Surf Instro Review: The Duo-Tones-Paul Johnson & Gil Orr -Surf Music Unplugged

Paul Johnson (The Bel Airs, Sufaris) and Gil Orr (Chantays) are the Duotones. As the Surf Music Unplugged advertises, they are two rock-instrumental virtuosos playing nineteen classic tunes. Most of the tracks are classic instrumental surf songs. 

However, it's the innovative unplugged arrangements that truly set this album apart.

 There is one surprise that changes the entire feel of the album, "California Dreamin'." It is a reminder that this duo means business, and they are far from being one-dimensional.

This recording sheds new light on a genre that has long been overlooked and underappreciated. To hear music made for electric guitar come to life out of the ashes, like a phoenix, is an awe-inspiring experience.

Johnson expresses this sentiment in the liner notes: "The guitar has taken a back seat in the harmony department, and it has been all but forgotten as a rhythm instrument." 

This CD sets the record straight. Johnson and Orr find a comfortable interplay to position their instruments for optimal resonance. They use only their guitars to create a full, layered sound, giving the lead and rhythm sections prominence in each song. Johnson's nod to Segovia's phrase "My little orchestra", which refers to his guitar, is an indication of his respect and admiration for the instrument.

Surf Music Unplugged may shake the minimalists and staunch traditionalists (boring people) right out of their boots. Still, for the progressive and open-minded believers in music's birthright to deviate from the norm and build upon itself, this is a breath of fresh sea air.

Johnson and Orr were there right from the beginning in the sixties. They laid the foundation then, and they continue to stretch themselves beyond their limitations. Please leave it to the forefathers to build yet another foundation with old stones and mortar. A new house is being built, and the architects are the same.

These are classic renderings of great songs. I hope the third wave of surf can see the value in interpreting their music this way. It does give each song a new lease of life when you pull out the plug.

One listen to "Mr. Moto", "Baja", and "The Lonely Bull", and you will be converted.

God bless these talented men for coming up with something so fresh and challenging. I loved every second of this.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

March 1, 2001

Tracks:

01. Crystal-T

02. Mr. Moto

03. Baja

04. Apache

05. Walk, Don’t Run

06. Baja Nights

07. Hide Away

08. Outside

09. Scratchy

10. Kamikaze

11. California Dreamin’

12. Pipeline

13. Song For My Father

14. Beach City Bop

15. The Lonely Bull

16. The Wedge

17. More Love, More Power

18. Last Night In Waikiki