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The band Hot Tuna always used to get me in trouble as a kid. Most concerts ended before 11:00 p.m. Hot Tuna concerts would go on into the wee hours of the morning. Mom and Dad were not too happy about me coming in at 4 in the morning with a look in my eyes that spelled grounded for two weeks. It was worth it……
Hot Tuna is an American blues band formed in 1969 by bassist Jack Casady and guitarist Jorma Kaukonen. Both were originally members of the prominent San Francisco rock band Jefferson Airplane, but they felt a desire to explore the deeper musical roots of blues, folk, and rock that had influenced their earlier careers.
The band’s name, Hot Tuna, emerged from a joke among band members, referring to an in-joke that parodied a blues nickname; it stuck and soon became known to their fans.
Early Years and Formation
Kaukonen and Casady began playing together as a duo at local venues and at Jefferson Airplane’s performances, where they would often play an acoustic set before the electric set. Their early music was heavily influenced by the American blues and folk music tradition, and they covered songs from various artists, including Reverend Gary Davis, whom Kaukonen had studied with.
1970s: From Acoustic Beginnings to Electric Exploration
In 1970, Hot Tuna released their self-titled debut album, “Hot Tuna,” which was recorded live at the New Orleans House in Berkeley, California. This album captured the duo’s raw acoustic sound and included extended jams, showcasing their improvisational prowess.
Over the next few years, Hot Tuna began to incorporate more electric instruments and a fuller band setup. They transitioned from their earlier, more stripped-down acoustic blues to a heavier, electric blues-rock sound. Albums like “First Pull Up, Then Pull Down” and “Burgers” saw them expanding their musical horizons and gaining more commercial success.
Mid-1970s to Early 1980s: Height of Popularity
By the mid-1970s, Hot Tuna had become a popular act in its own right, with albums such as “The Phosphorescent Rat,” “America’s Choice,” and “Yellow Fever” highlighting their evolution into a more rock-oriented band.
The group took a brief hiatus in the late 1970s, during which Kaukonen and Casady pursued solo projects and other musical endeavors. They reconvened in the early 1980s with “Pair a Dice Found,” which would be their last studio album for some time.
1980s to 1990s: Live Performances and Hiatuses
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Hot Tuna oscillated between periods of activity and inactivity, with Kaukonen and Casady focusing on individual projects but coming together for occasional Hot Tuna performances. The live albums “Live at Sweetwater” and “Live at Sweetwater Two” were released, showcasing performances from this era.
2000s to Present: Revival and Steady Course
The 2000s saw a revival of the band’s activity with the release of both archival material and new recordings. The new century also saw them touring more regularly. “And Furthermore…” and “Steady as She Goes” are notable albums from this period, with the latter marking their first studio album in 20 years.
Hot Tuna
Released in May 1970
Hot Tuna is the self-titled debut album of American blues rock band Hot Tuna. Recorded live at the New Orleans House in Berkeley, California, this album captures the raw and improvisational energy of the band, founded by former Jefferson Airplane members Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady. As a stark departure from the psychedelic sound of Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna delves into the roots and traditions of American blues music, featuring acoustic performances that highlight Kaukonen’s fingerpicking mastery and Casady’s melodic bass playing.
The lineup on the album includes Jorma Kaukonen on guitar and vocals, Jack Casady on bass, with guest appearances by Will Scarlett on harmonica. The album was produced by Al Schmitt and recorded live on September 19th and 20th, 1969.
CD Track Listings:
- “Hesitation Blues” – 5:05
- “How Long Blues” – 3:58
- “Uncle Sam Blues” – 4:58
- “Don’t You Leave Me Here” – 2:50
- “Death Don’t Have No Mercy” – 6:11
- “Know You Rider” – 3:59
- “Oh Lord, Search My Heart” – 3:50
- “Winin’ Boy Blues” – 5:30
- “New Song (for the Morning)” – 4:55
- “Mann’s Fate” – 5:20
First Pull Up, Then Pull Down
Released in June 1971
First Pull Up, Then Pull Down furthered Hot Tuna’s exploration of blues and rock, this time incorporating more electric elements and a fuller band sound. This sophomore album exhibits the band’s evolution from their acoustic debut to a more electrified style, incorporating a mix of both traditional songs and original compositions. The live album captures the dynamic and improvisational concerts that would define Hot Tuna’s identity, showcasing extended jam sessions that were a hallmark of the era.
