Surf-Garage Rock Vinyl Review: The Knights-I Don't Need You

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I Don’t Need You is the kind of music that reaches way back to another time, another world. Before the 60s became tumultuous, there were surf instrumental bands like The Ventures with a worldwide fan base. Then the mop tops in 1964 ruined all their fun.

Some bands emulated those wonderful Ventures like The Knights, led by guitarist Dick Stewart (AKA King Richard). Dick, who will be turning 80 this July, is more than just a musician to me. I met him when he was around 60, and our friendship has spanned decades. He was one of the key individuals that I met while developing as a writer and my “MuzikMan” persona. I just needed to say that because he became a friend, and I was a regular contributor with my Pick of The Month to his fanzine The Lance Monthly.

As time passes, people move on and get involved in other projects, as we both did. One day, I got a box in the mail from Dick with his most recent literary excursion and the LP by the Knights titled I Don’t Need You. I hadn’t heard this music in years, so I gave it a spin. The familiar tunes brought back a flood of memories and reignited my original love for the genre. This is how I ended up meeting Dick and folks like Merrell Fankhauser and a host of other similar artists. Many fond memories came flooding back with this great music!

Side one kicks off with some beautifully perfected surf instrumentals like “Precision,” “Cut-Out,” and “Moonbeam.” I had forgotten how good this music was, and it reignited my original love for the genre. This is how I ended up meeting Dick and folks like Merrell Fankhauser and a host of other similar artists. Many fond memories came flooding back with this great music!

Side two offers up some garage and frat rock, a term used to describe the rock music popular in fraternity houses, as they called it back in the day. The vocal tunes are a step away from the surf instrumentals, but just as significant historically for their legacy, and quite enjoyable. It is everything a compilation should be as far as I am concerned.

I am deeply grateful for the relationships I have formed in the music industry, and Dick Stewart is one of the special people that I will never forget. His music will live on long after we are both gone from this planet. That is the beauty of music that made a difference and still does.

I Don’t Need You is a trip back in time when things were so much simpler with no internet, cell phones, social media, and everyone wasn’t worried about “offending” someone regardless of what they said. 

I sometimes wish I could go back to that time when I was a little boy, when all this music was so popular, but then again, I wouldn’t be who I am today, with an ear to the sounds of yesteryear and getting the word out to people who need to hear it!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 16, 2020

Surf Instro Review: The Knights - Surfin’ The Southwest, Santa Fe Style

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Now this is great instro music! The Knights come roaring back with their second release, Surfin’ The Southwest, Santa Fe Style, right on the heels of the comeback CD Surfin’ The Web, which I covered earlier this year. I think they are back, and in a big way.

Most of the tracks in this album are original, and they are all exceptional. The group’s talent shines through in these dynamite original tunes. After a 30-year hiatus, they were getting their feet wet with the first CD. This album presents a softer surf sound, a departure from the loud, hard, and fast reverb-drenched music. It’s a sound with more depth and substance.

Despite the softer sounds, this music packs a powerful punch, albeit in a different way. The album features a unique blend of blues and surf, creating an original Santa Fe Style Surf sound, as bass player Gary Snow’s wife Judi and engineer Steve Hudgins so aptly describe. This perfectly coined phrase also serves as a fitting title for the album.

I am reminded of Tex-Mex George Tomsco (RIP) when I listen to this. That is a big compliment as Tomsco is one of the best instrumental guitarists around, he has been for some 40-odd years. It’s spicy and flavorful, just as the colorful cover art, which features vibrant and lively imagery, indicates. This group is in a groove and better than ever.

Surfin’ The Southwest, Santa Fe Style is a stylish and well-tailored session that is truly impressive. The experience and expertise of the group in the music business are evident in the high-quality production and superb sonics that consistently caught my ear.  Please take a listen to their instro stew, it’s cookin’ with some extra spice!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

December 6, 1999

Tracks:

01. Surfin' Santa Fe Style

02. Cut Out Y2K

03. Judi

04. The Man Who Wasn't There

05. Jeannie

06. Surfin' The Southwest

07. Moonbeam 2000

08. Precision 2000

09. Ghost Riders In The Sky

10. Legends

11. Wipe Out

 

Surf Instro Review: The Knights-Surfin' The Web

Another Surf group from the '60s emerges from the ashes with a new recording, The Knights. This group of songs consists of mellow, twang-drenched surf.

The group fast-forwards to the 90s with their recording Surfin' the Web, complete with all the high-tech sounds of getting online. The first cut jumps out at you, then quiets down a bit after that with a softer approach. This group has the talent to do a full-length CD with all original material, which many groups in this genre need to do.

