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Hot Tuna — Water Song
Album: Burgers
Avg rating:
7.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3382









Released: 1972
Length: 5:13
Plays (last 30 days): 3
(Instrumental)
Comments (362)add comment
And the harmonics at the end…
Heard them play this in person some time in the '80s.  Wonderful then, wonderful now.
Song is much better than my image of a hot tuna burger.
Just wanted to give a 10. Have already done that ^^
Every time I hear this song it's like the first time. After 50 years I know every note and strum, and still, when it comes on, my head pops up and my ears perk up like my cat's do when she hears me grab the can opener.

 MassivRuss wrote:

ELEVENTY




to the power of eleventy
Thanks again RP!  My all time favorite album. I'll be seeing Jorma perform for my 67th time April 20th at The Ram's Head in Annapolis. Can't wait.
Cattle whistle! Call out JORRRMAAAAA!!!! Shout HOT FUCKIN' TUNAAAAA!!!!!*

*No, in all my time at all those concerts I've never done that but you fondly recall what I'm talking about.
 coloradojohn wrote:

IT'S AMAZING, how Jorma and Jack seem so effortlessly able to use the strings in ways that please the heart and mind as well as the ear... 

The bass line carrying the load like a freight train 😁

10, people. Only 10.
Who are you sub-10 philistines?
 jmkate wrote:

I've never heard this before, and the chord changes are fantastic. 




For those of us who first heard this over 50 years ago (f'ing imagine that!) it's always a kick and really cool to see/hear folks discovering good stuff whenever they find it.
My Hot Tuna T shirt is worn out and relegated to car polisher, but not this piece.
IT'S AMAZING, how Jorma and Jack seem so effortlessly able to use the strings in ways that please the heart and mind as well as the ear... 
 Sam_Hill wrote:

I think I've herd this here now four times in the last month.

That is not a complaint.


It's getting a lot of airplay recently. I have it pegged at 9  but perhaps there are other great tracks from the album...?
I miss this and Frank Zappa Hot Rats. 
The correct answer is 10.
 ger-man wrote:

Wenn ein Sender ein Hot Tuna Instrumental spielt, ist das ein absolutes Qualitätsmerkmal. 

What he said!  

This song always makes me happy. Thanks for playing it Bill. And thanks for the hospitality late July when I dragged my family over to RP to annoy you and Nate.
Thank you so much yet again RP!  Always a delight to hear. 
https://jormakaukonen.com/tour...

And for Zep's enlightenment there's no 12 string played there.
This could be titled: "Happy Song" .
 hdavid7 wrote:

For me there are few things sadder than three old parties pretending to be rockers!



WTF? You've obviously never seen Electric Hot Tuna... 

Another low-information voter <sigh>
Sounds modern and classic.
 geonuine wrote:
Hard to believe the low ratings. This is excellent  



Because there are way too many tone deaf people on here!
already a 10…
omg that 12-string
I always thought the name of this band had another word in the middle!
William knows I'm listening. Thank you so much! 
 DW4554 wrote:


Get a clue.  Call 911.  Better yet, enroll in any course of music instruction at Fur Peace Ranch.  John Hurlbut will give you a tour, give him and Vanessa my regards.  Failing that, attend any live performance of Hot Tuna.  

Repent, there is hope


Jorma Kaukonen's Fur Peace Ranch



My ears don't lie.....
makes me feel good each time I hear this 
Hard to believe the low ratings. This is excellent  
Thanks for perfecting my morning Bill! 
There is a video on YT that has Papa John Creach playing on this song. I used to play his stuff on my high-school radio station... Never found this song though. I would have to wait decades to have Bill 'enlighten' me. :-)
 ger-man wrote:

Wenn ein Sender ein Hot Tuna Instrumental spielt, ist das ein absolutes Qualitätsmerkmal. 


Unbedingt!
Wonderful guitar playing from Jorma Kaukonen and thumping bass from Jack Casady.
There used to be a syndicated radio show in the 1970s that used this music as its intro and outdo theme -- The Daily Feed or the Daily Planet or something similar. It was there I first heard the opening chords ... imagine my joy when I heard the whole thing.
I've always loved this, and, as "Water Song," it held special meaning for me when I lived in a place with a 3rd Floor balcony on Boulder Creek, with the blissful, soul-healing sound of that sweet snow-melt audible and distinct. This was on the turntable often, and we always dug that classy, sassy old Buick on the cover photo. I was lucky and blessed to see Jorma and Jack do a gig a couple blocks away during that time, too... WHAT A GREAT SONG, played by some of Earth's most passionate visionaries!
I am amazed at the negative comments here. Second- or third-rate? Really? I must be hearing something entirely different than those posters.
Solid 9.
c.
 ger-man wrote:

Wenn ein Sender ein Hot Tuna Instrumental spielt, ist das ein absolutes Qualitätsmerkmal. 



It's a Zehn in any language!
 Proclivities wrote:

"Bearded girlfriends"?  



"bearded clams" 50 years ago
Who , who who would name a band Hot Tuna. But for the Tuna Melt, which is deeeelish. 
 Art_Mickey wrote:

always turn this up



Hell, yeah!
 sirtezza wrote:

This really is the pits, a second rate rehearsal studio jam. The drummer needs a good talking to.....



Get a clue.  Call 911.  Better yet, enroll in any course of music instruction at Fur Peace Ranch.  John Hurlbut will give you a tour, give him and Vanessa my regards.  Failing that, attend any live performance of Hot Tuna.  

Repent, there is hope


Jorma Kaukonen's Fur Peace Ranch
Has a vintage Doobie Brothers feel, sitting in the field 74 degree day looking at the puffy white clouds feel.. They don't make them like this anymore; love it. 
My all time favorite album by my all time favorite band.
Thanks Bill!

P.S. Midnight in Milpitas is only found on a reissue, not on the original Quah release. 
Jorma Kaukonen has a track called Midnight In Milpitas on his album Quah. Not many songs devoted to Milpitas. 
 bam23 wrote:


When I lived in Philadelphia in the early 70s WXPN was the only radio station I listened to. With friends we sold records at flea markets and the like and donated a 5 record set Library of Congress recording of Big Bill Broonzy to the station. I wonder if it survived into the digital era.
WPKN one of the great college stations besides KEXP and WCBN 

 rgio wrote:

The last 3 notes were used by WXPN in Philly for decades...I spend 5:10 waiting for the final 2 seconds.



When I lived in Philadelphia in the early 70s WXPN was the only radio station I listened to. With friends we sold records at flea markets and the like and donated a 5 record set Library of Congress recording of Big Bill Broonzy to the station. I wonder if it survived into the digital era.
Wow! What an experience! I must confess - first time here. But instant(ly) in love!!
Just love Jack's bass track, finding all the holes in Jorma's rhythm track. 
sublime!!
These go to 11.
 sirtezza wrote:

This really is the pits, a second rate rehearsal studio jam. The drummer needs a good talking to.....



Generous. Third rate.
This really is the pits, a second rate rehearsal studio jam. The drummer needs a good talking to.....
 ger-man wrote:

Wenn ein Sender ein Hot Tuna Instrumental spielt, ist das ein absolutes Qualitätsmerkmal. 



Stimmt!
 Proclivities wrote:

"Bearded girlfriends"?  


Shall we just say "hairy" ? 
 hdavid7 wrote:

For me there are few things sadder than three old parties pretending to be rockers!



One of them must be baseless commenting I suppose? C'mon, don't keep the suspense. It *must* be your biggest strength  
Outstanding (9) tune  
For me there are few things sadder than three old parties pretending to be rockers!
 Yeoleman wrote:

Top tune, luv the fuzzy bass!



The bass part works like the vocalist in this track.
I've never heard this before, and the chord changes are fantastic. 
This track is simply a blessing.
Once again, the world’s greatest DJs make the world a little better. Nice track to share.
Love this.
Will always remind me of listing to KSAN on a drive to Marin Town & Country Club to swim with friend. the Bay in 1970 - 80s
 hbriggs60 wrote:
thank you!
 

Like when my dog hears the refrigerator opening, I jump up for this song on the first bar... tasty licks all around. Respect for the HT 
The last 3 notes were used by WXPN in Philly for decades...I spend 5:10 waiting for the final 2 seconds.
Jorma and Jack~ nuff said
Jorma is doing regular free streaming concerts on the Fur Peace Ranch YouTube channel. Check them out here.

https://www.youtube.com/user/F...
E-
Leven
8-9, Jack is right up there with Jaco in my pantheon of bass players.
Really nice with headphones.
Five Summer Story's
Jorma and his wife Vanessa operate Fur Peace Ranch Guitar Camp in Pomeroy, Ohio. A true must visit destination for guitar and bass aficionados. 

Jack Casady provides bass instruction and inspiration.

John Hurlbut, Camp Manager will be happy to provide a tour. Well worth your while, highly recommended. Tell 'em DW sent ya.

https://www.furpeaceranch.com/
New speaker test🤓
After 64 years, this is the 1st time I have heard this tune on headphones. I've seen Tuna live and knew Jack was a bass god, but ohmigod...I'd always zoned in on Jorma's guitar. Thank you Jack. And thank you to the Goldsmiths ! Love live RP!
 Proclivities wrote:

"Bearded girlfriends"?  
 
It is 2020 after all... Bearded ladies aren't a circus thing anymore 
Love me some Jorma.  I saw him and Jack Casady about four years ago at the Rio in Santa Cruz and they were awesome.  I really miss live music these days.
It's a lot older than it sounds.
This never gets old .... I can just lean back and float way on it ....
 TerryS wrote:
Time to get me Hot Tuna T shirt out......
Worn that T-shirt out.....time to get another. 

