Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

San Francisco and Hardly, Strictly Bluegrass were delightful as they always are. I flew in the day before the show and out after our set on Sunday. That’s just part of the gig and it’s more than OK. Back at the Fur Peace Ranch there is always something to be done. We have a camp this weekend with Chris Smither and Doug MacLeod so there was the usual honey/do list waiting. Speaking of waiting… Bedford Township finally OK’d paving for St. Clair Rd. Our heartfelt thanks to the trustees… and the workers who did the job.

Foto by Vanessa Kaukonen

It is true that all our vehicles are four wheel drive, but it looks like we won’t need that for a while.

Now… some interesting Jefferson Airplane news. Jampol Artist Management has taken over the reins of protecting and expanding the legacy of the Airplane. For years the management we had did little or nothing creative. In the short time we have been with Jampol much has already happened. Our music has appeared in more movies in the last year or so than in more than a decade and now this!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yARn15Ks1DE

Yes folks, it’s a Cover Girl ad featuring one of Marty’s great songs, I Like it. This is a pre-Grace gem and there’s an interesting sidebar. Back in those early days, the guitar heroes were guys like Mike Bloomfield and Buddy Guy and other blues greats. I remember playing the Avalon Ballroom with the Airplane after Takes Off came out. We did ‘I Like It’ and I actually got a round of applause after my little solo. That had never happened before and I still remember that moment fondly.

Having our song featured in a Cover Girl ad with Ayesha Curry, Issa Rae, Katy Perry, and others has given me creds with our eleven year old daughter that money can’t buy. It’s the little things for sure!

Indeed…

Caught Myron from my drone as we were getting ready to pack up for S.F.

Drone shot by Jorma Kaukonen

Foto by Vanessa Kaukonen

We docked the truck at the John Glenn International Airport Garage and headed in.

Blurry foto by Myron Hart

Sunrise came as sunrise does from the East, but in the West on Saturday morning, the moon was still up.

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

Foto by Phil Jacobs

I arrived in San Francisco about one in the morning with Myron. Jack, Justin and Phil were already there. Saturday was occupied with trying to catch up on my sleep and store some energy so we could pounce on the folks by the Banjo Stage. The Banjo Stage was where the old Speedway Meadows free shows happened back in the 60’s. It occurred to me that Jack and I had participated in Golden Gate Park gigs longer than anyone else there this weekend.

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen.

The folks at Hardly, Strictly, Bluegrass really know how to throw a party. For such an all encompassing event, there were few glitches!

I was dumping my stuff off when I noticed that my old pal, Dave Alvin and his gang had the dressing tent next to ours.

I forgot who took this picture… it wasn’t me, I know that.

I’m definitely going to see if I can get Dave and his pals out to the Fur Peace Ranch for a show. I loved their show… real rock and roll!

The Tuna Boys took the stage about 1215.

Foto by Phil Jacobs

Hot Tuna 46, 2017
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
The Banjo Stage
Golden Gate Park
Sunday, October 8, 2017

1. Living Just For You
2. Trial By Fire
3. Can’t Get Satisfied
4. Ode To Billy Dean
5. Talkin’ Bout You
6. Bowlegged Woman
7. Watch The North Wind Rise
8. Funky #7

Foto by Phil Jacobs

We had a great set and after we were done I had the chance to hear the Flatlanders as well as Dave Alvin.

Selfie by Jorma

It was a grand weekend. I started flying home about ten last night and get in this afternoon at two… Good times. Now this weekend we have a camp at the Ranch…

Good times always…

Fall is upon us and as my world here in Southeast Ohio begins to think thoughts of seasonal sleep I cannot help but indulge in thoughts of death and rebirth. Tragedy comes to all our lives at some point, but still if we’re lucky life goes on. A couple of weeks ago we had our Pick And Putt (motorcycles, not golf) weekend and here are some fotos.

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

It’s been a while since I rode this route, but it never gets old.

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

A shade tree by a river bank… It reminds me of being a kid and hiking the towpath by the Potomac River with my Mom when I was a kid!

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

The lock keeper was a big man. You have to be to move these gears. His name was actually Jeremiah Johnson. You can’t make this stuff up.

