Yeah, as #20 slips into the rear view mirror, a couple of thoughts come to mind. Everyone who knows me pretty much is aware about how I feel about the current political atmosphere here in the good old U. S. of A. We’ve all got opinions and another one is not necessary in print. Nessa and I occasionally poke the bear during our Quarantine Concert series, but we have never… and I repeat never, proselytized and we never belabor the point. Last night we were talking about the importance of voting and some gal started ragging on the chat feed about politicizing. We didn’t say who to vote for… we just said VOTE. With the soul of the country at stake, whatever your position, you can’t complain if you don’t vote.
On a far lesser note, if I wanted to be visibly political on my show I would be. That’s not what our show is all about. I love the badinage, the fellowship and the music. That said, if one doesn’t like what we’re doing, get your money back and don’t watch. Wait, it’s free… there’s no money involved.
Just saying…
Anyway, another really great night for us with #20 and now we’re on to #21. Here’s what we did last night!
Jorma Kaukonen 25, 2020
Quarantine Concert Series #20
Fur Peace Ranch
Darwin, Ohio
Saturday, August 29, 2020
- True Religion
- The Terrible Operation
- Barbecue King
- Song For The High Mountain
- Half-Assed Mule with Myron Hart
- I’m Free From The Chain Gang Now
- Johnny Too Bad/Bank Robber with John Hurlbut
- Don’t Think Twice with John Hurlbut
- San Francisco Bay Blues
- Second Chances
- Keep Your Lamps Trimmed & Burning
- Bar Room Crystal Ball
As I mentioned in the Forbes article, it’s the one night of the week I get to be Jorma again.
Good times…
Off to Columbus for some sushi… at Akai Hana!
OK… some evening addenda:
Foto by Vanessa Kaukonen
The only meat was that very small plate of Prosciutto rubbed with fennel and chili oil and the sopresata. Everything else was vegan or vegetarian. Guacamole, hummus, salsa, fresh baked baguette, rosemary
and sea salt crackers, baby petite carrots, dill cucumbers, hard green Italian olives, snap peas, roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella, homemade balsamic dressing, organic strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, black and green seedless grapes, tofu and veggie dumplings, shelled and roasted pistachios and espresso bella vitano cheese.
Foto by Vanessa Kaukonen
Thank You ! @Kevin
@JohnB
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2020/08/27/how-hot-tunas-jorma-kaukonen-has-kept-sane-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/#5649b69177f1
@JohnB
Search “Forbes Kaukonen”, it’ll show up.
Forbes article ? What Forbes article ?
Thanks Brian. Love knowing that.
DS –
The Jefferson Airplane rooftop concert was at the Schuyler Hotel W 45th St…
The whole thing was filmed by Jean-Luc Godard and D.A. Pennebaker, for the unfinished film One A.M., or One American Movie.
Greetings from the nation’s capital, where I am enjoying a corned beef sandwich at Loeb’s Deli (only the second meal I have had outside of the house in six months).
This looks like a cool new documentary about the DC music scene featuring Telecaster masters Danny Gatton and Roy Buchanan and others:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/music/a-years-in-the-making-tribute-to-danny-gatton-and-his-distinctive-sound-finally-hits-the-screen/2020/09/01/6752c8b6-e865-11ea-bc79-834454439a44_story.html
@Ham Neggs
Thanks for the lead (no pun intended).
A years-in-the-making tribute to Danny Gatton and his distinctive sound finally hits the screen
https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/music/a-years-in-the-making-tribute-to-danny-gatton-and-his-distinctive-sound-finally-hits-the-screen/2020/09/01/6752c8b6-e865-11ea-bc79-834454439a44_story.html
41 Forever LGM
Peace✌🏻️❤️Love All Ways🔥🚲🌹🙏🏻🖖🏼
Voting isn’t politics. It’s civics.
@JohnB
Thanks, John.
And I want to be clear that I’m very much in favor of EVERYONE voting – including people who disagree with my politics.
I read something once that I thought was very wise: “Try to understand someone.”
@JohnB
Everthang’s cool, John. This bear’s done found him a quart of local honey.
@carey georgas
Carey, we understand……. When we find ourselves having difficulty “bearing ” with one another we have forgotten that others are “bearing”wih us.
@Ed
Amen Ed:
@Jorma
Well, I must say that I really like the sound of that black Gibson you played for the electric concert at the ranch in October which was streamed just before the shows with Jack in July.
I love the acoustic shows, but that screaming electric sound gets me every time !
@Tom NY
I’m aware of my surroundings, Tom. Just sayin’.
@carey georgas
Not here Carey. Jorma’s domain, Jorma’s rules….Just sayin’
Small piece in NYT today describing how isolation creates social awkwardness in even people ordinarily well-adjusted socially. Not only is loneliness depressing, it scares bejesus outta us all. Some Darwinian thing. Reaction to vote suggestion probably meant something else to party feeling agrieved. Better not do it again, though. I’ll freakin kill em.
Aaking to vote is not politics it is a call for civic duty for all citizens.
Additionally, politics is very important and it can have major/life altering consequences. For example, 50 million people died as a result of an election result in 1932 including 6 million Jews.
Jorma tells volumes of his thoughts and opinions in his songs and his book. I appreciate Vanessa and Jorma speaking up on where they are passionate about. That’s why we love them.
@Ed
I’m with you, Ed. I was responding to Tom and his assertion that we all oughtta be able to talk about it without it becoming an argument. A vibrant democracy is dependent on civil discourse amongst its citizenry. This is not the place to pontificate, and the proprietor sets the tone as he sees fit. I don’t know where that last sentence in my previous post came from. A tad argumentative in it’s tone to be touting civility. Have to ask my therapist.
Voting is a right that many have bled for. It is essential for our democracy and our freedom. It is frightening that so many people do not take advantage of the opportunity. Part of that is the fault of our government, which makes it more difficult than it should be. People shouldn’t to wait on lines for hours to cast a vote. We should make it easier. Why not have a national holiday on election day like so many countries do? Or have Election Day on a weekend? At a minimum there should be multiple days that people can vote. Frankly, our electoral system is hampered by aging equipment, disorganization and a perennial lack of funds. And so much of it is vulnerable to hacking by unsavory characters and countries. The boards of election need funds to protect themselves from being hacked.
In Australia, people are actually required to vote.
@Ed
I’m with you, Ed. I was responding to Tom and his assertion that we all oughtta be able to talk about it without it becoming an argument. A vibrant democracy is dependent on civil discourse amongst its citizenry. I’m not sure where that last sentence in my previous post came from. A tad argumentative in tone. Have to ask my therapist.
@carey georgas
I think the issue is more when and where to engage in political commentary.
For instance, this blog does not seem to be the right place for both sides to go at it. There are plenty of other places to do that. I think many of us are glad to avoid such arguments here.
I understand and fully respect Jorma’s preferences as to how he wants to do HIS FREE shows for us.
@Tom
Me and you see eye to eye on that one, Tom. We are the polis. To ignore the social structure that holds us together is to invite the peril of its destruction. I ain’t one to start shit, but I ain’t one to take it either.
Jorma/Vanessa,
Love the Quarantine shows. Very touching. Thanks for all 20 of them…have seen each one.
On the political comment: You both are so fair/polite etc. And what’s the problem w/ being political? I don’t think you should be defensive concerning people who say you being political. In my view, we need to say what we want to say (reasonably) and so what if others are offended. After all, isn’t everything political? Isn’t that an idea with much wisdom from the 1960s.
Thanks again,
Tom
@Tom in St. Louis
Good point Tom….. Hopefully all sides can be truly patriotic. We don’t need another civil war.
Played 99 Year Blues yesterday….turned some heads. Genesis once again brought in cash. Cool tunes.
Another great show Saturday. The shows are like an oasis in the middle of the virus and chaos. Had a lot of fun at Skippers Smokehouse over the years. Hopefully they open up again soon. Thanks for the music!
@Jorma
Ah. Cool. That makes my day. I have to credit my wife. We were discussing the old Holiday Inn that was across the street from her grandmother’s old place being used for the homeless, and she said, “that place had a pool on the roof”. The other New York JA related location I was trying to figure out was the hotel in Times Square where I saw a clip of the band playing a rooftop show (ala The Beatles). In the clip Rip Torn gets arrested after mouthing off to the cops who showed up to shut it down.
And, I just want to take this opportunity to also say that I first saw and, frankly heard of you really, at the Jabberwocky at Syracuse U in 1982. I sat on the floor immediately to your left and had a transcendent experience. I can see and hear you playing Genesis like it was yesterday. So great, how after 40 years that all that seem different is the color of your hair.
Thanks again Jorma for a great show Saturday night. The hunt for the dobro bar was hilarious and brought a smile to my face. Such is life during a live broadcast and please keep the shows coming . May God Bless and Keep You always…….
Hi Jorma. Thanks for these great shows. They’ve been a shiny silver lining to our black clouds. During one of the shows with Jack, you told a story about staying at a hotel in NYC during the JA years that had a roof pool on the roof. When Bonnie Raitt’s dog ate your shoe. I believe the hotel was located at 440 W 57th St. Between 9Ave and 10th Ave. It’s now called The Watson, but was probably a Holiday Inn back in the day.
By golly Dave… you’re right. It was a Holiday Inn… Ah, the salad years. Stay well!
We know where you stand, Jorma.
Believing in peace and love (thanks, Ringo) and being a patriot are not mutually exclusive.
In fact, these two perspectives are indivisible for many of us.
We look with hope toward a brighter future.
Thank you for your amazing music, it soothes our souls in this troubled time.
First and foremost, THANK YOU ALL for the Quarantine concert series. Truly the hSighlight of my week for the past 20 !!! Can’t wait to see you live in person again. I was at the Boulder Theater both nights in February, 2020, and never miss a show in Colorado. Wish I could remember how many times I’ve seen you !
I wonder if you might be able to get Justin to stop by when Jack comes back for an electric quarantine show ?
Finally, a guitar question. Do you still play the guitar(s) you played for your transcendent solos on Phosphorescent Rat ?
Thanks again for the Quarantine Concerts !
Hey Dave… sad to say those guitars are long gone. Well, the J-50 is still here but the electrics have found new homes. The good news is that other good electric guitars have found a home with me. Good times…
Thank you so much Jorma for all the awesome shows on Saturday evening,it’s been the highlight of our week!It’s such an honor and a gift to have you in our living room playing for us, it gives us hope and happiness!
Thank you FPR team also for all you do!
Hey Jorma,
Just wonder if your custom “River of Time” guitar will ever make it to the FPR Q series stage. You gave me an up-close look (shortly after you took delivery) and explained how it marked major milestones in your life with fine inlay down the neck.
With your awesome camera crew and excellent production values, the whole world could get a good look at that beautiful work of art and hear the story behind it. Just a thought…
The Q series has been an excellent remedy for what has been ailing us all. But, I am really excited to see you live at the Blu Grotto. See ya soon.
Perhaps this weekend.
I used to teach a course called “Art and Politics.” One statement from my syllabus was:
“An important consideration in how art will be studied in this course is the way in which a work of art need not be overtly political in content to make a powerful political statement or have a powerful effect on social and political life. Attitude, and inherently ideological aspects of formal qualities of art, will be considered along with narrative artistic content.”
‘Nuff said, as they say.
Wow! Great show on Saturday night. Loved the nod to Skipper’s…such an awesome place to see a show. Whenever I visit my old buddy John R. (OU alum and frequent FPR visitor) in Tampa we always go to Skipper’s. And, it is usually to see Tab Benoit on the Friday night before the Sunshine Fest. We’ve been to ‘em all and enjoyed Jorma’s solo acoustic set one year and of course Hot Tuna Electric on that frigid night you mentioned. We were on the rail center stage that night and it was freakin’ COLD. However, you, Jack and Justin were on fire and played a great set. I think there are some YT vids out there of that night. Myron was awesome as usual and “Half-Ass Mule” is a classic! Then we had Brother John with “Johnny Too Bad” from the Harder They Come soundtrack album. That album is one of the greatest albums of all time…every cut is a classic. And then a Dylan classic to add to it. Jorma, your guitar playing is just simply masterful! Looking forward to GE next week. Hope he joins you all night rather than just a cameo or two. Spread out on stage and get Myron and Hurl up there with you and GE all at once and have some fun! P.S – looking forward to the Hurl album and would really love to get all the Myron and Hurl tunes from all the concerts released on a CD compilation. Thanks to the FPR team and all the best.
Thanks for show. Good of yer missus to pass on request to honor the father who died a free man.
Dug 20. Thank you.
OOPS “COLD weather gear” DOH.
Great show as always with #20. I love John’s song selections, you can never go wrong with some Dylan. That “coldest show you ever played” I was working security at the backstage entrance between stage left and house right. I got to say hi to Barry as he came upstage a bit earlier to warm up those fingers. That’s the thing about the shows at Vinoy Park. Right on the water. We have learned to expect anything and everything. You can bake in the sun all day, but better have some warm weather gear when the sun goes down and the wind comes off the water. I’ve worked every Sunshine Fest TTB have had at Vinoy and that was by far the coldest.
And by the way , Bar Room was terrific! Thanks
Vote vote vote vote
I ain’t gonna lie my hearts been broken from a lot of things and it’s truly just begun to heal. Last night was magic for me. Three groups changed my life and I’ve followed the paths they followed over the years. SVT ,Papa with Keb Mo , Paul, Marty etc, The other groups were Black 47, Rocky Sullivan’s is a cultural institution of epic proportion, the third is The Clash. I heartily recommend checkI got out Carbon Silicone Try a Big Surprise. Bankrobber Thank You Thank You Thank you. Having said that there were some things half assed last night.
As Paul sang carry the fire to the Heart of the darkness, carry the fire to everyone. My heart is filled with love and gratitude for you guys and these concerts. Bless you all and Vanessa if you need somebody to fuck off and your biting your tongue, just say the word and while I won’t be able to say it as eloquently as you I’ll do my best Peace✌🏻️❤️Love All Ways🔥🚲🌹🙏🏻🖖🏼
My wife and I love the shows and wouldn’t think of missing them. We’re thankful to the FPR crew and you for sending them out to us every week. You can’t beat the price! I love the selection of songs John pulls out each week. I have a question about the dobro. I’ve been watching your left hand for the past few weeks and am curious about why your hand with the steel gets flipped over from time to time? Is it a way to avoid unwanted string noise or a timing thing or what? It’s great to see your work so close up. Thanks for the great shows. Can’t wait for next Saturday!
The Dobro Bar has a little lip extension on one end which sometimes gets in my way depending on what I’m trying to do.When I flip it around it’s like the old school Stevens Steel. You’re very observant! 🙂
Amen on voting.
One of my son’s political views differ greatly from mine. I’ll be extremely distressed if his favored candidate wins, as he will be if mine does.
But I urge him to vote.
This is easier with family, but can be extended to others: Just because someone disagrees with you doesn’t mean you can’t love them.
Where’s the photos of the food from last night?
See addenda… Yummy!
Thanks for keeping it real, Jorma. As always, #20 was a beacon of light in an otherwise dark period. Just be Jorma!
Another great show jorma thanks for keeping me sane during these rough times to those who think you and Vanessa are being political I say get a life or don’t tune in!! All the best to everyone involved with these special shows they make my week stay well everyone
Whale of a show last night! Good songs, good banter, one of the best guitarists alive sharing his talents up close and personal…you could give a lecture on political theory in the middle of it and I wouldn’t give a shit! Sign if the times, brother. If public service is getting confused with politicization, I’d suggest the hearer check their sleeves. Gotta be wearin’ something’ more than cuffs on ‘em. I’ll tell you what. I’ll pick up the tab at the admission gate next week, so no one can feel like they wasted their pocketful of nothing on your efforts. Reckon we all gonna get to laugh together again one day, or has the ego finally trumped (pun intended) the group?
I saw an PSA ad on TV that said in 2016 elections, only 61% of those eligible actually voted. Simply dividing by 2 tells us that the fate of the nation was decided by only about 30% of the voters. Thanks for your-all’s efforts to up the percentage this time! Keep it rockin’! m
Another great show! And at times, listening to some of those songs, it reminded me of how my parents and grandparents enjoyed gathering together to listen to the radio. Saturday night, focused on Fur Peace. The “redemption” song is beautiful and moving. Would you post the name and title of the book you mentioned about first responders? Great article in Forbes. Thanks again, for being a light!
After Disaster, An Insider’s Perspective From The Heart Of Chaos
by
Edward Minyard
Good stuff… Jorma