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The Lucy Hammond Band Proof Review by Gary Hill One of so many treasures from Portland, Oregon, The Lucy Hammond Band is a mature and contemporary soulful rocking blues act, with a focus on Hammond’s outstandingly powerful, yet sublime vocal prowess. Knowing a lot of acts in the area, especially blues acts, this is one of the current premiere ones. Hammond has a very pure voice that can also maintain the low register in a soft and groovy tone. She’s just a wonderful artist on an equal level with the best around. There is a super hot voice on the NW scene, and her name is Lucy Hammond. This is killer! This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2012 Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review

Proof This is so smooth you can't deny its infectious delivery. It’s built on a cool as all get out vibe with a killer performance by Hammond. If that wasn’t enough, it’s all placed over a killer backing track. If you want proof, just pick up a copy and proceed to be mesmerized.

Talk To Me Hammond goes right into a sensual melody that teases the ears throughout on this excellent little sultry number. Things are really cooking by the time it's over, and one is so easily hooked by Hammond’s terrific voice. On this tune she glides right along at a very inviting pace, setting things up for what's to come and where it goes from there, as it leads into this next track. It's all very playful and bouncy, which reflects her beaming personality.

Mr. Right This is the big number of the record, featuring northwest drumming legend Donny Osborne who only works for the best. What that, of course, tells you is that Hammond herself does the same. This is a traditional languid style blues, done in a classic setting that doesn't quit. I can imagine a two disc set full of “Mr. Right'”s playing one after another. It's that good. Her vocal delivery here is simply second to none. The “wow” factor is in full mode on this majestic tune, as she completely nails it with class.

Link in the Chain The vibes keep flowing on this tasty little tune that follows a bottom end groove as Hammond sings about what is left by the time she walks out the door. This is simply another sweet cut with everything it takes to make an EP of this high standard. Not a lot more can be said except to encourage readers to pick it up to experience it. That is, of course, if you like sizzling hot contemporary blues.

Doors Yes, it just continues to impress as it goes. It's just too bad it's over at this point. But one can easily see much more to come once they hear this disc. I will leave it on repeat until I hear something more, but then I have the luxury of being able to see TLHB around my hometown. People just might be hearing her from far and wide all the more in the immediate months to come.

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