Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
Shig And Buzz - Live Adventures Of Shig And Buzzdotdotdotdotdot
artworkFirst off, this is a live recording, just as it says. Live Adventures Of Shig And Buzz captures Shig And Buzz in their real element - in front of a dedicated and appreciative audience. It also is the first release with Shig33 (Shigemi Komiyama - drums, song writing), Roger Rocha (guitar), and Johnny Hamilton (bass) accompanied by the amazing Yoon Ki Chat on violin. Shig And Buzz were already a damn fine band, and she just took them way over the top! I'm a sucker for electric violin, have long thought it was a natural adder for a surfband, and really love her playing. She tours with classical orchestras when not injecting Shig And Buzz with her stunningly good musicianship.

You have to see this band!
Picks: Latin'ia, Lost Train, Fog City, Big Foot, Hawaii, Astro Boy, Two Angels, Spy, Parts, Shooting Star, Bumble Bee, Dark Eyes

Track by Track Review


Latin'ia dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

With an arrangement inspired by The Mermen, Shig and Buzz make liquid joy with the glorious melody that is "Latin'ia." Sultry drums, smooth exotic bass, and fluid guitar pour this fine song like wine from their instruments. When they arrive at the break, the sweet splendor that is the guitar slides in with runs suggestive of David LaFlamme. Splendid!

Lost Train dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This is one of Shig and Buzz's coolest songs. The gradually accelerating track has a very sweet sound to it, with a rolling, almost western beat. The electric violin and keys add a new dimension. Excellent writing and superb playing.

Fog City dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Fog City" is an infectious British guitar track with swimming whammy and a classic rock beat. The endearing melody is haunted. The slapback off the walls adds a hugeness to the track. Very cool.

Big Foot dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Big Foot" is structured like Sandy Nelson's "Let There Be Drums," but with soul. Great tribal drums, big guitar sustain and whammy, and infectious riffs make this a tribal rock anthem. Spunky cool!

Hawaii dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Hawaii" flows with a holiday in the islands feel and sound, and the electric violin really brings out the innocent sweetness of the melody. The lead violin parts almost make you cry, and the guitar is weeping with her. Amazing!

Astro Boy dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Astro Boy" has a great rhythm and beat that's very infectious in an upbeat spy kind of way. The rhythm is similar to "Penetration," but with an original surf melody. Excellent energy and surf vibe.

Two Angels dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Two Angels" is a gentle and sad with a superb guitar and plucked violin duet. Its majestic melody hints of Eastern Europe, while the musicianship just demands attention. Such sweet tone!

Spy dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Slightly dark spy riff rock with swirling organ and rich guitar. The bass line is moody and solid. The drums are perfectly supportive. Muted reverbed darkness and James Bonded licks. Simple and very fun.

Parts dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Delicate muted plucking starts "Parts" off, with drums and bass coming in soon enough with a sort of stomp rhythm pattern. This has a European feel to it, which the violin reinforces with gypsy tone.

Shooting Star dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

I need more stars! "Shooting Star" remains one of my favorite Shig and Buzz instros, and with Yoon Ki Chat playing lead on her violin, it just gets better! This is one high spirited, almost King of Hawaii like song. This is a spectacular track. It is infectious, pristine, melodic, and very fun. This is a damn fine track!

Bumble Bee dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

The electric violin launches Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov's melody with Blues Project-like jazz intonation and superb swirling lines of perfect notes. All I can say is, this thing rocks! Great drums, rock solid bass, and simply superb violin!

Dark Eyes dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Yevhen Hrebinka's "Chorni Ochi" is done in a fairly traditional fashion, except for the rising drums and bass and guitar... OK, it's totally original! It starts out on the tame side, but very quickly the pace picks up and the lead guitar goes into flights of fancy with gloriously cool results, followed by the violin's journey. Way cool!