On August 1 (2025), Ross Hammond and a couple of his buddies put out a set of unencumbered jams that are as comfortable and warmhearted as any faithful old canine pet. Senior Dog Appreciation Society is from Sacramento-based guitarist along with electric bassist Michael Palmer and drummer Neil Franklin finding communion in rock/blues/RnB instrumentals as they do being owners of dogs who are long in the tooth but are no less lovable.
That’s an apt analogy for these sturdy collection of Hammond originals…they aren’t blazing new trails and performing new tricks but are enjoyable having around.
Hammond introduces the blues-adjacent theme for “Don’t Beat Yourself Up Blues” and then pivots from rhythm to lead. Nothin’ fancy, but his style of expression fits the moment. There are several numbers that are downright funky, like the catchy tune “Lizard Lips” and Franklin’s funky gait sets the table for “Who Forgot The Snacks?”
Hammond sets a just-right muddy tone on his guitar and lays down tasty licks over “Poolside” on top of a pleasing, brushed rhythm. “Stormtrooper Blues” is straight up blues and Hammond knows how to apply the form faithfully without any of the tiresome excesses. “Flagstaff” is the only song here slower than medium tempo but oozing with Memphis-style soul.
Overall, there’s a consistent, softly-glowing analog vibe, and the Palmer/Franklin rhythm section does a fine job keeping the groove tidy. Ross Hammond’s Senior Dog Appreciation Society is now available on Bandcamp.
https://rosshammond.bandcamp.com
*** Ross Hammond CD’s and vinyl records on Amazon ***
- Soft Machine – ‘Thirteen’ (2026) - March 4, 2026
- Devin Gray – ‘Hz Of Gold‘ (2026) - March 2, 2026
- Triple Blind – ‘Cold Walk’ (2026) - February 27, 2026
