Classic Acoustic Review

07/13/2005 6:02 AM, AMG


In 1985, Relix Records released the LP Historic Hot Tuna, which consisted of a side's worth of tracks recorded at KSAN-FM on April 30, 1971, with the band in an "acoustic" format (i.e., with Jorma Kaukonen on acoustic guitar), and a side's worth of tracks recorded at the closing of the Fillmore West on July 3, 1971, with the band in an "electric" format. Eleven years later, the label released more complete versions of the two performances on separate CDs. This one presents a 53-minute version of the April 1971 radio show. The material is drawn from the band's first two albums, Hot Tuna and First Pull Up, Then Pull Down, the differences being that the former was recorded without drummer Sammy Piazza and violinist Papa John Creach and that the latter was recorded electric. For fans of the first Hot Tuna album, this will be an enjoyable, if inessential part two. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide