What’s a trip to Manhattan without stopping by to say ‘Hello’ to the Intrepid.
Photo by Vanessa Kaukonen
Manhattan, gotta love it! This was the day before the Beacon gig as Nessa and I wandered around trying to decide which delicious ethnic restaurant to eat at. We settled on Ippudo, NY at 321 W. 51st. Yummy, and on to the Beacon.
Going fishing indeed
Photo by Phil Jacobs
Being a performing artist means inhabiting in interesting world and even with friends it is not for the faint of heart! In the decades that I have been privileged to perform for live audiences I have come to realize that I have generated expectations with my listeners. I’m no better than anyone else. I have my favorite moments for performers. For example, I really like Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker when they were Cream. That’s the incarnation that is truly a zeitgeist for me. We all have such Zeitgeists. Jack and I have been most fortunate over the years in that our fans have allowed to change members as the situation and time required. Some folks have become married to various incarnations but the truth is that time goes on and Jack and I have always been seekers. As time has evolved, we have continued to learn over the years and even though I have never strayed far from the tree that shades my creative life, the fact is that I just know more about music today than I did more than a half a century ago. That’s a good thing.
As a musician the spark of creativity generated when one is young is not judged by one’s knowledge of music theory which for me was a good thing since I knew nothing of music theory. Something in our art was relatable and as a result… here we are. We love to take chances and are always looking for something to give us a better perspective on music and life.
What is the point of this self serving blather? The comments have been flying about our incarnation on this Final Electric Run. Set lists for example: I love rocking out with the best of them but I also just like good songs and fortunately Jack and I have bird dogged a bunch of good songs over the years. All songs in a set do not need to be slammin’ ear bleeders. There is power in music if the story is good. That is our goal… to be able to tell a good story with words and music… and people. Adding Steve Bernstein to a limited number of shows on this run has enhanced our palette immeasurably and is just plain good fun. We get to do that and we get the message across as well. Steve is only on board for three shows. Two have been played and last will be at the Keswick in the Philly area. It has also occurred to me that our good friend Justin Guip has probably been a member of Hot Tuna longer than anyone save jack and myself.
There’s nothing like good friends getting together to make music…
Photo by Vanessa Kaukone
Anyhow, moving right along… then there’s the matter of HotTuna vs HotTuna… HoTuna on the drum head and HotTuna on other items. No this is not a typo. It’s just artistic license as either one looks better on some things rather than other. Plus… remember, ‘Dada is nada.’
This set list is not nada:
Hot Tuna 21, 2023
The Electric Trio
Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady
And
Justin Guip
With Special Guest
Steve Bernstein
The Beacon Theater
New York City, New York
First Set:
- Second Chances
- Ice Age
- Nobody Knows You When You’re Down & Out with Steve Bernstein
- Ode To Billy Dean with Steve Bernstein
- Talkin’ Bout You with Steve Bernstein
- Soliloquy For 2 with Steve Bernstein
- Trial By Fire with Steve Bernstein
- Bowlegged Woman with Steve Bernstein
- I Don’t’ Wanna Go with Steve Bernstein
Second Set:
- I See The Light
- Hesitation Blues with Steve Bernstein
- Death Don’t Have No Mercy with Steve Bernstein
- Hit Single #1 with Steve Bernstein
- Invitation with Steve Bernstein
- Come Back Baby
- Sea Child with Steve Bernstein
- Good Shepherd with Steve Bernstein
- Funky # 7 with Steve Bernstein
- Encore: Water Song
…and we we able to get all the songs we wanted to play in under the curfew wire.
Continuing to move along. ‘Lots of things I want to do, so I don’t wanna go!’
Good night New York form Jorma, Justin, Steve and Jack
Photo by Vanessa Kaukonen
All things considered, it’s good times for us. Come on out and see for yourself!
Morning in Weehawken… getting ready to move on.
Photo by Jorma Kaukonen
Jorma when you mentioned how long Justin has been with HT it made me laugh. I’ve many times joked his many drummers you and Jack burned out. We used to wonder how Bob Steeler could keep going.
Justin is perfect with HT. He locks in with Jack’s nuances during solos like no other.
Looking forward to Clearwater, Ft Lauderdale, Live Oak, and… Fillmore!
Hey Jorma, first time doing this. My wife Claudia and I have been fans of you and Jack for fifty years. You have touched our lives in ways you can’t imagine. We were even blessed to see you on our honeymoon when we flew from SF to West Hollywood at a club called the Starwood. Beautiful memories. We have never missed a New York area show, and the Beacon show was the quintessential Hot Tuna. It was as if we were transported back fifty years. Perfect set list, perfect sound. Thank you, and Jack and all the rest for this wonderful journey. Claudia and I wish you to know you’ve always reached us and made us smile.
Dear Jorma,
Not sure if THANK YOU is enough said, The Beacon show was awesome and bitter sweet at the same time, it was great seeing old friends and new that developed over the years thanks to you and Jack. I truly hope you understand the lives your music has touched, for me it’s always been about the music and not the run ins….lol. I thought the set list was just the right touch and you don’t owe any explanations for it. Justin is wonderful and such a nice guy, and I will miss him, I hope I can get to see him maybe playing with Larry and Theresa, and it was great to see Barry again.
Just thought I would drop a note to say Thank You for the years of wonderful memories.
Looking forward to those acoustic shows.
Take Care
Hogan
🙂
Thanks Jorma and Jack.. and Justin and Steve and Steve and Barry and Joey and Skoota and Papa John and…
… and everyone I’ve enjoyed you guys making music with. ( Kudos too, to Vanessa and the rest of the behind the scenes gang)
A couple of times Saturday night I heard Steven channel Papa John Creach lines and that was magical to these ears. Thanks for having him on board. All his many projects as leader deserve a serious listen. On to the Keswick.
Hey, Jorma,
Been listening to you and Jack since 1968. Flew from Oregon so we could hear y’all in New Haven tomorrow. We’re here to hear you. Play whatever you *&5$#!! please, and we’ll love it. As for Justin? Go Justin! We love you, and we’ve come to share an evening of music with old friends. We hope you enjoy our being there as much as we’ll enjoy your being there!
Thank you, Jorma (and Jack), for all the wonderful music you’ve given us for so long. All the music you’ve chosen to offer up with whomever you’ve decided to collaborate with – no way I’d ever think to ask for more or different. So great! My friend, John, and I were so thrilled by your performances at the Academy of Music way back then and we’re so going to love our first visit to FPR on October 14th!
It’s always a pleasure to read your blog, and this one is no exception. Although i am a bit biased, I question the fact that you had to make these explanations at all… Nonetheless, you’ve explained with your customary patience, good humor, and succinctness (if that’s even a word).
So, although I have loved the feeling and vibe of the band in 70s, somewhere around 2010 I finally came to terms with the fact that hot tuna, or HoTuna is more than what it once was, and has a better logo to boot. I applaud the parallel with Cream because I felt the same way the first time I heard a solo Eric Clapton album. It wasn’t until some time had passed but I was able to see how great his (and your!) more nuanced writing, musical sensibilities and playing actually are.
So, now all I can say is thank you for the decades of great music, the excellent experiences at the ranch, and your insightful attitude towards life that still makes me think to myself, WWJD (what would Jorma do)
Hi Jorma, Jack, Justin and FPR Team,
Few thoughts on ‘Last Ride’. Thank you for a fabulous Beacon Electric show. We saw HT @ Great South Bay, but LOVE the NYC energy, plus opportunity to see old friends and meet new people.
A large number of us are on-board for ‘many years’, all incarnations, we say thanks. After a full evening of music and a beautiful “Water Song” encore, Jorma says, “Hi Folks, as always, Our Pleasure”. Warms the heart.
With the addition of “Invitation” and especially “I Don’t Want to Go,” a strong and relevant tune both lyrically and musically; HT with Justin has performed all 8 songs from “America’s Choice,” 7 originals plus Robert Johnson electrified Walkin’ Blues.
Home after the Beacon, I kept a watch on other music events this weekend, Bob Dylan a surprise Farm Aid guest, rocked with Mike Campbell Band, before a wonderful Willie Nelson, set. Also, caught some of Eric Clapton Crossroads Benefit this weekend, Eric playing as good as ever.
