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7 November 2011
Interview with Jorma Kaukonen
Guitar great Jorma Kaukonen returns to the land of his grandparents in late
November. Kaukonen will play concerts in the Finnish cities of Helsinki,
Tampere and Turku.
It's been a while since the Hot Tuna and ex-Jefferson Airplane man played in
Finland. Even longer was Hot Tuna's recording hiatus. Newly-released album
"Steady as She Goes" is their first one in twenty years.
- Jack Casady and I had an opportunity to record a project for Red House
Records and needless to say, we jumped at the opportunity, says Kaukonen.
- As soon as we got the go ahead from Red House for the project I began
working on songs. I enlisted the help of the wonderful Larry Campbell as a
producer as well as a musical participant.
Like Jorma's latest solo effort, 2009's "River of Time", the new album was cut at
Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock. Jack Casady, Larry Campbell, Barry
Mitterhoff and Kaukonen co-wrote all songs for "Steady as She Goes".
- As for what it brings to the Hot Tuna repertoire, I think it shows the ongoing
evolution of maturing musicians still enjoying a 'sweet spot' in their creative lives.
Constantly Learning
In addition to long-time friend and bandmate Jack Casady, Jorma Kaukonen has
collaborated for years with Mitterhoff, another string instrument virtuoso.
Mitterhoff will accompany Kaukonen in the forthcoming gigs in Finland.
- As a musician and an artist, Barry's musical sensibilities are flawless. He always
seems to have the right thing to play at the right time. He is also a dear friend –
as it should be with brother musicians – and we share many things in common.
Starting some 50 years ago, Kaukonen has been through quite a few twists and
turns in his musical life. He emphasizes there is still a lot to learn, however.
- Well, I don't know if I've seen it all. There's always something new around the
corner... and with that thought in mind I am constantly learning new and
innovative things from everyone, including new bands and young musicians.
After the hectic years of the 70's – not to mention the late 60's hippie era – it
made sense to ease the pace a little. Consequently, the Fur Peace Ranch was
born in 1989. The Ranch, focusing on music studies on a strict drug-and-alcohol-
free basis, is definitely one of the landmarks in Jorma Kaukonen's (and co-
founder, wife Vanessa's) life in music.
- The Fur Peace Ranch is incredibly important to me. It occupies almost all my time
when I am home. To be able to teach has made me a better musician and a
better person.
The Old Country
Jorma Kaukonen has never lived in Finland (even his father Jorma Kaukonen
Senior was born in the USA). Nevertheless, he actually knows pretty much about
his Finnish roots.
- I do know quite a bit... My son spends part of his summers with a cousin of mine
who has a farm outside of Helsinki. My father was very close with many of our
relatives in the old country and we can trace our ancestry back to the 1300's.
Good stuff.
When in touch with Finnish journalists, Kaukonen always has to face a certain
kind of question, so let's pop it right now: How do you think "Finnishness" affects
you as a musician and a person?
- That is always an interesting question. I think there is a passion for music and
the written word that is very Finnish... I have what seems to some to be an
unreasonable love of cold days and long winter nights. I tend not to like to talk a
lot and I know what Sisu is!
INTERVIEW BY PASI TUOMINEN
Jorma Kaukonen in Finland 2011
Wed 30 Nov Helsinki, Savoy Theatre
Thu 1 Dec Vaasa, Skafferiet
Fri 2 Dec Turku, Logomo
Links: Jorma Kaukonen, Hot Tuna
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