Album Notes

The Ross Hammond Trio is "...what a guitar, drums and bass will create for the future" according to The Impact Press (www.Impactpress.com).

"On "Optimism," the trio is also a funnel for Hammond's influences. The zippy, be-bopping style of the title track harkens to Grant Green and Wes Montgomery, two of Hammond's guitar-playing idols. Electronic embellishments, such as delay and rotovibe effects in the lyrical "The Bulldog Song," add touches of modernism, but don't upset the trio's otherwise organic jazz." (Chris Macias, Sacramento Bee)

Ross has shared billing with Pharoah Sanders, John Tchcai, Ken Vandermark, Peter Brotzman, Pothole and Charlie Hunter. He is a frequent collaborator with free jazz hornman Tony Passarell, Sacramento legend Steve Gundhi, Bay Area drummer Sameer Gupta and David Boyce of the Broun Fellinis.

Sacramento's Alive N Kicking magazine awarded him the Spotlight Award for Guitarist of 2004. The Sacramento News and Review labeled him a music visionary of 2003 and nominated him for a SAMMIE (Sacramento Area Music Award) for 2004.

Be on the lookout for the Trio in the fall of 2004, as they will be touring the Midwest and the Western Seaboard.

Hammond is joined on "Optimism" by drummer Tom Monson and bassist Gerry Pineda.

*Contact: rawshaman@aol.com

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