I don't mean to take anything away from the Knights, but they do a fine job with this release, and I enjoyed it. Their versions of the classics are done exceptionally well. I also appreciate a nod to the past. However, one or two cuts from the '60s suit my taste. Many folks may enjoy hearing all of the older tunes again.

I am happy that some of these groups are seizing the moment, getting web pages up, and reconnecting with their past. The Internet has breathed new life into groups that would otherwise have been forgotten.   

Note: My opinion today about doing surf covers is entirely different from what it was then. I was just starting out writing and was hungry to hear new bands' original material. Of course, I would soon find out that many of the bands would enjoy doing covers on their releases!       

Tracks:

01. Surfin' The Web  

02. Mother Load  

03. Bull Dog  

04. Sleep Walk 

05. Surfin' The Rio  

06. El Nino

07. Sea Of Love     

08. Here Today, Gone Tomorrow   

09. Cool Links  

10. Walk Don't Run

Surf-Instrumental-Rock Review: The Knights-Then And Now

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Dick Stewart's unwavering dedication to music, production, and writing for over four decades, all under his label, Lance Records, is a shining example of passion and commitment to his craft. His relentless pursuit of musical excellence is truly inspiring. 

Stewart embodies the spirit and energy of the independent music community and its relationship to the Internet. His son Jason, who happens to be one of the brightest young guitar players on the planet, also occasionally works with his father.

The Knights, a trio consisting of Dick Stewart (guitar), Gary Snow (bass), and Steve Hudgins (drums), have been at work for several years now. Their relationship goes far beyond the music; you can feel that warmth in every track on this CD. The Knights' unique blend of surf and instrumental rock, a sound that is truly their own, is evident in their latest album.

Then And Now is a conceptual album that compares the old with the new, reflecting on the evolution of music and technology. The best examples of the parallels and effects of modern technology are the songs "Moonbeam," "Cut Out 1964," and "Precision 1964."

Each song has a Y2K counterpart, showcasing the transition from traditional to modern sounds. Son Jason lets it rip on "The Calm and The Storm." I knew instantly it was Jason as the first notes came blaring through my speakers. This guy can rock and is one of the best unknown guitarists actively making music today.

Dick Stewart's unique ability to blend traditional surf-instrumental music with the more modern sounds of today, a sound he helped create, is a testament to his musical prowess. His sequencing of tracks is a stroke of genius, adding an element of excitement and intrigue to the final product. His talent is truly something to be appreciated.

The lead-off track, "Sons Of Beaches," which is much more than just a play on words, is the perfect opener for this recording. Stewart knows how to set up the listener and prepare them for what will come next. This is great surf, rock, and instrumental music with a timeless quality.

The album showcases Stewart's mastery of traditional surf instrumental music and his ability to blend the sixties surf sound with the modern sounds of today. That's why he decided to give you the best of both periods so that you can see the value and appreciate where he came from and where he is now. Many men his age would have disappeared years ago, but he keeps going.

I have been enjoying this man's musical collaborations through my stereo system and colorful conversations via phone and email for many years now. I hope that it continues.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
May 19, 2001

Tracks:

1. Sons Of Beaches  

2. Precision 1964   

3. Precision 2000  

4. Cimarron   

5. Moonbeam  

6. Moonbeam 2000   

7. I Want To Love You   

8. Sand Crab

9. Lonely By The Sea 1965   

10. The Calm And The Storm   

11. Cut Out 1964   

12. Cut Out Y2K   

13. Afterglow   

14. Then And Now

Surf Instrumental Reviews: The Knights-King Richard's Red Hot New Mexican Chile Stew – Art

One of the progenitors of surf instrumental music, Dick Stewart, and his band The Knights returned in 2006 with a new release titled King Richard's Red Hot New Mexican Chile Stew – Art. The title is a playful nod to Stewart's love for spicy food and Southwestern roots. I knew the band's previous release, In Progression, would be hard to top; it is my favorite, and I do not think The Knights will ever come up with anything better than that album. It stands alone in uniqueness for the instrumental genre. That does not take anything away from this new release; it is destined to be a classic as well. This excellent CD will find its way into the hearts of the true instrumental fans waiting for a new release from the Stewart camp.

You may recognize some of the tracks on this new album from the band's 1998 CD release, Surfin' the Web. This CD is no longer available, so hang on to your copy if you have one. The tracks on Surfin' the Web were never mastered, so Stewart decided to fix that and add a few new twists and turns, such as updated arrangements and improved sound quality.  One of the tunes, "Cool Links," now has a son, Jason, ripping off some slick fretwork on the bridge to make the newly mastered recording sound as crisp and powerful as possible. Listening to the Stewarts play is like guitar 101—old school vs. the new wave; it is a lot of fun, and the contrasts are fascinating and can be very educational if you own your six-string.

