The album is a testament to the legendary musician’s enduring legacy.
The Story Behind Reno Road
Reno Road is a collection of 26 previously unheard recordings by the legendary musician, John Lee Hooker. The story behind this album is one of friendship and collaboration. Hooker’s lifelong friend and musical collaborator, Jack Casady, captured these recordings in the basement of Casady’s home. The intimate setting and the close relationship between the two musicians created a unique atmosphere that allowed Hooker to express himself freely.
The Recording Process
The recording process was a labor of love for both Hooker and Casady. They spent countless hours in the basement, experimenting with different sounds and techniques.
Buchanan was a member of the band The Shadows, a British rock band that was popular in the UK and the US.
The Making of “The Shadows”
In the spring of 1960, Ian Buchanan, a member of the British rock band The Shadows, opened the door to a recording studio in Chevy Chase, New York. Buchanan was a renowned guitarist and a key figure in the band’s success. He invited his friend, Jorma Kaukonen, to join him in the studio. Kaukonen, a talented young guitarist, was eager to record an album.
Recording with Jack Casady
Kaukonen recorded the album with Jack Casady, a renowned bassist and member of the Grateful Dead. Casady was a key figure in the San Francisco music scene, and his collaboration with Kaukonen was a significant event in the development of American folk rock. Casady’s playing style was a perfect match for Kaukonen’s, and their chemistry in the studio was undeniable.
The duo’s musical journey began in the early 1960s, and their collaboration has been a defining aspect of their careers.
The Early Years of Kaukonen and Casady’s Friendship
The friendship between Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady began in the early 1960s, when they met while attending high school in San Francisco. The two musicians quickly discovered a shared passion for music and began playing together in various bands. Their musical chemistry was undeniable, and they soon became inseparable.