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

This is sort of an out of time experience you can share in season down here where we live. America is a beautiful country and there are a lot of beautiful places… but this is as good as any!

Last weekend was the Pomeroy Sternwheel Riverfest and I got on my bike and rode down to see what the shouting was all about.

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

There was no town budget for this event this year so the Fraternal Order or Eagles sponsored it and yes… they had a Hula Hoop contest. Later that night we had the amazing A.J.Croce play a concert at the Fur Peace Station and it was more than amazing.

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

It was another sold out show and no one left disappointed!

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

A.J. is one of the finest pianists I have ever heard, and I’ve heard lots, but it’s more than than. His spirit and sensibilities are pure and powerful!

One of the things I truly enjoy about being home after family, is walking with our dog, Maverick and being wrapped in the seasonal change first thing in the morning.

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

It’s been warm so these last few mornings have been gentle rather than crisp. That will come!

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

I know this land well, but there is always something new to see in each glance.

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

When we first moved here 26 years ago, this barn was more than dilapidated but it was still standing. Now it approaches the ages.

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

You just can’t beat morning country air!

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

Indeed, life is more than existence… and life prevails. More shall be revealed!

In the last week we had two fine shows. Last Saturday night was Denny Laine with Joe Orlando on bass, Belle Liao on keys, Jeff Otis Brown on guitar an Owen Goldman on drums. Thanks so much Denny for great classes and a fine show. This weekend we had Matt Schofield and his trio with another awesome show. The weather for our Pick And Putt ride was awesome and all the positive energy here at the Fur Peace Ranch helped lift our spirits a little from the news the Stephanie, my son Zach’s mom, passed a two PM on Friday.

She had fought a hard battle against the cancer, but in the end, the day was not hers to win. She was a fearless advocate for Zach all his life and the qualities of manhood he shows today are certainly at least in a great part, the result of her stewardship. Her pain is over and that at least has to be a blessing. I will be leaving for the funeral in South Carolina tomorrow.

Prayers and thoughts are always appreciated.

September 11 crept up on me this year. In some ways 9/11/01 seems like a lifetime ago and in others it was only yesterday. At eleven years old those moments a decade and a half ago are more unimaginable to my daughter than WWII is to me. She has inherited this world along with the rest of us, but she was not yet born when it was.

This morning was the closing of another session at the Fur Peace Ranch and even though I wasn’t teaching this weekend I played a little coffee break concert at the Beatrice Love Kitchen. They had just started reading the names of the fallen as I picked up my guitar and headed on over to the porch. In memory of those who perished that day and those who continue to perish as a result of that day, I played Washington Phillip’s ‘What Are They Doing In Heaven Today?’ I could think of nothing more fitting.

I will remember 9/11 as long as I have breath… where I was, what I was doing, who I was talking to, what I was thinking about… I do not know if that is a good or a bad thing, but that is how it is.

I remember it all… and I mourn in my own way.

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

Last Saturday night the clouds conspired to welcome Julian Coryell and the New Eleventh House Band.

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

Larry Coryell was one of my very old friends going back to 1965 when we met on an early Airplane tour in New York City. I’m not a jazz cat and he was way heavier than I at at the time, but he took me under his wing an showed me some stuff I have taken with me to this day. When Larry passed away earlier this year after a gig at the Iridium in NYC, I could hardly believe it. I had planned on him coming to the Ranch and teaching, hanging out and doing a concert with some of his old pals from the Eleventh House Band, but it was not to be. His son Julian Coryell picked up the slack and showed up with the guys… some old, some new!

He had John Lee on bass… original 11th House member. Randy Brecker on trumpet… original 11th House member. Gerry Brown on drums, just off tour with Diana Ross… Stevie Wonder’s drummer for fifteen years and Jeff Babko on keys from Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

These guys just killed it and I believe Larry was up there smiling down on us this night!

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

This was indeed a night to remember.

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

Thanks Julian and the rest of the guys for a night I’ll always remember.

I miss Larry…

Sunday night I became a member of Bob Margolin’s band and we played two sets of rockin’ old school blues!

