February Birthdays 
Surf Music Unplugged by The Duo-Tones, CD Review by Noel
Lots of discussion lately about how fundamental the tube spring reverb tank is to the sound of surf music. Question - what came first, the tube spring reverb tank or surf music? Answer - surf music. Follow-up question - what defines the sound of surf music today? Answers - glissandos, the drip, crash and splash of tube spring reverb tanks and single coil electric guitars played at very loud volume levels. Question - if you take away single coil electric guitars played very loud using tube spring reverb tanks is it still surf music? Answer – Surf Music Unplugged by The Duo-Tones.
Paul Johnson of the Belairs and Gil Orr of the Chantays are The Duo-Tones. They were not only there at the beginning of surf music, they are two of the founders of surf music.
In the liner notes, Paul Johnson writes about how the rhythm guitar was originally a co-equal musical partner with the lead guitar during the formative years of surf music, and how this partnership had fallen out of favor. I grew up watching archtop guitarists sitting in the rhythm sections of jazz bands, playing parts that perfectly complemented the percussionists. I loved that style of guitar playing for as long as I can remember. And I appreciate hearing a great rhythm guitarist clearly in the mix.
Every tune on this CD is expertly performed. The virtuosity of these two guitar masters is evident throughout. For me, the best illustration of how much a guitar can do is Apache. The performance lacks the sound effects used by some (no swishing arrows here) and there is no echo either, but it still lacks nothing. They’ve managed to use their guitars to fill in for every instrument. The result is a striking demonstration of how much a guitar can do in the hands of someone who knows how to get everything out of it. I didn’t miss a drum kit one bit, and considering how drum-heavy most recordings are of Apache, this is quite an accomplishment.
And so goes the entire record. Nineteen tunes in all are included. I couldn’t wish for better guitar playing; I can’t imagine better guitar playing if it comes to that. There is a mix of familiar surf tunes like Mr. Moto, Baja, The Wedge, Kamikaze and creatively unexpected treats such as California Dreamin’, Last Date, Song for my Father, and More Love, More Power. Two of these special performances stand out for me – Scratchy and Hide Away. Simply great guitar playing. The whole record keeps me grinning with delight from first to last. Surf Music Unplugged is a record for people who love great guitar playing, and surf music.
So, do Paul Johnson and Gil Orr prove their point? Are two simple acoustic guitars (Martin 000-16 and Ovation CS-257) enough to make surf music? Take The Wedge; trust me, you’ll be glad you did. Mostly performed reverb-drenched, furiously and as loud as possible, it is a quintessential surf tune. Here with just the two acoustic guitars played to perfection, I believe it still is. It’s a brilliant arrangement. But is it still surf music? Or does it become something else without all the Fender gear and huge volume?
I’m gonna say yes, it’s surf music. Here’s why I believe it is. There’s always been quiet surf music. Most surf music has followed Eddie Bertrand, Dick Dale and the rest down one path and off into reverb-drenched frenetic fun; what you play to get everyone on their feet dancing. But the other kind of surf music has always remained; quiet, thoughtful, even romantic. It’s the sort of music you play after the dancing has ended and you’re just sitting around relaxing. Think Theme From Endless Summer. That’s quintessential surf music too.
Surf music has been created out of Spanish ballads, Russian folk music, symphonic music, the Great American Songbook, everything. Take the melody, speed it up, play it on Fenders through Fenders as loud and with as much tube spring reverb as possible, driven by relentless drums and, presto! Surf music. What Paul Johnson and Gil Orr have done here is unravel the formula and created exceptional surf music without electricity or drums. There’s still the essential surf melody played by the lead guitar, only now the surf beat is driven by a rhythm guitar instead of drums. Great music. Great surf music. Surf music unplugged!
Does anyone know if The Duo-Tones have recorded Miserlou, Depth Charge or Surf Beat?
http://www.pjmoto.com/specialty/duo_tones.php
I want to add a special thank you to Danny Snyder for urging me to buy this record. Thanks, Danny!
—This is Noel. Reverb's at maximum an' I'm givin' 'er all she's got.
Last edited: Dec 13, 2012 19:00:28
You're welcome. 
) 
