Rod Hamdallah
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Music
Press
"An Atlanta guitar slinger with a swooping pompadour, Rod Hamdallah has swiftly risen through the ranks of Atlanta's die-hard blues scene by taking cues from such hometown icons as the late Sean Costello and Donnie McCormick. With a blend of delta blues, electric roots and garage rock girth, Hamdallah has tricked out a sultry sound and presence that's recharging the blues. He's what the old heads who lurk in the shadows at the back of the bar refer to as the real deal, and they ain't lyin'." - Creative Loafing
Anyone who’s heard Rod live—and live is the way he should be heard—talks about the dark lyrics, full-throttle energy and deep swamp passion he puts into his heavy licks. That hard-edged sound has earned him comparisons to Skip James, Captain Beefheart, Charlie Patton, Tom Waits and more recently the White Stripes. He looks the part, too—thick dark pompadour, sideburns, usually dressed in black.
Full interview in link. - ATL Retro
"People might have seen this cat perform at almost every rib shack and blues bar in Atlanta since he was under the drinking age, as he is the premiere Atlantan with the vintage Chicagoan blues sound. Though he may not be entirely reminiscent of big blues names like Buddy Guy, B.B. King, or Muddy Waters, he stills holds a powerful resemblance of a modern Blind Willie McTell, with guitar playing skills like a garage-version of Sean Costello. Not to mention he looks strikingly similar to Costello too!"- Starletta Watson, The Examiner.
- The Examiner
Rod Hamdallah will shake, rattle roll your soul with his brand of Blues and Roots music. Original tunes that keep american Roots music alive. - 91.1 FM WREK
Discography
Live at The Earl EP (Currently streaming on 88.5 WRAS Atl GA, 89.3 WRFG Atl GA, 91.1 WREK Atl GA.
Single "Think About It" streaming on 88.5 WRAS Atl, GA.
Photos
Bio
Originally from Clifton, New Jersey, Rod Hamdallah has been tearing up Atlanta's vibrant music scene since before he was old enough to order his first drink. At 16, Rod began soaking up the Southern Delta Blues sounds at a relentless pace; Influenced by early Punk and Garage Rock, Rod took his Blues sound to another level. At 17, he started sharing the stage with influences such as, Sean Costello, Dexter Romweber, and opening for well-known International acts such as Robert Randolph and The Family Band, Rosie Flores, Dexter Romweber and more.
Rod's original musical elements are rooted in Blues, Garage Rock and Early Country. Low-fidelity, dark storytelling and American Roots Music play a big part in the song writing. He creates a sound that can be likened to artists such as, Skip James, Captain Beefheart, and Charlie Patton, and more current acts such as The White Stripes and Tom Waits. Rod and his band bring vintage tone and high energy to their live performance.
He released his single “Think About it” in 2011 with the low-fidelity Roots sound of his song writing. He also released his take on the dark Skip James number “Devil Got My Woman”, bringing out the heavy influence of traditional American Blues.
2009-2011 PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
OPENING SLOTS
• Robert Randolph and The Family Band
• Dexter Romweber
• Rosie Flores
• April Smith and The Great Picture Show
TOURING
• Toured with-
Chicken Ranch Recording Artist Willie Heath Neal
FESTIVALS
• 22nd Annual Riverwalk Blues and Music Festival 2011
• 2010 Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Rod is currently touring the Southeast Region.
Creative Loafing Atlanta's Best of 2011- "BEST LOCAL BLUES ACT (Critics Pick)"
-"An Atlanta guitar slinger with a swooping pompadour, Rod Hamdallah has swiftly risen through the ranks of Atlanta's die-hard blues scene by taking cues from such hometown icons as the late Sean Costello and Donnie McCormick. With a blend of delta blues, electric roots and garage rock girth, Hamdallah has tricked out a sultry sound and presence that's recharging the blues. He's what the old heads who lurk in the shadows at the back of the bar refer to as the real deal, and they ain't lyin'."
-Creative Loafing
Links
