Drone Foto by Jorma Kaukonen
Justin set up his studio in the workshop on Sunday and we settled in for the Jorma Kaukonen/John Hurlbut project. I had been thinking about doing this project for some time and this just seemed seemed like the right moment to get it done.
Our good friend Justin drove down from Upstate New York and with Myron’s able assistance the studio gear moved from the SUV to the Fur Peace Ranch Workshop. The workshop has been empty for over two months now wo it was a treat to be bouncing musical life off the walls again. Normally when Justin Guip is seen with us, it is as our drummer in Hot Tuna… but there is so much more to this man. A master in the studio, he is also a great chef. He’s the man.
Anyway, he brought the good stuff for this recording session and for all you gear heads out there, here is the data:
Justin’s Gear List
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Jorma Kaukonen’s Guitar Chain
- Telefunken Elam 251 Tube Condenser Mike (neck)
- Beyer Dynamic M-160 Ribbon Mike (bridge)
- API 3124 Mike pre’s
- API 5500 Equalizers
- Vintage Neve 33609 Compressor
- Apogee A/D converters at 24 bit 96K sampling rate
John’s Guitar:
- Brauner VM-1 Tube Condenser Mike
- Beyer Dynamic M-160 Ribbon Mike (bridger)
- API 3124 Mike pre’s
- API 5500 Equalizers
- API 2500 Compressor
- Apogee A/D converters at 24 bit 96K sampling rate
Vocal Chain:
- Neumann U-87
- Into a Shadow Hill Mono Gamma Mike Pre
- Into a Pultec EQP 500A Equalizer
- Into a Urei 1178 Compressor
Room Mike:
Stereo Room Mikes, Audio Technica 4047
Into Drawmer 1969 Mercenary Edition Vacuum Tube Compressor Pre-Amp
Recorded into Pro Tools Version 12
It was a closed session, no kibitzing although Vanessa did drop in to sing on a track. We cut fourteen songs in two days and they’re all winners. I really loved being able to just accompany John and help him tell the story without being concerned with being Jorma or a member of Hot Tuna, if you know what I mean. Hey, I get to do it all. How good does it have to get?
Foto by Wendy
Two days… fourteen takes. Not bad if we do say so ourselves. Oh yeah, I played the 1958 J-50 I got at Pop’s Music in Dayton, Ohio in 1960. Hurl played his 20 year old J-45 he picked up at Merlefest two decades ago.
To be surrounded with such relative peace in these more than trying times was a blessing of immeasurable magnitude. Now back to our real world such as it is and already thinking about the set list for Quarentine Concert #10.
As for the real world, I’m not blind to what is going on in this country and in the world right now. That’s an encyclopedia unto itself. I may weigh in on this tomorrow… or I may just vote, as I suggest that you all do.
Driving on…
@Jorma
they are centuries ahead for sure! I hope ya’ll got my new album delivery trusted with the Post Office.
Thanks for turning us on to all that equipment and how you are using it! I’ve become a true recording geek myself.
Yeah Michael… Thank goodness for Justin Guip and Myron Hart to hold me hand in this geeky universe!
Wow 14 takes in 2 days, that’s some work right there, nice to see Justin at work, and you are correct he is one of the best…
Any hint of what’s going to be on the album…can’t wait to hear it..
🙂
@carey georgas
I agree with jorma100% regarding America’s value lying in its diversity. Sadly, our history does not paint a pretty picture, but through our freedom to exercise our rights of speech and the voting process we can and have gradually progressed to a more humane and inclusive society. The world can be a much better place if we can only smile on each other, everybody get together try to love one another right now.
I wasn’t around last Saturday and I finally got to watch #9 show. And Song from the Stainless Cymbal was a real treat. That was one of my favorite songs back in the day. So grateful you brought that back. I could be wrong, but I think the last time you played that (at least in front of people) was 1977? Thanks again for bring that back. And acoustic to boot.
Been enjoying the Hurl sets during the Q shows ! Love the fact that youre doing an album together ! Cant wait to hear it ..Stay safe Jorma !! Peace & love
Can’t wait to hear the finished product – looking forward to tomorrow night –
After reading the email from Vanessa and FPR I can only say God bless you and your wonderful family. People like you are indeed the “light of the world”.
Government ain’t going to fix what’s broke – individual people are. Throwing money at problems never works. Too often we cheer from a distance, behind gated communities in some instances.
Until we eat, play and pray together, nothing wwill change
I love the expressions on your 3 faces. Justin looks intent on “getting it right” and Jorma and John look on from behind with quiet joy, looking like you’re seeing “we (all 3) got this”! Can’t wait to hear it!
Question for Vanessa and yourself. Where can I find the 50th anniversary signed
Poster. I looked on the FPR website and couldn’t seem to find
It.
Thanks
Hey Doug… the 50th Anniversary poster is sold out. Our resident artist, Kevin Morgan, may have some left in his warehouse. We’re looking into it, but no guarantees.
@carey georgas
Definitely vote. Saw one headline about the church burning….press/media more upset about president’s stroll to the church than the torching of the church. Some liken it to the Brown Shirts…A torching of a church. Go figure, 2020 in America and they are burning a church across from the White House. Sometimes the forces have to move in. Just sayin’, especially when it isn’t peaceful.
Sad about Manhattan and all the other cities. Some bad players stirring things up.
“I really loved being able to just accompany John and help him tell the story without being concerned with being Jorma or a member of Hot Tuna, if you know what I mean.”
As much fun as it is to hear all these great HT and JK songs from the past and present that I haven’t heard live in to long of a time. I think I have enjoyed the playing along side John and Myron even more. It really showcases the breadth of your talent in interpretation and adding so much to the “feel” of the music. Very tasty. I think I can see what you mean.
@Eric C
I respect political ambiguity as a position in the Democratic process. The scale runs from passion to apathy, and we have the absolute right to express our position on that scale. I posit that we are at a singular historical point in the history of our constitutional democracy. I’ll never tell anyone how they must vote, or ask who they voted for, up to and including my wife. I am, however, going to amp up my usual “you really should vote” to “you must vote” this time around. I’ll even mildly berate if the circumstance requires. What happened Tuesday in Lafayette square demands a patriotic response that leaves no doubt, here and abroad, that the United States of America’s strength is in it’s diversity, and the citizens can expel inferior leadership through peaceful exercise of choice with a ballot. And that’s all I have to say about that.
I prefer the political ambiguity. I agree vote, but don’t tell people who they must vote for. America is a great nation with great people who can all be greater! Jorma is a shining example of overcoming adversity to the betterment of self and others. Thank you for your devotion to all your fans and helping us through theses trying times!
Yes, always PROUD to vote!
Great gear with great talent on both sides = I can’t wait to hear this music !
Hurl always looks like he’s raring to go, and it’s a joy to see him in action. There have been a lot of great drummers along the way but getting Justin is just serendipity! What a blessed bunch, and thanks for the Saturday shows. Approaching the sublime (for me, anyway) …….
Jorma, do you have a full working studio at the Ranch or does Justin bring the recording gear in. Also, will there be any electric guitar on the recordings? Any action from the Birds?
PS we do have a state of the art video production studio though… and someone to run it.
Absolutely not. I haven’t had a studio since the late 90’s when I came to my senses. That’s all Justin’s gear. That’s his day job, and he’s the best!
Awesome, cant wait for the link to download the “coffee time” set !!! Again, many thanks for the Saturday shows
Mike & friends:
I suggest: J Cubed, or some variation on that theme. Maybe just J Cube, The Three Js, Just Jays, JJ&J, Triple J………..you get my drift
Justin’s not playing… he’s the master recordist.
John is a fantastic musician (and person!) in his own right. I saw you two in action together at the Dugout years ago when you played with Paul Newman and Jonathan. I also saw Kaukarano here in Athens, which begs the question: how will you present the name of this new duo? m
Happy just accompanying and helping John…the signs of a true mensch. A friend, indeed. Your love for the music is inspiring. I don’t think you’d be going too far at all to IMPLORE us to vote. Suggest is too mild a verb in this particular situation.
Peace, love & music. Finest kind. For George’s sake, vote.