New Jefferson Airplane book 5 star reviews 93 photos, 543pgs
Posted: 01 Feb 2007, 21:16
Hi On Line Book Club Readers:
It is not often a music book would give me the passion to want to shout it to the world, but..............
I recently read and was one of the first reviewers for Craig Fenton's book on the Jefferson Airplane-"Take Me To A Circus Tent." It is the finest American rock and roll book I have come across. It is more diverse and complete than an encylcopedia. The reviews and info about the book are below for all of you to see. The untilate compliment for Craig came from founding member Marty Balin, which can be found o nthe back of Craig's book. I hope you'll enjoy it and get the same pleasure I did. If you know somebody 40+ especially it is right up their demogrpahic.
May the weekend be full of good weather and great books,
R.E.
?Craig Fenton knows so much about the Jefferson Airplane and family, I was asking him the questions.? Marty Balin-.
?Craig, since you are such a fan of the 60?s music I?m giving you this piece of information first.? Jerry Miller-Moby Grape.
?Your brain is all full of amazing Airplane facts.? Kenny Aronoff-Airplane Drummer 1989.
?As a real fan and one so knowledgeable, you?ll enjoy this story.? Sammy Piazza-Hot Tuna drummer. (Before giving me his exclusive remembrance of a J.A. recording).
93 Photos (Starting from 1963) including many never in print before, and possibly the 2 rarest Airplane pictures ever, one with Bob Harvey & Jerry Peloquin in the band from 1965 and the other an autographed photo from early 1966 with Skip Spence, Paul signs his name ?Paul Airplane.? 266 Questions & Answers are examined from the Airplane & Family. These are not the same old of the same old! 121 live shows are documented with complete and accurate information. All the obscure songs and jams finally have titles. All special guests are mentioned and the first and last time the song is performed is noted. 60 unreleased gems from the studio vaults are explored, including the 1965 Columbia (That is correct) demo with Bob Harvey!
Interviews for ?Take Me To A Circus Tent?
Slick Aguilar (KBC, Jefferson Starship & Wooden Ships)
Peter Albin (Big Brother & The Holding Company, remembers Spencer Dryden & Janis Joplin)
Signe Anderson (Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship)
Kenny Aronoff (1989 Jefferson Airplane drummer)
Don Aters (Famous rock and roll photographer, remembers Chet Helms)
Marty Balin (Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, & KBC)
John Barbata (Jefferson Airplane & Jefferson Starship)
Jesse Barish (Wrote St. Charles & Count On Me for the Jefferson Starship, Hearts, and Atlanta Lady for Marty Balin)
Nick Buck (Hot Tuna & SVT)
Craig Chaquico (Steelwind & Jefferson Starship)
Tom Constanten (Grateful Dead & appearances sitting in with the
Jefferson Starship)
Joey Covington (Hot Tuna & Jefferson Airplane)
Michael Falzarano (Hot Tuna)
Barry Flast (Jefferson Starship)
David Freiberg (Jefferson Airplane & Jefferson Starship)
Darby Gould (Jefferson Starship)
Greg Douglass (Hot Tuna)
Tim Gorman (KBC, Wooden Ships, Jefferson Airplane 1989 reunion & Jefferson Starship)
Bob Harvey (Original Jefferson Airplane bass-player)
Paul Kantner (Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, KBC, &
Wooden Ships)
Peter Kaukonen Hot Tuna, Jefferson Starship,
Jefferson Airplane 1989 reunion
(Gives a wonderful tribute to his parents)
Diana Mangano (Jefferson Starship)
Dennis McNally (Grateful Dead Publicist, and author)
Remembers those members of the Grateful Dead we have lost
Jerry Miller (Moby Grape, remembers Skip Spence & talks about
Moby Grape)
Jerry Peloquin (Original Jefferson Airplane drummer)
Sammy Piazza (Hot Tuna)
Pete Sears (Jefferson Starship & Hot Tuna)
Darby Slick (Great Society w/Grace Slick)
Jerry Slick (Great Society w/Grace Slick)
Mike Somavilla (Quicksilver Messenger Service historian,
organized the Spencer Dryden Benefit,
and is responsible for many Bay Area musicians
releasing archival material)
Bob Steeler (Hot Tuna)
Jack Traylor (Steelwind with David Freiberg, and Craig Chaquico,
songwriting and session work for Paul Kantner and Grace Slick)
Peter van Gelder (Great Society w/Grace Slick)
There was a female vocalist that tried out prior to Signe Anderson getting the job? The person that brought the vocalist for the audition would be part of a major band, and work with a legendary lead vocalist.
A Jefferson Starship member wrote a song for Janis Joplin. Why did it take so long to be released?
Would it surprise you that Paul McCartney was not the first to use the cool name Wings as a band? A Jefferson Airplane member had used it years prior to Paul's great solo work.
What about two Jefferson Airplane members playing together for the first time in 37 years, and why there is not a recording of it!
How did Diana Mangano record one song for the Great Society in 2002 and they weren't even in the studio for it?
Did you know that a Jefferson Airplane member played briefly with Paul Simon's brother?
What song did Hot Tuna perform for over 40 minutes?
Which Jefferson Airplane member was asked to be part of Steve Miller?s band in 1970?
Which two non Jefferson Airplane drummers are uncredited for their appearance on the studio version of Feel So Good?
Which Hot Tuna member was asked to be an original member of ZZ Top?
Which song performed by Grace Slick and the Great Society did The Jefferson Airplane decide not to record?
Which one time Jefferson Airplane member was asked about coming back to the band circa 1967-1968?
Which Hot Tuna member almost became part of Fleetwood Mac in the mid-seventies?
Which songs have all been performed by the Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and Hot Tuna?
When did Signe Anderson and Spencer Dryden play together?
Besides playing the entire album live what were the other twenty-seven songs the KBC performed on stage.
Which J.A. member did Skip Spence reunite with 31 years later?
What Jefferson Starship song did the Jefferson Airplane rehearse for the 1989 reunion tour and not perform?
Which drummer was waiting in the wings in case Spencer Dryden wasn?t well enough to perform at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame?
What songs did Signe Anderson and Skip Spence play in 1965 at Skips? home and which Rolling Stones masterpiece was covered?
