Overview

*This program includes a foreword written and read by Grace Slick, and an afterword written and read by Jack Casady* From the man who made a name for himself as a founding member and lead guitarist of Jefferson Airplane comes a memoir that offers a rare glimpse into the heart and soul of a musical genius--and a vivid journey through the psychedelic era in America. Music is the reward for being alive, writes Jorma Kaukonen in this candid and emotional account of his life and work. It stirs memory in a singular way that is unmatched. In a career that has already spanned a half century--one that has earned him induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, among other honors--Jorma is best known for his legendary bands Jefferson Airplane and the still-touring Hot Tuna. But before he won worldwide recognition he was just a young man with a passion and a dream. Been So Long is the story of how Jorma found his place in the world of music and beyond. The grandson of Finnish and Russian-Jewish immigrants whose formative years were spent abroad with his American-born diplomat father, Jorma channeled his life experiences--from his coming-of-age in Pakistan and the Philippines to his early gigs with Jack Casady in D.C. to his jam sessions in San Francisco with Jerry Garcia, Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, and other contemporaries--into his art in unique and revelatory ways. Been So Long charts not only Jorma's association with the bands that made him famous but goes into never-before-told details about his addiction and recovery, his troubled first marriage and still-thriving second, and more. Interspersed with diary entries, personal correspondence, and song lyrics, this memoir is as unforgettable and inspiring as Jorma's music itself. This program includes live bonus music.

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9781250298706

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Reviews

Kaukonen's brilliant acoustic guitar work results in an aural feast. --Raleigh News & Observer Kaukonen doing what he does involves playing folk/blues-derived guitar with skill and dexterity few can match. --San Francisco Chronicle Nobody does the acoustic blues better these days than the founder of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna guitarist, Jorma Kaukonen. --Popmatters With early Tuna, there was a bit of respectful distance; they were playing an older generation's music and giving it a few psychedelic tweaks. Today, Kaukonen plays that music like it's his own; the hard-lived sentiments are those he has experienced firsthand. --Sound & Vision Magazine The playing is quietly astounding, but it's the sincere love for these songs that pushes the plow. --Detroit Free Press

Kaukonen's brilliant acoustic guitar work results in an aural feast. --Raleigh News & Observer Kaukonen doing what he does involves playing folk/blues-derived guitar with skill and dexterity few can match. --San Francisco Chronicle Nobody does the acoustic blues better these days than the founder of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna guitarist, Jorma Kaukonen. --Popmatters With early Tuna, there was a bit of respectful distance; they were playing an older generation's music and giving it a few psychedelic tweaks. Today, Kaukonen plays that music like it's his own; the hard-lived sentiments are those he has experienced firsthand. --Sound & Vision Magazine The playing is quietly astounding, but it's the sincere love for these songs that pushes the plow. --Detroit Free Press

Author Information

JORMA KAUKONEN is one of the most highly respected interpreters of American roots music, blues, and Americana, and at the forefront of popular rock 'n roll. He is the founding member and guitarist of Jefferson Airplane and the still-touring Hot Tuna, and has recorded more than a dozen solo albums. He's a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a Grammy nominee. Jorma and his wife Vanessa operate Fur Peace Ranch Guitar Camp, a center in Ohio for studying guitar and other instruments.

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