Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

My goodness! This is a stunning release! Burnin' Mike Vernon has brought his fine band 3 Balls Of Fire to a whole new era. Magnificent arrangements that are very well thought out highlight exceptionally good playing. The all instrumental material found within varies from jazz guitar to rich island themes, from epic adventures to grin bearing fun. All in all, a truly fine CD. Recommended.

Picks: Ulan-Bator, Good Clone, Bad Clone, Sea Of Tranquility, Bali Hi Skool, Beneath Mexican Stars, Blue Tango, The Ecstasy Of Gold, The Crying Game, Firepower, Rumble In The Congo, You Showed Me, Return To The Oort Cloud, Tenderly

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a stunning number, with lush dramatic sound and richly textured rhythm. A bit jazzy, and on the sophisticated side of the street, "Ulan-Bator" is one tuff cookie. It's very enjoyable, and very smooth. "Ulan-Bator" is the capitol of Mongolia.

Surf (Instrumental)

Like a lost Johnny Smith or Wes Montgomery ditty, "Good Clone, Bad Clone" pours its jazz suavit'e' all over. Some rich moments, and some surfy tome. It straddles the median strip between the surf and the surf film jazz soundtrack. Very nice.

Surf (Instrumental)

Wonderful harmonics and island chords, soft whammy and inviting sounds... you need more? OK, there's warmth and tropical breezes, and very pretty guitar lines.

Surf (Instrumental)

Over a strait rock beat, the thick guitar lays out the South Pacific melody line, with some tweaky Star Trekkian warbles to boot. Very fun, and slightly disturbed.

Surf (Instrumental)

Skimming the horizon like Mexicana Air® on its way to Mazatlan, "Beneath Mexican Stars" wafts softly in the tropical night with sweet scents of vanilla and cane.

Surf (Instrumental)

Liquid tango and pumpin' drums and bass, fierce glissandoes, and fun. That would be "Blue Tango." Very cool.

Surf (Instrumental)

The shimmer of vibrato under the tweak of wah-wah, supported with tribal drums. This mid tempo piece is mysterious and rhythmic, with some very fine guitar lines.

Surf (Instrumental)

Brenda Lee's "The Crying Game" is lushly arranged, and sports soft vibrato and whammy, and a slow delicate pace. Very pretty.

Surf (Instrumental)

Angular and jazz twinged, "Firepower" sports rockin' drums and tweaky pick slides. Adventurous and rhythmic.

Surf (Instrumental)

Entirely too fun, "Rumble In The Congo" is like what Luis Prima might have done if he were part of the rock 'n' roll era instead of big band jazz. Tribal and highly rhythmic, this amazing track is nothing short of infectious. Intense and multi textured, this is a masterpiece. You can't sit still.

Surf (Instrumental)

It's amazing how this sultry MOR classic can become so suave in the right guitar instro format. Completely cool, without the cheesiness of the original, and with all the liquid romance it can hold. Excellent!

Surf (Instrumental)

Ringing exotic strangitude, with glorious tone and rich visions. Rhythmic in a sub-funk way, like a liquid groove, "Return To The Oort Cloud" is a one of a kind creation. Very cool!

Surf (Instrumental)

Soft almost to the point of the period from which this comes. Fifties MOR aimed squarely at the little stay-at-home ladies. Very romantic.