
Hot Tuna Offer Up Acoustic Blues To Charleston Crowd
Their Sounds May Have Mellowed, But Diehards Appreciate Their Commitment To Musicianship
Jeff Walker, Entertainment Writer
Hot Tuna have had various incarnations over their 55 year run. Despite a revolving door of talented musicians, the core of Hot Tuna has been Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, respectfully the founding guitarist and bass player for Jefferson Airplane, as well as inductees into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame with the famed psychedelic rock group.
And although Jorma and Jack have flirted with electric guitar sounds for decades, the legendary rockers known for their unrehearsed sets have pretty much opted to go acoustic in recent years, bringing their 2025 Hot Tuna improvisational show to avid fans Thursday (Jan 30th) at the Charleston Music Hall.
The duo along with drummer Justin Guip and harmonica player Ross Garren did not disappoint, going full tilt for over two and a half hours, offering up a cornucopia of songs from the bands 14 albums together, peppered with songs from Jorma's solo releases, adding a couple from when the two were with Airplane.
While Jorma admits Hot Tuna isn't a jam band in the traditional sense, the veteran rockers know how to jam, even during acoustic sets. Despite never having a radio friendly hit single, Hot Tuna have been a crowd favorite, especially for those who appreciate blues, progressive rock, and incredible musicianship.
Even though the guys choose to stir it up, there were a few signature songs thrown in the mix this time around, including 'Barbecue King', 'Hesitation Blues', and 'Take Your Time', as well as 'Been So Long' a more recent track from Kaukonen's arsenal, adding 'Good Shepherd', and 'Trial By Fire' from Airplane to fill 20 songs over two sets.
While younger artists and some bands of Tuna's generation still use video backdrops and stage effects to complete their shows, Jorma and Jack prefer to let the songs and the instruments enjoy the spotlight. 84 years young, Jorma's voice is still as fresh as summer rain, and the duo know how to pick their guitars. And Garren, well it's safe to say he's one of the best to blow a harmonica today.
Hot Tuna relish in the fact they are a progressive off the cuff band that thrive on live performances. Although the guys may have mellowed over the years and their style isn't Mississippi blues, make know mistake they are the epitome of a modern blues group, with their sounds echoing more with smooth jazz with hints of folk and Americana.
More than five decades since Jorma and Jack began their quest to introduce blues music into the ever evolving rock n' roll genre, the duo known for their artistry continue to attract baby boomers, hippies, and younger concert goers who appreciate skilled musicianship. Diehard Hot Tuna fans I spoke with travelled as much as three hours to see the show, including fans from Columbia, Aiken, and Georgetown SC. Long live rock n' roll.
Concert photo complements of James Russell. For more on Hot Tuna's current acoustic tour, and Jorma Kuakonen's solo tour with long time friend and rhythm guitarist John Hurlbut visit https://hottuna.com/tour/