Surf-Rock-Instrumental Review: Jerry Swallow - Teleride

From The Diamonds to Tanya Tucker to Teleride, Jerry Swallow's musical journey is a testament to his versatility and dedication. He began his career with a surf group, The Diamonds, and spent five years as Tanya Tucker's lead guitarist, with many other experiences in between. This is just a glimpse of the long and storied road that has led him to where he is now, playing in the group Diamondback and presenting his solo CD, Teleride.

Jerry Swallow cuts loose on this album with a world of experience and professional gigs behind him. Swallow's colorful and varied experiences as a musician quickly become evident in his music. He can craft a unique surf-instro, rock, country, and R&B style that remains consistently strong throughout the entire listen.

Jerry's sound is clear, stinging, and echoing; it's a unique blend of genres that will pique your interest. It is a rich tapestry of influences and is synonymous with the Telecaster guitar and surf-intro music. Whether you're a fan of fat chords or the loud and biting ones that cut like a knife, Jerry's music has something for everyone, all delivered with a certain refinement that can only be found with those specially gifted musicians.

Wait until you hear the versions of "Walk Don't Run" and "Apache." Wow! I am accustomed to repeatedly hearing note-for-note cover renditions of the same songs, so this is a real treat. 

The essential elements of the music remain intact, but Jerry adds a unique flavor and sound with his fabulous blend of styles. He fervently attacks the songs, infusing them with his signature clear, stinging, and echoing sound, and changes the whole number into a new and refreshing version that's all his own.

This triumphant solo release deserves worldwide attention from the surf-instro scene, and I am confident it will. 

Who needs coffee in the morning when you can kickstart your day with the invigorating sound of Jerry Swallow's Teleride? This album is a high-energy, rock-infused experience that will leave you buzzing. 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 13, 2000

Tracks:

01. Teleride  

02. So Lonley  

03. Return To Me    

04. Surfwalk  

05. Forgiven  

06. Down The Line   

 07. Rockin' Bird  

08. Last Date  

09. Walk Don't Run   

10. Apache   

Surf Instrumental Review: The Mulchmen Covered With Mulch (unique cassette only release)

https://www.facebook.com/mulchmen/

The Mulchmen’s Covered With Mulch is a project in tribute to Tim Taylor, a good friend of the group who was killed in an auto accident in 1997. The misfortune was not to end for the group as drummer Greg Spence succumbed to cancer in January of this year. However, these tragic losses only highlighted the group's unwavering dedication to their music. 

The tape was produced in 1998, the last session before the release of Greetings From Planet Stupider. The music continues to live on, a testament to The Mulchmen's resilience and love for music.

One side of music is a typically driven and assorted mix of instro delights covered with mulch. The flipside is a tribute to Link Wray and his music. When you think you know what to expect, wait until you hear "Jack the Ripper," Mulchmen style. The boys put some well-known Led Zeppelin riffs into the song to catch you off guard and rock you more than expected. It was a delightful surprise and was done amidst all the insanity that only a good instro tune can deliver. Their unique musical style is sure to intrigue and captivate any music enthusiast.

This group has undoubtedly carved out a unique niche in the genre, marked by originality and creativity. Their music, characterized by specific, unique elements, has gained the plaudits of the critical mass and the utmost respect of their peers, a testament to their exceptional contribution to the music world.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 5, 2000

Tracks:

01. Good Cop Bad Cop  

02. Bustin' Surfboards   

03. Shake Some Evil    

04. Harlem By The Sea     

05. Cecila Ann  

 

Side Link

01.  Rawhide   

02. Commanche   

03. Slinky  

04. Run Chicken Run  

05. Jack The Ripper  

Instrumental Surf Review: Randy Holden-Surf Guitar God 2001

Randy Holden, the self-proclaimed guitar god, has a special treat for his fans who remember him from his days playing guitar with a surf-instrumental group called The Fender IV. 

Yes, Mr. Holden has been around the block a few times. Calling himself a guitar god sounds like pretty heady stuff. Well, let me tell you, he can back up every word of it. And his guitar playing is a living testament to the title of the seven-track Surf Guitar God 2001.

Holden is not the classic once-bitten, twice-shy indie artist; he got screwed enough to make him reevaluate the music business. Back in his days with Blue Cheer, around the time Woodstock made history, some events nearly pushed a great artist to extinction. The self-imposed exile lasted for twenty years, and then he emerged from it, thank God. (There is a lot to that story in my interview.)

Holden is fiercely independent and motivated to succeed, and he has achieved this with great success. Holden himself painted the cover of this CD. As you can see, he is a very talented man.

Talking with Randy made me realize what a deep and sensitive artist he is. He is the consummate guitar player and technician. I referred to "Prayer To Paradise" in a previous review as a jam, and he quickly set me straight in an interview I conducted with him. He told me it was a sonata, not a jam. Jams are disorganized, and he loathes disorganization when he creates music. It makes perfect sense to me, and I learned the actual value of his creations in the process.

There are some great songs on this CD. "Prayer To Paradise" and all the other extraordinary compositions belong on this disc. For instance, "Hawaiian Rain," which epitomizes a tropical rainstorm, is the difference between getting showered with actual raindrops and an awe-inspiring blend of guitar chords. It beckons images of the beautiful island in your mind's eye.  The notes come raining down upon your consciousness. 

"Highway Surfer" and "Malibu Run" combine traditional surf and modern elements nicely. I realize that seven tracks don't look like a long-running CD, but do not be deceived by this. "Prayer to Paradise" runs 23:54, and "Hawaiian Rain" is 17:04. The rest of the songs are typically two minutes long, which is standard for the genre.

I have come to truly admire this man, not only for his complete artistry but also for his unyielding spirit and strength. He is a great man, playing great music. Anyone who can paint a picture like the one on the cover of this CD, enabling you to see it by listening to the music, has a gift that needs to be shared. Thanks for sharing your gifts with me, Randy.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

April 30, 2001

Tracks:

1. Margaya  

2. Highway Surfer   

3. Everybody Up   

4. Malibu Run    

5. Little Ollie    

6. Prayer To Paradise   

7. Hawaiian Rain