John Hammond has kept the blues flame burning steadily for over three decades. His interpretations of songs from the traditional blues repertoire, whether played Delta-style solo acoustic, or with a citified electric band, ring with passion, power, and commitment. On this 1981 album, he is accompanied on the band tracks by a topshelf New York group, including bassist Sherman Holmes and drummer Charles Otis.
The history of film music would be different without John Williams. Cinema classics like Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Harry Potter are inextricably linked with his musical style. His soundtracks captivate listeners with thrilling, moving themes and a tremendous range of atmospheres and sounds. John Williams conducts the greatest orchestra in the world; a once in a lifetime recording celebrating the legendary composer’s 90th birthday. Featuring completely new arrangements and repertoire all recorded in breath-taking Dolby Atmos sound.
Something special occurred when John Hammond's powerful vocals, guitar, and harmonica were paired with the legendary Muscle Shoals "Swampers" - studio musicians who had a magical ability to infuse all their recording projects with a terrific combination of soulful RnB and country-flavored blues feeling. The added presence of their frequent guest collaborator, Duane Allman, on lead and bottleneck slide guitar for several tracks doesn't hurt either. If this album were to be recorded today, the production and sound quality would undoubtedly be fuller, but the feel of the players could not be bettered. A solid rhythm section, tasteful supporting keyboard and guitar work, and judicious use of a potent horn section all yield marvelous results - plus Hammond's vocals and harmonica work here are knockouts. The raw passion and energy of his performance offset the other musicians' more polished and relaxed approach so that things don't sound too smooth and laid-back.
Hammond's debut recording from 1964 - much of which remains in his live repertoire to this day.
John Hammond, Jr. is one of a 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…