The band for this record consisted of Jorma Kaukonen on guitar and vocals, Jack Casady on bass, Papa John Creach on violin, Sammy Piazza on drums, and guest musician Will Scarlett on harmonica. The album was produced by Hot Tuna and recorded live at the Chateau Liberté in the Santa Cruz Mountains, California.
CD Track Listings:
- “John’s Other” (Papa John Creach) – 8:17
- “Candy Man” (Rev. Gary Davis) – 5:52
- “Been So Long” (Jorma Kaukonen) – 3:44
- “Want You to Know” (Bo Carter) – 4:30
- “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning” (Davis) – 8:17
- “Never Happen No More” (Blind Blake) – 3:53
- “Come Back Baby” (Lightnin’ Hopkins) – 9:29
Upon its release, First Pull Up, Then Pull Down was well-received by the counterculture audience, solidifying Hot Tuna’s status as a potent live act. The album artwork, featuring a flying fish and a hot air balloon, is iconic in its own right and represents the free-spirited nature of the band and their music.
Burgers
Released in February 1972
Hot Tuna moved to a warmer, more accessible sound with Burgers, their third album and the first studio album after two live releases. It strikes a balance between the acoustic stylings of their self-titled debut and the electric drive of First Pull Up, Then Pull Down. This record is a showcase of Hot Tuna’s blues roots with a rock sensibility, featuring a collection of both traditional blues arrangements and original compositions that are polished yet retain a spontaneous feel.
Jorma Kaukonen on guitar and vocals, Jack Casady on bass, Papa John Creach on violin, and Sammy Piazza on drums form the core band on this album. Guest musicians included Nick Buck on keyboards and Richard Talbott on mandolin. Burgers was produced by the well-known Al Schmitt.
The album was recorded at Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, and the cover art, featuring a Fish and Burger design, has become one of the band’s most memorable images.
CD Track Listings:
- “True Religion” (Jorma Kaukonen) – 4:45
- “Highway Song” (Kaukonen) – 3:16
- “99 Year Blues” (Julius Daniels) – 3:59
- “Sea Child” (Kaukonen) – 5:02
- “Keep On Truckin’” (Bob Carleton) – 3:42
- “Water Song” (Kaukonen) – 5:17
- “Ode for Billy Dean” (Kaukonen) – 4:51
- “Let Us Get Together Right Down Here” (Rev. Gary Davis) – 3:29
- “Sunny Day Strut” (Kaukonen) – 3:16
Burgers was warmly received and is often cited as one of Hot Tuna’s best works. The blend of Kaukonen’s intricate fingerpicking and Casady’s melodic bass lines, along with Creach’s soaring violin, created a texturally rich record that appealed to a broad audience and remains a fan favorite.
The Phosphorescent Rat
Released January 3, 1974
The Phosphorescent Rat followed Burgers and presented another shift in Hot Tuna’s musical direction, with the band moving towards a more rock-oriented sound. This album is the first without Papa John Creach and marks a return to the band’s power-trio format, with Jorma Kaukonen taking charge and steering the group through a mix of rock, blues, and folk influences.
The band on this album features Jorma Kaukonen on guitar and vocals, Jack Casady on bass, and Sammy Piazza on drums. Mallory Earl produced the Phosphorescent Rat, and it continued to cement Hot Tuna’s reputation as a formidable act in both live and studio settings.
The album was recorded at Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco. The album cover, depicting a glowing rat, is an example of the unique and occasionally surreal artwork associated with the band’s releases.
