I'll be checking out John Hammond at two free shows this Sun (7 and 9 pm - The Mohegan Sun Casino in CT if you're in the area.) To get a feel, look for a video - "Searching for Robert Johnson" in which Hammond tours the delta interviewing people who knew the Great Robert - including Willie Mae! Hammond plays with several players and even "cuts heads" on a street corner in a delta town.

My favorite Hammond tunes are Mr. Luck, Red Hot Kisses, and Riding in the Moonlight.

For Chicago blues check out the line up on a recording called Fathers and Sons. This is a double album from 1969 that was reissued on CD in 1987. There are others with the same name-don't be fooled. Anyway, this recording (live and studio) features Muddy Waters, Otis Spann, Michael Bloomfield, Paul Buttefield, Donald "Duck" Dunn, Sam Lay, and Buddy Miles. In particular I like Forty Days and Forty Nights, Standin' Round Cryin, and Honey Bee. A great piece of history.