Lucy Hammond sings the blues straight from her heart

By Laurie Morrisey
Managing Editor
Lucy Hammond is a familiar face around the CBA. You can find her at the monthly membership meetings passing out fliers promoting her upcoming shows. She has played at a number of events, and you can find her out and about at local clubs. Lucy is that boisterous brunette beauty that can belt the blues.

Lucy’s musical journey began when she started singing on stage at the age of six. She spent her teen years touring with performance choirs and gospel groups. In the early 80s, Lucy began playing in working bands. “I was born for one thing, to sing. I’ve done a lot of other things, and still do, but singing is what I love more than anything. Connecting emotionally with people through my music is my goal.”

Lucy has a day job, too. She’s been a nail professional for 25 years. She also calls herself a multi-discipline artist. “I paint, sculpt, design jewelry and manufacture it, repurpose object art, upholster and refinish furniture. I like to write poetry, lyrics, stories, articles, etc.”

When asked about musical influences, Lucy said, “My earliest influences were on my little AM radio. I was pretty sheltered musically as a child (no secular music) so whatever I could get on the radio was it. I used to sneak down to the neighbors house to watch The Monkees!”

As with many girls of that era, Lucy was a big Donny Osmond fan. “One day after hearing ‘Puppy Love’ for the bazillionth time, my Mom snapped. I came home and all my posters and 45s had met an untimely end in the burn barrel. I wanted to be Mrs. Donny Osmond.”

She also admired the vocals of the Stylistics, Janis Ian, Phoebe Snow, Aretha Franklin, Cher, and Heart.

“My exposure to the blues began in my first band, The Cobalt Blues Band. I had the good fortune to be in a group with older, experienced musicians, willing to teach me. They exposed me to Bonnie Raitt, KoKo Taylor, James Brown, Katie Webster, Etta James and many others,” Lucy said.

“Bonnie Raitt has been one of my strongest influences vocally. Partially because we have a similar vocal timbre, partially because I admire her so much as a songwriter. Her ability to inject emotion into her lyrics is amazing. Her dedication to those who came before her, championing many of them to return to the stage for much deserved recognition and exposure to new generations, inspires me. Her tireless work to provide resources for aging blues musicians through her foundation is an example to us all.”

“Etta James brought a raw edge into my style which I had never discovered. Watching her perform was a tutorial in leaving every drop of energy on the stage. I feel blessed that I had the privilege of seeing her nine times. She continues to inspire me as she deals with the onset of Alzheimer’s,” says Lucy.

Her husband exposed her to the work of many heavily blues influenced artists like Wishbone Ash, Led Zeppelin, Baker Gurvitz Army, Steve Miller, Joe Walsh, and others.

Lucy describes her music as “soulful, rockin’ blues.” She plays some piano, but singing is her passion. “My Mom said I could sing before I could talk, but I’ve been fortunate to have formal training. I’ve studied with five vocal coaches to date and plan to continue. I love learning.”

She is in the process of recording her first CD. Lucy has a single, “Mr.Right,” out on CDBaby.

The Lucy Hammond Band is her current project. “I started the band by placing ads on Bandmix, Musician Forest, Craig’s List and Musician In Your City. I found some great guys I’m privileged to share a stage with.” Kevin Shoepe plays drums and percussion; George Reiswig on guitar and vocals; Steven Campana on bass and vocals; and Phil Friscia on guitar, sax, and vocals.

“When he’s in town for the summer from music college, Zach Marsh burns up the keys for the band. Rick Hammond graces us with his talent on drums and percussion when the situation allows for our ‘big band’ format. We have a dear friend in former band mate/keyboardist Mark Montegue who left us to return to working full time. He will always be an honorary member,” she said.

“We had the honor of knowing and playing with a great man and talented musician, Jeff McCombs. He was our first keyboard player and many of you met him at our first performance at The Melody Ballroom. Unfortunately, that was his first and last performance with us. Jeff passed away from cancer later that year. We all miss him very much,” Lucy said.

December 17th you can find The Lucy Hammond Band at The Tillicum Restaurant & Bar, 8585 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Highway, Portland, starting at 9pm. For more information about Lucy and the band and for upcoming shows, visit her website at http://thelucyhammondband.com.

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