CD Track Listings:
- “I See the Light” (Jorma Kaukonen) – 4:15
- “Letter to the North Star” (Kaukonen) – 2:31
- “Easy Now” (Kaukonen) – 5:10
- “Corners Without Exits” (Kaukonen) – 3:37
- “Day to Day Out the Window Blues” (Kaukonen) – 3:25
- “In the Kingdom” (Kaukonen) – 5:26
- “Seeweed Strut” – 3:25
- “Living Just for You” (Kaukonen) – 3:20
- “Soliloquy for 2” – 3:42
- “Sally, Where’d You Get Your Liquor From?” (Rev. Gary Davis) – 2:58
Despite not having the commercial success of its predecessor, The Phosphorescent Rat received critical acclaim and is noted for its exploration of Kaukonen’s guitar virtuosity and songwriting skills. The tracks are a blend of thoughtful lyrics and intricate musicianship that would become a trademark of Kaukonen’s career.
America’s Choice
Released May 1975
America’s Choice marked a significant point in Hot Tuna’s evolution, delivering a raw, energetic sound that’s been described as “loud and proud.” This fifth album showcases a more jam-oriented, heavy rock approach, a departure from the acoustic and more moderately electric sounds of earlier albums.
The group for this album included Jorma Kaukonen on vocals and guitars, Jack Casady on bass, and Bob Steeler on drums, delivering a power-trio format with a focus on extended instrumental improvisation. Produced by Hot Tuna, America’s Choice epitomizes the band’s commitment to musical freedom and exploration.
Recording took place at Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, known for capturing the dynamic and raw sound that Hot Tuna was producing live at the time.
CD Track Listings:
- “Sleep Song” (Jorma Kaukonen) – 4:22
- “Funky #7” (Kaukonen, Jack Casady) – 5:47
- “Walkin’ Blues” (Robert Johnson, arr. Kaukonen) – 5:21
- “Invitation” (Kaukonen) – 6:53
- “Hit Single #1” – 5:10
- “Serpent of Dreams” (Kaukonen) – 6:51
- “I Don’t Wanna Go” (Kaukonen) – 4:54
- “Great Divide: Revisited” (Kaukonen) – 6:30
Yellow Fever
Released November 1975
Yellow Fever is another exemplary record from Hot Tuna that further cements their reputation as masters of blues-infused rock. This album, arriving in the same year as America’s Choice, underscores the band’s productivity and creative output during the mid-70s.
For Yellow Fever, the core members Jorma Kaukonen on guitars and vocals, Jack Casady on bass, and Bob Steeler on drums, continue to hone their electrifying chemistry. The production was handled by Hot Tuna, capturing the gritty essence of their sound.
Recorded at Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, the album features a collection of both original compositions and reimagined traditional songs, all showcasing the band’s skillful blend of rock and blues.
CD Track Listings:
- “Baby What You Want Me to Do” (Jimmy Reed) – 7:26
- “Hot Jelly Roll Blues” (Kaukonen) – 4:21
- “Free Rein” (Kaukonen) – 4:14
- “Sunrise Dance with the Devil” (Kaukonen) – 4:25
- “Song for the Fire Maiden” (Kaukonen) – 4:21
- “Bar Room Crystal Ball” (Kaukonen) – 6:53
- “Half/Time Saturation” (Kaukonen) – 4:46
- “Surphase Tension” (Kaukonen, Casady) – 4:09
Hoppkorv (1976)
Released October 1976
Hoppkorv marked a turn towards a more straightforward rock sound for Hot Tuna, with an emphasis on concise songs and accessible melodies. This departure from their previous jam-oriented records offered listeners a new take on the band’s musical prowess.
Hot Tuna, consisting of Jorma Kaukonen on guitar and vocals, Jack Casady on bass, Bob Steeler on drums, and now including Nick Buck on keyboards, produced Hoppkorv themselves, which contributed to the album’s distinctive sound.
Recorded at Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, and at the Record Plant in Los Angeles, the album captured the more commercial side of Hot Tuna, showcasing tighter arrangements and crisper production.
