Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Shig 33 and the Surf Rockers - ...Surf Side Of...
 | Shig 33 and the Surf Rockers is a solo project of Shigemi Komiyama, drummer in the Shi-tones and Shig and Buzz. This set of demos is very surfable. Some very interesting arranging, great playing, and rich sound. I can't wait for the "CD in the works." |
Picks: Cruel Sea, Beyond, Squad Car, Yellow Bird, Surf Party
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
British surf standard "Cruel Sea" (Dakotas) is richly arranged with lush guitar tone and great playing. Quite a good version.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Chantays' "Beyond" opens with a tuff glissando and rolls right into the best cover of this overlooked album track. Very solid, reverby, and well played. The dribbling double picked second guitar and shining lead over solid bass and drums combine very effectively here.
Surf (Instrumental)
Eddie and the Showmen's "Squad Car" open sans the usual siren. Paul Johnson's rhythm guitar parts is replaced with spaced long chords, while the drums pound and the bass rumbles. The lead guitar chases Eddie Bertrand's fire quite nicely. The arrangement is a refreshing change.
Surf (Instrumental)
Exotica standard "Yellow Bird" gets an island interpretation, like a soft lagoon classic. The whammy is delicate and very aquatic. Beautiful.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Astronauts' "Surf Party" is slightly de-surfed, with precise, almost deliberate lead playing. Ringing tone and a completely different arrangement make is very personal. Quite effective.