The spirit of an acoustic fingerstyle blues master is reflected in The M-30 Jorma Kaukonen Custom Artist Edition from CF Martin.
Jorma Kaukonen started his career as an acoustic fingerstyle blues player then became known for his skills on the electric. You may have heard of Jefferson Airplane who flew straight out the of Haight-Ashbury district in San Francisco as part of the vanguard of the psychedelic movement. Jorma and fellow blues
buddy, bassist Jack Cassidy, were the backbone of Jefferson Airplane, infusing blues roots into the 60’s music scene. Before he joined the Jefferson Airplane, acoustic fingerstyle blues was Kaukonen’s only interest. The possibilities that guitar amplifiers and effects provided for the musician captured his attention. He immersed himself in the new art form. Jorma turned on the power and took it to the people.
the second collecton of songs from the Airplane was called Surrealistic Pillow. Among the most memorable songs in comtemporary music history, two of them, White Rabbit and Embryonic Journey came from that album. Jorma blended his acoustic fingerstyle skills with his feel for the psychedelic direction of the contemporary music scene and wrote 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. Hot Tuna comes in two flavors; acoustic and electric. Sometimes the whole band would be on stage first as Hot Tuna then as Jefferson Airplane.
When his run with Jefferson Airplane was over Jorma returned to his roots. 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. As a life accomplishment Jorma Kaukonen has successfully blended acoustic fingerstyle blues with rock and roll. 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. 70 years old and still on stage with a guitar doing what he loves. Jorma Kaukonen you have changed the world with your music!