Release Date: April 18, 2014
Label: VOXX
The Live At
Hollywood’s Famous Whisky A Go-Go LP is heavyweight quality vinyl
purchased directly from Jon Blair.
Here is the lineup of musicians for the classic surf rock
recording:
Jon Blair-Lead Guitar
Dave Wronski-Rhythm Guitar
Niki Sixx-Bass (Not the Motley Crue band member. Listen to the interview)
Dusty Watson-Drums
What a powerhouse of talent! Wronski’s rhythm guitar is a force
to be reckoned with, a fact proven by his future lead performances with
Slacktone. And with his bandmate Dusty Watson on
drums, this lineup is a force of nature.
If you’re a surf instro fan, you will immediately recognize all
the classic tracks the band covered.
The recording is excellent musically and for overall clarity and
crispness of sound. Additionally, you get a download card for your digital
archives with four bonus tracks. These include three alternate versions of
classic tracks, providing a unique perspective on the band’s performance.
It is quite the package of music.
This record explodes with some incredible surf rock
instrumentals. “Rumble At Waikiki” kicks things off, and it’s a wild way to
start. The music is blasting at full volume. This is the way this music should
be played, just as Dick Dale did when the first wave of surf commenced.
Every track is superbly done with the vintage reverb, tremolo,
and glissando riffing in the spotlight every step of the way. For instance, on
“Surf Party,” the band cranks, and you get a good taste of all those aspects of
this music.
While every track is played with speed and accuracy, more than a
few are in hyperdrive. “Force of Gravity,” a bonus track, is an excellent
example of that.
Worthy of note are all the transitions they make within each
track. Even though the music is known for its short recording times, one of the
trademarks is how transitory it can be.
The Marketts get a nod on the other bonus track on Side B with
“Outer Limits.” The Ventures’ “Walk Don’t Run” and The Astronauts’ “Baja” get
their due as well on the digital download. You will hear fired-up versions of
those legendary tunes, with the bass and guitar cranking it out.
The six-and-a-half-minute “Medley” is excellent. As “Banzai
Washout,” “Surf Jam,” and “Pipeline” get the Nightrider treatment. Chances are,
you have not heard these songs played live in such a way on a surf instro LP
too often. They just cut loose on every track and rock out.
Recorded Live At Hollywood’s Famous Whisky A Go-Go is not just a look at surf music history; it’s a visceral experience. The passion, color, and precision with which each track is played are a testament to the enduring power of live music.
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Reviews Founder
August 4, 2025
|
Tracks: A1.
Rumble At Waikiki 2:44 A2.
Mr. Moto 1:58 A3.
Surf Party 2:21 A4.
The Nightrider 2:03 A5.
Surfin' And Spyin'1:31 A6.
Hawaii Five-O 1:39 A7. Force of Gravity * Bonus B1.
Baja 2:34 Medley (6:13) B2.a
Banzai Washout B2.b
Surf Jam B2.c
Pipeline B3.
Church Key 2:15 B4.
Squad Car 1:55 B5. Outer Limits* Bonus Digital Download Bonus Tracks: 15.
Walk Don't Run 2:41 16.
The Nightrider (alt) 2:15 17.
Squad Car (alt) 1:55 18. Baja (alt) 2:47 |
