Jorma Kaukonen - Stars in My Crown

It's interesting the way things go in circles. In the early '60s, Jorma Kaukonen (or Jerry, as he was then) played blues guitar in the coffeehouses of the South Bay Area, sometimes with Janis Joplin. Now, after stints with Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, he's back to his first love, mixing blues, gospel, and country, backed by some excellent musicians. It's a blissful self-indulgence, laid-back but still quite heartfelt, although it has to be said that not all his material meets the standards ("Heart Temporary" is a decent opener, but not in the same class as "No Demon" or Johnny Cash's "The Man Comes Around"), although "A Life Well Lived" is a lovely piece of work. There are some excellent covers, a couple from the Rev. Gary Davis, and a delicious version of "By the Rivers of Babylon." As you'd expect, after four and a half decades, Kaukonen can pick a mean guitar, but he's content to let others take the lead role, especially Barry Mitterhoff's mandolin work. All in all, it makes for a great package, one to be savored over and over for its gentle, soulful heart. ~ Chris Nickson, All Music Guide

Name Credits Andrea Zonn Violin Ann McCrary Vocals (Background) Barry Mitterhoff Bouzouki, Mandolin, Tenor Banjo, Photography Byron House Bass (Vocal), Bass (Upright), Producer, Engineer Calvin Settles Tenor (Vocal) Chris Brown Drums Chris Kehoe Photography Christopher Farrell Viola Connie Ellisor Violin David Angell Violin Ed Cash Engineer Ed Gerhard Weissenborn, Guitar (Acoustic) Fats Kaplin Pedal Steel Fred Eltringham Shaker, Cowbell, Tambourine, Guiro Gary Paczosa Engineer, Mixing Greg Leisz Guitar (Electric), Pedal Steel Jason Burleson 5-string Banjo Jelly Roll Johnson Harmonica Jim DeMain Mastering Jim Grosjean Viola Jim Hoke Sax (Soprano), Clarinet John Catchings Cello Jorma Kaukonen Liner Notes, Vocals, Guitar (Acoustic) Kristin Wilkinson String Arrangements, Contractor, Viola Kyle Ford Assistant Engineer Mary Kathryn Vanosdale Violin Monisa Angell Viola Odessa Settles Alto (Vocals) Pamela Sixfin Violin Phil Madeira Engineer, Organ Reese Wynans Piano Rob Ickes Guitar (Resonator) Sally Van Meter Tenor (Vocal), Guitar (Resonator) Shirley Settles Soprano (Vocal) Tim Stafford Baritone (Vocal), Guitar (Acoustic) Todd Suttles Bass (Vocal)