The Phosphorescent Rat

"The Phosphorescent Rat" is the second studio album by the rock group Hot Tuna. It was released in 1973 on the Grunt label. The Phosphorescent Rat was a transitional album for Hot Tuna. Their blues-rock playing was moving away from the softer, more acoustic sound of their first three albums, and towards a more hard rock sound. Singer and guitarist Jorma Kaukonen's original compositions, and the group's first use of strings and woodwinds, indicated Hot Tuna was searching for a new direction. This was the first Hot Tuna album recorded after Kaukonen and bass player Jack Casady had left Jefferson Airplane. They were joined as before by drummer Sammy Piazza. With the departure of Papa John Creach, who had left the band for Jefferson Starship, the stage was set for the power trio playing of their next four albums.