Young Texan bluesman Hamilton Loomis enjoyed the singular privilege of being mentored by Bo Diddley, known as ‘The Originator’ because of his key role in the transition from the blues to rock and roll. In 1992, when he was 16, Ham’s mother took him to see Bo at a gig in Houston and, in the intermission he slipped backstage to try and get his signature on the guitar case he had lugged along with him. He ended up playing some Bo Diddley numbers for the great man who expressed delight in what he had heard. During the second half, Bo said: “There's a young man who played for me back stage. Come up and play a tune with me.” Hamilton hopped up, the rhythm player gave him his guitar, and they played a song. When they were done, he said: “Boy, I’m scared of you. I’m gonna break yo fingers.” So began a relationship that lasted until Bo’s death in 2008.

Touring non-stop since 2001, Loomis has brought his music to audiences all over the world, recently earning two ‘Best Artist’ awards in the UK. He picks up glittering reviews wherever he plays. You can check him out for yourself at The Bullingdon in Cowley Road on Monday. Alternatively, you can get hold of Ham’s latest CD, Live in England 2009, which was part recorded at a Famous Monday Night Blues session at the Bully last year. The album captures Loomis at his best, blending a myriad of influences – blues roots, jazz, funk and rock to name but a few – into an energetic live performance. It is rare for a recording to bring a live gig to life – but Live in England succeeds in recreating the atmosphere of the back room at the Bully. If you were there, treat yourself to this reminder of a great night out.

Highlight for me is the three-number ‘encore’, which includes Bo Diddley’s Who Do You Love. Throughout, Loomis is backed by his fine band, a solid bunch of blues musicians, including stand-out tenor sax player Stratton Doyle and drummer Jamie Little, from Birmingham.