CD Track Listings:
- “Santa Claus Retreat” (Kaukonen) – 3:02
- “Watch the North Wind Rise” (Kaukonen) – 4:35
- “It’s So Easy” (Buddy Holly, Norman Petty) – 2:27
- “Bowlegged Woman, Knock-Kneed Man” (Bobby Rush, Calvin Carter) – 3:01
- “Drivin’ Around” (Kaukonen, Casady) – 2:53
- “I Wish You Would” (Billy Boy Arnold) – 3:17
- “I Can’t Be Satisfied” (Muddy Waters) – 3:58
- “Talk to Me” (Kaukonen) – 3:25
- “Extrication Love Song” (Kaukonen) – 4:04
- “Song from the Stainless Cymbal” (Kaukonen) – 3:57
Double Dose
Released February 1978
Double Dose is a double-live album by Hot Tuna, capturing the band’s dynamic live performances with a mixture of both acoustic and electric sets. This album reflects the full spectrum of Hot Tuna’s music, featuring blues, rock, and folk influences, and underscores their reputation as a compelling live act.
The group for this live outing consisted of founding members Jorma Kaukonen on guitar and vocals and Jack Casady on bass, along with Bob Steeler on drums. The album was enriched by the keyboard work of Nick Buck, with additional vocals by Kaukonen’s then-wife, Margareta Kaukonen.
Recorded during a series of concerts in 1977 and early 1978, Double Dose showcases the band’s improvisational skills and chemistry. The album was recorded at the Sun Plaza in Tokyo, Japan, and the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey.
The album was produced by Felix Pappalardi and engineered by Mallory Earl and Tim Geelan. Double Dose provided an expansive look into Hot Tuna’s live show, a treat for fans who relished the band’s concert experiences. With its wide range of styles and extended jams, it remains a fan favorite and a significant part of Hot Tuna’s discography.
CD Track Listings:
- “Winin’ Boy Blues” – 5:33
- “Keep On Truckin'” – 3:42
- “Candy Man” – 5:47
- “True Religion” – 5:29
- “Belly Shadow” – 3:18
- “Easy Now Revisited” – 5:10
- “Funky #7” – 8:49
- “Hot Jelly Roll Blues” – 5:47
- “I See the Light” – 5:51
- “Water Song” – 6:00
- “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning” – 3:08
- “Genesis” – 4:19
- “Extrication Love Song” – 4:44
- “Talking ‘Bout You” – 5:59
- “Hit Single #1” – 5:13
- “Serpent of Dreams” – 6:51
- “I Can’t Be Satisfied” – 4:56
- “I Wish You Would” – 4:14
- “Sunny Day Strut” – 3:15
Pair a Dice Found
Released October 25, 1990
Pair a Dice Found marks Hot Tuna’s return after a nine-year recording hiatus, offering a polished sound that weaves together the styles of blues, rock, and Americana that the band is known for. This album showcases the band’s ability to evolve with the times while staying true to their roots in American blues and rock music.
The album features Jorma Kaukonen on guitar and vocals, Jack Casady on bass, and Michael Falzarano on rhythm guitar and vocals. Additional musicians include Bob Steeler on drums, with the appearance of keyboardists Nicky Hopkins and Pete Sears giving the album a richer, more layered sound.
Pair a Dice Found was recorded at the Record Plant in Sausalito, California, with additional recordings at The Site in Marin County, California, between December 1989 and January 1990.
CD Track Listings:
- “It’s Alright with Me” – 5:16
- “Parchman Farm” – 3:50
- “Urban Moon” – 5:28
- “Eve of Destruction” – 5:01
- “Ak-47” – 4:45
- “Shot in the Act” – 3:56
- “Brand New Toy” – 3:31
- “To Be with You” – 5:01
- “Flying in the Face of Mr. Blue” – 5:02
- “Love Gone Flat” – 3:59
- “Bulletproof Vest” – 4:41
- “Ken Takes a Lude” – 1:19
- “San Francisco Bay Blues” – 4:02
- “Happy Turtle Song” – 4:16
The album was produced by Joey Balin, capturing a mix of hard-hitting rock tracks and soulful melodies, highlighted by Kaukonen’s bluesy guitar riffs and Casady’s deep bass lines. Pair a Dice Found didn’t climb the charts significantly but is treasured by fans for its authentic sound and the way it encapsulates the band’s expertise and musical journey.
