Earlier this year outstanding blues musician Hamish Anderson returned with his debut studio album “Trouble.”

The new release is a robust compilation of blues rockers from the smoking hot L.A.-based performer who hails from Melbourne, Australia.

A testament to his talent: after hearing some of Anderson’s work, Wallflowers founding member Rami Jaffee jumped aboard the recording sessions for Anderson’s first, self-titled EP. His website aptly describes him as: “a student of the three Kings (Albert, B.B. and Freddie), Peter Green and Keith Richards with influences of Jeff Buckley and Tom Petty.“

His second EP – “Restless” – was a real stunner, showcasing hefty songwriting skills and lusty, heartfelt vocals on songs like “Shotgun.”

On the new album musicians joining him include Jim Scott (Tedeschi Trucks, Tom Petty), Aaron Sterling (John Mayer) and Steve Berlin (Los Lobos).

The slow burning guitar work of “Working Blues” has an ambience reminiscent of rock God Eric Clapton’s legendary “slow hand” style. It’s on our playlist, have a listen:

Working Blues

Title track “Trouble” is classic blues-rock fare, and getting good airplay from major market radio across the U.S. since its April release.

And jamming blues track “Hold On Me” captivates via Anderson’s husky pitch-perfect vocals and a sizzling blues riff you’ll love:

Hold on Me

 

Last month we finally had a chance to catch up with Hamish for a quick interview.

PRP: “How is the new album being received by radio?”

H.A.: “It’s been going really good. My latest single, “Hold On Me”  was released September 16th and has received more than 550 spins at AAA (Adult Album Alternative) radio stations in the U.S.”

“…’Trouble’ has been climbing up the College Music charts — this week I was told it’s #116 on the CMJ Top 200, which is the best news going into the holiday. Overall, the album is getting some nice reviews in such publications as Relix and Elmore Magazines. And the new single has been spinning nationally for a couple weeks on tastemaker radio stations like L.A.’s KCRW and other AAA, college and Alt Specialty stations.”

“Needless to say, I am really happy that people have been digging the music so far.”

PRP: “How’d you pick the songs for the new album?”

H.A.: “Because this is my debut album I really worked hard to have a collection of 12 songs that would hold up after multiple listens and that I wouldn’t get tired of hearing or playing.”

“Some songs I had written and demo’d for years (‘Fire’ ‘My Sweetheart You’), and other songs were written during the recording process (‘Trouble’ ‘U,’ ‘My Love,’ ‘Never See You Again’).”

PRP: “Please tell us a little bit about other musicians on the album, and the recording sessions.”

H.A.: “Being in L.A., I was incredibly lucky to have so many great musicians around. Getting to work with producer Jim Scott was a real highlight, I really admire his career and body of work (Tom Petty, Tedeschi Trucks, Wilco).”

“Musicians on the album were Steve Berlin (Los Lobos) on baritone sax; drummers were Freddy Bokkenheuser (Ryan Adams), Aaron Sterling (John Mayer), and Johnny Radelat (Gary Clark Jr.); on bass, Chris Bruce (Doyle Bramhall II, Meshell Ndegeocello) and Rob Calder (Angus & Julia Stone); and Chris Joyner (Ryan Bingham, Heart) and Jason Borger aka Jerry Borgé (Jonathan Wilson) on keys.”

PRP: “Your favorite track to perform live?”

H.A.: “I always look forward to playing “My Sweetheart You” in the live set. That one always gets a really good response and I like that it starts with just me singing and playing guitar, and by the end of the song it has reached a climax with a really big full band sound.”

PRP: “Any show dates or other things you’re looking forward to in the New Year?”

H.A.: “I am really taking it one day at a time, but I am definitely excited to start touring again in 2017.”

“It’s always great to be on the road and able to connect with people live!”

~ ~ ~

We at Portland Radio Project would love to see Hamish’s name on an Oregon marquee in the New Year. And of course, we’d also invite him over for an in-studio podcast.

In the meantime? From 2013, here’s the link to a stripped down performance of “My Sweetheart You” that showcases the raw talent of this unique bluesman.

You can find “Trouble” on iTunes or on Hamish Anderson’s website .

Cynthia Orlando
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