Jack Casady Celebrates Many Years of Rock & Roll!

by | Mar 4, 2014 | Uncategorized | 0 comments



 “Playing thrills
me now more than ever,” says legendary bass player and Rock and Roll Hall of
Fame Inductee, Jack Casady. Jack will be celebrating his 70th birthday April 13,
2014.
    
As a founding member of Jefferson Airplane and Hot
Tuna, Jack Casady’s full driving tone and innovative
melodic bass work has defined the role of bass guitar in Rock and Roll for
decades.
   
Jack’s pioneering
approach has brought the instrument to the forefront, liberating the bass from its traditional role as
part of the rhythm section. With sweeping chords and stormy melodic lines Jack’s
bass distinguished not only Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna but also a variety
of side projects and recordings with artists ncluding Jimi Hendrix, David
Crosby, Warren Zevon, Country Joe and The Fish, SVT, Rusted Root and Gov’t
Mule.
“The main issue is I love to
play the bass guitar,” says Jack. “The craftwork in really learning the
subtleties of the instrument is a lifelong project.”
In
1970, Casady and Jorma Kaukonen found time between Airplane gigs to put together
another uniquely named aggregation, the blues-influenced Hot
Tuna. “We formed Hot Tuna basically because we were young and had
endless energy,” says Casady
Still touring
the world today, Hot Tuna shows are an opportunity to witness two lifelong
friends coming together to make extraordinary music. “I can’t remember having so
much fun,” says Casady, “but also musically being so in touch and in the
moment with the music as I am now; where every minute, every note counts
on stage. And I find it really unique that I have a situation with a partner
over 50 years now where we can just really enjoy the craft of making
music together.”
Hot Tuna remains one of the most
innovative Rock and Roll bands in American music.
Early Days
–
    
“Growing up in D.C. in the ’50s was wonderful because it was the crossroads of
so many styles — rhythm ‘n’ blues, blues, country and bluegrass music … and at
the same time, classical music at Constitution Hall,” says Jack.
    
When he was 14, Jack met Jorma Kaukonen, a budding neighborhood guitarist. They
formed several bands before Jorma moved out to California to college.
In
October of ’65, at Jorma’s request, Jack went out to San
Francisco to join his friend and play bass in Jefferson Airplane.
“And there began my career in earnest,” says the bassist who became renowned for
his inventive, melodic lines. Jefferson Airplane rocketed to superstardom in
1967 with “Somebody To Love” and “White Rabbit,” making them a cornerstone of
San Francisco’s rock scene. Jack’s groundbreaking bass work was a highlight of
Surrealistic Pillow. The Jefferson Airplane was inducted in
to RRHOF in 1996.
http://furpeaceranch.com/workshops.html
  • Epiphone has
    just announced that the Limited Edition 2014 Jack Casady Bass in Alpine White
    will be available at retailers in June!
  • Check out the bass workshops
    available in the beautiful rolling hills of southern Ohio at the Fur
    Peace Ranch    :
    http://furpeaceranch.com/workshops
  • Just for fun and good health!
    Jack’s Double Dose Tea is a full bodied, green tea, rich in
    antioxidants. A good energetic strong tea with Chia seeds to smooth out the
    brew. Jack asked for a “perpetual energy” blend. He loves it!
  • Jack plays on Dean
    Markley
    strings.
Jack’s Website:
www.jackcasady.com
Hot Tuna Website :
http://hottuna.com
Twitter: @HotTunaBand

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