Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Mark Stultz - Live In San Antonio - Acoustic Twang and Reverb
 | Mark Stultz was the guiding light of Austin's SandBlasters. Herein lie eight acoustic versions of SandBlasters songs, plus one new composition, all played solo. This is not exactly acoustic, but rather is amplified and lightly reverbed acoustic guitar, much in the way The Duo-Tones play live. Live In San Antonio - Acoustic Twang and Reverb is simply superb! |
Picks: Wave King, Mayan Sun Dance, Tarantula Taco, Submersionary, Body Bag, Cactus Stingray, Big Sky, Naked Piranha, Into The Light
Track by Track Review
Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)
The drama of the Spanish licks that open "Wave King" lend themselves really well to acoustic guitar. Beautifully crafted guitar lines explain exactly why The SandBlasters were so cool! This is just wonderful!
Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)
"Mayan Sun Dance" oozes drama and delicate picking. It's very artful, projects a misty image of forgotten civilizations, but also seems too intellectual for my taste.
Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)
"Tarantula Taco" is a fine song with beautiful chords that plays very well acoustically. Its shimmering tremolo effected guitar is pretty interesting. Very nice!
Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)
The slow ringing tone of "Submersionary" is romantic in a desert villa sort of way. It has a calm feeling, like the desert at sunset. It's a very pretty track.
Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)
Written as the theme for a film that didn't happen, "Body Bag" throbs with ominous tremolo. There is a b-movie detective story somewhere here. Delicate, dangerous, and very well played.
Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)
"Cactus Stingray" is slightly spy, a bit southwestern, and very well written. There is is cautious optimistic and delicate artistry.
Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)
Cowboys ride the open range in this somewhat spaghetti western epic. The trotting rhythm is compelling. Great tone and rhythm. Very satisfying!
Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)
"Naked Piranha" is a tribal, rhythmic Spanish piece with an exotic and mysterious sound. Powerful and very dramatic, with rich tone. This may be the most compelling track on the CD.
Acoustic Surf (Instrumental)
A finger pick style song, "Into The Light" is delicate and mathematical, while being very fluid and beautiful. Interesting string bending and interlaced notes and patterns.