 

The first track kicks things off with style with a haunting wind blowing as "Phantom Riders" begins-it is Dick's own "Ghost Riders In The Sky" 2006 if you will, which he happens to cover on this release as well (remastered and reissued). I love the song; it has the melody and rhythm you cannot resist, and I think it will go down as an instrumental classic—you heard it here first. An essential nod for a job well done goes to Dick's son Richard for his fine bass playing on the track.

 

"Riley's Switch" (formerly "Surfin' The Web," now updated and mastered) is a tribute to the legendary town of Clovis, New Mexico, once called Riley's Switch. One thing you can count on with Dick Stewart when he records an album is that you will get a history lesson about the area in which he lives. He is an avid historian and has studied meteorology over the years. His music uniquely blends history and culture, offering listeners a rich and intriguing experience.

 

Stewart's love affair with the Southwest continues with this brilliant release, from "Chas" Pike's colorful and cultural artwork on the CD cover to the surf-rock-country (with Southwest spice, incorporating elements of traditional Southwestern music) influenced music you will hear on this CD. Other outstanding new tracks are the atmospheric (evoking a sense of space and depth) "Cimarron," "Waterfalls," with its rapid-fire metallic picking pushed through a phase shifter, and the self-explanatory "Calm and the Storm."

 

Once again, King Richard and his court have gathered to delight all comers to his castle instrumental. I am glad, but I expect it to be when a new album comes out. Dick Stewart is a fantastic man; he is 66 with the heart and spirit of a man 30 years younger. It’s no wonder he keeps crankin' out the tunes with regularity. There are not many original '60s instrumental dudes around still making music. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to hear one of the best still bending the strings with passion and purpose.

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

August 10, 2006

Tracks & Credits:

01. Phantom Riders (Dick Stewart – first lead guitar, Jason Stewart – second lead guitar, Ritch Stewart – bass) (3:58)

02. Cool Links (Dick Stewart – first lead guitar, Jason Stewart – second lead guitar, Gary Snow – bass, Steve Hudgins – drums) (3:47)

03. Riley’s Switch (Dick Stewart - lead and rhythm guitar, Gary Snow – bass, Steve Hudgins – drums) (3:30)

04. La del Moño Colorado (Dick Stewart – lead guitar, Floyd “Flaco” Gonzales – rhythm guitar, Jose “Prospero” Montoya – bass, Anthony Lucero – drums) (2:20)

05. Ghost Riders (Dick Stewart – lead and rhythm guitar, Gary Snow – bass, Steve Hudgins – drums) (3:59)

06. Mother Road (Dick Stewart – lead and rhythm guitar, Gary Snow – bass, Steve Hudgins – drums) (5:14)

07. El Rancho Grande (Dick Stewart – lead guitar, Floyd “Flaco” Gonzales – rhythm guitar, Jose “Prospero” Montoya – bass, Anthony Lucero – drums) (2:32)

08. Cimarron (Dick Stewart – lead and rhythm guitar, Gary Snow – bass, Steve Hudgins – drums) (3:28)

09. El Incendio de Los Alamos (Dick Stewart – lead and rhythm guitar, Gary Snow – bass, Steve Hudgins – drums) (3:16)

10. Waterfalls (Jason Stewart – all instruments) (2:08) 

11. Poco de Todo (Dick Stewart – lead guitar, Little Ralph Pais – backup lead guitarist, Floyd “Flaco” Gonzales – rhythm guitar, Jose “Prospero” Montoya – bass, Anthony Lucero – drums) (2:30)

12. Penetration (Dick Stewart – first lead guitar, Jason Stewart – second lead guitar, bass, and keys) (3:22)

13. Surfin’ the Rio Grande (Dick Stewart - lead and rhythm guitar, Gary Snow – bass, Steve Hudgins – drums) (4:16)

14. Here Today, Gone Tomorrow  (Dick Stewart - lead and rhythm guitar, Gary Snow – bass, Steve Hudgins – drums) (4:13)

15. Calm and the Storm (Jason Stewart – all instruments) (4:12)

16. A Medias de la Noche (Dick Stewart – lead guitar, Little Ralph Pais – backup lead guitarist, Floyd “Flaco” Gonzales – rhythm guitar, Jose “Prospero” Montoya – bass, Anthony Lucero – drums) (3:12)

17. Adios (Dick Stewart – lead and rhythm guitar and vocal, Jason Stewart – keys) (1:52)