The road seems to be a place Hot Tuna find comfort as they tour regularly all over the continental USA bringing classic blues rock to all. After a month long winter tour in the beginning of the year, the band is back at it again with an extensive spring and summer tour. Diving back and forth between acoustic and electric sets all tour long they came to NYBC at Westbury Theater in Westbury, NY on Friday, June 20th sharing the bill with special guest Leon Russell.
With the audience walking in early to the theater to find their seats, no one wanted to miss, Rock And Roll Hall Of Famer, Russell’s time. Actively creating music for 46 years now Russell’s name proceeds him with a sensationally sustained solo career filled with passionate music infusing country, rock, and blues. Taking to the stage for a lengthy set of original classics and cover tunes, Russell’s voice was captivating and real. With a sensational back band supporting him, the full bearded vocalist did not let one dull moment pass. Entertaining fans which watch him perform year after year and those which have not seen him in sometime, Russell reminded everyone of the comfortable place his music has in their hearts. Mixing in a heartfelt version of fan favorite “A Song For You,” the audience applauded and showed appreciation for the seasoned musician.
In a relaxed state from the opening set this audience was ready to head into a jam session with Hot Tuna. Originally formed as a side project back in 1969 by Jefferson Airplane members Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, Hot Tuna has gone onto a career filled with exciting blues rock that has withstood direction changes in their music and still not losing their core fan base. Clearly a band acting as a two sides of the coin of acoustic based rock and harder rock, their live shows are fun and entertaining to experience. Returning to Long Island for the second time this year, the first time back in January out in Westhampton Beach, the band was there to roll.
Greeting with a roar of cheers the band went into “Hesitation Blues” followed by “Children of Zion”. Casady dazzled on bass guitar and the room was enthralled at his skills. Mixing acoustic tunes with electric ones, pieces like “Water Song” and “Angel of Darkness” rocked with just the right amount of edge. Kaukonen’s vocals were right on time along with his guitar playing and the scene was spectacular as he and Casady fed off each other’s vibes all night long. Matching their passion was multi-talented musician, Larry Campbell who went from guitar to mandolin, to violin like the professional he is and electrified with “Come Back Baby”. Taking the lead on vocals for excellent variety was Campbell’s wife, Teresa Williams on the track “Wade in the Water”. With tambourine in hand Williams belted out raw emotional vocals that had the audience under her spell. Moving along with the set Campbell took on lead vocals as well for the Albert Collins diddy “Jealous Man”. At this point in the set everyone was whistling with excitement and “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning” kept the mood cool with Campbell and Williams teaming up on vocals. The funk set in and settled with the closing of “Funky # 7” where Casady’s bass line entranced as his feet moved in synchronization. With everyone on their feet screaming their name, the jam session of Hot Tuna concluded on an exhilarating high note.
Hot Tuna are one of those bands who consistantly take things to next level on the live stage. While the set seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye, Hot Tuna fans left NYBC Theater At Westbury ready to start their weekend after this tension releasing evening of music. Catch the fever until the end of July as Hot Tuna continues to tour.
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