Song of the Week – Water Song, Hot Tuna

Ignored           Obscured            Restored

Today’s SotW is “Water Song” by Hot Tuna.

Hot Tuna was the spin-off group from Jefferson Airplane, led by guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady in 1969.  “Water Song” was on their 3rd album, Burgers (1972), that also featured (ex-Jefferson Airplane) violinist Papa John Creach, and drummer Sammy Piazza.

“Water Song” is ideally named.  The shimmering acoustic guitar and rolling drum fills evoke the image of a rippling stream flowing through a forest of dappled light.

If you’re into the technical aspects of guitar playing, check out this video of Kaukonen teaching how to tune your instrument to open G and play “Water Song.”

Jorma Kaukonen – Water Song Tutorial

As an instrumental, “Water Song” was very popular at WZBC in the ‘70s, used by many of the DJs as the bed played behind their reading of the nightly live music updates.

“Water Song” is also a fan favorite.  Hot Tuna often saves it for the encore at their live performances, still to this day.

Enjoy… until next week.

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