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Dec. 2, 2009
World’s shortest John Hammond Interview
In November, my “12 Shows in 12 Months”
covered the John Hammond/David Lindley show in
Portland. And in the process of getting
John’s setlist for the show compiled, I thought I’d send a few
interview questions along. Well, John, was kind enough to respond,
and here they are – problem is, you’ll be done reading it before
you hum a verse of “Sweet Home Chicago.”
Really, I timed it. So without
further ado – I present the “World’s Shortest John Hammond
Interview.”
1.
You obviously pay tribute to blues players who represent the
foundation of the music (Johnson, McTell, Estes). What modern
players do you admire?
Alvin Hart
2.
You have something like over 30 albums. Which do you enjoy
more – solo material or working with a band?
I enjoy both. However I lean more towards
solo material
3.
I’ve read that sometimes your name is mistaken for your
father’s, and your father was instrumental in signing Mr. Dylan,
among many others, to Columbia Record Company. How early in your
life did you realize you had a direct connection to these music
sources?
As soon as I wanted to play music in my
teens I started making my own connections to the blues.
4.
Your guitar style is steeped in tradition. Who did you start
learning from and what song did you first learn to play?
I began watching a lot of guys play in the
beginning but I would say Lightnin Hopkins was who I first learned
to play
5.
Bonus question: what’s it really like touring with David
Lindley?
Wonderful! We have a great relationship.
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