Altamont Memories

The Altamont Free Concert was held on December 6, 1969 at the Altamont Speedway in Northern California, less than four months after Woodstock. Although it had a strong line-up – Santana, Jefferson Airplane, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and the Rolling Stones – it was marred by violence, including the stabbing death of Meredith Hunter during the set by the Rolling Stones. Altamont is often mourned as the death of The Sixties.

Here are some Altamont memories from the musicians who were there, from the archives.

Woodstock Memories

Woodstock – billed as “3 Days of Peace & Music” – happened exactly 50 years ago from August 15-18, 1969. A total of 32 acts performed there – some well-known, some on the rise, and some now mostly forgotten. It was a watershed moment for the 1960’s counterculture, and the music which was played there continues to resonate to this day.

Here are some Woodstock memories from the musicians who were there, from the archives.

Concert Review: David Bromberg and Hot Tuna

Review of David Bromberg and Hot Tuna at Lobero Theatre, Santa Barbara, 1/6/12.

Photos: David Bromberg and Hot Tuna

David Bromberg Quartet and Hot Tuna at Lobero Theatre, Santa Barbara, 1/6/12 (L. Paul Mann photos, copyrighted and all rights reserved)

Interview: Jack Casady

Jack Casady played bass guitar for the Sixties band Jefferson Airplane, which is best known for the hits “Somebody To Love” and “White Rabbit”. Their albums Surrealistic Pillow, After Bathing At Baxter’s, Crown of Creation, and Volunteers are amongst the best of the psychedelic rock genre. Casady also played on “Voodoo Chile” with Jimi Hendrix, and “Song With No Words (Tree With No Leaves)” from David Crosby’s first solo album. As the Sixties wound down, Casady and Jefferson Airplane lead guitarist Jorma Kaukonen’s attention shifted to their new band Hot Tuna, which focused on acoustic and electric folk- and blues-based music. (L. Paul Mann photo)

Concert Review: Hot Tuna

Review of Hot Tuna concert at Lobero Theatre, 3/10/11.

Photos: Hot Tuna

Photos by L. Paul Mann: Hot Tuna, Lobero Theatre, Santa Barbara, 3/10/11.

Interview: Jorma Kaukonen

Jorma Kaukonen was the lead guitarist for the Sixties psychedelic band Jefferson Airplane, which is best known for the hits “Somebody To Love” and “White Rabbit” from the album Surrealistic Pillow. His signature song is the instrumental “Embryonic Journey” from the same album. Other acclaimed Jefferson Airplane albums include After Bathing At Baxter’s, Crown of Creation, and Volunteers. As the Sixties wound down, Kaukonen and Airplane bassist Jack Casady’s attention shifted to their new band Hot Tuna, which focused on acoustic and electric folk- and blues-based music. Kaukonen has also released multiple solo albums, including 1974’s masterpiece Quah. Kaukonen continues to tour in Hot Tuna, and with his wife owns and operates the Fur Peace Ranch which runs a yearly music and guitar camp.

This interview was conducted by phone on February 23, 2011.