Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
George Tomsco and the Torquays - Live from Castaway Islanddotdotdotdot
artwork"Together on stage, the man who wrote "Torquay" and men who are the Torquays."

George Tomsco, Steve Soest, Armin Brown, Duff Paulsen, and Don Parra play the Fireballs songbook. This set was recorded live at Castaway Island on June 23, 2001.

This is much more than a document of a live performance. It's a very listenable CD. They even do the Fireballs' vocal hit "Sugar Shack."
Picks: Rik-A-Tik, El Ringo, Dumbo, Quite A Party, Bulldog, Fireball, Chief Whoopin' Koff, Panic Button, Torquay, Vaquero, Tuff-A-Nuff, Gunshot

Track by Track Review


Rik-A-Tik dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This is a very good version of this fine Fireballs original. Very much in the vein of the original, yet tuffer and more chunky. A solid performance and great to hear George Tomsco's guitar still ringing out. "Rik-A-Tik" is one of the Fireballs' coolest songs, and was totally surfed up by the Lively Ones.

El Ringo dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Another great track from the Fireballs, rhythmic as ever, and infectious as if it was written yesterday. The circular guitar lines and bouncy beat are very enticing.

Dumbo dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This is a less familiar Fireballs tune, but has been in several modern surf band repertoires. Rich and infectious, and very well played, "Dumbo" sports double picked lines and exceptional writing.

Quite A Party dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This has always been a fave of mine, with it's bouncy and infectious rhythm and cool licks. Here, George Tomsco uses vibrato, which reminds me of Bo Diddley. The tribal drums and pure fun the band is having shine throughout the track.

Bulldog dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This is an often covered tune. The first hit for the Fireballs, who got to play it on American Bandstand in 1960. This is a great tribute to one of the essential precursors to surf.

Fireball dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

The Fireballs' namesake song is pretty country. It sports great rhythm and optimism. This is a fine performance!

Chief Whoopin' Koff dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Indian drums and one of the most infectious guitar lines in pre surf instro history, "Chief Whoopin' Koff" is just plain cool!

Panic Button dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This classic Fireballs tune is played like it's 1960 all over again. Richly textured and rhythmic, "Panic Button" captures and holds your attention.

Torquay dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

The Torquays namesake song was written by George Tomsco and originally charted by the Fireballs. The raw sensual sway of the bass line and the restrained intensity of this magical tune lured many a surfband to cover it. This is a solid performance!

Vaquero dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This rich song bounces and romps across open plains like a rider ahead of a storm. The amazing melody riff and chord progression of the break still captivate after 40 years. Magnificent!

Tuff-A-Nuff dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Undulating with liquid sensuality, "Tuff-A-Nuff" has long been a fine example of how a simple almost gimmicky riff can be totally cool and unassuming. Very cool.

Gunshot dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

1959's "Gunshot" hints of Buddy Holly and the surf to come, with a bouncy riff and a sense of innocence.