The Hamilton's: Hamilton's Vol 1
Imagine you’re in a green room, nervous energy fills the air, an impeccably dressed couple joins each other in the center of the room and breaks into an acoustic version of “Ring of Fire.” They watch each other as they run through a verse, maybe two, and put their own spin on it while feeding off the cues and energy of one another. Watching them, you get the feeling that they’ve been doing this for a while. It has the feel of a familiar routine, and while watching them it seems like they’re the only two in the room, that they’ve shut out others to focus on each other and the song they are singing. Then as someone steps in to tell them it’s their turn to take the stage, the magical moment is broken and they ready themselves to walk on the stage together, as husband and wife and as musical partners. Tonight is possibly one of the most important nights of their career as a duo. You’ve been watching Phil and Erica Hamilton, or as they’re known to most in the music world, The Hamilton’s, and this is their album release show at the Ridglea Theater.
Texas music duo, The Hamilton’s, with their rock meets soul vibe, has a unique story. Although both Erica and Phil have made their living in recent years in music and have released albums of their own, this record was their first release as a duo. Even though this is their debut record, these two have been performing together for years and can be found at festivals like Outlaws and Legends, as well as their own festival, Philthy on the Brazos. If you’re a fan of the Dallas Cowboys and are familiar with their cheerleaders, then you may have spotted Erica during the three years she spent as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader or even caught her on the reality talent show, Next. Phil, a veteran of the Texas music scene, has been playing since 2008, and over the years built quite a following, releasing records like Renegade Rock N Roll and his most recent release, Brazos Wind.
Now with their daughter June, at an age that they feel comfortable touring, Phil and Erica are able to take time to promote their newest record on the road. I was lucky enough to shoot two of their recent album releases. The first, was the premiere of their album, The Hamilton’s Volume 1, at the historic Ridglea Theater in Fort Worth. Surrounded and supported by friends, family and fans, The Hamiltons packed the main room at the Ridglea and put on a Texas sized show. With openers Dustin Massey and Hayden Huse, and a 90 minute set with guest appearances from Mike Ryan, Clayton Landua and Deryl Dodd, the night was jam packed full of talent.
In early March, the Hamilton’s had another album release north of the Red River, here in Tulsa at the Mercury Lounge, which is the same venue where I first saw them sing in late December. Although each show has been great, every one that I’ve had the pleasure of attending has been better than the last. This set was very similar to the set at the Ridglea, including songs off the new album, as well as a few well-known covers and even a single or two from Phil’s solo albums. One of my favorite parts of each set is when the band covers the Allman Brothers, “Midnight Rider.” The long jam session in the middle is fantastic, and such a joy to watch when these talented musicians put their own spin on.
Hamilton’s Vol. 1 is made up of eight tracks, and each song on the record has its own unique feel. Some tracks feature Phil or Erica primarily, while others highlight the duo’s harmonies. “Mama’s Song,” “Lullaby” and “ The Curtain” all feature Erica’s honey tinged soulful voice, while “Kansas” and “Memphis” are the perfect showcase for Phil. Listen carefully and you’ll be reminded of Chris Stapleton, but in my humble opinion, I enjoy Phil’s voice much more than Stapleton’s. Songs like “Locomotive,”“Last Time” and “Anymore” are for those who want to hear both Phil and Erica and their harmonies. If you’re really wanting the backstory behind the songs on the album, then you’ll want to hit one of the Hamiltons’ live shows. It’s there that the couple breaks down the influences and stories behind the songs. “Mama’s Song” was written for Erica’s grandmother, who was a huge influence in Erica’s life and raised her. Sadly, her grandmother passed away last year and when she introduced the song to the crowd at the Ridglea Theater, it was clear to see there was a lot of emotion surrounding this song. The inspiration behind the song “Kansas” came from an old Kansas cowboy that Erica’s father knows and after a phone call and co-write, the biography of this man’s life became the song. “Lullaby” was written by Erica many years ago when she was sitting out on her porch, observing nature and turning those descriptions into the song.
I strongly encourage anyone who is looking for new music to check out The Hamilton’s. I’ve had their album on repeat since it came out. Right now with a pandemic going on and artists unable to perform live, consider buying some merchandise from this talented duo.
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Photos By Melissa Payne:
