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Greetings everyone, Hittin' the Note kicks off our summer issue with coverage of some music that is tried, tested and true. As we have for the last 16 years, we bring you interviews with artists who believe in their craft and have dedicated their lives to it. Jorma and Jack - their first names alone speak volumes. Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady have been making music together since 1958, forging a partnership and friendship that have defied the norm in a business where even the strongest relationships have been shattered by ego and greed. From their childhood days in Washington D.C., through the rise of Jefferson Airplane to 40 years of Hot Tuna, Jorma and Jack have done it all and seen it all - together. Legendary names, legendary careers - we are proud to present an HTN exclusive: Jorma and Jack, 50 years on. After 22 years, Widespread Panic keeps rolling on. The band has settled into a nice groove with new guitarist Jimmy Herring, and that is apparent on their new CD, Free Somehow. HTN's Tom Speed chatted with the guys in the band, and they all agreed that this is the best of times for Widespread Panic. Keyboardist Chuck Leavell has played with some of the biggest names in rock history, including the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, George Harrison and the Allman Brothers Band. His latest release, Live in Germany, is a two-CD retrospective of his entire career, including such classics as "Jessica," "Here Comes the Sun" and "Tumbling Dice." Live in Germany showcases the finest piano player of our time and should not be missed. 30 years, 4,000 shows, 1,500 different songs, all without a line-up change - that is quite an accomplishment, but for the Radiators, it seems to be no big deal. HTN's Rob Johnson sat down with guitarist Dave Malone and keyboardist Ed Volker to discuss the reasons for the band's longevity, the special relationship they have with their fans and the release of Wild and Free, the first in a series of career-spanning, retrospective CDs that the group is planning to put out over the next several years. |
  
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The New Riders of the Purple Sage are back on the musical trail, bringing their unique "cosmic country rock" to devoted fans across the country. Guitarist David Nelson informed HTN's Tony Sclafani about the new developments with the band, including the making of their latest DVD, Wanted: Live at Turkey Trot, and what it's like to play with seminal pedal steel guitarist Buddy Cage.
You'll find our usuals within the pages of #57, including Tom Clarke's "Compact Dreams," Jamie Lee's "In Tune," some stellar "HTN 6-Packs" and 12 diverse CD reviews. Our "Photo Session" is a first for Hittin' the Note, as Andy Hess - bassist extraordinaire for Gov't Mule, John Scofield, Joan Osborne and the Black Crowes - shows that he is also a photographer of the first degree as well. Andy's photos are provocative and moving, and we're pleased to debut them here.
Until later, John Lynskey  | |