John Hammond And The Nighthawks — Hot Tracks 1979 (USA, Chicago Blues)br br br In September of 1979, John Hammond went into Vanguard Records' 23rd Street Studio in New York with the Nighthawks -- Jimmy Thackery, guitar; Mark Wenner, harmonica; Jan Zukowski, bass; Pete Ragusa, drums -- and cut this record, one of his best (and which might've sold better with maybe some better cover art). br br The sounds are alternately hot and soulful on the ten-song collection, featuring covers of songs by Little Walter ("You Better Watch Yourself," "Last Night"), Chuck Berry ("Nadine"), Jimmy Reed ("Caress Me Baby," one of Hammond's slowest, most seductive numbers), and Robert Johnson ("Sweet Home Chicago"). br br Highlights include a stunningly beautiful rendition of Howlin' Wolf's "Who's Been Talkin'," a wailing reconsideration of John Lee Hooker's "Sugar Mama" with a really searing guitar break, a very powerful version of "Howlin' for My Darling," and even the best cover of Dixon's "Pretty Thing" this side of Bo Diddley himself, where Hammond and company manage to be raunchy and smooth at the same time.br br Nothing's going to make anyone forget Walter, Wolf, or Willie, but this isn't a bad way to spend 40 minutes, especially given the really crunchy guitar sound achieved by Jeff Zaraya and the uncredited producer. A real diamond in the rough, and one of Hammond's best albums.br by Bruce Ederbr br br Tracks:br br 01. Mama Keep Your Big Mouth Shut — 0:00br br 02. Who’s Been Talkin’ — 3:20br br 03. Sugar Mama — 6:12br br 04. Howling For My Darling — 9:40br br 05. You Better Watch Yourself — 13:11br br 06. Pretty Thing — 15:35br br 07. Caress Me Baby — 18:39br br 08. Nadine — 22:35br br 09. Last Night — 26:24br br 10.