Jorma Kaukonen's Online Diary

Here I am sitting backstage at the Fur Peace Station. John Hammond is just starting his second set. John and I were at Antioch College in 1959 and 1960 together... learning to play the guitar... learning about life. John is such a fine artist, he just keeps getting better and better. He was always great but I find his purity shining through more than ever.

The music has taken my and my friends many places. Who, indeed, would have thought it. For many years, any place I was with my guitar in my hand would have been home, Of course, now I have a home and a wonderful family to come home to. That said when I'm on the road I know the County and the girls are waiting for me while the guitar and the music transports me to places I could never have imagined. My cup runneth over indeed.

I'm going to catch John's second set.

There are a number of joys in my life. One is the time I spend with my family watching them grow. That's the future. One of the others is cherishing long time friendships as well as making new ones. Last weekend at the Fur Peace Ranch, Roy Book Binder, Woody Mann, Kenny Sultan and my self held forth as teachers. Our concert Saturday night was with my old pal, John Hammond. John and I have been buddies since 1959 or so at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. That's just about fifty years. We've both spent our lives playing music and that's not bad. It was so great to see him and Marla. His show was fabulous too! Sunday night Kenny, Roy, Woody and I had a hoot in the workshop at the Ranch. No amplification, just us and our guitars... the way it all started out. Good friends paying, good friends listening... stories shared... time together. It's been a long trip, but now that I think about it, it's not strange... it's the way it should be... and it's good.

I'm leaving for Alaska today. I'll miss my girls but I'll be back soon. I love this life!

Last night we played the Mariner Theater in the local high school. Definitely a beautiful venue and our first show not only of this tour, but with Loudon Wainwright. Loudon and I toured Japan together back in the 80's and this was our first time co-billing since then. Loudon is one of my favorites and I watched his whole show last night. Truly great stuff. He's one of the good ones for sure!

We did a dandy ninety minute set. The sound was outstanding and well, I just had a great time in spite of some lingering jet lag. I didn't get the updated set list from Myron after the show last night so I'll just have to take care of that later today when we get to Anchorage. I'm enjoying a last look at the arm from my room here on the Spit and then it's out to the van and off to Anchorage. More later...

After a beautiful drive from Homer today, we pulled into anchorage about two and change in the afternoon... just about in time to start getting ready for the Discovery Theater here. Were flying out early, so I just wanted to post tonight's set list. A grand show!

Hot Tuna 6, 2009
The Acoustic Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
&
Barry Mitterhoff
The Discovery Theater
Anchorage, Alaska
Saturday, May 9, 2009

1. What Are They Doing In Heaven Today?
2. Serpent Of Dreams
3. How Long Blues
4. I’ll Let You Know Before I Leave
5. Parchman Farm
6. Keep Your Lamps Trimmed & Burning
7. Sea Child
8. Izze’s Lullaby
9. Search My Heart
10. Operator
11. I Know You Rider
12. Late Breaking News
13. 99 Year Blues
14. I Am The Light Of This World
15. Just Because
16. Encore: Full Go Round

... and then...

OK... here's the set list from last night:

Hot Tuna 5, 2009
The Acoustic Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
And
Barry Mitterhoff
The Mariner Theater
Homer, Alaska
Friday, May 8, 2009


1. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down & Out
2. Death Don’t Have No Mercy
3. I’ll Let You Know Before I Leave
4. More Than My Old Guitar
5. That’ll Never Happen No More
6. Come Back Baby
7. Living In The Moment
8. Hesitation Blues
9. I See The Light
10. I Know You Rider
11. Crack’s In the Finish
12. There’s A Bright Side Somewhere
13. Good Shepherd
14. I Am the Light Of This World
15. Full Go Round
16. 9 Pound Hammer
17. Encore: Embryonic Journey

Onward

After a busy 'day off' here in Seattle, we were certainly ready to play again. Tonight was our first time at the Moore Theatre and what a great sounding venue it was. Loudon put on a stellar show and we were fired up by the time we hit the stage. Here is our set list:

Hot Tuna 7, 2009
The Acoustic Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
& Barry Mitterhoff
The Moore Theater
Seattle, Washington
Tuesday, May 12, 2009

1. Blue Railroad Train
2. Been So Long
3. More Than My Old Guitar
4. I’ll Let You Know Before I Leave
5. Cracks In The Finish
6. Hesitation Blues
7. Nashville Blues
8. Come Back Baby
9. Bread Line Blues
10. Sea Child
11. Good Shepherd
12. Late Breaking News
13. Uncle Sam Blues
14. Let Us Get Together
15. Encore: Embryonic Journey

We're off to Portland and the Aladdin Theater tomorrow, so I must admit that bed is looking mighty good. More from on down the road.

We just finished our show at the Aladdin Theater here in Portland and we are getting ready to make the drive to San Francisco where we are playing the Fillmore tomorrow. We sure are grateful to all the folks who come out to shows in these trying economic times. We couldn't do it without you... I hope you know that. Thanks!

