"I was captivated by Papa John's violin mastery when first hearing this album in 1971. On special occasions I still play the original vinyl 33 rpm disc. Imagine my delight that a CD is available and that I can save my original without fear of scratches. The playing is as adroit and the sound as imaginative as ever. Some of Papa John's friends who collaborated on the album went on to become very famous: Grace Slick and Jerry Garcia to name two. It occurs to me that the sheer joy and exhilaration of Papa John's playing is infectious and is why the Blues are as popular as ever."
A Long Search Ended
10/15/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had this album almost 30 years ago on vinyl. I have kept it even though I haven't had a turn table for years. I have scoured "record" stores for this album on CD and even tried to have it ordered for me several years ago. Papa John's violin playing is unbelievable. String Jet Rock does just that ... rocks! Papa John's Danny Boy will bring tears to your eyes. This is the premier rock violin album of all time. I can't wait to listen to this truly great album again. (Mrs.) James Sain"
Violin like you've never heard it
Nancy Moran | Baltimore, Maryland USA | 04/23/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Blues, Jazz, Ragtime, Bluegrass. Papa John is the master of all.Over the Rainbow is one of my favorite cuts of all. Danny Boy comes in at a close second.Papa John has the violin down to its last fret. You will nowhere hear the violin played with such expression and mastery even with Prokofiev, Bartok or even Tchaikovsky.There are no words to describe the elegance and virtuosity of this CD."
Remember, Papa John was the ROCK FATHER!!!!!!
D. G. Luttrell | Colorado | 04/01/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Yeah, I bought the album, owned the pre-recored cassette tape, and finally
the CD, and yeah its that good, I immagine that this must of been the
play date of the century. Just like a bunch of kids with a new playmate.
Here you have the creme de la creme of the San Francisco music scene
of the 1970's. You got, just to drop a few names, Grace Slick, John
Cipollina, Joey Covington, Sammy Piazza, Carlos Santana, Jack Casady,
Jorma Kaukonen, Paul Kantner, Jerry Garcia, and a long list of lesser
known talent, but talented just the same. If that wasn't enough, the
Los Angeles String and Brass sections. It is all worth the work put into
it. All these kids trading chops with the new kid in town, Papa John,
what didn't make it on the album I would like to hear. This album is
part of the 4 album deal Hot Tuna gave Papa John to play with them.
I'm glad they did, because this CD is a true finished jem of the 70's.
A few of the tastier tid bits on the CD like "Plunk a little Funk", or
the steller "St. Louis Blues", "String Jet Rock", "Soul Fever" plus a
bevy of well performed chestnuts by Papa John. I would suggest this
CD to any one with the constution to be able to withstand a good time.
If you are nervous by nature this CD is not for you."