A Jazz Producer's Guiding Hand

A set highlights the sessions overseen by John Hammond in the 1950s.

- WILL FRIEDWALD

John Hammond was one of the most important tastemakers and gatekeepers not only in the history of jazz but in the larger arena of American music. His work as a producer, talent scout and general advocate made it possible for such quintessential figures as Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Charlie Christian and Lester Young to have the careers - and the impact - they did. In the latter part of his life, Hammond (1910-1987) moved beyond jazz and was instrumental in the discovery and the early success of Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

His timeline had two peaks: the 1930s, when he helped to bring about the swing era, and the 1960s, when artists he championed brought rock and pop to a new level of maturity. "Classic Vanguard Small Group Swing Sessions," a new boxed set from Mosaic Records, shows what Hammond was up to between these highest points of his career.

After returning from World War II, Hammond tried working for several independent record labels, but it took him a while to find his footing again. He had grown disenchanted with the latest jazz and was openly hostile to the bebop movement, which, ironically, was at least partly inspired by musicians Hammond had supported, especially Young and Christian.