John Hammond, Jr So Many Roads CD

So Many Roads is Hammond's most notable mid-'60s Vanguard album, due not so much to Hammond's own singing and playing (though he's up to the task) as the yet-to-be-famous backing musicians. Three future members of the Band -- Robbie Robertson, Garth Hudson, and Levon Helm -- are among the supporting cast, along with Charlie Musselwhite on harmonica, and Mike Bloomfield also contributes. It's one of the first fully realized blues-rock albums, although it's not in the same league as the best efforts of the era by the likes of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band or John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. In part that's because the repertoire is so heavy on familiar Chicago blues classics by the likes of Willie Dixon, Bo Diddley, and Muddy Waters; in part that's because the interpretations are so reverent and close to the originals in arrangement; and in part it's also because Hammond's blues vocals were only okay. Revisionist critics thus tend to downgrade the record a notch. But in the context of its time -- when songs like "Down in the Bottom," "Long Distance Call," "Big Boss Man," and "You Can't Judge a Book By the Cover" were not as well known as they would become -- it was a punchy, well-done set of electric blues with a rock touch. ~ Richie Unterberger

A mid-price release of Hammond's 1965 album of blues covers. The son of legendary talent scout John Hammond Sr, who discovered Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen amongst others, John Jr has recorded over 30 albums. His Vanguard releases are consistent sellers. This release was notable for including three future members of The Band - Robbie Robertson, Garth Hudson and Levon Helm. Also contributing are Charlie Musselwhite and Mike Bloomfield. Vanguard Masters. 2005.

Includes original release liner notes by Barry Kittleson.

Personnel includes: John Hammond (vocals, guitar); Robbie Robertson (guitar); Charlie Musselwhite (harmonica); Michael Bloomfield (piano); Garth Hudson (Hammond organ); Jimmy Lewis (bass); Levon Helm (drums).