I just finished the new book by one of my musical heroes, Jorma Kaukonan of Hot Tuna, called “Been So Long”. It wasn’t what I expected, but then again music stuff never is. I typically do not enjoy reading about rockers early days, but in Jorma’s case his travels and tales are incredibly entertaining. It amazes me how Jorma zig-zagged through life and ended up on his feet.  He is a true American Troubadour.


From seeing him play as a youth during the late 80’s and early 90’s in the basement of Pearl River, NY’s Blue Hill club and at The Turning Point in Piermont, NY to being up close and personal with him at his Fur Peace Ranch in 2015 (which I learned from his book was a high point in life)… Jorma has held a oddly special place in my big phat musical heart. Oddballs with humility and confidence always attract me. The gold tooth is super cool too!

As a preface for this article, please read the story on my visit to Jorma’s house at The Fur Peace Ranch (click here for that).

Jorma’s 345 pages tale is more about life than music, as the moral of his story is 1) be in the right place at the right time (hence playing with a young Janice Joplin and Jerry Garcia), 2) live life on the edge without falling over (he’s more lucky than most), and 3) most importantly stick like f’in crazy glue to your passion so you can be really, really good at something that makes you always smile. 

The book’s details paint a hearty picture Jorma’s youth, such as the large armrest in his car that held two cases of beer as he an his merry band of high school aged rockers sped around town listening to the “white blues men” such as Buddy Holly and Rickey Nelson.


Much has been written about the San Francisco sixties scene, but learning about Jorma’s time at the very early progressive Antioch College was revealing.


Both Jorma and I certainly share music as our passion.  He just happens to be much, much, much better at playing guitar. Without patting myself on the back, I happen to be a better father and honest mate to my girl then he was.  His eventual connection to Vanessa and reuniting with son (I am glad Zach’s’s picture is in the book) was great to hear.  It is very easy to root for Jorma. 

Just as the Brooklyn David Bowie shows are highlighted in Jeff Tweedy’s book (click here for that review), Jorma writes about the significance of his 70th birthday show at The Beacon Theatre. I was proudly at both shows. 

Of minor note, I would have liked to hear more about the music and his band White Gland in the book. I could have also done without some of the inserted letters… they interrupted the momentum.


As always, I will loan to book to friends… but I suggest you buy a copy yourself!


Dig in..


Peace.