It’s hard imagine someone called Bob “Judas,” for going electric in 1965. “Artistic license.” “Life is Change”…Crown of Creation. We are blessed to ‘be here now,’ enjoying Hot Tuna, Dylan, Eric and the other wonderful musicians of our generation.
One more throwback, with the passing of Robbie Robertson, my HT pals were discussing if any were sorry we were not in SF Winterland 1976 for “The Band – Last Waltz”. No was answer, Hot Tuna and their fans and had an amazing 1976 Thanksgiving NYC weekend, closing out Bicentennial year. Nov 76, the East Coast HT fans at NYC Palladium on 14th St. would not have traded places, HT touring to support “Hoppkorv,” including WNEW-FM broadcast….And onto 2023 at The Beacon. Full circle.
As Joni said: “The seasons go round and round, the painted ponies go up and down”. Ain’t it the truth.
As Chuck said: “Hail Hail Rock and Roll”.
Good luck with the rest of the tour. I will be streaming Fur Peach Electric show Oct 14.
Thanks for your take on the comments about the show(s). I did read one comment where someone posted that the first set at the Beacon “did not consist of songs that people want to hear.” I guess everyone has their own take on things, and I wasn’t at the Beacon (will be at the show at the Fillmore), but to me those are real classic Hot Tuna songs. As far as Steve Bernstein goes, everyone has the right to their own opinion. For me, I’ll take my Tuna any way they serve it. I’m sure you don’t write the set lists thinking about what people want to hear. If you guys had fun playing it that’s all that matters.
Ha, you have to love that the best views of NYC are always from … New Jersey. 🙂
Thanks to you, Jack, Justin and Steve for a fabulous electric send off. We seemed to be the only people in way at the top of the upper balcony dancing while you guys were raging (much to the chagrin of some older folks behind us). “This is Hot Tuna’s last electric show in New York City after 50 f#%*ing years,” I thought to myself. “I can’t sit down?!?!?”
I also finally met your lovely wife after all this time, and also some of the radio dream stream land characters I grew to know and love during QUAH-rantine. 🙂 What a day.
I came back at the beginning of September to say goodbye to my 95 year old mom, Florence Stern Weisman, who went peacefully and was ready. It seemed fitting to end my trip by seeing off two of my favorite musical characters do their thing too. I’m so glad I did. Shana tovah anf Gmar Hatima Tovah, and Yasher Koach to the Kaukonen family and entire FPR family too.
See you at the Fillmore on 12/1. ❤️🎹🙏🏼✌️🤘
It warms my heart to read these shares. Whatever you play, That’s Alright with Me.
I thought opening with Second Chances and finishing 1st set with I Don’t Wanna Go was apropos. 2nd set was Let’s Rock! Thank you for Invitation, Soliloquy for 2, and aforementioned ending to 1st set. My wife Amy said to me, “when you get Tuna in your head, there’s no stopping you.” We will be at 3 Fl shows, and SF.
✌️&💙
I loved each and every minute of the Beacon show and thought the addition of Steve Bernstein was a real treat but couldn’t stay past Bowlegged Woman because the sound was just TOO DAMN LOUD. I know Hot Tuna had a reputation for playing with the dials turned up to 11 back in the day but every show I’ve seen in and around New York City for the past 20 or so years has been tolerable. On Saturday night, however, I found myself covering my ear with my hand, even while wearing earplugs with a 33-decibel rating. Although it nearly killed me to walk out, I don’t begrudge the band for wanting to blow out the wax on their final electric tour and hope to see them play again at a lower volume. Thanks!!!
Yeah, I’ve been to the Beacon many times and the sound quality – not the band’s fault! – was the worst ever. Terrible mix and serious volume issues. I wondered if the venue had some kind of grudge and was getting revenge.
But in terms of song selection and guest – even if some people weren’t thrilled, when it comes to comments how about showing some common courtesy to musicians who have enriched our lives immeasurably?
Hey Curtis… we do not request loud. I like tone better than volume. The volume in the audience is on the house. Our stage volume is nothing like that I assure you.Thanks for the comment friend. Duly noted.
