On 22 December 2020 a live album was released by Piet Botha & Jack Hammer titled “13 Towns Vol 2“. This album had been recorded live on the road between 2017 and 2019 and followed the July 2020 release of Vol 1.
There are 10 tracks on this album, ending with a cover of Bob Dylan’s “All Along The Watchtower” inspired by the Jimi Hendrix version and including a drum solo by Paul van der Waal, given the nickname “Duke” because he always dressed so smart.
However, there is an unlisted bonus track which caught me by surprise the first time. After a brief silence, Piet leaves the stage with the words; “I’ll catch you boys later”, then the rest of the guys led by Jacques (Jake Gunn) Groenewald jam on Robert Johnson’s “Crossroads” obviously inspired by Cream’s 1968 version.
Blistering guitar solo from Johnathan Martin. And there’s a short drum and bass duet from the powerhouse engine room of Paul and Tertius du Plessis (aka Bean), before it all winds down. “Se bietjie ou blues” shouts Jacques. Indeed!
Piet Botha passed away on the 2nd June 2019, and the guys have continued the legacy and hard-gigging schedule. Now calling themselves The Jack Hammer Band they are releasing a brand new CD “Second Chapter” on 11th November 2022.
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