Entering his fifth decade as a performer, Hammond’s emotionally charged guitar work and powerful voice have earned a slew of accolades and awards, including a Grammy and multiple W.C. Handy nods.

He’s played with traditional blues icons such as Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, John Lee Hooker, and Howlin’ Wolf, and shares their passion for the music.

But Hammond doesn’t perform with a band very often so the tour, which starts March 13 in California, offers fans a rare opportunity.

The band has been dubbed John Hammond’s Wicked Grin (his upcoming album bears the same name) and features Larry Taylor (Canned Heat, Tom Waits) on upright bass; Augie Meyers (Sir Douglas Quintet, Texas Tornadoes) on keyboards, Stephen Hodges (Fabulous Thunderbirds, Smashing Pumpkins) on percussion and drums; and blues master Charlie Musselwhite (everyone) on harmonica.

With the exception of Carillo, all the musicians played on Wicked Grin, which was produced by Tom Waits and features 12 tracks penned by the gravelly voiced singer. The album is due out March 13 on Pointblank/Virgin Records.