Eight Gigs: Ross Hammond

Local jazz guitarist Ross Hammond has been channeling his Appalachian roots on his last couple of records. His newest, Follow Your Heart, out on February 17, is no exception. This time around, the music brings to mind long, dusty drives in rural America. It’s contemplative—mournful, even. The record is a response to his daughter asking him if they would continue to be best friends after they died, so maybe that’s why the album sinks right into your gut. It’s not exactly sad, but it’ll pull you out of your world for a while. 1200 K Street, www.rosshammond.com.