Bob Margolin guitar and vocals. Jorma Kaukonen guitar and vocals. Bubba Norwood drums and Tad Walters, guitar, harp, vocals and bass.

Thanks guys for letting me fly with you for an evening!

Today Myron and I showed up at Lockn’ to rehearse with Roger NacNamee and Moonalice for a gig tomorrow. On board will be Roger NacNamee, John Molo, Barry Sless, Pete Sears and I.

Tomorrow we play… three to four…

Good times!

More will be revealed.

As amazing as the tour with Derek and Susan was, there’s no place like home. We had a camp and a concert the weekend I got back so we all hit the ground running. Gretchen Peters was there to teach a songwriting class and play a concert with her husband Barry Walsh. Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams were also teaching and played a magnificent show… I got to sit in with both families and what a treat it was!

Drone shot by Jorma Kaukonen

My pal Norm broth his Phantom 4 Pro and we flew together!

The weather was spectacular, the music wonderful and the food… as always… delicious!

It was great to put on another hat this weekend. I enjoy teaching so much and it’s always great with a good class!

Before it was all over Larry and Matt and I had to pose with our Jorma M30 Sunburst beauties. Matt now owns Frank’s guitar with was the one that started all the sunburst models. Thanks Frank. You’re going to miss that guitar though!

Well… it’s not much of an entry but here I am.

Great to be home!

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

After the last show with Susan and Derek we beat feet to Minneapolis for a two shows at the Dakota Jazz Club. We did a half a day to walk around and decompress.

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

We love coming to Minneapolis whether it be the Cedar Cultural Center or in this case, the Dakota Jazz Club. We had two shows, one at seven and one at nine… more or less.

Foto by Phil Jacobs

Hot Tuna 43, 2017
The Acoustic Duo
Jorma Kaukonen And Jack Casady
Dakota Jazz Club
7 PM Show
Saturday August 5, 2017
Minneapolis, Minnesota

1. Second Chances
2. How Long Blues
3. Hesitation Blues
4. Barbeque King
5. Keep Your Lamps Trimmed & Burning
6. The Terrible Operation
7. Let Us Together Right Down Here
8. Heart Temporary
9. Keep On Trucking Mama
10. 99 Year Blues
11. Death Don’t have No Mercy
12. I Know You Rider
13. Encore: Wining Boy Blues

Foto by Phil jacobs

Hot Tuna 44, 2017
The Acoustic Duo
Jorma Kaukonen And Jack Casady
Dakota Jazz Club
9 PM Show
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Saturday, August 5th, 2017

1. I See The Light
2. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down & Out
3. Brother Can You Spare A Dime?
4. Candy Man
5. Come Back Baby
6. True Religion
7. Trial By Fire
8. Sleep Song
9. Good Shepherd
10. Things That Might Have Been
11. That’ll Never Happen No More
12. Bar Room Crystal Ball
13. Water Song
14. 9 Pound Hammer
15. Encore: Embryonic Journey

Then it was on to St. Charles, Illinois for a gig at the Arcada Theater. The power steering blew out on the bus leaving Minneapolis so we limped into St. Charles and got some superb help!

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

The Arcada was a great little theater!

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

Hot Tuna 45, 2017
The Acoustic Duo
Jorma Kaukonen And Jack Casady
The Arcata Theater
St. Charles, Illinois
Sunday, August 6, 2017

1. True Religion
2. Hesitation Blues
3. Roads and Roads &
4. Heart Temporary
5. Let Us Get Together Right Down Here
6. Barbeque King
7. Trial By Fire
8. Sleep Song
9. Death Don’t Have No Mercy
10. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down & Out
11. Keep Your Lamps Trimmed And Burning
12. Come Back Baby
13. Watch The North Wind Rise
14. Good Shepherd
15. Bar Room Crystal Ball
16. Water Song
17. Encore: Genesis

Foto by Phil Jacobs

Then our merry men scattered to their homes and Myron and I came back to Southeast Ohio where I resume my role as a husband and father.

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

No matter how simple… there’s no place like home!

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

Johnny and I played at our Pho Eatery today. It’s our last weekday offering. We’re going to be doing special event Pho dinners and entertainment. More on that later.

