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Johnny Fortune - Soul Surfer c/w Midnight Surfdotdotdotdot
artworkJohnny Fortune (Sudetta) had played guitar on studio sessions with the likes of Barbara George and Sam Cooke before he went into the studio with his 10 years old brother Joe Sudetta on drums to record "Soul Surfer." I've been a Johnny Fortune fan since first hearing this record on KFWB in 1963. This is one of those magical tracks that stands alone soundwise. You can pick out Johnny Fortune from a lineup of a thousand guitarists with your eyes closed and one ear tied behind your back. It's a cool great sound.
Picks: Soul Surfer, Midnight Surf

Track by Track Review


Soul Surfer dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This is one of those magical tracks that stands alone soundwise. "Soul Surfer" was written in the back seat of the car on the way to the studio. An afterthought of sorts, it became a classic in it's own time, being covered by contemporary bands. Johnny Fortune's melodic sense, combined with some flamenco and jazz influences to create a wholly unique sound. Highly melodic and magnetically rhythmic.

Midnight Surf dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This is a soulful surf tune with a percussive opening and a smoothly suave progression on guitar against a very savvy sax. It flows with a stunning fluid Spanish feel. Totally great. I remember playing this to death on the record player when I was supposed to be doing homework.