Compiled by Richard Searle, Hammond Street 4 offers up 15 contemporary whirls with a vintage Hammond, reaching out to Europe, as far as Japan and of course, dear old Blighty. It's not a bad little collection either - just as long as you love the sound of the big H.

Sweden kicks things off with Trummer and Orgel's moody Under Cover, one of those 'soundtrack to a film that doesn't exist' vibes, followed by a veteran of the scene, JTQ with One Way Street and then something odd in many ways - My Generation by Les Cappuccino. Odd because it's not particularly new (we reviewed the single back in 2005) and odd because it sounds nothing like the original. Not that giving well-worn standard a makeover is a bad thing for us...it's just, well odd.

The rest of the album sticks more to recent recordings and new acts, the pick of which is the aptly-named Knockout by The Filthy Six (a fine bit of jazzy, dancefllor magic), Lord Large's LBW (which plays out like a bit of slow to mod tempo northern), some Hammond funk from Imaginary Visions (with a self-titled tune), laid back blues courtesy of The Pat West Quartet with Jonny Blacks Blues and Moon Shake, a nice instrumental taster from the Moons, who are certan to do big business in 2010. Trust us. There's even a foot in dance music via Twisted Tongue's E.T. Boogie, although it's far from the pick of the tracks on offer.

Overall, a good standard and variety throughout, with very little obvious filler. But there is a big 'but' coming. You really need to love your Hammond. I know, obvious, but let's be honest here, this is an album of 15 Hammond organ-based instrumentals and if you're not a big fan, it just might all get a little boring very quickly. Don't say we didn't warn you.

But if you love a Hammond and a Leslie speaker, you'll find much to love here.
Reviewed by David Walker (review posted on 11th November 2009)

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