Just my opinion but I thought it wasn’t loud enough and wanted Jorma to turn it up…I heard several others shout the same thing…
It was a great gig on Saturday night, Jorma. Thanks for resurrecting “Invitation.” The whole band did it justice.
My seat was mid orchestra in front of Jack and the growl of his bass throughout the night was therapeutic. In fact, i wouldn’t be surprised if it could cure certain ailments.
Keep on truckin’…
Thank you for the clarification about the band’s logo on the merchandise vs. the drum head, vive la différence.
The Beacon set list looks pretty darn good.
Much appreciated.
Great blurb —- exciting – fires me up as to why I love Hot Tuna – been listening since 67 thru every twist n turn holding fast – I follow – listen and feel your music always have which is why I’m a huge fan — love you all. And thanx for your creative light shines on mine. 🙏🏼🔥🐟
I had a great time at the Beacon. It was an amazing night that included some of my all time favorite tunes. Are there other songs like “Feel So Good” that I would have loved to hear again, of course. There will be more chances to see Jorma and Jack, and you never know what wonderful music they will make together and present to us next time. Thank you for a real good time. See you again one of these Tuesdays.
If you ask me, people who grouse about song selection or ‘we don’t go to HT shows to see jazzy improvisation’ should really take a long look at themselves and think twice! Artists get to determine what they create, with whom and how. If people don’t appreciate the art they are free to stay home next time. My wife and I are on the bus with HT, and are happy to be able to experience what you guys are putting out into the world now . . . and if you ask me electric Tuna is acquitting themselves quite well on this tour! Bravo!
Thx so much for this! Will be heading up from So. Fla. to see you guys at the Keswick, and from what I’ve heard, I’m especially psyched to hear you with Steve! Also have our tix for closer to home in Ft. Liquordale. Had the pleasure of seeing & hearing you since I was 15 (45 years ago!), and my weekend at Fur Peace was a highlight of my life. Soooo much gratitude for all the joy you’ve given to me and so many for so long. And oh yeah, triple thanks for the sanity-saving Quarantine Series!!! Much love
Just wanted to say thank you for a great show, and that I enjoyed Mr. Bernstein’s contribution.
And I sent this picture to my father in law who served on the Intrepid during Korean War
Thanks Jorma! Please dust off Seaweed Strut for the Fillmore gig. And thank you and Jack for all the joy you have given so many for so long!
The Boyz have given us many many great nights n memories
Along the long ride
We are privileged to have been there for many of these times
We will see you out there again
Thanks again
JORMA FOR PRESIDENT.AWESOME SHIW AS ALWAYS FELLAS LUV YOU GUYS TILL DEATH DONT HAVE NO MERCY
Dear Jorma, Thank you and Jack for the many years of great music. I bought Burgers in the 8th grade and will be 65 in a few months. I caught the show last night, which I can not believe is the 1st time I saw you and Jack together. Maybe some songs I hoped you would play didn’t make it into the setlist, but I can’t complain…it was a great time. Jack’s bass playing is amazing and I dug when he got some extended playing time, marching around stage. Justin is also incredible…his subtle when called for drumming was great. Thanks again for the music. Hoping there will be some more acoustic Tuna in the future. Peace, Bill
Acoustic definitely in the future… meanwhile… having fun out here!
Love this and your perspective. I am late to the party but have had the pleasure of joining in on the Hot Tuna journey. Thank you so much for sharing yourselves and your incredible talents!!!
“Every once in a while in pop music there is a magical confluence: the right performers doing the right music with the right support.”
—Ralph Novak
I believe that rare magic occurred last night
4 shows in a row!
Each one outstanding!!
The Egg in Albany was a mind blowing perfectly acoustical experience I’ll never forget.
Yes! All rivers flow. Nothing is stagnant. That’s the thrill of it all. Long road, terrific ride, every blessed day!!
Can’t wait be for the keswick show!!!
Whatever you guys choose to play will be welcome to my ears….
My wife plays bass and early in our relationship at a gig before we did a tune she leaned over to me and said “make sure you get some good feedback on this one”
So Jorma get some hood feedback on one of the tunes at the keswick for me!!