The Bearsville Theater in Woodstock played host to a sold-out show from musical legend Jorma Kaukonen on Friday, June 13.
Jorma, recipient of a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award and a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, play a nearly two-hour long acoustic set at the intimate venue nestled in the Catskill Mountains.
Rolling Stone Magazine calls Jorma, “a bona fide graybeard folk swami. He mostly lays back, a master in situ, unfurling melodies and savoring every note.” This description was on full display on Bearsville’s cozy stage. The warm, friendly atmosphere and the simple stage setting made the audience feel like Jorma was a dear old friend who had stopped by their living room to chat, sing and play guitar.
Throughout the evening, Jorma referred to his age several times. “As I get older, I realize it’s all about family. My daughter is with us tonight and it’s my duty as a dad to embarrass her every change I get,” he kidded. Kaukonen will turn 85 later this year. He is slated to play a celebratory birthday show at Carnegie Hall on Nov. 29.
While Jack Cassidy, Jorma’s life-long friend and bandmate from both Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, was not with him on stage, he was referred to several times throughout the evening. During the introduction to the Airplane’s version of Good Shepard, Jorma mentioned it was always one of Jack’s favorite tunes to play.
Later in the evening when it was mentioned at Jorma’s wife, Vanessa, was out in the lobby at the Jorma/Fur Peace Ranch merch table, Jorma expressed his disappointment that they forgot to bring along the Jack and Jorma condoms for sale. “Nothin’ says lovin’ like a Jack and Jorma condom,” he joked.
While Jack was not there, Jorma was however joined by his long-time friend John Hurlbut to perform their acoustic duet on the first night of their two-night residence at the venue. John accompanied Jorma for the final five songs of the evening. He sang on all of these tunes including the encore of Dylan’s Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.
Kaukonen and Hurlbut sandwiched in an appearance at the Hudson River Music Festival on the afternoon of Saturday, June 14 in between his two evening shows at Bearsville.
Setlist: Don’t You Leave Me Here, Where Have My Old Friends Gone, I See the Light, Take Your Time, Hesitation Blues, Barbeque King, Trial by Fire, Sleep Song, Good Shepard, Heart Temporary, Ice Age; The following with John Hurlbut: I’m Going to Live Forever, Choices, Travelin’, Ballad of Easy Rider, Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door
Comments are closed.