That’s right! Mike Hammer & the Nails have just released their New Album “Raised In The Dirt”. The songs were written by Mike Hammer, (with collaboration by the band members) and he is the Band Leader, Songwriter, Producer, Guitarist and Vocalist for the Band. He’s been playing for 25 years in Upstate California, but was born in Oklahoma, and is a Native American, brought up with the blues by his father. He was also an educator for 32 years, an Associate Principal, and he said when he retired he bought a new guitar, and started writing songs, again. We are so glad he did!
The band’s first Blues Award was the distinguished award given out at the Monterey Bay Blues Festival – Battle of the Blues Bands. They won, and with this new release, their followers “The Hammerheads” have fallen in love with them again.
“Raised In The Dirt” has 12 songs that will make you get up and dance. “Low Tech Mind” tells the Blues of living with technology. Of course the featured song, “Raised in the Dirt” will blow you away with the awesome sounds of The Professor’s harmonica, and I love the story it tells.
“I Need Money”, is another great story about hard times today. Oh, and another mention, “Groove Shoes” is a live recording that I listen to every day, and just have to dance with it. The energy of all the music will have you up and doing things like groovin’ and cleaning if you are so inclined! So far, I’ve cleaned more cupboards than I ever dreamed possible, listening to this album. 🙂
The Nails are made up of the following Band members – “The Professor” Mike Boykin, who plays the harmonica on this album. His nickname comes from the fact that he taught High School Physics. Also, Sparky Gehres plays Bass, and has been playing since sixth grade. On drums – Gregg Merino, whose dad was Rudy Merino, renowned Jazz Drummer. He’s been with Mike Hammer and the Nails for 23 years. And last but not least, Alan “B3blues” Carroll plays the Hammond Organ/Keyboards. He restores Hammond Organs and has one painted Blue. He travels with this one, and has had many artists autograph it. In fact, it is so well known, that he started a rental business and named it B3 Blues, and the name stuck.
Yes, I’m a Hammerhead, and I hope you will become one soon. Let’s Groove together! Hugs and Happy Listenin’ ~ Sookie Jade
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