DVD Review: John Hammond: The Paris Concert - Page 3

But it takes a person with a lot of strength of character to go out and perform on stage with a famous name, playing the music that his father produced. To do it with as much heart and respect as Mr. Hammond is able to imbue in his interpretations is a truly amazing accomplishment.

John Hammond: The Paris Concert is a DVD that matches the accomplishments of the man with its capture of his performance. If, like me, you've never had the experience of seeing him perform before, this production will be a revelation. John Hammond is a bridge that connects our world with the magical world of the acoustic blues he grew up in.

Included along with the concert is an interview with Hammond in which he talks about how he got started and his early career. What becomes clear from this short little piece of tape is just how much the music means to him. At one point, he says he used to feel compelled to explain himself to people. Now, he says, he just does what he does and if people like it great, if not, well there are enough people out there who do that it doesn't really matter.

What matters is that he loves what he does and it comes through in every song he plays. With only two guitars, a collection of harmonicas, and his voice, he doesn't just play the music of the past, he takes it off the shelf and blows the dust of history off so that it sounds as fresh, alive, and relevant as when it was first recorded. That takes love.

Article Author: Richard Marcus

Richard Marcus is the author of the What Will Happen In Eragon IV? and The Unofficial Heroes Of Olympus Companion, both published by Ulysses Press. He has had his work published in print and online all over the world including the German edition of Rolling Stone Magazine and www.Qantara.de. …

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