Hot Tuna began as a means of relaxation for Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady while on tour with Jefferson Airplane, eventually becoming a separate entity within that band to the point of performing as its opening act.

In the beginning, Hot Tuna would play in the style of electric Chicago blues often augmented by Airplane members, such represented by a cover of B.B.

King's "Rock Me Baby" on the live Airplane album Bless Its Pointed Little Head.

For their first album, Kaukonen and Casady decided on a semi-acoustic set rooted in the country blues of the pre-World War II era.

This set was mastered by Vic Anesini, and includes an essay from Airplane biographer Jeff Tamarkin.