What song did both Paul Kantner?s Wooden Ships and Emerson, Lake & Palmer both perform as an encore?
Reviews:
1/20/07 Blog Critics
Saturday, January 20, 2007 Glen Boyd
Take Me To A Circus Tent: The Jefferson Airplane Flight Manual
"The object of this book was not to reinvent the wheel, or in this case reinvent the Plane, " author Craig Fenton explained to me earlier this week, describing his remarkable new book on the Jefferson Airplane.
"The aim was rather to help the spread the word, and to keep the torch going of one of the greatest bands ever."
Amen Brother.
Make no mistake. Craig Fenton's Take Me To A Circus Tent: The Jefferson Airplane Flight Manual is not just any rock book. It is in fact, the final, definitive word on the music of the band which most defined the so-called psychedelic acid-rock "San Francisco" sound of the late sixties (the very sound which would define an entire generation).
The fact is, this may be the most extensive, meticulously researched account of the music of any rock and roll band ever. Period. From a purely historical, and especially from a musical standpoint, Take Me To A Circus Tent delves as deeply into the sixties phenomenon that was the Jefferson Airplane as any rock and roll book ever has.
But let's get one thing straight right up front. This is a book which focuses strictly on the music.
If you are looking for one of those sex, drugs, and rock and roll exposes, you'd best look elsewhere. You are not going to find any tales of band members lying face down in a pool of their own vomit. Nor will you find the sort of acid-fueled sex-orgies which have characterized the written accounts of other rock stars from the sixties, fallen and otherwise.
Not that Craig Fenton didn't have his chance however. In the extensive research that went into this book, Fenton was given what amounted to an all-access pass, resulting in rare footage such as this, a great clip from the Dick Cavett show in 1969 of the Airplane performing "Somebody To Love, " with David Crosby sitting in:There are complete interviews (and opportunities to dish the dirt) with no less than 32 Jefferson Airplane insiders contained within the 543 pages of this book. These include everybody from original members Paul Kantner and Marty Balin (who says that Fenton "knows so much about the Jefferson Airplane family I had to ask him the questions"), to guys who were there like Moby Grape's Jerry Miller and Big Brother And The Holding Company's Peter Albin (who remembers the late JA drummer Spencer Dryden).
These interviews make up the latter half of the book. For the first part, Fenton exhaustively and extensively recounts the complete history of every single song written, recorded or performed by the Jefferson Airplane, as well as it off-shoots such as Hot Tuna and the various Jefferson Starship aggregations.
The result is the sort of scholarly work that could have only come from the pen of a true music obsessive. Craig Fenton is basically an Airplane archivist. From his roots as a fan who discovered the Airplane after hearing "The Ballad Of You Me & Pooneil" on progressive rock station WNEW in the sixties, to his own career in rock radio, he has meticulously documented the evolution --the flight path if you will-- of the Jefferson Airplane.
In Take Me To A Circus Tent, no less than 121 Jefferson Airplane shows are broken down song by song. There are also some 93 photos, many of which have never been seen before. But we are not just talking about photos and setlists here. Fenton breaks down everything from the first and final performances of individual songs; who played what and when; to songs never before officially documented at all.
On page 149 for example, we learn of an incredible show performed in San Bernadino where the songs "Wooden Ships, " and "Volunteers" were performed for the very first time. Later, we learn of a show in 1969 at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park days later where "Good Shepherd" is debuted, but sung by Grace Slick, rather than the version sung by Jorma Kaukonen on the Volunteers album.
That's the type of detail we are talking about here.
However, Take me To A Circus Tent is by no means complete. How could it be?
By his own yardstick, Craig Fenton refused to include any information on shows or performances that he could not confirm either through interviews or tapes from his own rather extensive archives.
For example, I had no luck finding my own point of reference to a 1969 show in Honolulu, Hawaii where I had my first exposure to the powers of Jefferson Airplane's live performances myself. As a thirteen year old attending that show at Honolulu's Civic Auditorium, I met the band on a day that also saw one of Hot Tuna's earliest performances opening for JA. Paul Kantner was also busted for marijuana posession that very day in Honolulu near Diamond Head.
Still, this book is about as complete as rock books get.
Word to the wise though. It is also laid out as something of a master thesis. This is definitely a book intended more to be painstakingly analyzed then it is to be read from cover to cover.
Regardless, I would consider Take Me To A Circus Tent: The Jeferson Airplane Flight Manual your personal reference guide to one of the greatest rock bands ever.
As rock and roll books go, this truly is as complete as it gets.
********************************************************************************Blogcritic of the Month ? Chris Beaumont
Blogcritic of the Day ? T. Michael Testi
? Brandon Daviet Flies with Author Craig Fenton and The Jefferson Airplane Flight Manual
Book Review: Take Me to a Circus Tent (The Jefferson Airplane Flight Manual) by Craig Fenton
Published: January 20, 2007
Type: Review
Section: Books
Filed Under: Books: Nonfiction, Books: Entertainment, Books: Biography, Music: Rock
Writer: Brandon Daviet
Brandon Daviet's BC Writer page
Brandon Daviet's personal site
Despite being cut from a genetically different cloth, sports fanatics and music fanatics have a thing or two in common. While most sports fans usually pine over self-preservation and athletic skill, music fans (I?m a card-carrying member of the latter, for the record) tend to lean more towards slacking off and inventing new methods of self-destruction. One of the two camps' common traits lies in their undying, obsessive love for their chosen heroes. Sports fanatics tend to spend their time documenting performance statistics while music fanatics document musical performances and the comments made about them. Overall it?s the same kind of thing and is really just another facet of the human race's infatuation with fame and celebrity.
For author Craig Fenton, his fan-boy obsession centers around the comings and goings of Jefferson Airplane, the highly psychedelic band that formed in the womb of the legendary ?60s San Francisco music scene. Jefferson Airplane is perhaps most famous for introducing the world, and Hunter S. Thompson?s drugged-up lawyer, to the song "White Rabbit". But the story of Jefferson Airplane, who have also been known in leaner times as Jefferson Starship, is far more involved than many people know, as Fenton details lovingly in his new book: Take Me To A Circus Tent (The Jefferson Airplane Flight Manual).
