Thanks for the opportunity to introduce myself Craig Fenton and the book that had 30 years of research “Take Me To A Circus Tent.”
Tomorrow is 3 years since mom passed away and the book is dedicated to mom and dad (May you live forever). Thank you everyone and happy and safe holidays, Craig The Airplane Man
The
Jefferson Airplane book has finally landed!! The most comprehensive J.A. music publication ever. Please see several 5 star reviews below, as well as a look inside the publication.
Reviews:
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 get’s all the girls! This book goes way beyond just the Jefferson trip. It describes the scene, and anyone who was involved with the Jeffersons 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
If you are into photos, 93 many never seen before!
“Take Me To A Circus Tent” (The
Jefferson Airplane Flight Manual)
can be purchased starting November 27th for the
U.S.A. and Canadian markets. Before it is available on Amazon, Borders, Barnes & Noble, etc you can get it first and faster (always) by going to www.buybooksontheweb.com Please type in either the book title or Craig Fenton. You can also order toll free in the
U.S.A. Monday-Friday eastern time 9:15AM-4PM at1-877-289-2665. If you are out of the toll free zone in
Canada and parts of
Pennsylvania please call 1-610-941-9999.
For the great people around the globe in the other nations, Amazon
U.K. should have the listing in about 14 days as well as the international distributor Ingram.
If you have any trouble finding the book outside of the
U.S.A. and
Canada please write to me at the address on my website www.takemetoacircustent.net, and I will make sure that the book will find you!!
For any of the book shops, gift shops, music retailers, etc you can set up arrangements to carry the book through Michelle Shane at:1-877-289-2665 or 1-610-941-9999. Monday-Friday eastern time 9:15AM-4PM
“Craig Fenton knows so much about the Jefferson Airplane and family, I was asking him the questions.” Marty Balin-July 2006.
“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?
Marty Balin: “One night Jorma, Jack, and a great player from
England named Graham Bond (Played with Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker, before they went on to Cream) are jamming in the studio. Joey Covington and I are sitting around. Joey suggests we go see an old violin-player in
Los Angeles. This old guy plays Somewhere Over The Rainbow; it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. So then we take him back to the studio. I insisted that he play with Jorma, Jack, and Grand Bond. (If only that tape circulated). He was funny. He told us all the time you guys are too loud. He couldn’t stand the volume, none of us could. He was great, what an experience playing with him. One time I had a friend staying over the house from R.C.A. Records. He was showing me stride piano (Mostly a jazz technique, that was invented in Harlem, New York City in 1919). One day Papa John comes over and brings Eubie Blake (A ragtime piano legend) along. He had to be in his ninety’s at the time (He lived to one hundred). Eubie starts to play the piano. Papa John had his fiddle. All day they are playing. Eubie would tell Papa John to slow down son.”
Thanks to Don Aters, Rick Martin and Mike Somavilla and all the fine Airplane fans for making it all possible!
