John Hammond - Rough & Tough (SACD Hybrid Stereo) Pre-order October 2026

Over a career spanning more than fifty years, Grammy winner John Hammond has stood as one of the most compelling torchbearers of solo acoustic blues. Rising to prominence during the 1960s folk revival, Hammond steered clear of the electric trends of the era in favor of a raw, unadulterated approach. With just his battered acoustic guitar, rack-mounted harmonica, and deeply expressive vocal delivery, he captures the fiery essence and unfiltered grit of the genre's earliest pioneers.

Rough & Tough finds the blues titan in total command of his craft, tackling a handpicked selection of post-war Chicago standards alongside a pair of his own compelling original tracks. From the raw, foot-stomping groove of "Statesboro Blues" and the driving rhythm of Muddy Waters classics to a surprisingly swinging rendition of "Chattanooga Choo Choo," Hammond breathes fresh vitality into every bar. His uncompromising virtuosity and instinctual groove earned this landmark solo set a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Blues Album in 2009.

Engineered with Chesky’s trademark minimalist technique, this release places you directly inside the acoustic space, capturing every subtle string squeak, foot tap, and vocal nuance with astounding transparency. Rough & Tough will be reissued on SACD Hybrid Stereo and 180g One-step Pressing Vinyl LP as part of the Chesky Original Masters series.