A Night Of Blues

There are many artists that come to mind when you think of the vast history of blues music, as well as the many different styles of playing.  Few musicians are able to interperate the true meaning of the blues as well as John Hammond, who has been performing around the world for decades from venues such as festivals to small clubs, with a Grammy award under his belt.  I had the oppurtunity to see him perform at The Center For Arts In Natick recently and John Hammond still puts the same amount of soul in his work today as he did all those years ago.

After a long drive from Reading on the way to Natick, with a few brief moments of being lost on our journey, my friend and I finally found our way to The Center For Performing Arts In Natick with a sign advertising the entertainment of the night,  “John Hammond Plays The Blues!”.  As I made my way through the entrance to the ticket counter I caught a glimpse of the man himself.  Just a few feet away from me was John Hammond sitting casually with his wife chatting with some fellow fans.  I knew the venue was going to be relativly small, but this was a very intimate gathering of people who wanted to see the blues played by one of the greatest guitarists in the world.  After standing in awe for a few seconds I made my way past the main lobby and into the actual stage area.  Once seated two rows from the stage the lights began to dim as the show was about to begin. 

 

When the stage lights flickered on, Hammond made his way onto the stage with his two guitars in hand.  Once seated Hammond adressed the audience and kicked off his performance.  The set list was filled with classics such as ‘Come On In My Kitchen’ by the legandary blues man Robert Johnson to the song made famous by Buddy Guy, ‘My Time After A While’ as well as a few original songs mixed in for good measure.  Every song was filled with Hammond’s amazing ability to play blues harmonica and lead guitar unlike any other musician past or present.  I was stunned watching this performance of musical force taking place less than five feet away from me from my second row seat. 

After the show the entire audience gave John Hammond a standing ovation for his performance which was then followed by an encore.  Once the final note was heard from Hammond’s harmonica and steel guitar combination I figured my night could not get any better.  Hammond made his way off of the stage and everyone else soon proceeded to head back into the main lobby to exit the center.  However as I walked out the arch way I saw Hammond once again seated in the corner of the room.  After missing my first chance to meet the man I had been inspired by, I got into the line to talk with him.  Finally I was second in line and I purchased a DVD which John Hammond offered to sign. 

I will never forget this moment, I was standing face to face with the man himself and got to shake his hand.  After a short conversation about the show he signed ‘To Frank, I hope you enjoy this. John Hammond’ on the DVD i had just bought.  What amazed me even more than the act of actually shaking his hand was how humble Hammond was towards his fans.  Many famous musicians just play their set and head off on their own way, but John Hammond waited for everyone who wanted an autograph to leave before he did so himself.  This night of the blues was possibly one of the greatest moments in my life as I had experienced an amazing performance and had the oppurtunity to meet the man that has been keeping the blues alive, no matter where he plays his music.
—

Advertisement