New CD by

Jon Hammond

Letter to the Listener from Jon Hammond:

• Dear Listener! This record marks a new beginning for me, and I would like to dedicate it to all those who like myself are striking out on their own and going it alone. Don't be afraid to follow your dreams. I did and now this record is for you!
• On November 5th, 2002 at 11:00 hours, I entered in to Studio "D" of UNIQUE RECORDING STUDIOS in Times Square NYC with my producer/engineer Joe Berger along with S.F. Bay Area musicians Ronnie Smith (drums) and Alex Budman (tenor sax). I had just come back from performing in Shanghai at the first MUSIC CHINA. My mission was clear...because of all our busy schedules and logistical problems, we had a 4 hour window to play down 13 of my original compositions live to Pro Tools recording format with Joe Berger at the controls, ably assisted by Heath Aiken.
• From the first tune I knew that this would be my best record ever. Twelve of the tracks made this record and the 13th will be on the next record! As I was telling the musicians...on this record each of us is larger than life. I am very proud to feature the undeniable pocket feel of Ronnie Smith, the great left-handed funk drummer from East Oakland. Also it is my pleasure to feature one of the finest and most musical tenor saxophonists to come out of the Bay Area in a long time: Alex Budman. The incredible guitar work features my long-time partner Joe Berger (Ham-Berger Productions). Joe has played with John Entwistle, Vangelis and many greats, plus he is responsible for the fine sound of this recording and mastering. Joe joined the band on tracks 1 & 3, title song Hammond's Bolero and Cannonball 99.
  Bobby and Joanne Nathan's Unique Recording Studios was the perfect studio and environment for our live recording. Special thanks to Bobby and Joanne and the Unique staff!
• I fired up the house HAMMOND organ and felt right at home immediately. Although we cut these tunes in one session, (a new speed record at Unique Recording Studios!), it took my whole life to refine my songs and get to this point where I was ready to record them...and ALSO to select musicians who could not only play their asses off, but are very nice cats who play my music with much enthusiasm and uplifting spirit. Like all bandleaders I have had more than my share of nightmare situations with "difficult" musicians so I am always happy when I can record and play with trouble-free musicians on the band! These are the guys.
  

Song Selections Found on this CD

1. Hammond's Bolero
2. Jennifer's Song
3. Cannonball '99 (One more time!)
4. Soon I Will Be Free
5. Thing In C Minor
6. Cosmo Lane
7. Remembering Stanley
8. Six Year Itch
9. F.P. Blues
10. Czechoslovakian Salsa Song
11. Train Song
12. 9/11 Tribute Medley

This is a new CD.