Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning - Hot Tuna

01.18.86 - Vic Theatre, Chicago, IL

I’ve always wonder what event provokes a “jamband” to play a song in set that they haven’t for 20 years. Last night, 2,193 shows later at The Wharf in Orange Beach, AL, Widespread Panic decides to pull out the old Blind Willie Johnson delta blues spiritual, “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning”. Most obvious reason would be the presence of Luther and Cody Dickinson from opening act North Misssissippi Allstars. Reports from my buddies down there said that the interplay between Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars/Black Crowes) and Jimmy Herring was monumental. Luther’s delta blues chops are some of the best in the business. The rest of the show, in fact, the whole run looks hot!!

There aren’t a whole lot of live footage videos of this Rev. Gary Davis/Blind Willie Johnson tune. In fact, to my knowledge, there ain’t any. However, it used to be a staple in Hot Tuna’s set. This one’s from the famous Vic Theatre in Chi-town. Enjoy.

04/18/09 The Wharf, Orange Beach, AL

1: Send Your Mind > Fishwater, Gradle > Who Do You Belong To? > Dyin’ Man, Let’s Get Down To Business > This Part Of Town > Jack > Big Wooly Mammoth > Papa’s Home

2: Bowlegged Woman, Smoking Factory*, Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning*, Walk On The Flood, Blight > Ride Me High > Jam > Drums** > Climb To Safety > Action Man

E: Wondering > Can’t Find My Way Home

* with Luther Dickinson on guitar
** with Cody Dickinson on percussion
[The North Mississippi Allstars and Pretty Lights opened; Last ‘Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning’ - 10/07/88, 2193 shows]