Roger Hammer performs mostly original music with familiar sounds that appeal to a wide range of tastes. The music is best described as "Hand Crafted Folk Rock Built on the Blues" with every song telling a story. The guitars used are acoustic-electric and a PA system is provided.
Hammer has 3 syndicated CD's and dozens of original songs and lyric videos available on YouTube and website (link hidden). Roger Hammer Music can assemble songlists to match your special event needs.
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Price Range: $100 an hour but negotiable
Gig Length: 60 - 180 minutes
Languages: English
This is acoustic music. While there will probably be a PA system, no instruments go through any loud amplifiers. Hopefully you will love as much as I do the sound of notes played by hand without distortion and metal. Been there, done that, you know. The audience can also expect that the music will provide background sounds as needed, and audience engagement if that is what the event calls for. We do not generally solicit requests but if there is a birthday, sure we can do that. Depending on event length you will hear additional slide guitar sounds and my own custom cigar box bass drum keeping the beat.
Roger Hammer is a singer-songwriter who is known for hand-crafted original music and traditional Blues. Born in Omaha, NE he studied piano and woodwinds at an early age and performed in competitive bands and orchestras. In his teens he taught himself guitar and bass and began writing music and playing with folk and rock bands. Later, based in Chicago he made hundreds of appearances in Illinois and surrounding states. In the Harrisburg, PA area Hammer continued to write and perform in local clubs, wineries and festivals, and has made frequent appearances with the Blues Society of Central PA and the Susquehanna Folk Music Society.
His syndicated CD's include: Bang; Bed of Nails; and Up in the Air. His original songs and lyrics may be found at (link hidden), with links to over 60 lyric videos available on You tube.
His 2019 recording for the Blues Society of Central Pennsylvania includes two Hammer originals, “Walkin ‘Round Blues” and “Love or Money.” The latter has been getting airplay on college radio (RCBC, Rowan College, NJ).
“Roger Hammer has handcrafted his own distinctive slant on folk-based rock, and he demonstrates his unique blend and style…wielding acoustic and electric guitars... Hammer has a way with words, delivering wit-edged, personal observations about people, the world and life’s journey. “
- Pennsylvania Musician, July, 2016
The act has"...attracted a nice following in recent years playing at local venues a combination of covers and original takes written by Hammer based on popular enduring blues standards."
-Blues News, April - June 2017, (link hidden)
“…a well-rounded musician with a strong creative streak.” -Blues News, Jan.-March, 2019, (link hidden)
“…definitely worth your attention.” -Blues News, April-June 2019, (link hidden)
Self contained for any event gigs, an electrical outlet is fine. We do not bring a light show.
For large events like an outdoor festival, a couple each mic and line inputs should do it.
Available upon request. Set list includes originals and blues weaved together in an interesting sequence where each song tells a story.
If you want a jukebox I'm sorry. But you will have the songs and atmosphere to meet most events.
| Roger Hammer | Solo artists. |
Everything on the radio from 1960 to present.
Stones, Animals, Beatles and the British invasion were formative, not to mention Dylan and the whole blues to folk to rock fusion. All varieties of ethnic and folk music and singer-songwriters too numerous to mention. Delta and Chicago Blues came later but were serious teachers. Classic rock was a big influence too but that is not what we bring to the stage. Actually in my free time I love classical symphonic and chamber music.
Usually self contained.
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