ELEVENTY
Jorma will be streaming live this Saturday, 5/16/20. Check his website for the youtubes link
 bitbanger wrote:
Saw them in the Hershey Park Arena with Papa John. Dang, what a show. Saw Starship shortly thereafter. Thought the best part of the Airplane left to HT.



Saw Hot Tuna with Papa John at a basement club in the Village in NYC...Cafe Wha'.
Butterfield was also on the bill and then at the end both bands were jammin'...

Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
 

 stephen.king12101 wrote:
I love Hot Tuna Big time We used to catch them live way back when
 
I'm still catching them live every year, last time was February!
 ForeverJerry wrote:
Jorma&Jack. What a beauty....
 

Follow on from 'Ripple' - wordless appreciation!!  'Nuff said!
I love the bass in this, very crunchy  
Saw them at Oswego New York at the college in 1977 thinking it would like Quah but instead it was loud, loud rockets. Just as good though. HFT
 Proclivities wrote:

"Bearded girlfriends"?  
 
Downstairs.
 TerrorGovernor wrote:
Skinny dipping with my bearded friends and girlfriends
 
"Bearded girlfriends"?  
This is the song that made me understand what Hot Tuna was all about.
 ger-man wrote:
Wenn ein Sender ein Hot Tuna Instrumental spielt, ist das ein absolutes Qualitätsmerkmal. 
 
Yeah really great piece of music, RP is the best station in the world
Jorma&Jack. What a beauty....
Pure joy.
Always a 10 from me....
The opening of the song makes me think Indigo Girls...anyone else?
I love Hot Tuna Big time We used to catch them live way back when
 dublanica wrote:
Jorma is the best rock instrumentalist ever.  This and "Embryonic Journey" when with Jefferson Airplane are as good as you can ever get!  Nice!
 
Plus, kudos to Jack Casady as well.  The best bass player bar none.  What a combination!
Jorma is the best rock instrumentalist ever.  This and "Embryonic Journey" when with Jefferson Airplane are as good as you can ever get!  Nice!
I think I've herd this here now four times in the last month.

That is not a complaint.
Gotta bump it to an 8. Great stuff!
 arserocket wrote:
beautiful guitar work (clappy clappy emoticon)
 

The drumming's pretty snazzy too.

Love the Wikipedia pic of Jorma et al playing at the Somerville Theater in Somerville, MA. I lived within walking distance of it for 2ish years...
I love how this builds up. At the beginning it seems so quiet and a bit flat, but wastes no time adding the drums and bass, and additional guitars. It plays a couple of variations on a theme that swell with passage, until it wraps up with three simple notes. 

Just a beautiful song that does not ever seem to wear out, even after almost 50 years.
As usual, absolutely amazing bass playing from Jack Casady.  
Nice. I thought I was hearing Leo Kottke.
Very nice. One would never ever know if not already knowing that two fellows here had anything to do with Jefferson Airplane. Even though it's from about the same time period, there is almost zero resemblance in music style. Although JA had some acoustic tracks, this one is different, better.  
ahhhhh!  NOT enough Tuna!  Jorma is responsible for 2 of the greatest rock instrumentals of all-time!   This and "Embryonic Journey". 
Wenn ein Sender ein Hot Tuna Instrumental spielt, ist das ein absolutes Qualitätsmerkmal. 
This one will always be a classic RP tune for me. Thanks Bill!
 AhhtheMusic wrote:
My all time favorite instrumental by Jorma Kaukonen.  Amazing and always wonderful.  What a master he is.
 

Still is.  It is playing now and these words were exactly what I wanted to say.  I guess I am consistent.  :)
beautiful guitar work (clappy clappy emoticon)


☮️
tune in toke up turn it up!
always turn this up
Jorma and I are friends and ride motorcycles together every summer.  He has a guitar clinic here in southern Ohio and if you've never heard of it please take a minute and check it out.  It's a dream come true for me...  Fur Peace Ranch.com
 snitramc wrote:
I like this song, but I heard it on RP last Thursday (11/1/18) around 5:00 pm CDT. WTH? Are you just playing tapes of shows now?
 

Are you crazy?! Bill and Rebecca painstakingly hand-select every song and take turns spinning them personally 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! How dare you think otherwise! 
Ahhhh, my fav! Thanks Bill!
I like this song, but I heard it on RP last Thursday (11/1/18) around 5:00 pm CDT. WTH? Are you just playing tapes of shows now?
Probably my fav song of all time...
Skinny dipping with my bearded friends and girlfriends
What I posted earlier. Thanks yet again Bill as always! Fellow fans, all is revealed in Jorma's book. Quite a walk through his life. If you yourself are that much of a fan or know someone who is then this book is a must read and a great gift. 
 
Jormas Book
 
Bill knows I'm logged in and listening! Thank you again sir!