They put out an LP about a year or so ago.Steady As She Goes (?) Still have the same great sound built on tradition and fine musicianship.You can't go wrong with Reverend Gary Davis as a role model.
Saw them in NYC '71 and Austin '72 (besides a later tour ten or so years ago). Jack and Jorma are just great, I still love the early Tuna stuff and the early Airplane stuff.
Supposedly Grace Slick joined the Airplane because she was so taken with Jack's bass playing. The lady has excellent taste.
their first, self-titled (live) album is a classic--it's probably inspired a million guys to pick up an acoustic guitar. jorma's one of the great non-singers of all time. their subsequent electric albums like phosphorescent rat have their moments, though it's the debut you keep going back to. saw them not long ago--their acoustic set was great, but their electric set (second half of the show) was surprisingly poor--generic bar-band stuff.
I think that "First Pull up, Then Down" is my favorite electric Hot Tuna album. Papa John's fiddle on "John's Other" and Jorma's guitar licks on "Been So Long" are classic. On the acoustic side, I enjoy "Live at Sweetwaters." Pete Sears (from Jefferson Starship) really adds a lot to the songs tickling the ivories. Back in the day, Jorma's solo album "Quah" was a go to smooth guy acoustic album for me that the ladies always seemed to enjoy. I liked their last album "Steady As She Goes" and am really glad they are still producing music. Hot Tuna is a true American icon.
I've seen then about 2 dozen times dating back to the 70's. Both electric and acoustic. Last time was just a few months ago in Connecticut. Can you believe Jorma is 74!
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