Selections from Press Reviews, 2001
“Wicked Grin, [John] Hammond’s fine new album, features a dozen covers of the inimitable Tom Wait’s rumbling, image-packed dirty blues. At the Great American Music Hall...the veteran blues scholar [Hammond], was singing the songs of master surrealist Waits...to the audience’s delight.” March 23, 2001, James Sullivan
“...As one who worships at the alter of Tom Waits,... in the wicked
songs of Wicked Grin, blues great John Hammond applies his big
bluesy voice and bourbon spirit to Waits classics...It’s a testament
to the man that you don’t miss him.”
April 2001, Jim Nelson
“... A proposition that fulfills its promise wonderfully. [Hammond’s] way with a dozen Tom Wait’s songs feels intuitive and right. He not only taps into these fever dreams, he imprints his own, rural minded mark.” March 24, 2001, BB
The idea of having veteran bluesman John Hammond perform songs written and produced by Tom Waits turns out to be every bit as pleasing to the ears as it appears on paper.” April 12, 2001, Ben Edmonds.
“It may be difficult to fathom if you are a Tom Waits fan, but the gravel-voiced singer may have found the ultimate interpreter in blues master John Hammond...a compelling ride.” February 27, 2001, Dan Aquilante.
[PRESS REVIEWS]