NOTES FROM UNDERGROUND
In the standard hagiography of the blues, legendary players are supposed to be (a) African-American, (b) from the deep south, and (c) of poor and humble birth.
A white guy from New York City related to the Vanderbilts doesn’t quite cut it. Reality, however, is frequently more interesting than folklore and the white guy in question, John Hammond Jr, has over decades managed to overcome the terrible handicaps of wealth and privilege to establish himself as a bona fide blues giant.
Indeed, this year he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, confirming his position on the twelve-bar Olympus.
Hammond started performing in 1962, encouraged by his music producer father and his father’s best mate, Paul Robeson.
Since then he has recorded with John Lee Hooker, Roosevelt Sykes, Duane Allman and Charlie Musselwhite, among many others. At one point his backing band contained both Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix – although the line-up lasted for only five days before imploding.
Hammond’s best mate is Tom Waits, a situation which speaks of the good taste of both. Both crop up regularly on each other’s records. Indeed, in 2001, Hammond released an album, Wicked Grin, which comprised almost entirely Tom Waits covers.
So far Hammond has released 33 albums, all of them finding critical acclaim, even though widespread commercial success has always eluded him. He has been nominated for a Grammy eight times, winning once.
Apart from his songwriting skills (and his ability to interpret covers), Hammond’s main strength is his extraordinary power as a guitarist and singer. His onstage presence is strong indeed. In the end, his colour and background don’t matter at all – John Hammond Jr is a bluesman, pure and simple.
And he is playing at The Basement on Tuesday, November 22, and Wednesday, November 23. We have four double passes to give away to each show. To score one, simply call our box office on 9251 2797.
For a full rundown of shows at The Basement: www.thebasement.com.au
Contact the writer: amansterson@thebasement.net.au
