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Hot Tuna: The Making of Musical History |
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Written by By Whitney Parks/Special to the World
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Monday, 12 May 2008 |
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 For more than forty years, the legendary duo of guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady has toured from coast to coast and around the world playing and recording their memorable melodic tunes. From high octane rock to deep Americana roots blues, country and jazz, the men of Hot Tuna are definitely musically inclined.
After leaving their roots in Washington DC, Kaukonen and Casady were asked to join a rock n’ roll band out of San Francisco, later to be known as Jefferson Airplane, a pioneer of the psychedelic rock movement. At first Hot Tuna would open Airplane concerts giving the pair many opportunities to further explore their fondness for traditional blues. As Jefferson Airplane started winding it down in the 1970s, Hot Tuna became a musical entity in its own right and got a record contract. This was the beginning of a musical career that would turn out more than 24 albums and continued popularity decade after decade.
Since 2002, the mandolin phenomenon Barry Mitterhoff has been on the road with Hot Tuna. His diversity of style on the mandolin has taken him to Broadway and to soundtracks of several films such as “You’ve Got Mail” and “A Mighty Wind.”
Drummer Erik Diaz met Hot Tuna at Merlefest in 2000. When Hot Tuna returned to playing electric music in 2004, Diaz was just the drummer they had in mind. He has been called one of the tightest and most proficient young drummers in America today.
Hot Tuna has switched it up throughout the years with a variety of instruments and a continuum of band members. Although Jorma and Jack have created solo projects of their own, the duo has never forgotten about their powerful musical connection and friendship. Hot Tuna is dedicated to creating great music and constantly working to progress their musical talent.
A Q&A with Jack Casady
Over the weekend, Tahoe World entertainment writer Whitney Parks had the opportunity to get inside the mind of a living musical legend, Hot Tuna’s bassist Jack Casady:
Tahoe World: Where are the most memorable places Hot Tuna has traveled to on tour, and how often do you guys go on the road?
Jack Casady: There are so many places out there. Anywhere that we can set up and play has the potential to be the most memorable. It probably will be Lake Tahoe! Every single year, we go on tour. Sometimes the time of year changes, but we have a quite extensive touring schedule. We have traveled through all the states; however, I cannot recall playing Mississippi or South Dakota. We have also played in Italy, France, Germany, England and Finland.
TW: Can you tell us about some of the band’s favorite live concert/show memories?
JC: Almost every year around Thanksgiving, we play the Beacon Theatre in Manhattan, New York. The shows there have always been just plain crazy. The audience displays so much energy and enthusiasm that we, just have to respond in kind. It is lots of fun.
TW: Why did you dedicate your life to playing music and who are some of your inspirations?
JC: Ever since I started playing music at age 12, I knew it was the one thing that I had the passion and desire to want to keep doing. Early on, I was inspired by a variety of different kinds of music. I was raised in Washington DC, and had the opportunity to hear almost every kind of music that came through that multicultural city. I would listen to Ray Charles, Eric Dolphy, Andres Segovia, Charles Mingus and many more. At a very young age, I found the world of music like none other.
TW: Since you guys have been in the music industry for a while and are living legends in American music — is there a certain decade that you feel was best, musically?
JC: Musically, I am really enjoying this decade.
TW: What is your favorite Hot Tuna song and why?
JC: With the electric band, I like to play our song, “Hit Single #1” from our 1975 album, “America’s Choice.” Billy Boy Arnold’s “I Wish You Would” is a great song that we enjoy to cover. The most requested songs change from night to night. Last night it was “Genesis” from the Double Dose album (1978 live) and "Funky #7,” also off of America’s Choice.
TW: Why should Tahoe locals and visitors to Lake Tahoe come and check out your show at the Crystal Bay Club?
JC: I think we will give the locals and visitors to Lake Tahoe a great variety of original music and an even better night of fun. We are on our way, and looking forward to playing a great show for you.
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