Reader Spotlight: Chris Lomas
Meet Chris Lomas, a bass player with nearly 40 years experience hailing from Stourbridge UK. Chris is an active player who currently plays an interesting mix of music, from semi-acoustic roots to power blues to a “muscular sound reminiscent of the floor filling music of New Orleans”.
Chris is our player in the spotlight for the week of November 6, 2012.
Bio:
In 1973 I started playing seriously with local hard rock bands. Went pro in 1977 when I joined 60’s rocker Dave Berry’s band. In the early 80’s I was a member of both Jealous Girl and The Kind recording and releasing singles on major labels and touring.
I drifted into playing blues and roots stuff with The Mighty Houserockers, Big Man Clayton, Jean Vincent, Rang-A-Tang and new country rockers Circuit Judge, which led to an invitation to live and work in the USA. I also had some success at this time in the US as a songwriter through a deal with a Memphis-based publishing company.
Returning to the UK in 1994, I have somehow managed to continue to write, record and play music for a living.
Location:
Stourbridge UK
Day gig:
Musician, singer, songwriter and dad
Years experience:
40 years!
Bands & Gigs:
I play in three regular bands:
Mumbo-Jumbo, which is a semi-acoustic roots-based trio who were nominated in this year’s British Blues Awards for best original song.
The Tommy Alan Band a power blues trio.
And Stomp & Holler which “creates a muscular sound reminiscent of the floor filling music of New Orleans!”
I also play (along with drummer Micky Barker) as a rhythm section for hire.
Gear:
- Lakland 44 60 vintage jazz
- Fender 1976 P – Bass (much modified)
- Italia Mondile
- Kala U Bass
- Genz – Benz Shuttle 6.0 1/12 combo
- Custom MAJ Mosfet 150wt amp with a 1/15 custom Ameson speaker cab
- Ampeg SVT – 15T combo
Why I play the bass:
In the early 70’s I loved the power trio thing and no way was I a good enough guitarist, so I switched to bass and immediately joined a five piece band!
My bass superpower/claim to fame
I’ve never been sacked from a gig!
I love the blues and have been honored to have toured with a hand full of the original blues guys – Chick “Stoop Down Man” Willis, Mojo Buford, Big George Brock, etc. – usually without any rehearsal and managed to hold my own and been asked back to do it again.
My influences
John McVie, Nick Lowe, Duck Dunn, David Hood and all the in the pocket groove guys.
“Nice Work” Video by Mumbo-Jumbo:
More on the web:
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