In some ways, Rough & Tough harkens back to that first recording for Vanguard Records nearly 50 years ago. But over time, John Hammond has become a force of nature onto himself, closer in spirit to the icons he emulated as a young man. His guitar playing has become stronger, his expression deepened by the years. His latest outing is a stripped-to-the-bone solo session recorded in the solitude of St. Peter's Church in New York City that continues the noble tradition of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Willie Dixon, Jimmy Reed, Little Walter, Leroy Carr, Elmore James and Robert Johnson.