- published: 03 Jun 2011
- views: 56857
Stuart Hamm (born February 8, 1960) is an American bass guitar player, known for his session and live work with numerous artists as well for his unconventional playing style and solo recordings.
Born in New Orleans, Hamm spent his childhood and youth in Champaign, Illinois, where he studied bass and piano, played in the stage band at Champaign Central High School, and was selected to the Illinois All-State Band. Hamm graduated from Hanover High in Hanover, New Hampshire in 1978 while living in Norwich, Vermont. Following high school, he attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he met guitarist Steve Vai and, through him, met Joe Satriani. Hamm played bass on Vai's debut solo album, Flex-Able, which was released in 1984.
Hamm has performed and recorded with Steve Vai, Frank Gambale, Joe Satriani and many other well-respected guitarists. It was playing live on tour with Satriani that brought Hamm's skills to national attention. Subsequent recordings with Satriani and other rock/fusion artists, along with the release of his own solo recordings (featuring a.o. keyboard player Tommy Mars), solidified his reputation as a bassist and performer.
My secret life is burning me
Drifting in and out of sleep
Don't want no one to talk to me
My conscience is turning me around
I drink to drown, drown all my pain
Only makes me feel again
Can't sleep tonight for all the noise
The sounds are in my head
The waves that crash upon my feet
Break the stillness of my heart
I drink to drown, drown all my pain
Only makes me feel again
Leave me this way don't want to change
To feel again
Hold me now now i'm on my own