Circus Tent is a treat for both hardcore fans of Jefferson Airplane and casual listeners alike. While I consider myself a fairly well-read music fan, my exposure to Jefferson Airplane has been mostly limited to owning a copy of Surrealistic Pillow, buying the soundtrack to the 1987 movie Mannequin for the song ?We Built This City, ? and seeing guitarist and the band's founder Paul Kantner perform the album Blows Against the Empire for a small crowd at a bar I worked in several years ago.
Fenton, on the other hand, knows his stuff - and the book is a mind-boggling, phonebook-size documentation of the band's history. The book shares a lot in style with the Deadbase, the meticulously compiled history of the live performances of the Grateful Dead that any Deadhead worth his weight in patchouli oil owns. The main difference being that while The Grateful Dead and their fans carefully documented the band's career from day one, Jefferson Airplane's history relies more on recollection than historical record.
In any event, Take Me to a Circus Tent is a mesmerizing book that will provide anyone who picks it up with hours upon hours of enjoyment. This is truly a unique book and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in the roots of psychedelic music or the band who once asked the world, ?Don?t You Want Somebody to Love??
?
The ultimate Airplane book for the ultimate band!
Reviewed by: Jeff R. Son (11/23/2006)
Take Me To A Circus Tent: A review by Jeff R. Son The 22nd of November, 2006 Writing letters or reviews isn?t something that is common for me, however in getting to read a sneak-peak of Mr. Fenton?s masterpiece I would be depriving Airplane fans of a must read. Authors often times seem to write what is hot, hip, or what the publisher tells them is the flavor of the month. Mr. Fenton?s words are from the heart. I have never seen any Airplane fan with this much knowledge and the ability to share it as if it is a long time friend talking to you. You can see how fan friendly he is by the attention to every detail. If you enjoy photos he gave over 90 and there are pictures that are so rare I bet the band members don?t even own them. If your bag is the music, the look at the 121 live performances and 60 unreleased songs/jams/tid-bits from the vaults could grow hair on a bald person. He left no stone unturned. References to riffs that were played for only a matter of seconds, song titles that before were never mentioned. He could have stopped there and taken a bow but there are 266 questions and answers that look not only at the Airplane but Hot Tuna, Jefferson Starship, KBC Band, & Wooden Ships. The information is a treasure chest. To top off the most exquisite meal Mr. Fenton finishes the book with 32 interviews. What he did was always make the most use out of the time afforded for the conversation. You can tell he didn?t even need notes to conduct the interviews, because often times the musicians asked him stuff! If seeing a photo of David Freiberg as a folk performer from 63 or a concert bill (1964) with original bass-player Bob Harvey, or a group photo without Jorma doesn?t excite you, simply turn to the interviews with Marty, Paul and even Signe Anderson. If that doesn?t get your attention why not look at the first and last time a song was ever performed by the band, or find out the history of the group through the eyes of the people that were there. If you are looking for a holiday gift for a friend, co-worker or family member you have found it. If you are like me and often get the worst holiday presents that will set under a bed or get returned, treat yourself to what is under the circus tent. I?ll go now because I want to look at some of the amazing photos of Grace from the Great Society days and alternate covers to the 2nd record.
It is the one-stop Airplane book of greatness
Reviewed by: Rod Evans (11/29/2006)
On an early November morning (11/28/06) the Airplane Express delivered Craig?s new book. My wife told me that I hadn?t been this excited about anything since her mom moved out of the house. Others have written books on the San Francisco bands, but Craig has created an ?Encyclopedia.? I first went through the book for the photos. What an experience! To see so many pictures not in print before was enough to make the book worth double the price; however it didn?t stop there. I couldn?t believe the detail he went through to explain the terminology in the book and to make reading it for the Jefferson Family fan the most pleasurable experience possible. The interviews are done with such skill that I would match Craig?s ability to make the person he is talking with comfortable against any I have come across in my years as a rock and roll fan. Not only the comfort level, but also the ability to bring out such detail with all the musicians he spoke with. It wasn?t the same things that we read about since the 60?s. The story of one person attempting to get Janis Joplin to sing one of his songs really was a soap-opera. The question and answer portion will give new facts to the most hardcore individual. The information that Craig knows takes a back seat to nobody when it comes to the Airplane. Reading about the stuff Marty did with Bodacious D.F. and why they have that name as well as Jorma?s early works and Bob Harvey?s promo CD info was icing on the best tasting cake ever. For the holiday season think 1 gift first ?Take Me To A Circus Tent.? There is something in the book, sorry the ENCYCLOPEDIA for all.
**********************************************************************************
WHAT A FANTASTIC BOOK! BW from the Jefferson Starship Board:
It's a large soft-bound book that is easy to hold and flip the individual pages. You can lay it down and both pages lay flat. You don't have to bend the binding.
The paper is a bright clean white, with the type style dark enough so it's easy to read. Jam packed with information, but the book "breathes." A ton of information spread out on 537 pages, but it is not "cramped."
You can easily open to any page and start reading. It reads like a novel, really. I have the book laid out on the bed behind me. I'm able to turn around in the chair and easily read it, from 2-3 feet away.
Really nice pictures of Everyone. Just noticing some nice pictures of Darby and Paul. He gets all the girls! This book goes way beyond just the Jefferson trip. It describes the scene, and anyone who was involved with the Jefferson?s in any way.
Here's Craig asking Tim Gorman some questions, about him joining the Rolling Stones, no less! A lot a fact, a little bit of gossip, and one big juicy read!
Can't wait to get started!
BW
**************************************************************************************************
To all Jefferson fans: Craig's book is 6 stars not 5!
I am always worried when there is hype to a book or CD. Would it live up to advanced billing?
Craig's "Take Me To A Circus Tent" goes beyond anything I have seen. He is always making the musician feel comfortable. Several ask Craig to send them their own music! The insights and knowledge that he shows is impressive; however more impressive is how he is happy to give so much credit to others.
There are so many things that haven't previously been brought up in interviews. If you take the total length of Craig's conversation with Marty I bet it is as long as any interview Marty has done in or out of the Jefferson Airplane/Starship.
