Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Collection: Memphis Rockabillies, Hillbillies and Honky Tonkers, Vol 2
 | There are four volumes in this label story series. Memphis Rockabillies, Hillbillies and Honky Tonkers, Vol 2 contains a number of instrumentals, including the ultra obscure "Tall Man" from Chuck Hensley and the Strollers. |
Picks: Chuck Hensley and the Strollers - Tall Man, The Monarchs - Friday Night, The Monarchs IV - Weekend, Jimmy Roby - Skipping The Strings
Track by Track Review
Rckabilly (Instrumental)
Well now, here's a surprise. "Tall Man" is a nifty little number with ample delicate surf tone and reverb. It easily stands up with many of the lighter midwest surf instros, and has an aural resemblance to "Ticonderoga." Given its roots in Memphis, that's quite an accomplishment.
Surfabilly (Instrumental)
This is a very nice instro jam with some charming piano work and a slightly reverbed lead guitar. If you think country at the beach you get the sound of "Stormy."
Strip Rock (Instrumental)
This is a great instro, even if it is mostly just a riff. It came out towards the end of the surf scene, and in some ways can be lumped in with the surf singles. The guitar tome is rounder and less reverby, but the idea is not unlike some of the surf tunes that came before it. Excellent guitar sustain, and cool restrained percussion. I've like this single since first hearing in KRLA or KFWB.
Country Surf (Instrumental)
"Surge" uses guitar licks born of country and lightly influenced by easy jam surf. The drums and bass are more surf like. It's an interesting hybrid track with modest energy and charm, but the melody is too jam-like to really bring you back.
Blues Rock (Instrumental)
The Monarchs IV' groovy "Weekend" single is a shuffle in the King Curtis mold, though guitar replaces sax. Riff rock for sure, yet it's a very friendly riff that seems to stick. Bluesy and warm.
Country (Instrumental)
This country instro from 1967 sports some mighty nice lap steelwork from Jimmy Roby. It's a bouncy number with a very happy charm. Simple and slithery cool.
Country (Instrumental)
"Roby Ramble" is another groovin' country romp from the lap steel of Jimmy Roby. Plenty of bounce and flair pumping high on a really fine riff.