I loved hearing John Hammond rock out on "Push Comes to Shove" — it was one of my favorite albums of 2007. I like his new one, "Rough and Tough," even more.The album, recorded live at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in New York City, features Hammond with just his guitars and a harmonica. He revisits songs by Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Blind Willie McTell and several other bluesmen as well as a couple of songs he wrote. He even covers "Chattanooga Choo Choo" again.
The fact that he's performing alone makes the songs seem more intimate. They're no less powerful, though. On Jerry "Boogie" McCain's "She's Tough," for example, Hammond's guitar and harmonica provide a stomping rhythm to accompany his vocals, which he delivers with a sly sense of humor.
On Howlin' Wolf's "My Mind is Ramblin'," Hammond guitar licks ramble (make that rumble) even more than his mind. It's a great example of just what a guitar virtuoso he's developed into over the years.
My guess is that "Rough & Tough" will sweep this year's top awards from the Blues Foundation. If you love blues, the album's essential listening.
