10.15.2007 Stu Hamm Clinic

Most people who have seen Joe Satriani or maybe even Steve Vai in his heyday, have probably came across the incomprable bassist known as Stu Hamm. Known worldwide for his stellar technique and tapping/slapping skills, he also has his own line of basses via Fender - the Urge and Urge II. Currently he has been putting on a lot more clinics, in particular ones put together by his new amp sponsor Hartke. Why it is out in North Delta (1/2 hour away from Vancouver) is beyond me.

This particular clinic was actually more of a showcase than a clinic. The format consisted of about half the time Stu soloing and the other half him telling stories. Like most polished performers, even his clinic had a program. He would start each song or piece with a backing story many of which are derived from his life. Many a personal tidbits and anecdotes were thrown in as well. The pieces he played, were drawn from throughout his career. Early in the set, he played a sparkling rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" which would morph in and out of "O Canada". Songs were inspired by many areas of his life: songs of scorned love "Ann You bitch, I never want to see you again", the time he spent in Mexico "Tia Extrano".

Other pieces were covers arranged on the bass, including Abbey Road/Moonlight Sonata, the original Star Trek and a Led Zeppelin song that escapes me. Perhaps the biggest suprise was how funny Stu was. The whole evening was pretty light hearted, with many joke and even a couple of jabs towards other bassists. Jeff Berlin in particualr. Not to disappoint, Stu also played the staples of his playing, "Linus and Lucy" and "Country Music".

Stu ended the evening with a pretty uneventful Q&A and signing.


$20/$0 - did I mention this was free?