John Hammond doesn?t consider himself a songwriter. In fact, the Grammy Award-winning blues artist, who is touring behind his newly released album, “Push Comes to Shove,” didn?t even begin to write until about four years ago, at the urging of his wife, Marla.
“It?s never been about being at the … top of the charts to me,” Hammond said hours before embarking on his recent tour. “It?s about being true to something that I love.”
Not that Hammond couldn?t have taken the easy way out. He?s the son of famed producer and musician John H. Hammond, who discovered talents such as Count Basie, Bob Dylan and Aretha Franklin.
Not only does Hammond not flaunt his royal connections, he works hard to distance himself from them, only briefly acknowledging them when asked. His life and music, he insists, developed from his partnership with Marla and his kinship with other musicians.
“I had just recorded some songs with Tom Waits, who?s a terrific songwriter,” said Hammond of his foray into writing. “I recorded things I?d never done before and I felt inspired. So I wrote the first song.”
A replica 1955 Crown Victoria, unusual expressions, and memories of past shows all serve as fodder for his writing. Work with young musicians, such as hip-hop artist G Love, who produced his latest album, also keeps his work fresh.
“My game plan for John was to push him to make a record really raw and real and dirty ? and do a little something different, but not lose anything he does,” said G Love.
John Hammond Trio
» When: Tuesday, Jan. 30, 8 p.m.
» Venue: Rams Head, Annapolis
» Tickets: $35,
» Info: www.ramsheadtavern.com; 410-268-4545
