For a country filled with raw fish, Japan swallowed a hefty portion of Hot Tuna last year.|

The band recorded a show at Stove's in Yokahama City, Japan, during its overseas jaunt last February. The result: Hot Tuna Live In Japan (Relix).

Stove's apparently only holds about 50 people and, according to lead singer/guitarist Jorma Kaukonen, the band had to enter the club through a window near the stage. Since the band could hardly turn around let alone set up equipment, they opted to forego the amps and play acoustic -- in the raw, so to speak.

Hot Tuna Live In Japan comprises 14 songs, including "Walkin' Blues," "Hesitation Blues," "Been So Long" and "Keep On Truckin'."

Fans who really groove when Hot Tuna plugs in can catch the amplified band on this summer's Furthur Festival with Rusted Root and the Other Ones featuring former members of the Grateful Dead.

"It's our third year on the tour and it should be very interesting with the Other Ones," Hot Tuna guitarist Michael Falzarano told JAMTV on Wednesday. "Some people I know have heard rehearsals and it should be a good time." In addition to the three bands slated for Furthur, Falzarano said other "special guests" would link up with the tour throughout the summer. Who? "Maybe Bonnie Raitt, maybe [Robert] Hunter. I've also heard people mention [Bob] Dylan, [Eric] Clapton and Mark Knopfler, but we'll have to see," he said.

Falzarano also said he, Kaukonen and fellow Hot Tuna member Pete Sears recently recorded 13 tracks for a forthcoming Jorma Kaukonen Trio album tentatively set for a fall release. For this album, the trio recorded an upbeat version of the Dead's "Friend of the Devil" as well as some new tracks like "Hypnotation Blues," "Man For All Seasons" and an instrumental titled "Heaven on Earth."

In addition, the group recorded cover versions of Johnny Cash's "Home of the Blues" and the old rockabilly mainstay "Big Town." Although a spokeswoman from Relix said the album won't be available until the fall, Falzarano said it will be sold during the Furthur Fest. (Ari Bendersky)