A Searing Hot Tuna in Brooklyn!

May 3, 2017 by Al Pereira

Jack Casady & Jorma Kaukonen / photo by Arnie Goodman

The Long Good Friday is the title of a gritty, cultish mob noir film that could easily have doubled as the banner for a searing Hot Tuna concert held at the Grand Prospect Hall on that reflective night. At this particular show, the power trio showed off their brazen blues-rock muscle to benefit the Guild for Exceptional Children.

Racoon Lodgers With Jack Casady’ and His Birthday Cake/ photo by Al Pereira

Presented by The Raccoon Lodge, the concert already had the band showing a lot of heart, as it was a benefit for the Guild for Exceptional Children, whom Kaukonen has played for on a number of occasions. Opening with “Been So Long” and touching on some unusual fare like “Watch The North Wind Rise” and “Ain’t In No Hurry”, the first half of the show was comprised of a cave-like dark stage and liltingly bright minor notes. The second half of the show featured favorites like “Serpent of Dreams” and “Rock Me Baby”.

To start the set, though, the wily Raccoons had a little surprise in store: they wheeled out a giant cake in the shape of a bass guitar and had the assembled audience sing for Casady’s 73rd birthday. “Happy Birthday To You” reaching the far corners of the venerable hall – just the Birthday boy and 1,000 of his closest friends. It was a fun, touching moment and Casady himself broke out into a giant smile, rarely seen on stage and one befitting a Hall Of Famer. You could say that three hours and 18 songs-worth of earsplitting Tuna made for a long Good Friday indeed.

Artists on our Radar

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

... read article