The pictures are a sight to admire. Don Aters is as good as anybody snapping a photo.
Craig has made sure the book is all meat and no filler. There is a logical layout to each segment. I knew the book would be something special when I looked at the index. He supplied more names than several books combined.
The amount of time he must have labored to get the obscure song titles proved this isn't an author doing it for the publisher, it is a fan doing it for us guys and girls.
Craig even went as far to get all the names of the players on the Great Society reunion, and the 1964 concert Bill that has Bob Harvey, Jorma and Paul playing at the same venue but on different dates was the best job of dropping in "What is to come" that I have seen."
I first thumbed through the genius for the pictures. Signe was so cute and innocent and the entire journey made me feel young again. Once I looked at the photos and digested over 90 of them, I went to the interview section. I was blown away with Craig's style and he is really funny. Read what he says to Jesse Barish when Jesse asked him for a video of a specific tune. I was on the floor.
I am now going over the Question & Answer segment again because I want to gain the full impact.
The San Francisco scene has never seen a book that has flown as high.
Thank you Craig and I hope you have the opportunity to get the full credit via TV/Radio and the printed word.
6 Stars and a must for any Holiday!!
From Wood N. Ships
********************************************************************************************
To all fans: 5 stars are not enough!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Finished Craig's book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" this morning. It deserves a label above Gold Medal Winner.
The research must have taken countless hours but the love of the band is a lifetime.
The question and answer portion has something that a fan of one day or a decade could really sink their teeth into. The greatest stuff is uncovered. When you get to the interviews it will be impossible to not read straight through.
The pictures blow away anything prior because Craig gave us not only the most (I believe 90 or so) but countless not in print before. The photo that Tim Lucas supplied is worth the price of the book and when you have pictures from 1963 on, I don't need to go further.
The live and studio segments finally put the right information together and the titles that I always wondered why they didn't have names before.
The way Craig documented the entire 89 reunion or some of Marty's material was as if he were in the band.
If we can give Craig a hand, we should. He did it the best way and did it without treading on any other author's Airplane or Jefferson Starship books prior.
Craig you are a Gold Medal writer in a world of plastic.
Buy the book and spread the word, the Airplane Man has landed.
**********************************************************
Airplane Man reached the stars, 5 that is
Reviewed by: Sam Rotis (12/7/2006) *****
There have been only a handful of rock and roll books that I couldn't put down over the years. Craig Fenton's Take Me To A Circus Tent is the latest and best. It is an empire created with not only the mind and hands but with the heart. His fondness for the Airplane and spin-offs is easy to see from the start of the book. The layout is wonderful. Each chapter not only takes you on a flight to a specific year but is named after a part of a song that fits the theme. When you are done with the live and studio information the questions and answers and interview sections are something you can marvel at. Look how the questions aren't the same 5 day old bread that have always been recycled. When it is time for the interviews I have never seen anyone do it better than Craig. It is one thing to be prepared, to be a fan, but Craig is so full of information it is great when the musicians ask if they did something or if he would send them the rarity. The Marty Balin interview is a Rolls Royce, the info from Signe was wonderful and getting the insight from 3 former Great Society members was a treat I never thought would happen. Not only the interviews but the photos of the band and the studio/live history. There are pictures in the book that are so special for their rare nature and beauty that I ask all you fine people to turn the pages slowly and soak in every second of the sunshine. It shines with a light of brilliance. I really respect that Craig didn't forget about the Signe period. Although Grace is my favorite singer ever, Craig tells a nice story of the early days with some photos that you'll love and the info about a few of the live dates, recording sessions, etc. Get 2 copies of the book. One for yourself and one for the old Airplane fan that you may not see hanging around the Jefferson Airplane or Jefferson starship boards but who still longs for the day when rock and roll was played with skill and lyrics were memorable. Craig you are really the Airplane Man and I hope the book Takes Off and all dreams are realized. Buy the book, buy the book and buy the book.
************************************************************************************
5 STARS *****
Wednesday the Airplane book by Craig Fenton called Take Me To A Circus Tent came and it is the most detailed book I have ever read about any American music band. Why? The details excel not in 1 portion of the book but all that Craig used to construct. He points out for the live portion even if a riff of a song got played, the studio unreleased portion opens the door to the massive music hiding from us all these years, the photos out number any music book you can think of and the interviews don't waste time with why somebody doesn't date their high school sweetheart anymore. The information Craig gets out of the different people is an A+.
Many have talked about the great Marty Balin interview and Signe and Paul but his conversation with Craig Chaquico is a tribute to Fenton's wide knowledge of the artists history. One moment Craig talks about a great tune on Dragonfly and then is able to converse with Mr. Chaquico about the solo albums went he changed styles 360 degrees. The Bob Harvey and Jerry Peloquin transcripts are really super and you'll dig the Tom Constanten conversation with excellent questions about his days after playing with Jerry and the guys.
I was going to look up great big words but it is better I used the simple language and tell you this is 5 stars in every avenue it travels.
A great gift for yourself and friends.
To Craig thanks for giving me a reason to miss going to my loud and off the wall sister-in-law's house. I told the wife that I was doing a book review. Craig I owe you a 50.00 steak for getting me out of seeing her run her mouth every second for no reason.
***********************************************************************************
5 STARS- Takes You to new Heights!
This was the best gift I have given myself. All the reviews thus far don?t even touch the surface of what Craig?s ?Take Me To A Circus Tent? is all about.
When you get the book you can see how articulate Craig is when he talks about the intro of the book and the page before the interviews begin. What sets him apart from so many other writers is his ability to write as if it is for one person. He talks as if he is hanging out with you.
The information he gets from the performers is outstanding. For Craig to get Tim Gorman to talk about how Keith Moon of the Who was really replaced shows that it doesn?t matter if it is Airplane, Beatles, Stones, Who or the band down the block, he is a magician with information and a passion I have never come across for 60?s and 70?s rock and roll music.
The interviews with the Airplane members are superlative but check out the conversation Craig has with Greg Douglass formerly of Hot Tuna and Jerry Miller of Moby Grape.
I recommend three copies of the book. One to read, one to keep as a part of San Francisco history and one to give to somebody that is important to you.
Craig, you are the Airplaneman, Hot Tunaman, KBC, etc.
