Jr. John Hammond - Best of the Vanguard Years - [CD]

John Hammond's particular genius is simply this: he can take a classic blues tune and play it how it's meant to be played, whether it's Delta or Chicago, uptempo or slow. Best of the Vanguard Years provides an excellent introduction to Hammond's work, showcasing as it does much of what made him a national artist in the first place. His early work for Vanguard is some of his best, making this collection a near-perfect set of classic blues. A key moment for recognizing Hammond's talent for stylistic variety comes in the juxtaposition of tracks seven and eight, "Hellhound Blues" and "I'm Ready." Putting these Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters classics next to each other highlights the issue nicely: Hammond really is that good. He goes gut-deep on every track, too; this is probably one of the best takes of "Big Boss Man" on record, and his version of "I Want You to Love Me" is sexy enough to make your stereo sweat. Required listening all around. --Genevieve Williams

Track list: 1. 32-20 Blues, 2. Statesborough Blues, 3. Seventh Son, 4. Drop Down Mama, 5. Going Back to Florida, 6. Ask Me Nice, 7. Hellbound Blues, 8. I'm Ready, 9. I'm a Man, 10. Keys to the Highway, 11. No Money Down, 12. I Live the Life I Love, 13. Big Boss Man, 14. So Many Roads, So Many Trains, 15. Who Do You Love, 16. I Want You to Love Me, 17. You Can't Judge a Book By the Cover, 18. O Yea!, 19. Who's Been Talkin', 20. Pretty Thing, 21. Last Night, 22. I Wish You Would, 23. Guitar King