Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

This 1981 Takoma LP features the collaborative work of a couple of ex-Kaleidoscope wizards. Often bluesy, definitely outside the envelope, this album combines several forms, strains them through slide guitar and electric violin, and ends up making surf music that is fresh and completely different. While stylistically without any resemblance to trad, the music on this LP is loaded with surf imagery. The band here is Chris Darrow - guitars - lap steel - dobro - slide, Max Buda - violin / harmonica / organ, Jerry Waller - piano / marimba / pianica, David Jackson - bass, and David Kemper - drums / congas.

Picks: Slip and Slide, BLT, Baja Nights, Vootie Moon, Phoney Baloney, Salsa Especial, Closeout, In The Tube, Enchanted Isle, Eye Of The Storm

Slide Guitar Surf (Instrumental)

This is one fine slide guitar track. Much in the mold of Leo Kottke or Ron Woods' slide work, it's infectious and rippin'. The harmonica duets with the slide, and drives home one of the coolest riffs around. Not just played with a bottleneck, "Slip and Slide" was written for it. Very good track!

Electric Piano (Instrumental)

Lunch is imaged through this bluesy jam, which features cowbell and a funky beat. A bit of blues, a touch of country, and very cool electric piano. Max Buda's electric violin is oh-so sweet, like maybe Jean Luc Ponty or Sugarcane Harris.

Electric Violin (Instrumental)

This very slow and pretty tune grooves with patience and sweetness. The electric violin plays a country line against a honky tonkin' slow walk. Gentle and smooth.

Funky Violin Blues (Instrumental)

This is a playful and funky little jam, with shallow wah wah and a stilted sound. The violin adds the feel of the Blues Project.

Slide Guitar Surf (Instrumental)

Watery slide guitar hints of waves gently lapping the shore on a warm summer dawn. As the sun rises higher in the sky, the pace picks up, and the surf searchers hit the road. Not exactly melodic, but very infectious. Mostly slide guitar magic.

Violin Blues (Instrumental)

Wah wah guitar and violin, slow funk rhythms, and a calm PF&DA (Pure Food and Drug Act) feel. "Salsa Especial" provides a pleasant backdrop for a laid back afternoon.

Violin Surf (Instrumental)

Max Buda's violin carries the melody line, while Chris Darrow's guitar rhythmically drives the tune to its destination. "Closeout" is just plain cool.

Slide Guitar Surf (Instrumental)

Rockin' and rippin' cowbell beat and electric violin surf. Pulsing, dramatic, and a little eerie. Thick and granular, "In The Tube" sounds like the thrill feels. Great track.

Slide Guitar Surf (Instrumental)

Blues and the rhythm of the sea, with very cool piano from Jerry Weller. The slide rips, the rhythm section is precise and bouncy, and the rock solid violin simply sings the blues. Yeow!

Slide Guitar Surf (Instrumental)

Ultra silky slow slide and harmonica gently sway to a Polynesian theme. The island scenery is undeniable as you are engulfed in this picturesque and delightful instro. Very sensual.