Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Following an extensive Fur Peace Ranch quarantine concerts series that never missed a beat, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jorma Kaukonen is back on the road with a couple of trusty guitars and a spontaneous spirit.

Naturally, the Jefferson Airplane originator turned Hot Tuna co-founder sold out the Old Town School Of Folk Music, which just so happened to be the final night of a recent run and he “couldn’t think of a finer place to spend it,” despite not being allowed to sell any CBD products alongside the usual CDs, vinyl, shirts and personal line of tea.

Even so, faithful who’ve been following both bands since Woodstock, through numerous solo works and resurrecting blues treasures, had no trouble getting high off the music in a two-act evening filled with lots of heart and humor.

It all began with Hot Tuna’s “True Religion” to instant applause, finding Kaukonen in sturdy vocal form with nimble finger-picking worthy of a man half his 81 years.

Those characteristics continued throughout Leroy Carr’s “How Long Blues,” “Broken Highway” and Reverend Gary Davis’ “Death Don’t Have No Mercy,” even as he philosophically pondered losing so many peers as of late.

A collaboration with Vital Parts, “Barbeque King,” sizzled with lighthearted storytelling, and a little later, he saluted the consistent songwriting quality of all the other Airplane members, along with their willingness to try whatever anyone brought to the table, such as Kaukonen’s “Trial By Fire.”

Blind Willie Johnson’s “Keep Your Lamp Trimmed And Burning” was another hand-clapping crest throughout the generous “Embryonic Journey,” to quote another notable Airplane track he conceived, all of which found this veteran of many talents having plenty of fuel left in the tank to take off any time he’d like.

In fact, a belated “80th Birthday Celebration” is slated for New York City’s Carnegie Hall on April 22, also starring the electric edition of Hot Tuna performing the entire “Burgers” album in honor of its 50th anniversary, alongside many other examples of what’s led this psychedelic turned roots rocker to endure to such a significant degree.

For additional information on Jorma Kaukonen, visit JormaKaukonen.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Old Town School Of Folk Music include Tukkiman (Mar. 9); Bruce Cockburn (Mar. 10-11); Mipso (Mar. 12); Lúnasa (Mar. 13); The Tallest Man On Earth (Mar. 14-15); Djifason, Kalajula and Oboss Kawa (Mar. 16); Amy Speace and Jill Sobule (Mar. 18); Todd Snider (Mar. 19); Ladysmith Black Mambazo (Mar. 20); Alash (Mar. 23); Joseph (Mar. 25) and Chalaban (Mar. 30). For additional details, visit OldTownSchool.org.

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