Jorma Kaukonen Acoustic Blues Fingerstyle Guitarist And The Martin M-30 JK Signature Edition
The M-30 Jorma Kaukonen Custom Artist Edition Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitar from CF Martin is a landmark culmination in the journey of a blues icon.
Jorma Kaukonen is an expert acoustic fingerstyle blues player that added rock band lead guitarist to his resume in the late 60s. How about a job as lead guitarist for the 60s psychedelic band Jefferson Airplane. Jorma and fellow blues
buddy, bassist Jack Cassidy, were the backbone of Jefferson Airplane, infusing blues roots into the 60’s music scene. Jorma had been interested only in fingerstyle blues before he joined Jefferson Airplane. The possibilities that guitar amplifiers and effects provided for the musician captured his attention. He turned on the electricity. Jorma cranked that knob up to 10 and the rest is music history.
Jefferson Airplane’s second album was called Surrealistic Pillow. Two of the period’s most popular songs came from that album; White Rabbit and Embryonic Journey. Jorma Kaukonen demonstrated his fingerstyle expertise with Embryonic Journey. Jefferson Airplane tours
would often include performances by Jorma and Jack’s side project, Hot Tuna. Hot Tuna was a band based totally on Mr Kaukonen’s love for acoustic
fingerstyle blues. The guitar technique of Rev Gary Davis became his inspiration in the early years and remain a part of his performance. You can order Hot Tuna unplugged or you can order it totally plugged. Sometimes the whole band would be on stage first as Hot Tuna then as Jefferson Airplane.
After leaving Jefferson Airplane Jorma returned to his first love. Fingerstyle blues guitar. He started Fur Peace Ranch
where aspiring and veteran musicians can get together and share in the love of the art of the guitar. His interest and love of Martin guitars
inspired the guitar manufacture to build an instrument to Mr Kaukonen’s specifications. He wanted the wider 1 and 3/4 inch neck with a solid spruce
top and mahogany back and sides. Jorma requested a larger sound hole to enhance mid range and treble which is preferred amongst acoustic fingerstyle
guitar players. The life of Jorma Kaukonen combined 60’s rock and roll with early acoustic fingerstyle blues. The M-30 Jorma Kaukonen Custom Artist
Edition Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitar will be a legacy to that life.
I feel compelled to mention that Hot Tuna is still performing and will be on stage in 2010 this coming December celebrating Jorma Kaukonen’s 70th
birthday. Still rocking at 70. Jorma Kaukonen your music has made the world a better place to live!
Tags: fingerstyle guitar, M-30 Jorma Kaukonen, Martin M-30, The Martin Custom Artist Series M-30 Jorma Kaukonen Acoustic Guitar
