"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 that most defined the so-called psychedelic acid-rock "San Francisco" sound of the late sixties (the very sound that 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 standpoint, especially with regard to the music, 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 that have characterized the written accounts of other rock stars from the sixties, fallen and otherwise.
Not that Craig Fenton didn't have his chance. 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:
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Article comments
1 - Lisa McKay
Really nice review of what sounds like a fascinating book, Glen. I might check this one out based on the strength of this piece.
2 - Glen Boyd
Thanx Lisa. The book really is a great one that I highly recommend you check out. Thanx again.
-Glen
3 - Vern Halen
Too bqd it's likely something I can't afford and the local library won't buy.
I have a friend whose point of reference is that Grace Slick stepped on his foot while he was sitting cross legged on the stage at a show in Toronto in about 1969. He probably hasn't washed his foot since then.