Changes and Updates

Hey All,

First off, let's talk some changes:
In an effort to reduce some unnecessary stress in my life, I'm backing off of some projects. Thus, the "Hammster Wheel" website has been redirected to my personal Tim Hamm website. This only means I am slowing down on the music production and web-design aspects. I am hoping to concentrate more on music.

I am also eliminating the "GR Music News" blog, as it simply required more time than I have available. It is still a good idea, but was simply more than I am able to keep up with. Maybe another time.

Moving on to band and music news:
I have been playing with the new group "Sookie Jones", and we have had some successful auditions at area clubs. We have some fall dates lined up, and hope to see some of you out there.

Updates should come more frequently, as I back off some of the other projects.

Until next time,

Tim
www.timhamm.com

Sookie Jones

"Doogie" Jones? "Boogie" Jones?

No, "Sookie Jones".

This is the name of a Grand Rapids based "cover" band,which I have joined. The name comes from a lyric in an Aerosmith song. The group was originally formed in 2006, and began playing out later that year and into 2007. The bass player position needed filling when their original bassist had trouble juggling the band and a 3rd shift job (who wouldn't have trouble with that?). So, the band started seeking out a replacement bassist, and I found their posting on the "Craigslist.com" website (I stumbled upon it while looking for other area music news).

The band is a 4-piece, with Brenda providing the lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Rich on lead/rhythm guitar, Kevin on drums, and me on bass. Rich and Kevin help out with background vocals, and I am doing what I can while learning the bass parts. For info, check www.myspace.com/sookiejones. An official website (not MySpace) is getting finalized in the coming week or so.

At this point, there is no "original" music in the setlist, but we do try to put our own slant on the tunes we cover. For example, our version of Norah Jones "Don't Know Why" is based around guitar, rather than piano. Rich does a nice job with the arrangement, and Brenda does great with the vocals. The setlist on MySpace is only about half accurate, as we are adding and removing some.

Some of you may wonder why I have moved in this direction. I have two reasons that I can point to. One is that, with Sojourn, I found myself writing bass parts that were within my already existing skills. This led to little progression in my talents, and was my own fault for not working harder. When playing with a "cover" band, I am having to learn a variety of styles, and need to play them well. Thus, I have to become a harder working musician. Second, I am trying to take a smaller role within the band's business. While still enjoying my roles within Sojourn, it is nice not having to worry about sound gear, recording, and etc. I just show up and play bass guitar. More"play" and less worry.

I'm not sure where it will lead or how long it will be together, but I am finding the experience beneficial.

Gigs are already booked for the fall of 2007, and various auditions will be taking place over the summer. Come fall, there should be a more solid idea of how I will fit into all this.

See you out there.

Tim
www.timhamm.com