Blues guitarist John Hammond will have been on the road for an incredible fifty years as of 2012, and last night he brought his rich voice and authentic style to Seattle’s Jazz Alley, recalling the gritty Deep South sounds of Robert Johnson, Howlin’ Wolf, and Muddy Waters. Hammond’s quiet, easy, and personable stage patter contrasted notably with his emotional musical delivery. He is clearly still passionate about and enthralled by the history and legacy of traditional American blues, and is a true master of the genre. With only an acoustic guitar, a harmonica, and the stomping beat of his foot on the stage, Hammond proved an impressive and thoroughly enjoyable performer, whose own songs proved as strong as the classics.
Vocalist Mia Vermillion opened the night with a short set showcasing her folky-bluesy voice, and was very ably backed by Orville Johnson on acoustic guitar and dobro (with a tantalizing little bit of blues scat singing as well).
Photos & Review by Marianne Spellman
John Hammond
Mia Vermillion
