Customer Reviews

Classic Electric

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I always loved Jorma and Jack (the vicious rythm section that makes up Hot Tuna) and these are the recordings that explain why. This disc represents an era of Tuna that was not only historic, but essential in the roots of good ole music. There are country elements, rock elements and a free-form element that can only be borrowed from jazz exploration. You will dance, shake and stomp your feet along to monstrous rhythm section of this awesome band. Tuna was unique and the guitar pickings of Jorma are unlike any other guitar player out there. There is not a bad song on this lovely disc!

This is a rather poor release, though it has its moments (the searing John's Other, for example). The sound quality is good and there is some histoy here, as it was recorded at the closing of the Fillmore West. Actually, that's the strongest selling point. Otherwise, the set list is almost the same as the "First Pull Up..." CD and it was recorded duirng the same year (1971) with the same line-up. All this leaves you wondering why it was released. One listen will cause the same reaction. Pass on it or save it until last.

The best track on it is "Been so long", with the beautiful violin by Papa John Creach, that makes (with absurd Jorma's finger picking and Jack's powerful bass playing) the Tuna sound psychedelic, unique, original.

All supported well by the jazz-blues drumming of Sammy Piazza, this is a great "bootleg" HOt TUna album.

IMPORTANT: NOTICE THAT THE CD HAS NO BACK INSERT

Excellent quality soundboard sourced early Tuna recording (Jorma, Jack, Sammy Piazza and Papa John Creach). Since all the shows were different (even if the set list is similar) there's certainly something to be said for this disc. Though perhaps not recorded for release the sound and clarity are excellent, so it's a nice way to spend an hour.

Hot Tuna has to be one of a handful of bands and musicians that can actually say that their music is...original. Not their music is not the greatest, but you can't say that they really sound like every other band. "Uncle Sam Blues", "John's Other", and "Candyman" are the best songs on the album. "I know you Rider" is the worst, but not that bad. If you want something original and not like any thing else pick up this cd. But I would recommend Hot Tuna's best album 'America's Choice'.