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Hot Tuna — Double Dose
(Acadia ACAM 8140, 1978/2007, CD)

by Peter Thelen, Published 2008-01-01

Double Dose Cover art Long unavailable on CD, this full-length live disc (originally a 2LP set) is a superb summary of Hot Tuna's career up to that point; in fact the band split up shortly after the album hit the street in '78. Formed as an acoustic side project of Jefferson Airplane guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady in the late 60s, their initial focus was on traditional blues covers with some originals mixed in; over time numerous other musicians passed through their ranks as they turned on the electricity and evolved into a full-on rock band. In fact that's pretty much how this live set evolves as well. The early tracks are essentially Jorma Kaukonen performing solo on acoustic guitar and vocals, with Casady and the others joining in beginning on side two of the original LP for three more sides of electrified blues rock and beyond. Many highlights here include "Genesis" and "Embryonic Journey," two Kaukonen originals from the acoustic set, as well as the nine-minute "Funky #7" and concert staples "Sunrise Dance with the Devil" and "Watch the North Wind Rise" from the full four-piece band. Unfortunately, the original LP was four minutes longer than the limits of the CD medium, so in the interest of economy original side-one closer "Killing Time in the Crystal City" was removed instead of adding a second disc. Those unfamiliar with Hot Tuna's oeuvre should find this live set to be a good starting point for exploration.

Filed under: Reissues, Issue 35, 2007 releases, 1978 recordings

Related artist(s): Hot Tuna

 

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