 |
 BIO
Kevin Hambrick makes the kind of wholly original yet instantly
recognizable music that, once allowed into your ears, sinks its hooks deep
into your brain and refuses to let go. This is a good thing. His ability to
conjure up classic vibes and apply them to songs of both substance and
incredible hummability is only matched by his ceaseless musical output.
Whether solo or with his 4-piece outfit The Orange Opera, Mr. Hambrick lives
and breathes music, and we benefit. A lifelong resident of northeastern
Indiana, Kevin soaked up his influences and channeled his creativity,
becoming an iconoclast amongst the metal and classic rock jocks and
Heartland cowboys. Badfinger, Beatles and T. Rex mingled in his head,
joining myriad other classic and contemporary influences and informing his
unique melodic sensibilities. In the mid-1990s he joined up with future Off
the Cuff recording studio owners Javier Bayouth and Jason Davis in a combo
called Donny Flannigan. A couple of years later he formed Big Red and Rojo
with drummer Kyle Stevenson and bassist Josh Mink. Upon Mink's departure for
parts west (and a full-length, unreleased BRR album locked away in the
Hambrick vault), Kevin undertook a couple of albums and several live shows
under the Blueberry Hurricane moniker, with an assist from Stevenson. In the
midst of tirelessly writing, recording, and promoting his distinctive music
(including a stellar solo release, "Serotonin,") Hambrick found himself the
subject of a 2005 indie documentary that managed to shed light on his
demons, motivations and dreams while painting a starkly accurate picture of
the Midwest that surrounded him. "Paging Rascal Hanks" received rave reviews
both locally and on the West Coast where its director, Alex Uncapher, is
based. Staying true to form, Hambrick released another hook-filled solo
opus, "Football Weather," soon after. Soldiering on in color-themed
character, Hambrick continues to front The Orange Opera, where he functions
as songwriter, lead singer, guitarist and piano man. Their debut, 2006's
"Land of Tall," garnered critical kudos. The combo, which includes bassist
Bryan Brubaker, Kevin Hockaday on drums, and recent addition Jon Ross on
guitar, won 2007's heavily contested Whatzup Battle of the Bands in Fort
Wayne, netting Kevin and company some hard-earned respect in an area not
exactly known for valuing originality and songwriting chops. Hookups with
luminaries such as Dr. Dog and the Teeth helped to make 2007 an incredible
year for the unstoppable Mr. Hambrick, who at this very moment is probably
busy working on another great song. D.M. Jones
|
|
|
|
