In honor of Jorma Kaukonen's 85th birthday, let's explore four captivating Jefferson Airplane songs that highlight his musical prowess. From his iconic guitar work to his songwriting contributions, these tracks showcase Kaukonen's enduring impact on the folk-rock genre. Get ready to dive into the world of 'Embryonic Journey', 'The Last Wall of the Castle', 'Good Shepherd', and 'Pretty as You Feel'! But here's where it gets controversial... Are you ready to discover the lesser-known gems that truly define Kaukonen's legacy?
Embryonic Journey (1967)
This song is arguably Kaukonen's most famous composition. He wrote the beautifully melodic acoustic instrumental in 1963 as a part of a guitar workshop in Santa Clara, California. The finger-picked tune was written in dropped-D tuning. 'Embryonic Journey' was included on the Jefferson Airplane's breakthrough second album, Surrealistic Pillow (1967). The tune has been featured on the soundtracks for a variety of movies and TV shows, including the Friends finale. But here's the twist: while it's often celebrated for its catchy melody, some music enthusiasts argue that the song's true magic lies in its intricate guitar work, which showcases Kaukonen's mastery of the instrument.
The Last Wall of the Castle (1967)
'The Last Wall of the Castle' is a song written by Kaukonen that appeared on the Airplane's third studio album, After Bathing at Baxter's. Jorma is featured on lead vocals, and accompanied on harmonies by singer/rhythm guitarist Paul Kantner. This grooving psychedelic-rock tune includes a blistering, fuzz-guitar solo by Kaukonen. But here's where it gets thought-provoking: while the song is beloved by many, some critics argue that its true impact lies in its ability to capture the essence of the late 1960s counterculture movement, making it more than just a catchy tune.
Good Shepherd (1969)
'Good Shepherd' is a traditional song that was adapted and arranged for the Jefferson Airplane by Kaukonen. The band's version appeared on its fifth studio album, Volunteers, which was released in 1969. Kaukonen began performing 'Good Shepherd' solo at coffeehouses before ever joining the Jefferson Airplane. Jorma explained in a recent interview with American Songwriter that he learned the song from the folk duo of Roger Perkins and Tom Hobson, whose version was based on a 1936 recording by Jimmie Strother. Library of Congress musicologist Alan Lomax recorded Strother playing the tune while the latter was imprisoned at Virginia State Farm. The song appears in the Library of Congress under the title 'Blood-Strained Banders.' The Airplane's version is a mid-tempo rock tune featuring a fuzz-guitar solo by Kaukonen. Jorma also sings lead, with majestic backing vocals by bandmates Kantner, Grace Slick, and Marty Balin. But here's the twist: while the song is celebrated for its powerful lyrics and emotional delivery, some listeners argue that its true magic lies in the band's ability to blend traditional folk with their signature psychedelic sound.
Pretty as You Feel (1971)
'Pretty as You Feel' is an atmospheric psych-rock tune that appears on the Jefferson Airplane's sixth studio effort, Bark (1971). Kaukonen co-wrote the tune with Casady, then-drummer Joey Covington, and two members of Santana—guitarist Carlos Santsana and drummer Michael Shrieve. Santana and Shrieve also played on the track. 'Pretty as You Feel' was released as the sole single from Bark. It peaked at No. 60 on the Billboard Hot 100. But here's the twist: while the song is celebrated for its catchy melody and atmospheric sound, some music enthusiasts argue that its true impact lies in its ability to capture the essence of the late 1960s psychedelic movement, making it more than just a hit single.
