Customer Reviews

Got Love If You Want It

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Got Love If You Want It is a spectacular album to introduce people to the vetran troubador of country blues-John Hammond. It has a great mix of solo acoustic songs paired with songs where John is backed by Little Charlie and the Nightcats as well as a great duet with John Lee Hooker. The two highlights for me are "No One Can Forgive Me But My Baby", written especially for John by Tom Waits, and John's cover of the Son House (or Robert Johnson) classic, "Preachin' Blues". The former is a perfect example of Hammond's pounding, rhythmic, solo acoustic playing paired with his great harp work; while the latter is an exercise in raw emotion and National Steel guitar slide licks and powerful singing (Hammond often closes his shows with this number-a showstopper).

This is a perfect blend of the Chicago sound blended with pre-war Delta sounds-a hands down winner!

John Hammond continues to perform blues with a passion for the music. He has a voice, guaranteed to melt a woman's heart which is suited to the songs he chooses. He has a reputation as a skilled performer among fans and musicians alike.

Standout songs on this cd are Driftin' Blues, Nadine and No one Can Forgive Me but My Baby. Hammond gets an assist from John Lee Hooker on Driftin Blues. Their rendition is worth the price of the cd alone. Also helping Hammond out on this cd are Little Charlie and The Nightcats musicians Rick Estrin on Harmonica and Charlie Baty on guitar. They are slick veteran musicians who add to this sleek production.

This is a worthy record for a blues collection, especially those fond of acoustic blues. Those wanting to "keep the blues alive " should support a performer who has over the years done so much to foster an appreciation of the blues throughout the country.

This album has some standout tracks, including Hammond's version of "You Don't Love Me," which most of us probably know better through the Allman Brother's version on the Fillmore East album, and "No One Can Forgive Me But My Baby," which I understand Tom Waits wrote for Hammond. Sure sounds like it. Bummer this is out of print, because this is solid, classic stuff.

This is one of my favorite blues CDs and one of Hammonds best efforts. I certainly agree with the editorial reviews. I would highly recommend this!