Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Shig 33 - Fairfax Days...
 | These five tracks cover a bit of ground stylistically, but it's all Shig 33 in structure. His version of "Ridin' The Wind" and the amazing reggae arrangement of "Walk Don't Run" top the charts here. |
Picks: Riding The Wind, Santa Anna, Fairfax Shuffle, Walk Don't Run, Land of a Thousand Dances
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
I'm most familiar with the [London] Tornados' version of this song. Where they made it thick and spacy, Shig 33 arranges it for a ride on the open range, with cactus rhythms and rich spaghetti tone. It's spirited and very fun. I think this may be the definitive version of "Riding The Wind."
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a song Shig took to the Shi-tones. It's a splendid instro with a rich melody line and an outdoor rhythm. Bouncy and open, with flair and an easy flow. Excellent.
Blues (Instrumental)
Michael Sasaki's blues guitar fronts this jammin' track. Blues progressions and keyboard warbles. There's even a vocal chorus. Pretty modern sounding.
Reggae Surf (Instrumental)
This is a brilliant reggae arrangement of Johnny Smith's oft covered tune. It takes on a whole new meaning, while retaining the Ventures hit identity. Entirely too fun!
Land of a Thousand Dances Dance Surf (Instrumental)
Chris Kenner's often covered hit, converted to an instrumental, with long decay reverb on the round guitar tone. It grooves and flows, and depicts the sea. I never would have thought of doing this song this way!