Instrumental Review: Paul Johnson - Liquid Blues

Paul Johnson, a guitar maestro of legendary proportions in the surf-instro community, has been a household name since the 1960s. His creation of classic surf-instrumental songs, such as “Mr. Moto,” is a testament to his expertise and influence in the industry.

Now with Liquid Blues, the man defies any musical categorization by blending every popular genre into one instrumental gem after another. 

Some styles you will find more prevalent than others, hence you have descriptive titles like “Liquid Blues” and “Albion Blues”, whose main focal point is its namesake, but with a more of an instro twist, using bits and pieces of every genre and sub-genre to make it a full menu of instrumental delights. And oh, so delightful it is.

PJ has his foot on the pedal, and he gives it plenty of gas on every track on this fantastic CD. He has it all covered on tracks 1-14, and each one is a standout musical statement. With a rich history of creativity behind him, he expertly records an all-inclusive, non-stop trip around the musical map. While tremendous technical ability is an asset, one cannot overstate the importance of the experience and knowledge that an artist acquires over the years. Regarding his favorite weapon, the versatile six-string… PJ has a resume to be reckoned with.

Once again (as on Surf Unplugged), PJ covers “California Dreamin’” only this time he plugs it in. For me, hearing this song is a divine musical transport. I recall it from when I was a little boy, and I knew it was special back then. It still holds a particular attraction and power over me, coaxing chills up and down my spine.

Paul Johnson is heaven-sent, and his music is delivered straight from heaven via his heart and communicated through his hands. This CD is a masterwork of guitar genius. This is what music is all about; it’s supposed to make you feel every possible emotion, sight, and sound that we know as sentient beings on this planet.

If you have an unquenchable appetite for instrumental music like I do, you will Love this CD.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
March 17, 2001

Artist Commentary:

I asked Paul why he titled the album Liquid Blues. This is what he had to say:

Partly, it depends on how you define "blues." No, this ain't a hardcore blues collection (though I think "Albion Blues" might qualify in that dept.) But most of the music is "blues-based" in its structure (this is
true for a lot of music) in that it's derived from forms rooted in the blues idiom.

But more to the point, it evolved as an album title after I came up with that name for the title tune. After I created that piece, I wanted to name it "liquid" something, because of its fluid nature. And even though it isn't "down and dirty," it is very much a blues-structured tune. Hence - "Liquid Blues." And since everyone seemed to like the ring of that, it went into high contention for an album title.

Tracks:

01. Andele

02. California Dreamin’

03. Greenroom

04. Uptown Strut

05. Spiro

06. Java Jump

07. Desert Madness (tango)

08. Coney Island Fever

09. Big Shot

10. Tsunami

11. Liquid Blues

12. Albion Blues

13. The Ring Of Truth

14. Perseverance

Surf Instro Review: Los Straitjackets-Damas Y Caballeros! Recorded Live!

https://losstraitjackets.com/

If you have been yearning for a best-of compilation from one of the best surf-instrumental groups in the universe, the wait is over. Los Straitjackets give you the best of the best, and it’s all done live in stereo on Damas Y Caballeros! (ladies and gentlemen) Recorded Live! The songs that the group has made famous over the last five years take center stage.  Those crazy gringos in their colorful Mexican wrestling masks are at the top of their game on this twenty-track CD.

The introduction is engaging. The MC, in a humorous yet cautionary tone, advises the women in the audience to refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages, hinting at the lively and potentially rowdy atmosphere of the event. 

As the concert begins, each song is introduced in both English and the Mexican dialect. The crowd hoots and hollers in response at song breaks, reacting to every comment that is made, regardless of the language it’s expressed in.

The music is unparalleled; it comes as no revelation to this instro addict. What is so impressive about Los Straitjackets, besides being one of the most incredible bands to don a mask, is their innate ability to maintain their sound live in direct correlation to what they do in the studio. Considering that a live performance is essentially a 'one-take' situation, where there's no room for error or retakes, they do a great job. I didn’t hear any miscues. It’s all right on cue at all times.

My favorites are “Casbah”, a high-energy track that showcases the band's signature surf-rock sound, and “Itchy Chicken, a playful and catchy tune that highlights the band's instrumental prowess. “Rockula”, a spooky and atmospheric piece that demonstrates their versatility, and the classic “Sleepwalk,” a soulful and emotive number that is a fan favorite and also one of mine.

I Love everything these guys come up with. I have enjoyed all of the studio recordings; now this is the icing on the musical cake.

Viva! Los Straitjackets!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

March 15, 2001

 

Tracks:

01. Introduction Of Los Straitjackets

02. Outta Gear

03. State Fair

04. Casbah

05. Calhoun Surf

06. Itchy Chicken

07. Last Date

08. Kawanga!

09. I'm Branded

10. My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme From Titanic)

11. Squad Car

12. Rockula

13. Tempest

14. Lynxtail

15. Tailspin

16. Pacifica

17. Driving Guitars

18. Sing Sing Sing

19. Sleepwalk

20. Rawhide

Surf Instro Review: The Penetrators-Locked & Loaded

The long-awaited Penetrators album is finally here, ready for your ears to consume. Locked & Loaded is standing by to renew your faithful addiction to one of the best surf-instro groups making music today. The wait was worth it, and the satisfaction of this release is palpable.

So, are you ready for an on-the-edge-of-your-seat action-adventure spectacular? The Penetrators are your answer to a musical James Bond. Their high-energy instrumental brand of built-for-musical-soundtrack spy thriller sound will leave you exhilarated and pumped up. With a deadly aim for your instrumental tendencies, this collection of surf-instro-spy-rock will satisfy your every need.

Rip Thrillby (guitar) rivals the intensity and note-for-note perfectionism of Ivan Pongracic of The Space Cossacks. That is not an easy task. He doesn’t have the explosiveness of Pongracic. His playing is more restrained to suit the style of the instrumental group. All things considered, his performance is marvelous. Having great rhythm guitarists enables great lead guitarists to excel. Spanky Twangler (rhythm guitar) lays down waves of exceptional rhythm guitar for Rip to surf upon. And it goes without saying…you need a kick ass rhythm section to create great instro music. Trace Luger (bass) and Illya (Sticks) Stechkin (drums) get the job done.

The two songs that caught my ear were “Triple-Dog Dare” and “Locked & Loaded.”

“Triple-Dog Dare” is a flavorful tune that showcases the group's ability to blend different genre influences, adding an element of surprise and intrigue. Meanwhile, the title track “Locked & Loaded” brings 007 right into your living room, complete with his martini, shaken not stirred. This track features a sexy saxophone lurking in the background and a seductive organ that draws you in even deeper. It’s a delightful surprise that the group should incorporate more often. It sounded wonderful. What can I say? I Love this stuff.

Every track is top-notch twang and reverb. This one is a real keeper. It's a sure-fire surf-instro classic.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
March 11, 2001

Tracks:

01. Checkpoint Zero

02. 50 Bucks A Midget

03. Redlined

04. Midnight Run

05. Deception Bay

06. Another Time, Another Place

07. Codename: Gypsy

08. Speed Bump

09. Single-Malt Stomp

10. Triple-Dog Dare

11. Mariner

12. Locked & Loaded

13. Southeast Surf Syndicate Theme