Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Tradesmen - Safety First
 | Three nicely original arrangements of standards grace this CD from Santa Barbara's Tradesmen, who do an interesting mix of country-reggae-rock. An original sound and an obvious good time band. |
Picks: Southswell, Apache, Walk, Don't Run
Track by Track Review
Reggae Surf Rock (Instrumental)
A reggae rhythm backs an aquatic modern tones instro with a catchy gate and friendly sound. Surfisms cohabit with rock instro and Jamaican elements well. "Southswell" is a very nice track!
Surf Rock (Instrumental)
This is a fairly pedestrian cover in some ways, and is unique in others. Distortion and a smooth rock sound replace clean reverb tone, yet the song's magic is retained. Jerry Lordan's song further demonstrates its flexibility and power. Nice track.
Rock (Instrumental)
A bit jazzy, a touch country, and modern rockin' sounds present a fresh face on Johnny Smith's "Walk, Don't Run." This is a unique approach to an old standard. Very nice track.