Thank you again and again and again.
It is not often a music book would give me the passion to want to shout it to the world, but..............
I recently read and was one of the first reviewers for Craig Fenton's book on the Jefferson Airplane-"Take Me To A Circus Tent." It is the finest American rock and roll book I have come across. It is more diverse and complete than an encylcopedia. The reviews and info about the book are below for all of you to see. The untilate compliment for Craig came from founding member Marty Balin, which can be found o nthe back of Craig's book. I hope you'll enjoy it and get the same pleasure I did. If you know somebody 40+ especially it is right up their demogrpahic.
May the weekend be full of good weather and great books,
R.E.
?Craig Fenton knows so much about the Jefferson Airplane and family, I was asking him the questions.? Marty Balin-.
?Craig, since you are such a fan of the 60?s music I?m giving you this piece of information first.? Jerry Miller-Moby Grape.
?Your brain is all full of amazing Airplane facts.? Kenny Aronoff-Airplane Drummer 1989.
?As a real fan and one so knowledgeable, you?ll enjoy this story.? Sammy Piazza-Hot Tuna drummer. (Before giving me his exclusive remembrance of a J.A. recording).
93 Photos (Starting from 1963) including many never in print before, and possibly the 2 rarest Airplane pictures ever, one with Bob Harvey & Jerry Peloquin in the band from 1965 and the other an autographed photo from early 1966 with Skip Spence, Paul signs his name ?Paul Airplane.? 266 Questions & Answers are examined from the Airplane & Family. These are not the same old of the same old! 121 live shows are documented with complete and accurate information. All the obscure songs and jams finally have titles. All special guests are mentioned and the first and last time the song is performed is noted. 60 unreleased gems from the studio vaults are explored, including the 1965 Columbia (That is correct) demo with Bob Harvey!
Interviews for ?Take Me To A Circus Tent?
Slick Aguilar (KBC, Jefferson Starship & Wooden Ships)
Peter Albin (Big Brother & The Holding Company, remembers Spencer Dryden & Janis Joplin)
Signe Anderson (Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship)
Kenny Aronoff (1989 Jefferson Airplane drummer)
Don Aters (Famous rock and roll photographer, remembers Chet Helms)
Marty Balin (Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, & KBC)
John Barbata (Jefferson Airplane & Jefferson Starship)
Jesse Barish (Wrote St. Charles & Count On Me for the Jefferson Starship, Hearts, and Atlanta Lady for Marty Balin)
Nick Buck (Hot Tuna & SVT)
Craig Chaquico (Steelwind & Jefferson Starship)
Tom Constanten (Grateful Dead & appearances sitting in with the
Jefferson Starship)
Joey Covington (Hot Tuna & Jefferson Airplane)
Michael Falzarano (Hot Tuna)
Barry Flast (Jefferson Starship)
David Freiberg (Jefferson Airplane & Jefferson Starship)
Darby Gould (Jefferson Starship)
Greg Douglass (Hot Tuna)
Tim Gorman (KBC, Wooden Ships, Jefferson Airplane 1989 reunion & Jefferson Starship)
Bob Harvey (Original Jefferson Airplane bass-player)
Paul Kantner (Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, KBC, &
Wooden Ships)
Peter Kaukonen Hot Tuna, Jefferson Starship,
Jefferson Airplane 1989 reunion
(Gives a wonderful tribute to his parents)
Diana Mangano (Jefferson Starship)
Dennis McNally (Grateful Dead Publicist, and author)
Remembers those members of the Grateful Dead we have lost
Jerry Miller (Moby Grape, remembers Skip Spence & talks about
Moby Grape)
Jerry Peloquin (Original Jefferson Airplane drummer)
Sammy Piazza (Hot Tuna)
Pete Sears (Jefferson Starship & Hot Tuna)
Darby Slick (Great Society w/Grace Slick)
Jerry Slick (Great Society w/Grace Slick)
Mike Somavilla (Quicksilver Messenger Service historian,
organized the Spencer Dryden Benefit,
and is responsible for many Bay Area musicians
releasing archival material)
Bob Steeler (Hot Tuna)
Jack Traylor (Steelwind with David Freiberg, and Craig Chaquico,
songwriting and session work for Paul Kantner and Grace Slick)
Peter van Gelder (Great Society w/Grace Slick)
There was a female vocalist that tried out prior to Signe Anderson getting the job? The person that brought the vocalist for the audition would be part of a major band, and work with a legendary lead vocalist.
A Jefferson Starship member wrote a song for Janis Joplin. Why did it take so long to be released?
Would it surprise you that Paul McCartney was not the first to use the cool name Wings as a band? A Jefferson Airplane member had used it years prior to Paul's great solo work.
What about two Jefferson Airplane members playing together for the first time in 37 years, and why there is not a recording of it!
How did Diana Mangano record one song for the Great Society in 2002 and they weren't even in the studio for it?
Did you know that a Jefferson Airplane member played briefly with Paul Simon's brother?
What song did Hot Tuna perform for over 40 minutes?
Which Jefferson Airplane member was asked to be part of Steve Miller?s band in 1970?
Which two non Jefferson Airplane drummers are uncredited for their appearance on the studio version of Feel So Good?
Which Hot Tuna member was asked to be an original member of ZZ Top?
Which song performed by Grace Slick and the Great Society did The Jefferson Airplane decide not to record?
Which one time Jefferson Airplane member was asked about coming back to the band circa 1967-1968?
Which Hot Tuna member almost became part of Fleetwood Mac in the mid-seventies?
Which songs have all been performed by the Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and Hot Tuna?
When did Signe Anderson and Spencer Dryden play together?
Besides playing the entire album live what were the other twenty-seven songs the KBC performed on stage.
Which J.A. member did Skip Spence reunite with 31 years later?
What Jefferson Starship song did the Jefferson Airplane rehearse for the 1989 reunion tour and not perform?
Which drummer was waiting in the wings in case Spencer Dryden wasn?t well enough to perform at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame?
What songs did Signe Anderson and Skip Spence play in 1965 at Skips? home and which Rolling Stones masterpiece was covered?
What song did both Paul Kantner?s Wooden Ships and Emerson, Lake & Palmer both perform as an encore?
