Jazz in Kentucky: Ross Hammond – “Flight”

 

Ross Hammond - "Flight"Today, guitarist Ross Hammond will be making a tour stop in Kentucky at Lexington’s Morris Book Shop.

While readers of this site (and my old columns for eMusic & Wondering Sound) will recognize Hammond’s name for his unique blend of rock & jazz for small ensembles, his current project has Hammond as a solo act, sticking to blues & folk tunes far more than jazz, and utilizing 12-string and slide guitars rather than his typical electric slash & burn.

Hammond’s latest release is the highly embraceable Flight, and is far more likely to appeal to fans of Leo Kottke than Grant Green.  His use of the 12-string brings the greatest rewards, and his range of original tunes provides all kinds of room for nuance and grand pronouncements, both.  And the album’s down-home tranquility is likely to instill some lazy Sunday morning atmosphere into any time or day you hit the play button.

Here’s the song “Womuts!” from Hammond’s album, Flight

Available at:  Bandcamp | eMusic | Amazon

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The show is being held at:

Morris Book Shop
882 E. High Street
Lexington, KY  40502
(859) 276-0494

The show starts at 6:30pm sharp.  There’s a $5 suggested donation in lieu of an actual ticket charge, but I don’t believe they’ll be turning anyone away at the door if money is tight and five bucks is too steep for you at this time.  Go out and enjoy some good music.

Though Lexington was once his home turf, Hammond is now well-entrenched in the California music scene, so take advantage of the opportunity to hear him when he swings through town.

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Ross Hammond - "Cathedrals"And if you want a different view of Hammond’s music, check out his 2013 release, Cathedrals.  You can read more about it (and listen to an album track) here, on this site (LINK).