Live at Sweetwater
Released January 1992
Live at Sweetwater is an album that captures the raw and authentic live experience of Hot Tuna performing at the Sweetwater club in Mill Valley, California. This album is a testament to the band’s enduring appeal and their connection with the audience, featuring a blend of blues, rock, and acoustic numbers that resonate with the intimate setting of the performance.
The line-up on this album includes Jorma Kaukonen on guitar and vocals, Jack Casady on bass, and Papa John Creach on violin. Michael Falzarano enhances the ensemble with additional guitar and vocals, while the inclusion of Pete Sears on keyboards adds depth to the live sound.
Recorded live at Sweetwater in Mill Valley, California, the dates of the performances span from September to October 1991.
CD Track Listings:
- “Winin’ Boy Blues” – 5:33
- “Keep On Truckin'” – 3:40
- “Embryonic Journey” – 1:59
- “Killing Time in the Crystal City” – 6:34
- “I See the Light” – 6:53
- “Folsom Prison Blues” – 4:56
- “Good Shepherd” – 7:17
- “I Am the Light of This World” – 4:12
- “Ak-47” – 7:50
- “Third Week in the Chelsea” – 4:58
- “99 Year Blues” – 6:24
- “San Francisco Bay Blues” – 4:55
- “Mann’s Fate” – 6:10
- “Genesis” – 4:23
- “Extrication Love Song” – 4:28
- “Candy Man” – 3:22
Produced by Hot Tuna and recorded by the Grateful Dead’s recording engineer, Owsley “Bear” Stanley, this album delivers a potent mix of acoustic and electric arrangements that showcase the band’s versatility and skill. Live at Sweetwater offers fans a snapshot of Hot Tuna’s live prowess and remains a beloved entry in their discography for its genuine atmosphere and musical integrity.
Live at Sweetwater Two
Released 1993
Following the success of their previous live release, Live at Sweetwater, Hot Tuna released Live at Sweetwater Two. This album, recorded at the same venue as its predecessor, continues to deliver the live energy and musicianship that Hot Tuna fans expect. It further captures the essence of the band’s live performances, with a setlist that combines traditional blues, originals, and covers, all played with the distinctive Hot Tuna blend of acoustic and electric sounds.
The lineup remains consistent with Jorma Kaukonen on guitar and vocals, Jack Casady on bass, and Papa John Creach on violin. Michael Falzarano adds his guitar and vocal talents, while Pete Sears appears on keyboards, contributing to the live texture of the album.
This collection was recorded live at the Sweetwater in Mill Valley, California, with recording dates closely following those of the first Sweetwater album, emphasizing the band’s continuous live performance schedule.
CD Track Listings:
- “Hesitation Blues” – 5:21
- “Walkin’ Blues” – 6:01
- “Parchman Farm” – 3:22
- “True Religion” – 5:29
- “Uncle Sam Blues” – 5:43
- “Vampire Women” – 3:51
- “Candy Man” – 3:12
- “Let Us Get Together Right Down Here” – 3:01
- “Third Week in the Chelsea” – 4:53
- “Great Change” – 4:02
- “Ice Age” – 7:58
- “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning” – 3:42
- “San Francisco Bay Blues” – 4:04
Live in Japan
Live in Japan is a vibrant live album by Hot Tuna, showcasing a performance that taps into the band’s blues roots while demonstrating their adaptability and improvisational skills. This record is a significant entry in Hot Tuna’s discography as it captures the band in an international setting, bringing their American blues and rock sound to a Japanese audience, demonstrating their global appeal and the universal language of music.
The lineup featured Jorma Kaukonen on guitar and vocals, and Jack Casady on bass, emphasizing the duo format that Hot Tuna is renowned for. This setting allowed for intimate interplay between the musicians, providing a raw and pure live experience.
The recording took place during a tour in Japan, adding a unique atmosphere to the album, given the response of a non-American audience to the traditional American musical form of the blues.
CD Track Listings:
- “Walkin’ Blues” – 5:18
- “Parchman Farm” – 7:37
- “True Religion” – 5:19
- “Been So Long” – 4:04
- “Uncle Sam Blues” – 5:42
- “Vampire Women” – 3:47
- “Candy Man” – 5:57
- “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning” – 4:51
- “Let Us Get Together Right Down Here” – 3:26
- “Third Week in the Chelsea” – 6:19
- “99 Year Blues” – 7:01
- “Ice Age” – 6:21
- “San Francisco Bay Blues” – 4:59
- “Mann’s Fate” – 6:03
And Furthurmore…
Released 1999
And Furthurmore… is a live album by Hot Tuna that encapsulates the band’s dynamic performances and enduring chemistry. This album, released towards the end of the 20th century, serves as a testament to the band’s longevity and the continued evolution of their sound. It captures a group that has settled comfortably into its legacy yet continues to explore the boundaries of blues and rock with enthusiasm and skill.
Featuring Jorma Kaukonen’s intricate guitar work and Jack Casady’s fluid bass lines, the album delivers a mix of blues, rock, and improvisational jams that had become the hallmark of Hot Tuna’s live performances. Their ability to feed off each other’s energy and the audience’s response highlights their synergy as a live act.
Recorded during a series of live shows, And Furthurmore… embodies the live concert experience of Hot Tuna, offering a collection of performances that are both raw and refined. It not only captures the sound of a band that has been through decades of touring and recording but also a duo that still finds joy and fresh angles in every performance.
CD Track Listings:
- “Been So Long” – 3:58
- “Nine Pound Hammer” – 4:28
- “Tuna Fish Blues” – 3:59
- “San Francisco Bay Blues” – 4:54
- “Flying in the Face of Mr. Blue” – 5:33
- “Hesitation Blues” – 5:21
- “Mann’s Fate” – 5:36
- “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning” – 4:49
- “Embryonic Journey” – 2:12
- “Killing Time in the Crystal City” – 6:36
- “I See the Light” – 6:15
- “Sunrise Dance with the Devil” – 4:29
- “Good Shepherd” – 7:04
- “Funky #7” – 9:08
- “Serpent of Dreams” – 6:45
- “Water Song” – 5:06
Steady as She Goes
Released 2011
Steady as She Goes marks Hot Tuna’s return to the studio after a gap of two decades. This album was recorded at Levon Helm’s studio in Woodstock, New York, bringing a fresh vitality to the band’s classic sound. It shows that the band, despite the years, hasn’t lost its touch and can still produce music with the same vigor and soul as in their early days. The album leans heavily on the blues genre, which has always been the foundation of Hot Tuna’s music.
On this record, Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady are joined by additional musicians, bringing new textures to the band’s established sound. The production of the album manages to capture the spontaneity of their live performances, while delivering the polished sound quality of a studio recording.
The sessions for Steady as She Goes were characterized by a live, in-studio atmosphere, contributing to the album’s authentic and organic feel. The musicians included are Jorma Kaukonen on guitar and vocals, Jack Casady on bass, with the addition of Barry Mitterhoff on mandolin and Skoota Warner on drums. The album was produced by Larry Campbell, who also contributed his musical talent to several tracks.
CD Track Listings:
- “Angel of Darkness” – 4:43
- “Children of Zion” – 4:52
- “Second Chances” – 4:20
- “Goodbye to the Blues” – 5:18
- “A Little Faster” – 3:38
- “Mourning Interrupted” – 5:06
- “Easy Now Revisited” – 4:10
- “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” – 5:18
- “Corner of the Bath” – 4:37
- “A Walk with Friends” – 5:20
Complete List Of Hot Tuna Albums And Discography article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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Updated November 12, 2023