Hamilton High grad releases deeply personal debut album

Hamilton native Tim Combs has released his debut album, “Hazard Coal.”

Hamilton native Tim Combs has released his debut album, “Hazard Coal.”

Tim Combs has been writing and performing music for “a lot of years” and there were plenty of times when he thought releasing an album of his own would never happen.

“If there’s one thing that I have faith in myself about, and the thing I’m most proud of, it’s the way I can write a song, and put it together, lyrically,” the 1983 Hamilton High School graduate said. “I’m a storyteller. I’ll give you a three-minute movie in your head. That’s what most of my songs are. That’s the best way to describe it.”

Combs’ debut album, “Hazard Coal” was produced by Combs, along with Zach Gabbard of the Cincinnati band Buffalo Killers.

“The reason the album is called ‘Hazard Coal’ is because I found out that my dad, Larry Combs, grew up on a coal camp. He spent part of his life on a coal camp in Hazard, Ky. After finding that out, I went on a bit of a writing spree about what that life might have been like,” Combs said.

One song, called “Black Lung,” is the story of a boy who is struggling with his dad’s death, according to Combs.

“His dad had died from Black Lung, and now at a very young age, it’s his responsibility to take care of the family,” he said.

Combs will showcase some of the songs from his new album at a free, performance this weekend.

He frequently performs at venues across the region, including Miami Regionals Downtown Hamilton, The Fitton Center and Froggy’s.

“Hazard Coal” is available on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and at other digital download sites.


HOW TO GO

WHAT: In-store performance by singer/songwriter Tim Combs

WHEN: 3 p.m. Saturday, April 14

WHERE: Legacy Guitars, 875 Walnut Avenue, Millville

ADMISSION: Free

More info: www.facebook.com/timcombsmusic

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