If you’re a fan of Tom Waits and not familiar with this album– pick it up now. John Hammond covers Tom Waits’ originals (except for one song), with Waits himself on backup and producing the album. They’ve been friends and played together for years. I’ve had Wicked Grin in heavy rotation since it came out in 2001, and whenever anyone hears it, right they are blown away by John Hammond’s boozy, barrelhouse blues chops.
Wicked Grin is utterly timeless, still worth raving over. In fact, I’m listening to it right now– and all of a sudden I need a beer.
If you’re not familiar with John Hammond, he’s an American blues & roots legend with crazy vocal, guitar and harmonica skills. John Hammond is 66 years old– still singing and playing strong, and resides in nearby Jersey city. Although he hasn’t had huge commercial success, he’s one of the most respected musicians among his peers. He’s the son of famed record producer John Hammond Jr. and interestingly enough, great-grandson of William Henry Vanderbilt.
You would never know he’s a Vanderbilt by listening to him. In fact, you’d swear he was raised on the Mississippi Delta.
The Selvedge Yard 
big Tom Waits fan, so Hammond will def’ be on my new list… btw great jacket on TW bottom picture.
You’re gonna love Hammond– and you’re right, that picture of Waits is amazing– I couldn’t pass it up.
JP
I am definitely checking Hammond out. Always been a Tom Waits fan, so this excites me quite a bit.
Let me know what you think–
Hey– I stumbled into your blog this afternoon and I’ve been reading it quite literally all day. It is truly a bible of manly knowledge… any site that covers Townes Van Zandt, classic muscle cars, early motorcycle gangs, Cool Hand Luke, man-caves, bebop legends, and gives technical style tips that make sense even to gents like myself who can JUST barely dress ourselves, all within a few pages, ought to be required reading for the entire gender.
Anyway, I’m also a tremendous Waits fan and this album is fantastic! Hearing Wait’s music done by anyone else is very much hit-or-miss, but with the man himself producing this record, Hammond really nailed it.
In any case, I just wanted to say keep up the good work and I’ll be following along to read more. Gotta pick up some white oxfords and a pair of brown engineer boots in the near future as well… thanks for the heads-up on both!