Hammer

Bay Area groove-rock combo Hammer comprised singer John DeRoberts, guitarist Jack O'Brien, bassist Richie McBride, keyboardist Norman Landsberg, and drummer <a href="spotify:artist:4FLaYc3rU0BbqJ3sD8zUvl">John Guerin</a>. Formed in 1969, the group was quickly signed by legendary promoter Bill Graham to his fledgling San Francisco Records label -- their self-titled debut LP appeared in 1970, supported by a series of high-profile opening dates at Graham's Fillmore venues. Despite strong critical notices, Hammer failed to earn much commercial attention, and although a second album was recorded, it was never released and the band dissolved. While Landsberg later collaborated with <a href="spotify:artist:2kreKea2n96dXjcyAU9j5N">the Pointer Sisters</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:4FLaYc3rU0BbqJ3sD8zUvl">Guerin</a> went on to co-found the pioneering fusion unit <a href="spotify:artist:4MWr2wGiN7LshdTWvVANoa">L.A. Express</a> -- a prolific session drummer, he also played on <a href="spotify:artist:5hW4L92KnC6dX9t7tYM4Ve">Joni Mitchell</a>'s seminal Court and Spark and The Hissing of Summer Lawns sessions. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi