Drone shot by Jorma Kaukonen
Thoughts 2021
Monday, March 15, 2021
Well, Saturday night last, March 13, 2021 that would have been, we celebrated and played our 41st show in the Quarantine Concert Series. Forty-one weeks of music not counting our great shows from the Vaults. As we started the show it took a moment or two for me to find my artistic homeplace and get comfortably relaxed but I’ll get to that after the set list entry.
When I create a set list when for one of our QCS shows or a ‘real’ show in the outside world I try to focus on where I am that evening… physically, spiritually and emotionally. I select tunes that reflect that environment. If a get an outside request from someone that doesn’t contravene that microverse I’m inhabiting then I may or may not add that tune. On this night, someone needed to hear 3rd Week In The Chelsea so I swapped out Izze’s Lullaby. Glad to oblige. The Lullaby will get the call next week and I’m very fond of 3rd Week so in it went. In any case, here’s the Set List from the 13th.
Jorma Kaukonen 12, 2021
Quarantine Concert Series #41
The Fur Peace Station
Darwin, Ohio
Saturday, March 13, 2021
- Parchman Farm
- Mama Let Me Lay It On You
- Things That Might Have Been
- San Francisco Bay Blues
- Ain’t In No Hurry
- A Thousand Miles From Nowhere with John Hurlbut
- Morning Dew with John Hurlbut
- 3rd Week In The Chelsea
- Waiting For A Train
- Trial By Fire
- I Am The Light Of This World
Now, back to getting relaxed on our home stage for our show. As I was walking over to the Fur Peace Station with my Burnt Husk Tea and the evening’s set list I saw a car stopped by the closed gate next to our ticket booth out in the parking lot relentlessly beeping his horn. Now, the parking lot gate was closed and there is a profusion of large signs from St. Clair Road to the parking lot plainly advising the public that the Fur Peace Ranch Facility was closed, I was going out to deal with it but Vanessa insisted that she do it. Now it’s not up to me to decipher what might be in anyone’s head. I’ve got more than enough going on in my own. In any case perhaps the individual was innocent enough in their well-meaning intrusion but that doesn’t matter. When you are asked to leave someone’s property, you leave. Compound this with an unmasked individual who was speaking in riddles and a myriad of warning flags are raised.
Vanessa insisted that I not get involved but I stayed close enough so that if I needed to make my presence felt I would be there. Like we say down here in the country, ‘When seconds count, the police are only minutes away.’ Anyway, Vanessa kept insisting that he leave and he finally got back in his car and instead of simply turning around in our ample parking lot, he got his rig stuck in my culvert and then tore it up getting out. As he finally extricated himself from the ditch he stuck his hand out the window and flipped us off.
Ooooh…. That really hurt.
Oh well, as we say.
Anyway, I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t on my mind as we started #41 forty minutes or so later. The good news is that we all settled and had another great evening. Music is indeed magical in its healing powers. Now before I move on, without reflecting on what the intruder’s intentions might or might not have been, the whole moment was rife with disrespect. Nuff said.
Moving right along… I watched the Grammy’s last night and I have to say I thought it was one of the most entertaining Grammy presentations I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot of them. Our fourteen year old daughter reminded us, ‘The Grammy’s are tonight Dad…’ My expectations were low but I was more than pleasantly surprised. I know little about ‘new’ music. Not because I look down on it, it’s just not part of my artistic world unless someone opens the door for me and invites me to peek in. I got the invite and I not only peeked in, I walked through the door… and yes, I like Cardi B.
Cool… it’s hard to remember, but Jefferson Airplane got a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 1967 and I got a nomination for Best Traditional Folk Album in 2002. (Doc Watson won that year as he should have.) That’s really funny because until very recently I had no idea that Jefferson Airplane had garnered a nomination. Our daughter Izze said, ‘How could that have been Dad?’ Speaking only for myself, that kind of stuff just didn’t matter to me back then. Quite simply put, I was unaware of that honor and didn’t give it a second thought. We collectively didn’t get into the game for those kinds of honorifics. This many years down the road two Grammy nominations, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and being inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame are all honors that I will gladly bask in. At this point in my life I’ll take the wins as I see them and walk on smiling.
Who knew?
As for last night’s Grammy show and the memories it induced, all I can say is you’re only young once. I’m still working on perfecting ideas that were nascent over half a century ago. I was an Enfant Terrible a long time ago. Now I’m just trying to avoid the Terrible part.
Hey… in spite of the Pandemic, life isn’t boring.
Stay well…
I should have paid more attention to the Grammy’s. One of my former students won the award this year for rap song of the year. Her stage name is Starrah – but when I was her music teacher in grades one to six she was known as Brittany Hazzard. I had no idea she had chosen music as a career until somebody sent a news clip. I’ll bet Izze knows who she is.
Speaking of Rockaway; years ago Patty Smith and I were looking at each other trying to remember where. Later, I read she was a regular at Rockaway when I was a kid. We were familiar and she gave my brother and me change for a game. John B expressed amazement here at someone remembering him from a hundred years ago. There are 2% of us with facial recognition abilities. Something about natural selection and recognizing interlopers around cave fire. I have it, even spotted a Mexican fugitive. Anyway, Smith is a really good performer!
@Dan Nigro
We were a Rockaway Playland family. I think I vaguely recall Post Arrow. I learned of scheme from my boss when I was a Bx title examiner, then in more detail from a big lawyer, years later. Lucchese mob ran Bronx then. There had been a big airstrip on site, but vast wetlands, so State approval was needed ($65M build cost says Wiki). I think The New Yorker ran a story on it 10 or so years ago. Trump Sr owned a portion. That big mall and some other projects also roads and utilities from deal. You know it was disaster for us.
@BrendanC I never knew it was a conspiracy, but not very effective landfill as Co-op city began sinking soon after the first buildings were completed. Post Arrow on Boston Road was way smaller but we went there every Saturday for sandwiches, fries and skee ball
@John B
I get your point John. During Kill Bill II, I was only one howling when yer man yanked yer won’s eye. When her other eye gets plucked by Uma, whole audience screamed!
I’m scheduled for a jab. Maybe a live show by Summer? I’d drive a hundred miles for a Polka band.
@John B
Why is that sad, John? It was freakin’ 70-80 years ago. The only constant in the whole wide universe is change (disclaimer: I am not a physicist). Progress is not in the vocabulary of a world without change. Sheesh. Back when I was a rabid Stooges fan, the school I went to had no air conditioning. Is it a shame our kids (grandkids) don’t have to sweat it out in a schoolroom anymore? Tempus fugit.
Dan, I don’t know if you’re familiar with the Freedomland scheme, which was to build the park on wetlands and use demolished structures as landfill when planned bankruptcy came. Co-op city was then built on tract.
Someone acting like officer Joe came to OLA grammer, inviting us to join a fingerprint club. The 50th Precinct wanted everyone to tell their friends about the fun we could have going to the 50 and giving them our prints! Ha!
FPR interloper; “Ever tell you about time Jorma saved my life? I was maced and being pistol-whipped after returning to try a second gate-crash. Jorma said, OK Nessa, that’s enough”
Funny I remember the theme song but nothing else…
I was a little kid watching this while the 60’s roared without me even knowing…
Jorma Quarantine Livestream tonight…
I was a big Officer Joe fan…….sad to that in todays world Officer Joe wouldn’t stand a chance. Neither would the Stooges
I met Officer Joe at Freedomland. A day didnt go by without the Stooges on WPIX after school
@wayne
Oh yeah. Good ol’ Officer Joe.
Some folks favorite Stooge was Iggy but I much preferred his high school classmate Bill Kirchen, Titan of the Telecaster! Blessed to catch Mr. Kitchen a couple times at FPR and in Richmond.
Only a New York City kid of a certain age would know of Officer Joe Bolton! I watched him too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYrxuhIcs8w
As to the poor mental case who invited himself over lets hope he finds the help he so clearly needs. But for the grace of G_d as they say.
Wayne
Hey Watch the stooges every sat. 6 p.m. est ch.3 me tv but no capt. jack or officer joe bolton the way it was who used to present the boys years back g
As long as we’re talking Stooges….
When I first learned that Moe, Shemp, and Curly were brothers, my goal in life became finding a photo of their Mom.
Think about it: raising three boys who are Moe, Shemp, and Curly???? I had to see a picture of this woman.
Eventually I saw some home movies, and she had the biggest smile in the world! She clearly went with the flow.
@carey georgas
All good..That name I saw..Thought that was maybe what you meant..Had a girlfriend when I was younger and she would play 3 Stooges with her younger brothers.That show wasnt seen in her house after that…Curly was my favorite..He died to young…May he RIP
Shit. Double post.
@Richard K
Oops! Mischa Auer. The scene I remember most is Shemp winning some sort of prize in a contest where the question was about cars. He was on the phone, I don’t remember if Moe stepped on his foot, or what, but he was hollering “My bunions ache!”, and the contest host took it for the name of the car, a something “eight” and he won the money. Don’t know why that one stuck. Got double dosed today.
@Richard K
Oops! Mischa Auer. The scene I remember most is Shemp winning some sort of prize in a contest where the question was about cars. He was on the phone, I don’t remember if Moe stepped on his foot, or what, but he was hollering “My bunions ache!”, and the contest host took it for the name of the car, a something “eight” and he won the money. Don’t know why that one stuck. Got double dosed today. I am vaxxed!
The Elmer show was at a place called Apell Farm I think….It was a good one.@Joe K
Shemp was my favorite…..@eaglesteve
@carey georgas
Which one was Mischa Howard? Unless this is another name for Moe? Did a google search and I am coming up blank.. Thanks Carey..
News flash – Houston Chronicle reported today that the Guy Clark biopic “ Without Getting Killed or Caught” will make worldwide debut virtually on March 23. Tickets can be bought at https://www.withoutgettingkilledorcaught.com/tickets. Oughtta be a good ‘un.
Hi Jorma and Vanessa, that is a disturbing incident. With the metal illness situation you can’t be too careful, as you said, it’s not like the road is not posted – It’s very, very clear to any human that can read – Glad it was not worse – Miss everyone, the concerts sure help – Jim
An excellent review of “The River Flows” by Dan Ouellette in the March 2021 issue of Stereophile magazine, 4.5 out 5 stars for both performance and sonics. Here is the link to their on-line rock/pop record reviews:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/march-2021-poprock-record-reviews
@eaglesteve
“I can’t help myself, I just gotta chase after blondes”. “What do you do with them?” “ I don’t know. I ain’t caught one yet!” (Shemp and Mischa Howard) from “Cracked Nuts” 1941
Yesterday, 3/17 in 1895….Shemp was born!
Jorma, as you were talking about Fred Neil in last week’s wonderful show you also mentioned Bruce Langhorne. So later I listened to and enjoyed both. But following the breadcrumb trail I found my way to Michael Chapman. I’m amazed that I don’t remember hearing him before. His career began in the 60s. Some great songs! But for some reason one light instrumental, Naked Ladies & Electric Ragtime (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4MEgqw4qMY) really caught my attention.
Are you familiar with his music?
John B
My wife’s roommate from TSC lives in Elmer. Been there a few times. Also the line up at AC track concert was awesome. A friend who is into the arts sent me repro of the concert poster.
Started last post with a music based thought, but digressed. By now most know what the kilted, furry-hat marchers play are war pipes, used for calling out troop movements over din of battle. Uillian pipes are the trad/folk instrument. I cannot link, but A-zon music has Padraic MacMathuna playing same in stirring, heartfelt fashion on The Tennesse Waltz. Great Irish singers include Dolores Keane, Paul Brady, Mary Black. I’ll shut up now.
Sorry to hear about the trespasser, I dont even show up unannounced at my daughter’s. I guess the ranch is a fur peace from anywhere but just not fur nuff. 41 was awesome, you guys made Morning Dew your own. Can’t wait for the June Florida run
@John B
Thanks, John. Happy St. Padraig’s day to you. I sat curbside as a four year old and watched Robert Kennedy march. Same guy passed us at least once more. Confusing at that age.
Don’t know if yer a listener, but R. Thompson has a gig at the music pier end of June. Seat map isn’t showing distancing.
Jorma have the July Electric Hot Tuna dates in and around New York and New Jersey been moved back to December ?
Thinking of you Mr Kantner on your birthday
Up the rebels The Craic is mighty
Peace✌🏻️❤️Love All Ways🔥🚲🌹🙏🏻🖖🏼
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day everyone !
Jorma also appeared with the Airplane at the Atlantic City Race track just before Woodstock and I saw him solo at tiny crossroads named Elmer deep in the heart of the New Jersey Pine Barrens . I had brought my teenage son to the show and as we were talking someone tapped me on the shoulder and said 1976 Hot Tuna at the Cherry Hill Centrum . You were there ! Indeed I was and how that guy remembered me I haven’t a clue.So many New Jersey appearances it is difficult to keep track of them all but the best one was Hot Tuna electric came to my home town of Toms River and played a blowout of a show which concluded the tour. Michael and Theresa were on the bill. Roll on Hot Tuna roll on…….see ya down the road !
Hey, man. Sebastion’s birthday, as I recall.
Jorma
While telling the story of bumping into the Beach Boys in an AC casino you spoke of playing a venue in the Jersey Pines.I believe you played at Stockton College which is 3 miles from my house. We saw HT there a few years ago. On a side note When the Stones & Clapton have played in AC they stay at the Seaview Marriott CC in Galloway. Eric was seen walking around shops at a place called Smithville Village.
the Jersey Devil was born right down the road to the Leeds Family. Once again thank you for the weekly shows. See you in Red Bank
Did you get his license plate? Not for criminal charges, but you have a legitimate property damage claim if he tore your culvert up. Unless you meant he tore his car up on the culvert, in which case I’d say justice was served. Sounds like an incident of what we call down here, “ city done come to the country”.
Jorma, thank you so much for the great show under such difficult circumstances.
On a lighter note, for anyone out there into “Americana” who might not be aware of these: It’s Jimmy Rodgers hanging out with the Carter Family. It really doesn’t get any better than that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNj60rZHifo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzvKDj0EXaY
Hey Jorma, I found the intruder incident very disturbing. Having been on the receiving end of the Kaukonen’s hospitality, I couldn’t have felt more welcome. Anyone who has been to the FPR knows what I mean. On a more positive note, I am delighted to see that you and Jack are getting back on the road to do your thing. Even better, I have tix for Count Basie in NJ. Yeah buddy! Finally, I would like to wish Myron a very happy birthday. He has always been a great guy and I dig his Half-ass Mule. Stay safe and we’ll see ya soon.
A midsummer night’s dream if ever I heard one!
Dug 41. Thank you.
First of all, many thanks to you for the music and great vibes over the years. My dear Mary and I so enjoyed our visits to The Ranch, she actually was thrilled to be able to give you an odd silver ring that seemed to also serve as a guitar pick back in November of 2019. It had belonged to her brother. Sadly, I lost my Mary to cancer last summer and am carrying on with her wonderful memory…and her cat. Your wisdom regarding losses has helped me. My mom was born in Meigs County in 1921 (Rutland, near Pomeroy) and I have 2 sisters living in Athens…one owned Whites Mill for many years. My grandfather started Athens Armature and Machine Works in 1926. I graduated from OU in 1979. As you see, the GREAT VIBES I get when visiting the area are important and strong to me. I look forward to attending shows this summer and being able to enjoy good music and great people. Again, many thanks ! Watson McCoy (Columbus)
Howdy neighbor… I shan’t weigh in on losses but I’m sorry for yours. I guess as I get older my losses occur more often (although so far my Mom and Dad have been the closest to me and they’ve been gone over 20 years) and how I handle seems to define who I am and who I’m becoming. Anyway, I actually have some road work coming up and we hope to be open by midsummer. Take care and stay well… Jorma
Jorma you’re on point & 100% correct. The person who drove onto your property deserves more than a tongue lashing. You and Vanessa are far too kind.
When David Bromberg was nominated for a Grammy, he rightly said (at a concert in Tarrytown) that he was honored to have his name even mentioned in the same sentence. David also pointed out that he was nominated in the same category as Levon Helm for his Dirt Farmer album, his expectation was Levon would win that Grammy.
Stay safe. Looking forward to #42. Thanks. Thank you FPR.
An interesting little video on how Jorma does the yodeling part on Waiting for a Train https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URntTAqYo-4
This one was great as usual…
Morning Dew was positively transcendent !!!
The final 3 tunes were an amazing closing triad…3rd Week is one of my all time faves. I’m sure Jimmy Rodgers would love your rendition of Waiting for a Train !
And, of course, you have been the Light of this pandemic World 41 times now !
Thank you to the entire FPR family !
That’s what the gate is for…Good fences make good neighbors…
In a way it’s a good sign…Shows that Jorma still has it…
Never be that guy lol…And on the other hand forgive and forget…
so sorry about the trespasser i think he posted something on the chat prior but i didnt think anything of it thought he was a friend oh well at least that is over having worked in the justice system for many years i have seen some of these poor disturbed souls and its sad sounds like you and vanessa handled it correctly glad you are all ok many thanks to all at fpr for these shows it really means alot stay well !