It's a precious few artists who reinvent themselves at the age of 64, but blues luminary John Hammond proves himself the ultimate untraditional traditionalist as the dozen stellar songs on Push Comes to Shove illustrate... more ». Push Comes to Shove marks an increased output in Hammond's original compositions- he penned five of the CD's 12 songs- and there's a bold collaboration with the album's producer, G.Love (the innovative and soulful Philly singer/guitarist and longtime Hammond fanatic), in the hip-hop-tinged blues of "Tore Down", as well as a handful of personalized renderings of traditional blues numbers, a musical modus operandi that has earned Hammond multiple Grammy nominations since his 1962 self-titled debut. Since then, Hammond has made 31 records and tours year-round, learning from and playing with musical greats and friends including Tom Waits, Muddy Waters, and Michael Bloomfield. Those unparalleled experiences and authenticity shine through brightly on Push Comes to Shove.« less
It's a precious few artists who reinvent themselves at the age of 64, but blues luminary John Hammond proves himself the ultimate untraditional traditionalist as the dozen stellar songs on Push Comes to Shove illustrate. Push Comes to Shove marks an increased output in Hammond's original compositions- he penned five of the CD's 12 songs- and there's a bold collaboration with the album's producer, G.Love (the innovative and soulful Philly singer/guitarist and longtime Hammond fanatic), in the hip-hop-tinged blues of "Tore Down", as well as a handful of personalized renderings of traditional blues numbers, a musical modus operandi that has earned Hammond multiple Grammy nominations since his 1962 self-titled debut. Since then, Hammond has made 31 records and tours year-round, learning from and playing with musical greats and friends including Tom Waits, Muddy Waters, and Michael Bloomfield. Those unparalleled experiences and authenticity shine through brightly on Push Comes to Shove.
"This CD starts out strong and keeps delivering throughout. Gritty at times, persistently engaging and toe tapping. Actually, your whole body is going to be moving as you listen to this one.
Slow walkin/talkin blues at times, with a deep reach for meaning in delivery transitions back to kick-a** blues with gusto.
I'm planning to see John in March (Bath, ME) and this is great preparation."
Smokin' blues from a master
Ned Burks | Berryville, Virginia USA | 02/01/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Another gut-wrenching, terrific outing for John Hammond. I've been listening to John's music for 30 years, and he just keeps getting better. I saw him at Wolf Trap last night and he was superb. John is best known for his highly original guitar and harmonica takes on the blues classics, both acoustic and electric. Here he expands his repertoire by adding a raunchy "blues meets hip hop" version of the classic "Tore Down" with hip hop artist G. Love that will knock your socks off. First class music from a first class artist."
The new mono???
jah sky | Chicago, Illinois USA | 04/01/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've admired John Hammond for almost 39 years now. I'm glad that he's back to using an electric band again. This recording is killer! I think the fact that it was recorded in analog as opposed to digital is what gives it the raw edge.If you like your blues gritty and downright real, you'll love "Push Comes To Shove". Can this analog recording be the new mono for the 21st century? Hope more artists record this way...it's warmer...or in this case...HOT!! This CD and John's recent output remind me of his early electric Vanguard and Atlantic recordings. This guy is an unheralded Americon icon."
Surprise! this is good!
Jg Pruis | 02/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While having a few other Hammond discs this one really wants to make you move. I was very impressed with 'Wicked Grin' and 'Ready For Love' prefering the first of the two; but this outing is really rocking, dirty and up front. I like the production on this disc. And again there is the use of a Tom Waits song 'Cold Water'. While Tom's version is slow, this one takes a complete and surprising different twist; nice indeed!! I'm waiting for the next level, if thats possible."
Never Better
W. R. Morelli | So. Connecticut | 05/15/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I think that this is possibly John Hammonds best effort yet,
and I have been listening to him since the 60's. He does some
very different things on this CD, and also writes many of the songs.
It all works out very very well. Friends who are not John Hammond fans
have told me that they also enjoy it very much. A terrific CD."