Jorma Kaukonen's Online Diary

Yesterday Myron and I unloaded and stored the last of the Tuna gear from the tour. It will remain stashed until our gig at the Station in April. Getting back into the home rhythm is a challenge as always, but I love it. Well, gotta visit the dogs for a while.

Yesterday Vanessa and I met my son Zack's mom at his school and the three of us surprised him for his VIP day. Afterwards we all took him out for lunch and then went to look at another school that we are thinking of having him attend. He's a great little guy and I'm looking forward to his next trip to the Farm as he seems to be.

Later in the afternoon we went to the Mall in D.C. and paid our respects at the WW II Memorial, The Korean War Memorial and the Vietnam War Memorial. It was certainly a time for reflection. After we left the Mall we went over to the Holocaust Museum. It was my first time there... I saw the faces of my relatives in the photos from the shtetl. I'm just going to leave it at that for now. What a day.

Now we're off for home.

Winter is back sit us here in the country. it's probably only going to be around for a couple of days, but in the meantime, I'm sure glad there is plenty of wood in the wood box. I was up a 0500 this morning and headed into the gym. It was snowing a little, but the road was completely non threatening. After I got done I ran some errands in town and then back to the farm. It looks like there is more snow in the air but this makes for a great day to get some things done around the house... which is what I shall do.

It's great to be home just doing home stuff. Writing, loading wood, going to the gym, studying, playing the guitar...nothing special, but all exceptional. To be home with family for a while... Ahhh... what a life!

Happy Valentine's Day all! This week begins with lots of rain but the temperature is in the low fifties. Yes, I heard spring birds yesterday and even thought they are hiding today, I know they are there. Life back at home is filled with chores and projects as it should be. There are some waiting for me right now in the garage so I must get on it. More anon.

Hey folks, here's some important stuff. First of all, check this out:

http://www.musiciansoncall.org

Here's a little clip from their 'Who we are page.'

Musicians On Call was originally founded by Michael Solomon and Vivek Tiwary in the course of their volunteer work with The Kristen Ann Carr Fund at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

After a concert sponsored by the Kristen Ann Carr Fund, a hospital staff member raised the issue that some of the patients had been unable to attend the performance either because they were in treatment or too sick to leave their rooms. In response, Michael, Vivek and the musician went from room to room to play for those patients who had been unable to attend the concert. The one-on-one interaction of patient and musician created a crucial intimacy; the expressions on the faces of friends and family members at the patients' bedsides revealed a deep sense of connection and release. Musicians On Call was born!

I am about to donate my Gibson J-60 to them for their next auction. The purchaser of the instrument will get all the necessary provenance as well as a photo of yours truly playing that self same guitar. This is really a great cause and there are many things we can all do to help such as donating slightly used CD's for their hospital library, performing live for the patients or just being helpful friends. Later today or tomorrow the guitar will be posted on their site. They speak about 'Delivering the healing power of music,' what a great way to end your week!

I spent the weekend working around the house. It doesn't sound like much, but after two trips to the dump, I felt much better. Cathartic to say the least. I found out on my way to the gym this morning that Hunter Thompson killed himself last night. I knew Hunter slightly in the sixties. He gave me a ride from the Matrix back to my apartment on his BSA. Scared the crap out of me... I was sorry to hear of his passing. Part of me wants to comment that suicide is a long term solution to a short term problem, but that would be gratuitous since I have no idea what his issues were. Whatever they were, they no longer matter to him. I hope he rests well.

I'm heading back to town.

This week has been busy... busy with stuff we all do when home. dump runs, dog time, family stuff... the things of life. At this moment I am just tickled pink to be here. I picked up my guitar a few moments ago for a while and as always, it was a conversation with an old friend. I'm going to head out to the Ranch in a bit to pick up my gig guitar, the J-190 and get ready to head for San Francisco tomorrow night.

I'll report in from the coast.

Yesterday was one of those magical days here in northern California. We went out to the Marin Headlands and hiked around... It was breathtaking and when I get home and get together with my web pal, I'm going to put some new pictures on the site.

The recital at Eric Schoenberg's last night was simultaneously fulfilling and humbling. Fulfilling because playing solo in front of people who I recognize is the way this thing all started and humbling because solo is, well... solo. Anyway, it was a blast... It was great seeing old friends, hanging out in a guitar shop and talking guitars, people and music... and playing. Well, not to mention the great Mexican dinner next door. Anyway, here is my set list: First Set:
1. Trouble In Mind
2. Candy Man
3. I Know You Rider
4. What Are They Doing In Heaven Today?
5. Re-Enlistment Blues
6. Blue Railroad Train
7. Heart Temporary
8. Uncle Sam Blues
9. Hesitation Blues

Second Set:
1. Big River Blues
2. Death Don?t Have No Mercy
3. Do Not Go Gentle
4. I?ll Be All Right Some Day
5. Embryonic Journey
6. Trial By Fire
7. That?ll Never Happen No More
8. A Life Well Lived
9. Keep Your Lamps Trimmed And Burning
10. I Am The Light Of This World
11. San Francisco Bay Blues

Tonight Jack and I are at Sweetwater in Mill Valley so I think we'll begin the day by heading into Mill Valley and getting some breakfast at Mama's. Ah... the little things in life!

Jack and I played Sweetwater in Mill Valley last night. Before the show we had dinner with Bob and Natasha Weir as well as Jeannie Patterson our dear friend who used to own Sweetwater. When we got back the club and hit the stage, we looked out into the audience and there was Merle Saunders, right in front of Jack. Talk about a special moment, it really doesn't get any better than that! It's been quite a while since we did the duo thing so it was all quite fresh to say the least. Here is our set list: First Show:
1. That?ll Never Happen No More
2. Uncle Sam Blues
3. How Long Blues
4. Big River Blues
5. I?ll Be All Right Some Day
6. Genesis
7. Trial By Fire
8. Mann?s Fate
9. What Are They Doing In Heaven Today?
10. Let Us Get Together Right Down Here
11. Waiting For A Train
12. Nobody Knows Yu When You?re Down And Out
13. 99 Year Blues
14. 3rd Week In The Chelsea
15. Hesitation Blues
16. Encore: 9 Pound Hammer

Second Show:
1. Blue Railroad Train
2. Death Don?t Have No Mercy
3. Serpent Of Dreams
4. Heart Temporary
5. Search My Heart
6. Living In The Moment
7. Good Shepherd
8. A Life Well Lived
9. Re-Enlistment Blues
10. I See The Light
11. Tom Cat Blues
12. I Am The Light Of This World
13. San Francisco Bay Blues
14. Encore: Candy Man

Both shows were sold out last night and we say more old friends than you can imagine. I must admit, by the end of the evening, I was really ready for bed, and I could have slept a little longer this morning, but we have to head on over to San Francisco and get ready for G.E.'s extravaganza tonight, about which more shall be revealed.
Anyway, it was just a great evening! Onward...