Label: Independent
New Jersey-based Blue Wave Theory
released their Holiday Surf recording Sleigh The Waves on [December 20,
2024]. As the first anniversary approaches, this lively album invites listeners
to feel the festive spirit and joy of the season.
Blue Wave Theory Are:
Bob
Trimble - guitars, percussion
Chiemena
Ukazim - bass, tenor sax
Rick
Eddy - drums, percussion
Steve Rabeler – guitars
Although “Greensleeves” is not originally a Christmas song, it is a traditional English folk song about Love. However, it is famously associated with the Christmas carol "What Child Is This?", which uses its melody.
It sets the mood with a twangy, retro-reverb guitar, a steady, strong bass line, cymbals crashing, and drums pounding, with rapid fills. Then the guitar goes off on a sleigh ride of its own. In about 4 minutes, the six-string goes through several transitions, keeping it interesting and colorful. This energetic surf-instro style blends holiday themes with a lively, instrumental sound that sets the tone for the festive season.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is recognized straight away, then goes in different melodic directions as the guitar plows new paths through the woods. The drums and bass are subtle but steadily keep the main time rhythm in place.
“Blue Christmas” begins with a phase-shifting drum, then jumps into strong leads backed by a simple second guitar. The saxophone’s arrival adds a nostalgic ’60s surf flavor, creating a warm, familiar feeling that invites listeners to embrace the holiday mood.
“Mele Kalikimaka” is a Hawaiian-themed Christmas song written in 1949 by R. Alex Anderson. It surely has an island-Hawaiian feel and sound. If you are accustomed to experiencing Christmas with palm trees and the sounds of ocean waves, this will connect with you. Then again, if not, it still is a catchy track done well!
“The Little Drummer Boy” starts in an unusual yet effective way, with heavy, rocking guitars. It’s a short burst of energy, then switches to the traditional melody. The second longest track stands out for its complexity, marked by transitions and tempo changes. This is a superb rendition that also features a bottom end that is like rocket fuel for the guitar. I would gladly take a second helping of a track like this!
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” begins softly, then kicks in with a big bass sound, as the drums are strong and consistent, as they have been right along. This is the kind of track that warms your soul. The guitar, as usual, is excellent, leading the way to send the message.
Echoing
reverb gives it that surf instro feel without taking anything away from the
original melody.
Now we back pedal to “Wild Turkey (A Thanksgiving Treat)” with all the trimmings. The bass and drums are strong but subtle enough to match the restrained guitar notes. Suddenly, a strange synth adds a spooky vibe as the guitar resumes its lead. The drum beat, with no significant changes, is the basic one we have all become accustomed to hearing.
“Frosty the Snowman” stays with the traditional melody, then the guitar, as usual, takes off into another direction, adding some spice and honey to the track. The second guitar provides a good backing rhythm as the lead is clear and crisp.
“Sleigh Ride” starts with a The Ventures “Walk Don’t Run” rhythm, then quickly transitions to the melody we all know, then circles back again. Then, interesting enough, they go into Blue Öyster Cult’s “Don’t Fear The Reaper” briefly. This may be one of the more interesting versions of this song you will ever hear! This is the longest track at 4:37, but enough time for all those crazy transitions to bloom.
It all ends appropriately with “Auld Lang Syne.” Everything stays the course for the sake of this ringing in the new year song. Just under two minutes is the perfect curtain closer, and the addition of the sax gives it some extra holiday jazz tones.
Blue Wave Theory “slays” the music on Sleigh The Waves. With a mix of traditional Holiday melodies, surf instro, and unexpected twists, this album aims to inspire admiration and excitement among listeners.
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder
December
6, 2025
Tracks:
01. Greensleeves 03:39
02. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 03:38
03. Blue Christmas 02:18
04. Mele Kalikimaka 02:34
05. The Little Drummer Boy 04:29
06. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) 02:59
07. Wild Turkey (A Thanksgiving Treat) 03:19
08. Frosty the Snowman 02:24
09. Sleigh Ride 04:37
10. Auld Lang Syne 01:56
No comments:
Post a Comment