Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
The Madison Trio - S/Tdotdotdot
artworkThis rockabilly band sports a tight sound, and a soft spot for instros with a little surf influence and a rockabilly mindset. Their rockabilly stuff tracks are splendid, full bodied, and an 8 on Big Myke Destiny's famous Stompometer. Their instros are solid and entertaining.
Picks: Stampede, Milky Way, Green Onions

Track by Track Review


Stampede dotdotdotdot
Surfabilly (Instrumental)

This is a really good cover of the rockabilly classic. The echoed guitar is rhythmic and dynamic, and the rhythm section is relentlessly pumped. A strong performance and a lot of energy bring forth the power of this tune. Many have done it, but few have actually captured the original spirit embodied in the original Scarlets version. The whammy adds a surf feel without using reverb or any of the other surfisms. The tribal nature of the drumming during the transitions under the whammy harmonics is quite surf/jungle. Great track.

Milky Way dotdotdotdot
Surfabilly (Instrumental)

The damped lead work accents the echo, providing the same kind of effect damped reverbed rhythm guitar so, yet retains the rockabilly air of the band. The cool sax adds a feel of smoky club mystery. The main melody of this song is within' microzots of Link Wray's "Crossties," with the sax replacing the organ, and the break from the Pyramids' "Penetration" inserted. This is really a nice track.

Green Onions dotdotdot
Surfabilly (Instrumental)

Take a bit of surf, a bit of the Stax / Volt house band sound, and a the throb of rockabilly, and you get a slight glimpse of the Madison Trio's delivery of this Booker T. & the M.G.'s classic. Memphis studio rock is a solid vehicle for a surfabilly treatment, and this is just that. It's well done, just not outstanding.