With a career that spans over three decades, John Hammond is one of handful of white blues musicians who was on the scene at the beginning of the first blues renaissance of the mid-’60s. That revival, brought on by renewed interest in folk music around the U.S., brought about career boosts for many of the great classic blues players, including Mississippi John Hurt, Rev. Gary Davis, and Skip James. Some critics have described Hammond as a white Robert Johnson, and Hammond does justice to classic blues by combining powerful guitar and harmonica playing with expressive vocals and a dignified stage presence.
His latest release, “Rough & Tough,” has wasted no time and reached 13 on the Billboard Blues charts. “This recording is not unlike a live show that I would do except that there was no live audience to perform for,” says Hammond. “It’s been a while since I’ve had a solo album out, so I’m very happy with it. In some ways, “Rough & Tough”, 2harkens back to the first recording Hammond did with Vanguard Records nearly 50 years ago. But over time, Hammond has become a force of nature onto himself, closer in spirit to the icons he emulated as a young man. His guitar playing has become stronger, his expression deepened by the years.
Whether it’s with a band or by himself, Hammond can do it all. Seeing him perform live, one still gets the sense that some of the best is still to come from this energetic bluesman.