Here is our set list from tonight:

Hot Tuna 8, 2009
The Acoustic Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
& Barry Mitterhoff
The Aladdin Theater
Portland, Oregon
Wednesday, May 13, 2009

1. Search My Heart
2. I See The Light
3. Heart Temporary
4. Hesitation Blues
5. More Than My Old Guitar
6. I’ll Let You Know Before I Leave
7. Sea Child
8. Nashville Blues
9. Operator
10. Come Back Baby
11. River Of Time
12. The Terrible Operation
13. 99 Year Blues
14. I Am The Light Of This World
15. I Know You Rider
16. Encore: Full Go Round

We're folding up the bus and heading south... more tomorrow!

After the show in Portland night before last, we started driving down to the Bay Area for our Fillmore show. Eleven and a half hours later, we pulled into our hotel, cleaned up for a bit and drove across the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge to San Francisco and the Fillmore. The Dead were playing down at Shoreline so we were afraid the attendance might be bleak, but our S.F. friends came through for us and Loudon.

I have really been enjoying sharing the bill with brother Loudon. He just is the best... every night. I hope we get to do this again. Anyway, here is our set list:

Hot Tuna 9, 2009
The Acoustic Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
& Barry Mitterhoff
The Fillmore
San Francisco, California
Thursday, May 14, 2009

1. Blue Railroad Train
2. San Francisco Bay Blues
3. Death Don’t Have No Mercy
4. I See The Light
5. I’ll Let You Know Before I Leave
6. More Than My Old Guitar
7. Bread Line Blues
8. Come Back Baby
9. Sea Child
10. Good Shepherd
11. I Know You Rider
12. Nashville Blues
13. Hesitation Blues
14. Mann’s Fate
15. Encore: Genesis
16. Encore II: Uncle Sam Blues

It was 0200 by the time we got back to our hotel. I can't believe I got up as early as I did. It might have had something to do with laundry... I don't know. Anyway, I think it's time for a Mill Valley breakfast at Mama's.

What a life!

Today's run was short, scenic and sweet... less than four hours from San Francisco. We checked into the Nugget here in Sparks, had some decent chow, set up and Played our show. Here is our set list:

Hot Tuna 10, 2009
The Acoustic Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
& Barry Mitterhoff
The Nugget
Sparks, Nevada
Saturday, May 16, 2009

1. Parchman Farm
2. Keep Your Lamps Trimmed And Burning
3. Hesitation Blues
4. I’ll Let You Know Before I Leave
5. More Than My Old Guitar
6. Nashville Blues
7. Good Shepherd
8. Come Back Baby
9. 99 Year Blues
10. The Terrible Operation
11. That’ll Never Happen No More
12. Encore: Nine Pound Hammer

Tomorrow is at least an eleven hour drive to Salt Lake City so it's going to be an early departure. My work here is done. I'm going to sleep.

We got in night before last from Nevada... a long drive, but I really love that I-80 trek across the desert. It recalled my motorcycle trip of 2003. We passed the salt flats at Bonneville where Jerry and I drove our motorcycles on the salt. Coming into Salt Lake City from the west as we roll by the Lake there is that strange ruined building by the lake with the cupolas. A long but great ride.

Yesterday was actually a day off... a rare occurrence when one is on the road. I feel rested today... what a concept!

Today is our show at the Depot. We had fun the last time we were here and I expect the same today. I was thinking about the first time I came to this town in the 60's. It was with the Airplane and we played the Salt Palace. That was forty years ago and here we are again. Indeed... who would have thought. Speaking of thinking... I think it's time for breakfast.

Wait, I almost forgot. The World Cafe is re-running my segment on Monday, June 8th. Check their website for more details. Could this be exciting?

Maybe... check it out.

I completely forgot during the long drive yesterday that I hadn't uploaded the set list from Tuesday night. The ride from Salt Lake City to Aspen was long, but beautiful. The high chaparral is quite beautiful. Anyway, here is the set from Tuesday night:

Hot Tuna 11, 2009
The Acoustic Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
& Barry Mitterhoff
The Depot
Salt Lake City, Utah
Tuesday, May 19, 2009

1. What Are They Doing In Heaven Today?
2. Hesitation Blues
3. I See The Light
4. Been So Long
5. The Terrible Operation
6. I’ll Let You Know Before I Leave
7. How Long Blues
8. Cracks In the Finish
9. San Francisco Bay Blues
10. Preaching On The Old Camp Ground
11. Sea Child
12. Good Shepherd
13. Come Back Baby
14. 99 Year Blues
15. There’s A Bright Side Somewhere
16. River Of Time
17. I Know You Rider
18. Encore: Embryonic Journey

This morning I walked into town for breakfast and the beautiful weather held. We're getting ready to head over to the Belly Up so I'm going to close for now.