Reviews:
1/20/07 Blog Critics
Saturday, January 20, 2007 Glen Boyd
Take Me To A Circus Tent: The Jefferson Airplane Flight Manual
"The object of this book was not to reinvent the wheel, or in this case reinvent the Plane, " author Craig Fenton explained to me earlier this week, describing his remarkable new book on the Jefferson Airplane.
"The aim was rather to help the spread the word, and to keep the torch going of one of the greatest bands ever."
Amen Brother.
Make no mistake. Craig Fenton's Take Me To A Circus Tent: The Jefferson Airplane Flight Manual is not just any rock book. It is in fact, the final, definitive word on the music of the band which most defined the so-called psychedelic acid-rock "San Francisco" sound of the late sixties (the very sound which would define an entire generation).
The fact is, this may be the most extensive, meticulously researched account of the music of any rock and roll band ever. Period. From a purely historical, and especially from a musical standpoint, Take Me To A Circus Tent delves as deeply into the sixties phenomenon that was the Jefferson Airplane as any rock and roll book ever has.
But let's get one thing straight right up front. This is a book which focuses strictly on the music.
If you are looking for one of those sex, drugs, and rock and roll exposes, you'd best look elsewhere. You are not going to find any tales of band members lying face down in a pool of their own vomit. Nor will you find the sort of acid-fueled sex-orgies which have characterized the written accounts of other rock stars from the sixties, fallen and otherwise.
Not that Craig Fenton didn't have his chance however. In the extensive research that went into this book, Fenton was given what amounted to an all-access pass, resulting in rare footage such as this, a great clip from the Dick Cavett show in 1969 of the Airplane performing "Somebody To Love, " with David Crosby sitting in:There are complete interviews (and opportunities to dish the dirt) with no less than 32 Jefferson Airplane insiders contained within the 543 pages of this book. These include everybody from original members Paul Kantner and Marty Balin (who says that Fenton "knows so much about the Jefferson Airplane family I had to ask him the questions"), to guys who were there like Moby Grape's Jerry Miller and Big Brother And The Holding Company's Peter Albin (who remembers the late JA drummer Spencer Dryden).
These interviews make up the latter half of the book. For the first part, Fenton exhaustively and extensively recounts the complete history of every single song written, recorded or performed by the Jefferson Airplane, as well as it off-shoots such as Hot Tuna and the various Jefferson Starship aggregations.
The result is the sort of scholarly work that could have only come from the pen of a true music obsessive. Craig Fenton is basically an Airplane archivist. From his roots as a fan who discovered the Airplane after hearing "The Ballad Of You Me & Pooneil" on progressive rock station WNEW in the sixties, to his own career in rock radio, he has meticulously documented the evolution --the flight path if you will-- of the Jefferson Airplane.
In Take Me To A Circus Tent, no less than 121 Jefferson Airplane shows are broken down song by song. There are also some 93 photos, many of which have never been seen before. But we are not just talking about photos and setlists here. Fenton breaks down everything from the first and final performances of individual songs; who played what and when; to songs never before officially documented at all.
On page 149 for example, we learn of an incredible show performed in San Bernadino where the songs "Wooden Ships, " and "Volunteers" were performed for the very first time. Later, we learn of a show in 1969 at San Francisco's Golden Gate Park days later where "Good Shepherd" is debuted, but sung by Grace Slick, rather than the version sung by Jorma Kaukonen on the Volunteers album.
That's the type of detail we are talking about here.
However, Take me To A Circus Tent is by no means complete. How could it be?
By his own yardstick, Craig Fenton refused to include any information on shows or performances that he could not confirm either through interviews or tapes from his own rather extensive archives.
For example, I had no luck finding my own point of reference to a 1969 show in Honolulu, Hawaii where I had my first exposure to the powers of Jefferson Airplane's live performances myself. As a thirteen year old attending that show at Honolulu's Civic Auditorium, I met the band on a day that also saw one of Hot Tuna's earliest performances opening for JA. Paul Kantner was also busted for marijuana posession that very day in Honolulu near Diamond Head.
Still, this book is about as complete as rock books get.
Word to the wise though. It is also laid out as something of a master thesis. This is definitely a book intended more to be painstakingly analyzed then it is to be read from cover to cover.
Regardless, I would consider Take Me To A Circus Tent: The Jeferson Airplane Flight Manual your personal reference guide to one of the greatest rock bands ever.
As rock and roll books go, this truly is as complete as it gets.
********************************************************************************Blogcritic of the Month ? Chris Beaumont
Blogcritic of the Day ? T. Michael Testi
? Brandon Daviet Flies with Author Craig Fenton and The Jefferson Airplane Flight Manual
Book Review: Take Me to a Circus Tent (The Jefferson Airplane Flight Manual) by Craig Fenton
Published: January 20, 2007
Type: Review
Section: Books
Filed Under: Books: Nonfiction, Books: Entertainment, Books: Biography, Music: Rock
Writer: Brandon Daviet
Brandon Daviet's BC Writer page
Brandon Daviet's personal site
Despite being cut from a genetically different cloth, sports fanatics and music fanatics have a thing or two in common. While most sports fans usually pine over self-preservation and athletic skill, music fans (I?m a card-carrying member of the latter, for the record) tend to lean more towards slacking off and inventing new methods of self-destruction. One of the two camps' common traits lies in their undying, obsessive love for their chosen heroes. Sports fanatics tend to spend their time documenting performance statistics while music fanatics document musical performances and the comments made about them. Overall it?s the same kind of thing and is really just another facet of the human race's infatuation with fame and celebrity.
For author Craig Fenton, his fan-boy obsession centers around the comings and goings of Jefferson Airplane, the highly psychedelic band that formed in the womb of the legendary ?60s San Francisco music scene. Jefferson Airplane is perhaps most famous for introducing the world, and Hunter S. Thompson?s drugged-up lawyer, to the song "White Rabbit". But the story of Jefferson Airplane, who have also been known in leaner times as Jefferson Starship, is far more involved than many people know, as Fenton details lovingly in his new book: Take Me To A Circus Tent (The Jefferson Airplane Flight Manual).
