Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
Eduardo Bartrina - Plan 'B'dotdotdot
Plenty of artistry here. Eduardo Bartrina plays in a generally restrained and echo-drenched vein, with some excellent arranging. Enjoy the adventure.
Picks: La Cucaracha, Tequila, Havah-Nagila, Suspicion, Moon Tides, Caravan, More, Whoo-Hoo, Percolator, Wipe Out, Penetration

Track by Track Review


La Cucaracha dotdotdot
Rock (Instrumental)

This classic Mexican folk song gets a surf treatment. The glissandos pan across the speakers, and the tone varies from liquid surf to echoed rock. There are some very nice passages.

Tequila dotdotdot
Rock (Instrumental)

The Champs' "Tequila" is softened, and yet it retains the infectious Mexican rhythms. Smooth, round tone and delicate percussion. The arrangement reminds me some of The Fireballs.

Havah-Nagila dotdotdotdot
Rock (Instrumental)

In some ways, this is a fairly traditional treatment, though I don't mean by that it's similar to others. It presents "Havah-Nagila" is an very complimentary and reverent ight. The nearest arrangement reference I can provide is The Challengers version, but the guitar is much more fluid and delightful.

Suspicion dotdotdot
Rock (Instrumental)

Ral Donner's "Suspicion" is playfully arranged with delicate patterns, muted lines, and smooth tone. This is just plain easy to listen to. Quite nice.

Moon Tides dotdotdot
Rock (Instrumental)

Massive stereo guitar echo and very cool drums set "Moon Tides" above other Shadows inspired recordings. This is engaging, and features a fine melody.

Caravan dotdotdot
Rock (Instrumental)

Juan Tizol and Duke Ellington' classic melody is delivered in echo guitar for a very European sound. This is a fairly soft arrangement, and features a few glissandos.

More dotdotdot
Rock (Instrumental)

A little soft wah-wah and round echo guitar, along with galloping drums and adventurous bass add up to an unusual arrangement of "More" (the theme to Mondo Cane). Beautiful guitar work.

Torquay dotdotdot
Rock (Instrumental)

The Fireballs' "Torquay" is done with substantial reverence via muted guitar and restrained delivery. This version brings a grin.

Sand Storm dotdotdot
Rock (Instrumental)

Johnny and the Hurricanes' infectious "Sand Storm" is both interesting and misses the mark. Most of this is very cool, but there are some guitar lines in the trademark circular pattern that are more precise than correct. I suspect this is an intentional arranging variation, but for me it didn't work. Still, the playing here is very good.

Whoo-Hoo dotdotdot
Rock (Instrumental)

The Rock-A-Teens' "Woo Hoo" is playfully rearranged for a really fun ride. Where The Rock-A-Teens whooped and hollered, and The 5,6,7,8's exercise their trash consciousness, Eduardo Bartrina goes to a lighter and playful place. Quite nice.

Percolator dotdotdot
Rock (Instrumental)

Billy Joe and the Checkmates' "Percolator" is another playful track with very fluid guitar and precise meter. Eduardo Bartrina plays really well here. Quite fun, and occasionally delicate.

Wipe Out dotdotdot
Rock (Instrumental)

Well, this surely is a different arrangement of The Surfaris' "Wipe Out." It's very smooth guitar, laid back delivery, and restrained volume give this a whole new meaning. Very creative!

Penetration dotdotdotdot
Rock (Instrumental)

Based on The Ventures' cover, and using echo, Eduardo has quite a bit of fun with this. It took me a while to warm to it, but once I did, I really liked it. A very original arrangement.