The spirit of an acoustic fingerstyle blues master is reflected in The M-30 Jorma Kaukonen Custom Artist Edition from CF Martin.
Jorma Kaukonen is an expert acoustic fingerstyle blues player that added rock band lead guitarist to his resume in the late 60s. 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. Like so many muscians he was jazzed by what electronics could do for the sound of the guitar. He immersed himself in the new art form. Jorma plugged in, and you know that rest of the story.
Surrealistic Pillow was Jefferson Airplane’s second album. Two of the period’s most popular songs came from that album; White Rabbit and Embryonic Journey. 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 might show up as an acoustic band or it might show up electric and blow your socks off. You would occasionally see the other members of Jefferson Airplane on stage with Hot Tuna.
After leaving Jefferson Airplane Jorma returned to his first love. Blues guitar fingerstyle. 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. Jorma Kaukonen has devoted his life to early American acoustic fingerstyle blues and rock and roll artfully combining the two. 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 you have changed the world with your music!
Tags: Fingerstyle guitar, M-30 Jorma Kaukonen, Martin M-30, The Martin Custom Artist Series M-30 Jorma Kaukonen Acoustic Guitar