Circus Tent is a treat for both hardcore fans of Jefferson Airplane and casual listeners alike. While I consider myself a fairly well-read music fan, my exposure to Jefferson Airplane has been mostly limited to owning a copy of Surrealistic Pillow, buying the soundtrack to the 1987 movie Mannequin for the song ?We Built This City, ? and seeing guitarist and the band's founder Paul Kantner perform the album Blows Against the Empire for a small crowd at a bar I worked in several years ago.
Fenton, on the other hand, knows his stuff - and the book is a mind-boggling, phonebook-size documentation of the band's history. The book shares a lot in style with the Deadbase, the meticulously compiled history of the live performances of the Grateful Dead that any Deadhead worth his weight in patchouli oil owns. The main difference being that while The Grateful Dead and their fans carefully documented the band's career from day one, Jefferson Airplane's history relies more on recollection than historical record.
In any event, Take Me to a Circus Tent is a mesmerizing book that will provide anyone who picks it up with hours upon hours of enjoyment. This is truly a unique book and I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in the roots of psychedelic music or the band who once asked the world, ?Don?t You Want Somebody to Love??
?
The ultimate Airplane book for the ultimate band!
Reviewed by: Jeff R. Son (11/23/2006)
Take Me To A Circus Tent: A review by Jeff R. Son The 22nd of November, 2006 Writing letters or reviews isn?t something that is common for me, however in getting to read a sneak-peak of Mr. Fenton?s masterpiece I would be depriving Airplane fans of a must read. Authors often times seem to write what is hot, hip, or what the publisher tells them is the flavor of the month. Mr. Fenton?s words are from the heart. I have never seen any Airplane fan with this much knowledge and the ability to share it as if it is a long time friend talking to you. You can see how fan friendly he is by the attention to every detail. If you enjoy photos he gave over 90 and there are pictures that are so rare I bet the band members don?t even own them. If your bag is the music, the look at the 121 live performances and 60 unreleased songs/jams/tid-bits from the vaults could grow hair on a bald person. He left no stone unturned. References to riffs that were played for only a matter of seconds, song titles that before were never mentioned. He could have stopped there and taken a bow but there are 266 questions and answers that look not only at the Airplane but Hot Tuna, Jefferson Starship, KBC Band, & Wooden Ships. The information is a treasure chest. To top off the most exquisite meal Mr. Fenton finishes the book with 32 interviews. What he did was always make the most use out of the time afforded for the conversation. You can tell he didn?t even need notes to conduct the interviews, because often times the musicians asked him stuff! If seeing a photo of David Freiberg as a folk performer from 63 or a concert bill (1964) with original bass-player Bob Harvey, or a group photo without Jorma doesn?t excite you, simply turn to the interviews with Marty, Paul and even Signe Anderson. If that doesn?t get your attention why not look at the first and last time a song was ever performed by the band, or find out the history of the group through the eyes of the people that were there. If you are looking for a holiday gift for a friend, co-worker or family member you have found it. If you are like me and often get the worst holiday presents that will set under a bed or get returned, treat yourself to what is under the circus tent. I?ll go now because I want to look at some of the amazing photos of Grace from the Great Society days and alternate covers to the 2nd record.
It is the one-stop Airplane book of greatness
Reviewed by: Rod Evans (11/29/2006)
On an early November morning (11/28/06) the Airplane Express delivered Craig?s new book. My wife told me that I hadn?t been this excited about anything since her mom moved out of the house. Others have written books on the San Francisco bands, but Craig has created an ?Encyclopedia.? I first went through the book for the photos. What an experience! To see so many pictures not in print before was enough to make the book worth double the price; however it didn?t stop there. I couldn?t believe the detail he went through to explain the terminology in the book and to make reading it for the Jefferson Family fan the most pleasurable experience possible. The interviews are done with such skill that I would match Craig?s ability to make the person he is talking with comfortable against any I have come across in my years as a rock and roll fan. Not only the comfort level, but also the ability to bring out such detail with all the musicians he spoke with. It wasn?t the same things that we read about since the 60?s. The story of one person attempting to get Janis Joplin to sing one of his songs really was a soap-opera. The question and answer portion will give new facts to the most hardcore individual. The information that Craig knows takes a back seat to nobody when it comes to the Airplane. Reading about the stuff Marty did with Bodacious D.F. and why they have that name as well as Jorma?s early works and Bob Harvey?s promo CD info was icing on the best tasting cake ever. For the holiday season think 1 gift first ?Take Me To A Circus Tent.? There is something in the book, sorry the ENCYCLOPEDIA for all.
**********************************************************************************
WHAT A FANTASTIC BOOK! BW from the Jefferson Starship Board:
It's a large soft-bound book that is easy to hold and flip the individual pages. You can lay it down and both pages lay flat. You don't have to bend the binding.
The paper is a bright clean white, with the type style dark enough so it's easy to read. Jam packed with information, but the book "breathes." A ton of information spread out on 537 pages, but it is not "cramped."
You can easily open to any page and start reading. It reads like a novel, really. I have the book laid out on the bed behind me. I'm able to turn around in the chair and easily read it, from 2-3 feet away.
Really nice pictures of Everyone. Just noticing some nice pictures of Darby and Paul. He gets all the girls! This book goes way beyond just the Jefferson trip. It describes the scene, and anyone who was involved with the Jefferson?s in any way.
Here's Craig asking Tim Gorman some questions, about him joining the Rolling Stones, no less! A lot a fact, a little bit of gossip, and one big juicy read!
Can't wait to get started!
BW
**************************************************************************************************
To all Jefferson fans: Craig's book is 6 stars not 5!
I am always worried when there is hype to a book or CD. Would it live up to advanced billing?
Craig's "Take Me To A Circus Tent" goes beyond anything I have seen. He is always making the musician feel comfortable. Several ask Craig to send them their own music! The insights and knowledge that he shows is impressive; however more impressive is how he is happy to give so much credit to others.
There are so many things that haven't previously been brought up in interviews. If you take the total length of Craig's conversation with Marty I bet it is as long as any interview Marty has done in or out of the Jefferson Airplane/Starship.
The pictures are a sight to admire. Don Aters is as good as anybody snapping a photo.
Craig has made sure the book is all meat and no filler. There is a logical layout to each segment. I knew the book would be something special when I looked at the index. He supplied more names than several books combined.
The amount of time he must have labored to get the obscure song titles proved this isn't an author doing it for the publisher, it is a fan doing it for us guys and girls.
Craig even went as far to get all the names of the players on the Great Society reunion, and the 1964 concert Bill that has Bob Harvey, Jorma and Paul playing at the same venue but on different dates was the best job of dropping in "What is to come" that I have seen."
I first thumbed through the genius for the pictures. Signe was so cute and innocent and the entire journey made me feel young again. Once I looked at the photos and digested over 90 of them, I went to the interview section. I was blown away with Craig's style and he is really funny. Read what he says to Jesse Barish when Jesse asked him for a video of a specific tune. I was on the floor.
I am now going over the Question & Answer segment again because I want to gain the full impact.
The San Francisco scene has never seen a book that has flown as high.
Thank you Craig and I hope you have the opportunity to get the full credit via TV/Radio and the printed word.
6 Stars and a must for any Holiday!!
From Wood N. Ships
********************************************************************************************
To all fans: 5 stars are not enough!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Finished Craig's book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" this morning. It deserves a label above Gold Medal Winner.
The research must have taken countless hours but the love of the band is a lifetime.
The question and answer portion has something that a fan of one day or a decade could really sink their teeth into. The greatest stuff is uncovered. When you get to the interviews it will be impossible to not read straight through.
The pictures blow away anything prior because Craig gave us not only the most (I believe 90 or so) but countless not in print before. The photo that Tim Lucas supplied is worth the price of the book and when you have pictures from 1963 on, I don't need to go further.
The live and studio segments finally put the right information together and the titles that I always wondered why they didn't have names before.
The way Craig documented the entire 89 reunion or some of Marty's material was as if he were in the band.
If we can give Craig a hand, we should. He did it the best way and did it without treading on any other author's Airplane or Jefferson Starship books prior.
Craig you are a Gold Medal writer in a world of plastic.
Buy the book and spread the word, the Airplane Man has landed.
**********************************************************
Airplane Man reached the stars, 5 that is
Reviewed by: Sam Rotis (12/7/2006) *****
There have been only a handful of rock and roll books that I couldn't put down over the years. Craig Fenton's Take Me To A Circus Tent is the latest and best. It is an empire created with not only the mind and hands but with the heart. His fondness for the Airplane and spin-offs is easy to see from the start of the book. The layout is wonderful. Each chapter not only takes you on a flight to a specific year but is named after a part of a song that fits the theme. When you are done with the live and studio information the questions and answers and interview sections are something you can marvel at. Look how the questions aren't the same 5 day old bread that have always been recycled. When it is time for the interviews I have never seen anyone do it better than Craig. It is one thing to be prepared, to be a fan, but Craig is so full of information it is great when the musicians ask if they did something or if he would send them the rarity. The Marty Balin interview is a Rolls Royce, the info from Signe was wonderful and getting the insight from 3 former Great Society members was a treat I never thought would happen. Not only the interviews but the photos of the band and the studio/live history. There are pictures in the book that are so special for their rare nature and beauty that I ask all you fine people to turn the pages slowly and soak in every second of the sunshine. It shines with a light of brilliance. I really respect that Craig didn't forget about the Signe period. Although Grace is my favorite singer ever, Craig tells a nice story of the early days with some photos that you'll love and the info about a few of the live dates, recording sessions, etc. Get 2 copies of the book. One for yourself and one for the old Airplane fan that you may not see hanging around the Jefferson Airplane or Jefferson starship boards but who still longs for the day when rock and roll was played with skill and lyrics were memorable. Craig you are really the Airplane Man and I hope the book Takes Off and all dreams are realized. Buy the book, buy the book and buy the book.
************************************************************************************
5 STARS *****
Wednesday the Airplane book by Craig Fenton called Take Me To A Circus Tent came and it is the most detailed book I have ever read about any American music band. Why? The details excel not in 1 portion of the book but all that Craig used to construct. He points out for the live portion even if a riff of a song got played, the studio unreleased portion opens the door to the massive music hiding from us all these years, the photos out number any music book you can think of and the interviews don't waste time with why somebody doesn't date their high school sweetheart anymore. The information Craig gets out of the different people is an A+.
Many have talked about the great Marty Balin interview and Signe and Paul but his conversation with Craig Chaquico is a tribute to Fenton's wide knowledge of the artists history. One moment Craig talks about a great tune on Dragonfly and then is able to converse with Mr. Chaquico about the solo albums went he changed styles 360 degrees. The Bob Harvey and Jerry Peloquin transcripts are really super and you'll dig the Tom Constanten conversation with excellent questions about his days after playing with Jerry and the guys.
I was going to look up great big words but it is better I used the simple language and tell you this is 5 stars in every avenue it travels.
A great gift for yourself and friends.
To Craig thanks for giving me a reason to miss going to my loud and off the wall sister-in-law's house. I told the wife that I was doing a book review. Craig I owe you a 50.00 steak for getting me out of seeing her run her mouth every second for no reason.
***********************************************************************************
5 STARS- Takes You to new Heights!
This was the best gift I have given myself. All the reviews thus far don?t even touch the surface of what Craig?s ?Take Me To A Circus Tent? is all about.
When you get the book you can see how articulate Craig is when he talks about the intro of the book and the page before the interviews begin. What sets him apart from so many other writers is his ability to write as if it is for one person. He talks as if he is hanging out with you.
The information he gets from the performers is outstanding. For Craig to get Tim Gorman to talk about how Keith Moon of the Who was really replaced shows that it doesn?t matter if it is Airplane, Beatles, Stones, Who or the band down the block, he is a magician with information and a passion I have never come across for 60?s and 70?s rock and roll music.
The interviews with the Airplane members are superlative but check out the conversation Craig has with Greg Douglass formerly of Hot Tuna and Jerry Miller of Moby Grape.
I recommend three copies of the book. One to read, one to keep as a part of San Francisco history and one to give to somebody that is important to you.
Craig, you are the Airplaneman, Hot Tunaman, KBC, etc.
Thank you again and again and again.