cool, stylish vocals highlighted by bright, contrasting keys and a finger-picking Delta Blues sound.

Another upbeat track with a Lynyrd Skynyrd vibe to it, “What Does That Tell You,” presents some funky, catchy piano refrain, while “Hard Times” is a more typical blues tune with voice and guitar conveying deep emotions reflecting the authors’ own depth.

Featuring a country-flavour, “Making Lemonade” presents clever lyrics, never mentioning the implied “if they give you lemons” half of the equation. “I Want You Bad,” is a fun, classic guitar-driven blues offering.

“Start Drinking Early” is the exception that proves the mood-to-the-music rule as a lighthearted tune contrasts with the darker theme of chronic drinking. The final track, “I Wanna Know About You,” features a melodic, infectious chorus.

Yet again, Hambridge has created an album that is highly-listenable from beginning to end. With something for everyone, there will be a variety of “favorites” from the 12 tracks that include thoughtful lyrics, fine musicianship, and memorable tunes.

The Review 8.5/10 

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Every Time I Sing The Blues
– How Blues Is That
– You Gotta Go Through St. Louis
– Willie Dixon’s Gone

The Big Hit

– Willie Dixon’s Gone