John Hammond - Bear’s Sonic Journals: 'You’re Doin’ Fine Blues at The Boarding House, June 2 & 3, 1973'

 

In a career spanning more than 60 years, John Hammond holds a unique place in music, he played with just about everyone and seemed to influence everyone else.

John released his self-titled debut album in 1960 just as the roots music revival was gaining steam.  Along with others like Charlie Musslewhite, Paul Butterfield, Bonnie Raitt, Rory Block, John was a white American who paid homage and added a new spin to blues music.

'Bear’s Sonic Journals: You’re Doin’ Fine Blues at The Boarding House' showcases John Hammond’s mastery of the blues, performed live with his guitar and track-mounted harmonica.  This masterclass covers Delta, Chicago, Texas, and Piedmont blues, featuring six songs by the legendary Robert Johnson.

The sheer volume of blues music that Hammond masterfully performs here is astounding—passionate, intimate, and captivating.  These unforgettable performances of Hammond singing, playing guitar, and harmonica represent a pivotal moment in Hammond’s long and illustrious career. 

This three-CD set, one of the latest Bear’s Sonic Journals, was released in 2024.  The Bear in question is Owsley Stanley, the clandestine chemist/acid guru of San Francisco in the 1960s (I sampled Owsley's product on many an occasion).  Owsley was also an innovative live and studio sound master, most associated with the Grateful Dead.  This is yet another outstanding release from the Owsley Stanley Foundation, which has released nearly a dozen of these Sonic Journals. Stanley’s production-related credit appears on around 75 albums.

These live performances were recorded over two nights of a five-night run in July 1973 at the renowned Boarding House in San Francisco. Tom Waits opened the show, and John Lee Hooker was in the audience on the final night.  The club had been open since 1971, but gradually declined in the early 1980s.  However, it held significant importance as a hub for emerging comedians and a venerable venue for underground hip music, featuring both local and international superstars.  Notably, it was there that the iconic 'Old & In the Way' album was recorded in 1975, featuring Jerry Garcia, Peter Rowan, David Grisman, Vassar Clemens, and John Khan. 

While many reissue series of jazz releases (Blue Note) and releases from other genres have received accolades, these 'Bear’s Sonic Journals' releases are underground gems that offer historically significant recordings, with superb sound that is close up and immediate.

Owsley "Bear" Stanley was a legendary character.  The Steely Dan song, "Kid Charlemagne" was inspired by the rise and fall of Owsley.

For the freeload, what are your favorite songs about legendary characters?