Here we are in Aspen at the Belly Up in the off season, and without a doubt bless all those local folks who came out to see us... even in these tough economic times. It's nights like this that remind us why we do this. Good stuff! Here is our set list:

Hot Tuna 12, 2009
The Acoustic Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
& Barry Mitterhoff
The Belly Up
Aspen, Colorado
Thursday, May 21, 2009

1. Trouble In Mind
2. I’ll Let You Know Before I Leave
3. More Than My Old Guitar
4. Hesitation Blues
5. Izze’s Lullaby
6. There’s A Bright Side Somewhere
7. Late Breaking News
8. Bread Line Blues
9. Parchman Farm
10. Keep Your Lamps Trimmed And Burning
11. Trial By Fire
12. Good Shepherd
13. The Terrible Operation
14. Operator
15. 9 Pound Hammer
16. Just Because
17. Encore: Genesis

We are off do Denver for the gig at the Paramount and then down to Taos. Gotta see if I can find some breakfast and then we're outta here.

Last night was our last show on this tour with Loudon Wanwright III and we played the Paramount Theater in Denver. The hall sounded fantastic as always at the Paramount. There were lots of old friends and family there and a grand time was had by all. Here is our set list:

Hot Tuna 13, 2009
The Acoustic Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
& Barry Mitterhoff
The Paramount Theater
Denver, Colorado
Friday, May 22, 2009

1. Blue Railroad Train
2. How Long Blues
3. I’ll Let You Know Before I Leave
4. Izze’s Lullaby
5. There’s A Bright Side Somewhere
6. The Terrible Operation
7. I See The Light
8. Come Back Baby
9. Bread Line Blues
10. Sea Child
11. Good Shepherd
12. Nashville Blues
13. Hesitation Blues
14. I Am The Light Of This World
15. San Francisco Bay Blues
16. Encore: Full Go Round

Today is going to be one of those days. We're leaving Denver in a little bit to drive to Taos, New Mexico. We play a show there today and then leave after the show to drive back up to Boulder where Barry and I will do Etown. Monday morning I leave for home. It will be a busy couple of days for sure. This has been a great Tuna run with Jack. We'll miss him, but we'll all be back together before you know it.

Off to Taos...

Yesterday was a long day indeed. We drove from Denver to Taos... played the show and drove back north... this time to Boulder. That's some serious driving! It rained in Taos for the first time in many weeks and so they moved the show indoors. They had a number of electrical power lines in the mud on the way to the stage and I slipped on the wires and injured my right shoulder. I was able to play the show and the music sustained me for the time we played, but I don't feel well today. The good news is that I will be home tomorrow. Obviously one of my first stops will be to the hospital for an x-ray. Getting old ain't for sissies.

Anyway, here is our set list from last night:

Hot Tuna 14, 2009
The Acoustic Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
& Barry Mitterhoff
KTAO Solar Center
Taos, New Mexico
Saturday, May 23, 2009

First Set:
1. Search My Heart
2. Serpent Of Dreams
3. Been So Long
4. Hesitation Blues
5. More Than My Old Guitar
6. I’ll Let You Know Before I Leave
7. Let Us Get Together
8. Death Don’t Have No Mercy
9. Bread Line Blues
10. I Know You Rider
Second Set:
1. San Francisco Bay Blues
2. River Of Time
3. Nashville Blues
4. Babe I Want You To Know
5. Sea Child
6. Good Shepherd
7. Come Back Baby
8. Operator
9. There’s A Bright Side Somewhere
10. Just Because
11. Encore: Embryonic Journey

Today is Etown. That's a fun show and the folks always take such great care of us. I'm going to try to get some rest in a comfortable position. More anon...

Tonight's Etown with Nick and Helen Forster was absolutely tops! I scarcely thought about my injured shoulder at all... it was that good. Everything about their trip is so together and meaningful. I love it! Here is the part of the show Barry and I were involved in:

Jorma Kaukonen & Barry Mitterhoff 8, 2009
Etown with
Nick and Helen Forster
&
Guggenheim Grotto
The Boulder Theater
Boulder, Colorado
Sunday, May 24, 2009

1. Nashville Blues, Jorma and Nick Guitar, Barry Mandolin and Helen and Jorma Vocals
2. More Than My Old Guitar, Jorma and Nick Guitar, Barry Tenor Guitar and Jorma and Helen Vocals
3. Segue Song… A Walk With Friends , Jorma guitar, Barry Mandolin
4. Full Go Round, Jorma and Nick Guitar, Bary mandolin
5. Trouble In Mind , jorma guitar and vocals, Nick slide guitar, Barry Mandolin and the rest of the Etown band
6. River Of Time, Jorma guitar and vocals, Barry mandolin and Nick mandola
7. Operator, Jorma Guitar and Vocals, Barry Mandolin and Nick, dobro
8. Final Song: Come Together, Jorma, guitar and vocals, Nick, guitar, Helen, vocals, Barry, Mandolin, Guggenheim Grotto, Vocals and last but not least… the fabulous men of the Etown Band.

Check it out... I sang a verse of a Beatle's song... and loved it!

Again, we're leaving at an ungodly early hour for the airport so I'm signing off here. Good stuff...

I'm home... and great it is! In town right now... just had some physical therapy for my shoulder and I'm meeting Bayha for lunch at the Indain joint... That's it for now.