It is in a suburb of Philadelphia called Glenside. The theater is an acoustically perfect venue that holds a mere 1,650 seats and typically hosts Hot Tuna Electric (Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady, Eric Diaz, Barry Mitterhoff) around Thanksgiving. But since three of the four were out of the country, they postponed their annual event until early December, somewhat confusing their local fans.
But from confusion comes opportunity as yours truly gets a fifth row center seat for a just a few shillings. Or is that quid? Oh heck, 34 buckaroos U.S.
No Disappointments
From the opening -- a deliberate, slowed down version of "Trial by Fire" -- through their encore, "Hesitation Blues", they left no one disappointed.
Switching between an electrified acoustic for finger picking and a Gibson Solid Body for the heavier numbers, Jorma had an enjoyable time (as did Jack) and the fans took note.
Being close up, you actually heard what they were saying between songs! Both were in good physical and mental shape (though Jorma could've used a trim.)
The theater is so small that Jack's bass wasn't miked-up and the PA had just a Quad speaker setup on each side of the stage. This intimate setting enabled fans to enjoy the music without being overpowered by the amplification that larger venues require.
On and Tight
Musically, they were on, and tight. Barry's mandolin playing gave certain of the more acoustic numbers a bit of a bluegrass feel, but on the harder songs, it didn't detract as I was expecting.
A number of their more electric numbers seemed to be culled from their two-disc live album Double Dose -- "I Can't Be Satisfied" , "Bowlegged Woman, Knock-Kneed Man", "I Wish You Would", "Funky #7".
Other highlights were a shuffle version of "You Got Me Runnin'", "Serpent of Dreams", "Barbeque King", "Third Week in the Chelsea", "Sea Child", "I Know You Rider", and "Rock Me Baby".
Two of my personal favorites ended their second set, "Funky #7" and "Hit Single #1". I call these songs their power ending.
Eric on the drums, particularly his solo during "Funky #7", showed that he was no slouch, either (and certainly, in my opinion, better than Bob Steeler was back in the day.) Jack's intro and break reminded me that he has to be one of the world's most underrated bassists.
Just excellent, excellent. That's a double excellent. About two-and-a-half hours of music with a half hour break. Had they played longer, it would've been a rare triple!
