Friends and surf music fans —

Just a note to let you know that “Pounding Surf!” — the new “surf drum DVD” you’ve been hearing about — is NOT just for drummers! That may be true of the instructional section (with drum lessons taught by Dusty Watson, Tracy Longstreth, Lee Kix and Bob Colwell); but the package ALSO includes a full-blown stand-alone documentary that presents a general history of the larger surf music genre (past-to-present) along with some great performances, interviews with key figures and other special features.

It was my great joy to be on the production team for this part of the project. In the beginning I was invited in to contribute some guitar parts; then I was asked to narrate “a bit of history.” This quickly grew to more ambitious proportions, and as we began to see a much larger objective taking shape, I also took on the task of doing the video editing. Then we continued adding material until we were satisfied that we had succeeded in compiling the most comprehensive documentary that has ever been done on the subject of surf music!

One of the criteria we set for the documentary was that it should be of general interest: not just for drummers — not even just for surf music fans — but for ANYONE who might be interested. And sure enough — I have shown the finished product to a number of my friends who were not even surf music fans, and every one of them sat captivated for the entire 90+ minutes. This tells me that we have indeed accomplished our goal. And that is why I wanted to take this opportunity to recommend this package to ALL of you — drummers and non-drummers alike.

Here are some of the things you will see:

HISTORY — I discuss the Belairs and the origins of surf music... Tracy Longstreth discusses the Rhythm Rockers, Dick Dale and the Rendezvous Ballroom scene... Dusty Watson discusses Jon & the Nightriders... I discuss the “second wave” and my experience with the Packards... Bob Spickard and Bob Welch discuss the Chantays... Dusty discusses Slacktone and Agent Orange... I chat with Richard Delvy about the Belairs, the Challengers, the LA studio scene and more... Dusty discusses Dick Dale... I discuss the “third wave” and my experience with the Surfaris... I close with some perspective on the “traditional and “progressive” aspects of the surf music movement...

PERFORMANCES — Dusty and Dave Wronski are featured playing “Rosarito 3-Day” and “Misirlou”... I play “Squad Car” (with Dusty on drums) and “Mr. Moto” (with Tracy on drums)... The Reventlos play “Death of a Reventlo”... Bob Colwell drums on “Moment of Truth” with Matt Quilter on guitar and Jeff (BTD) on bass... all four of the featured drummers perform on a “Wipe Out” extravaganza...

SPECIAL FEATURES — Jim Pash dissects the “Wipe Out” drum solo and discusses the Surfaris... I teach Dusty the “correct” way to play the “Squad Car” drum part... Lee Kix demonstrates the “language of the drums”... Dusty demonstrates practice techniques in very entertaining fashion...

...all this and much more, with lots of photos, video clips and graphics. I think it’s safe to say that anyone who sees this will gain a greater understanding of the dynamics of the surf music movement and how it evolved to what it is today!

This was a true labor of love on the part of everyone who worked on the project. I trust that you will be as STOKED as we are with the results!

— Paul Johnson

I posted this at Paul's request (shockingly, he's not a member!). THANK YOU not only to Paul, but to all the SG101'ers who've taken the time to check it out and post your comments. You don't know how much we appreciate your support and good vibes. If you don't know already, we're offering it to SG101'ers for twenty bucks (plus $3 for S&H). (Go to www.surfdrums.com to order, and indicate SG101 in the comments). THANK YOU again for your enthusiasm in keeping this project alive and kicking!

More reverb,

Bob, Dusty, Tracy, Paul, Matt

Thanks for describing the content of this undertaking and the effort which went into its production. I have just ordered my copy!

Thank you

This is a great DVD. The history segment is really interesting and the instructional segements are very helpful. One of a kind.

Sean

I bought a copy tonight from Paul at a Duo-Tones show. I'm looking forward to watching it.

My Web Site - Tunes - Pictures - Guitar Projects - Hard Rock Cafe Guitar Pins

Last edited: Aug 31, 2008 09:40:31

Thanks to PJ for the input on the contents of this DVD. If not for that, I would have passed it by, thinking it was only for drummers.

Actually, I DID previously suggest this DVD it to our drummer, but now that I know about all of the additional surf related info, I'm getting this DVD for myself!

"If you don't know already, we're offering it to SG101'ers for twenty bucks (plus $3 for S&H)"

Does that discount apply to snail mail orders as well? I, also, couldn't find reference to an SG101 discount on the site, but I'd rather order by mail anyway.

"If you don't know already, we're offering it to SG101'ers for twenty bucks (plus $3 for S&H)"

Does that discount apply to snail mail orders as well? I, also, couldn't find reference to an SG101 discount on the site, but I'd rather order by mail anyway.

There's a page for snail-mailers that you can print out and send in. Just enclose $23 total and indicate SG101 somewhere on the form. Thanks!

I bought the video at the convention and have watched it several times, needless to say I love it.
I recently gave it to our drummer to watch (who's a young guy that just joined our band) and he called me the next morning..STOKED!! I thought it was really well done and fun to watch as well as educational! Thanks to all you guys that put it together, it was well werth the wait and I'm looking forward to the HBISM show on Oct. 4th for the recreation of the starting of the video.

Rick