Esoteric Recordings is pleased to announce the release of a new re-mastered 2 CD set featuring two classic albums by JEFFERSON AIRPLANE; “Long John Silver” and “Thirty Seconds Over Winterland”. Released on the band’s Grunt Records imprint in 1972 and 1973 respectively, the albums would be the final works by the band in the 1970s.
“Long John Silver” was the band’s final studio album of the 1970s and featured Grace Slick (Piano and Lead Vocals), Paul Kantner (Rhythm Guitar and Vocals), Jack Casady (Bass), Jorma Kaukonen (Lead Guitar and Vocals), Papa John Creach (Violin) and John Barbata (Drums). Recorded between March and May 1972, album sessions began with drummer Joey Covington within the ranks of the band (recording the songs ‘Twilight Double Leader’ and ‘The Son of Jesus’), but he departed within weeks with Sammy Piazza contributing drums to ‘Trial by Fire’ and John Barbata completing the remainder of the album. Issued in July 1972, “Long John Silver” caused controversy thanks to the album artwork (which was designed to fold out into a marijuana “stash” box). Removal of an inner bag depicting a layer of cigars would reveal a photograph of marijuana on the fold out sleeve.
Upon the album’s release, Jefferson Airplane undertook an extensive American tour, recording shows at the Chicago Auditorium and at Winterland in San Francisco. The highlights of these concerts were released on the album “Thirty Seconds Over Winterland” in April 1973 and proved to be the band’s final release of the 1970s.
This two disc set has been newly re-mastered from the original Grunt Records master tapes and features an illustrated booklet with new essay.