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Hamilton Kirkland a.k.a.
"Harmonica Ham," was born in Greensboro, Georgia, the
son of a Baptist preacher and his wife. When Ham was nine, his
family moved from Macon to Kansas City, Missouri, and with the
exception of a two-year stint in the army, this is where he has
lived since.
Ham's playing is heavily influenced
by bluesmen such as Muddy Waters, which shows in the earthy blues
tones he squeezes from the harp, even on country tunes. Other
musical influences- especially harmonica players-are Charlie
McCoy, Wayne Raney, Little Walter Jacobs, James Cotton, Paul
Butterfield, his brother, Clay Kirkland and friend, Rod Piazza.
All contributed to his sound and choice of material, which shows
in his repertoire: an eclectic mix of sounds from blues to traditional
Scottish melodies and original instrumentals to soulful country
songs.
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