Jorma Kaukonen

In a remarkable release from Culture Factory - USA, guitar legend Jorma Kaukonen is offering fans an unprecedented glimpse into his early musical journey with Reno Road, a compilation of 26 previously unheard recordings. Captured by his lifelong friend and musical collaborator Jack Casady in the basement of Casady’s home, these tracks date back to the early 1960s—years before Kaukonen became a founding member of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna.

On September 30, 2024, the iconic folk/blues duo Hot Tuna graced the stage of the historic Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara, delivering a night of timeless and exhilarating music. Known for their blend of Americana, blues, and rock, Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady once again proved their enduring talent and connection with the audience.

With continual creativity and finesse, Acoustic Hot Tuna embarks on their fall tour across the western states. Masters in their field, Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady bring joy to their playing with unfiltered riffs, note-swapping, and shared smiles, delighting audiences for seven decades! They infuse their music with a wealth of emotions through deep perceptions and tremendous talent.

In 2019, we attended a concert at Folsom Field in Boulder. The skies darkened, it started to rain lightly, and I emailed my weather guru friend in Austin, Texas: “Hey Danny, what’s happening in the Colorado front range?” Danny sent back a Doppler radar screenshot showing very bright red and deep purple tie-dye splotches running from Denver to Fort Collins. Boulder was in the bullseye. Driving over the Shawangunk Ridge, there’s a similar feel to the Boulder Flatirons.

With the release of their third album, One More Lifetime, there is no doubt that Jorma Kaukonen and John Hurlbut are hitting their stride. And to be honest, the proper review of this album is, “Kick back in the sweet spot of sound, close your eyes, and take the ride. This album speaks for itself.” Hell, it’s Jorma on an acoustic, need I say more? Yes! Because one cannot take this journey without thoughts arising, memories being had, and emotions felt. The unmistakable sound of experience is all pervasive.

Out this Friday, June 7, 2024, on vinyl, CD, and all major digital streaming platforms, is "Songs We Didn’t Write," the third full-length album from Organ Fairchild.

The album, recorded, mixed, and co-produced by Justin Guip (Hot Tuna, Levon Helm) and mastered by Alan Evans (Soulive), features creative rearrangements of songs by Otis Redding, The Grateful Dead (x2), Bob Marley (x2), Leonard Cohen, and many more.

"One More Lifetime," the new recording by John Hurlbut and Jorma Kaukonen, "…is more than exciting – it is the stuff of dreams!" muses Jorma Kaukonen. The album is replete with Jorma and John’s musical history and friendship. The picking is stellar, and the singing is soulful. In addition to several classics like Dylan’s “I’ll Remember You” and Woody Guthrie’s “Pastures of Plenty,” they included two of John Hurlbut’s originals, “Day in the Country” and “Lazy Saint.”

Today, April 30th, we at Grateful Web honor the birthday and enduring impact of Reverend Gary Davis, the legendary American blues and folk guitarist born in 1896 in Laurens, South Carolina. His profound musical skills and spiritual lyrical depth profoundly shaped the landscapes of blues, folk, and beyond, influencing generations of musicians and fans alike.

Get up, Get out! Jorma Kaukonen and John Hurlbut are releasing One More Life Time on Record Store Day!  Run to your nearest record store for this is a limited release of 500 vinyls exclusively for Record Store Day this Saturday, April 20.

Jorma Kaukonen, a luminary in American rock and blues, boasts a career that intertwines with significant musical movements and personal artistic endeavors. Celebrating his 83rd birthday today, December 23rd, 2023, it's an opportune moment to delve into his rich and varied journey in music, emphasizing his pivotal roles in Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, as well as his commendable solo ventures.

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