In the meantime, nowhere like your own bed.

Foto by Phil Jacobs

This has been an intense tour and these last three gigs were no exception. I had never done Red Rocks before and I sure thank Derek and Susan for taking us along!

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

Hot Tuna 39, 2017
The Electric Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
And Justin Guip
With Tedeschi/Trucks
& The Wood Brothers
Red Rocks
Morrison, Colorado

1. Trial By Fire
2. Wolves And Lambs
3. Roads and Roads &
4. Ode To Billy Dean
5. Talkin’ Bout You
6. Sea Child
7. Funky # 7

Next day we definitely had to take some prep time out to take some pictures!

Hot Tuna 40, 2017
The Electric Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
And Justin Guip
With Tedeschi/Trucks
& The Wood Brothers
Red Rocks
Morrison, Colorado
Sunday, July 30, 2017

1. Second Chances
2. Living Just For You
3. Can’t Get Satisfied
4. Rock Me Baby
5. 99 Year Blues
6. Bowlegged Woman
7. Hit Single #1
8. Water Song

Foto by Suzy Perler

Foto by Myron Hart

Then off to Salt Lake City.

Drone shot by Jorma Kaukonen

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

The chow at the Red Iguana was worth the forty five minute wait and more!

Drone shot by Jorma Kaukonen

Drone shot by Jorma Kaukonen

Hot Tuna 41, 2017
The Electric Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
And Justin Guip
With Tedeschi/Trucks
& The Wood Brothers
Red Butte Garden
Salt Lake City, Utah
Tuesday, August 1, 2017

1. Wolves And Lambs
2. Living Just For You
3. Rock Me Baby ( with Susan Tedeschi)
4. Talkin’ Bout You
5. Watch The North Wind Rise
6. 99 Year Blues
7. Funky # 7

Susan joined us for Rock Me Baby and tore it up, of course!

Then it was off to Bonner, Montana.

Drone shot by Jorma Kaukonen

Drone shot by Jorma Kaukonen

Hot Tuna 42, 2017
The Electric Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
And Justin Guip
With Tedeschi/Trucks
& The Wood Brothers
Kettlehouse Amphitheater
Bonner, Montana
Wednesday, August 2, 2017

1. Trial By Fire
2. Sea Child
3. Can’t Get Satisfied
4. Come Back Baby (with Derek)
5. Roads and Roads &
6. In The Kingdom
7. Bowlegged Woman

Playing with Derek and Susan and their pals is off the charts! Loved the Wood Brothers too!!!

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

Foto by Phil Jacobs

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

Foto by Phil Jacobs

It is always a bittersweet moment when a tour end. This one was especially so… we all became family.

A heartfelt thanks to all who worked on this project! You made it possible for us to fly every night.

Now Jack and I head to Minneapolis for two shows at the Dakota Jazz Club, and then off to St. Charles, Illinois and the Arcata Theater.

Home is looking good. I’ll be at the Fur Peace Ranch soon!

Drone shot by Jorma Kaukonen

We got in from Indiana in time for me to get a drone flight in by the hotel… overlooking the river.

Drone shot by Jorma Kaukonen

Then yesterday a ten mile bus ride to Riverbend on the Ohio side.

Drone shot by Jorma Kaukonen

We got together with Derek and Susan and the gang to rehearse Marty Balin’s great song 3/5’s Of A Mile In Ten Seconds.

Foto by Phil Jacobs

Hot Tuna 34, 2017
The Electric Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
And Justin Guip
With Tedeschi/Trucks
& The Wood Brothers
PNC Pavilion At
Riverbend Music Center

1. Trial By Fire
2. Sleep Song
3. Talkin’ Bout You
4. Ode To Billy Dean
5. Roads and Roads &
6. 99 Year Blues
7. Come Back Baby

Then I go to sit in with Chris an Oliver Wood for Rev. Davis’ tune, Death Don’t Have No Mercy and subsequently Jack and I joined Derek and Susan for the aforementioned Jefferson Airplane song from Surrealistic Pillow.

Foto by Jorma Kaukonen

I have been thrilled with the way Justin and Jack and I have been playing… and there’s more to come!