On our web site www.surferjoemusic.com I published the Flickr slideshow. Photos by Tommy Antonini and Anne Wendschuh.

Click on the RED link...

Lorenzo "Surfer Joe" Valdambrini
(www.surfmusic.net)

shivers13 wrote:

Congrats Lorenzo! Hope to see that someday and play it too!

Write me

Lorenzo "Surfer Joe" Valdambrini
(www.surfmusic.net)

Thanks for the great writeup Lorenzo! I'm continually awed by all the hard work you and your crew do. You've accomplished so much it is truly amazing! I really want to make it to a future festival.

Site dude - S3 Agent #202
Need help with the site? SG101 FAQ - Send me a private message - Email me

"It starts... when it begins" -- Ralf Kilauea

surferjoemusic wrote:

SURFER JOE SUMMER FESTIVAL 2014
Livorno, June 20-22

The Summer Festival has just finished and also this year it ended up with a great success. The deepest satisfaction for the organization comes from the feedback received, comments of appreciation from everywhere by everyday surf music fans and occasional surf listeners who have all enjoyed these intense 3-days of music and activities.

We are proud to have worked well as organizers and that everything went smooth within logistics, artist relationship and technical issues. All the artists have been respectful to us and have provided amazing performances in every way. Great energy on stage and great interaction with the audience.

So first of all thanks to YOU all, who have come to Livorno and have contributed to make another superlative surf music event. We are working already for the 2015 edition and we have already confirmed some of the bands. We will do our best to share this information in the shortest time possible.

Now, let's see the event that just finished in details (from my personal point of view of course).

Friday 20th

We confirm the Friday to be a successful day and like in 2013 we had a great opening of the event. The music started with Monokini who impressed lots of people. They were not well known as a band although they have been existing for many years. Their set has been quite clean and traditional, I liked the interaction between the guitars. Surely a fun band to watch and to listen to, proposing mostly original material. I think it has been a great showcase for them and they surely gained some fans with this performance. Following Monokini and moving to the first concert on the Tiki Stage we had El Ray. As usual and expected the band put up a superb show with El Firetone talking for the group, shouting, screaming and making great fun for the audience. The sound is powerful and precise, this band is really one of the biggest surf names on the planet. Finally here come the Phantom Four back on the Main Stage and I think it is clear the reason why I put this band as the night headliner. The sound is driven by the guitar of Phantom Frank, very melodic, on top of a heavy sounding rhythm section, sometimes producing the same effect of disco music with repetitive patterns, but showcasing the fantastic melodies, full of middle eastern influences, that only Frank can create.

Saturday 21st

The day opens with some people getting together for lunch at the Ungawa Tiki Bar while me and Niels were starting the NSSR marathon. Such an amazing idea of Niels to stream the whole event and such a great feeling to see that it actually worked! Checking the stats of the first hour we saw people from all over the world really connecting, listening to us and commenting on the sg101 thread. This has been one of the strongest demonstration of love for what we are doing and for what Niels carries on with lots of daily work and dedication. The festival this year has reflected the same spirit of NSSR: giving out a "screenshot" of what surf music is today, in all its forms, traditional and progressive, making in the end everybody happy. Alternating old style surf music and modern approaches really is the key to let everybody enjoy this music. Each listener can enjoy all the aspects without getting bored, but actually feeling himself involved into the evolution of the genre. I like to say this and, judging from the results of what we have done, this really works!
So we get to the first symposium with Mr. Camorani explaining the "how and when" of the Fender Stratocaster. Helping Flavio with the English translation and with the precious support of Dave Wronski, it came out an interesting meeting. Whoever commented saying that the details were too much specific is wrong. The purpose of a symposium is to explain things from a "nerd" to other "nerds", in facts after the symposium the following questions reflected this interest as people put specific questions and talked about minor technical details of the instruments. To me the symposiums have both been much fun. Not much to say about the Guitar Rumble itself, I mean the guitar exhibition: I think it was pretty clear for everybody that this is a unique collection, absolutely impressive. I thank Flavio Camorani for this and for working together again.
Surf seminar: honestly, better than expected. Each one did his job: Paul Beatie with an introduction to the surf guitar, Martin Schmidt (who also prepared printed music of his song and explained his guitar tricks), Paul Johnson and the history of the surf sound, closing with Dave Wronski who also explained not only his technique but also important notes about how to relate with bandmembers and how to make a surf band work. PJ has really been the attraction: of course he started from his main influences in the early 60s, told the Mr. Moto story and basically grabbed the attention of everyone on the roots of the genre.
7.30pm, Threesome on stage. Fantastic. Another band that people from Europe and US are not used to, one of their first real public performances in the surf scene, and they just placed an incredible show. A progressive, aggressive surf sound, made of many influences, although the greatest attraction on stage, unexpected for many, was Jovana on drums. Bradipos IV on Main Stage: incredible of course. We are talking about masters of trad surf. I heard some new stuff in the set list, I know they are working hard for a new album. Usual configuration: Max on a drippy rhythm guitar and lots of reverb everywhere. That's how it has to be! Back to the Tiki Stage for the set of Paul Johnson. Although our practice has been quite short... except for a few mistakes in the first couple of tunes, Paul really got in the mood and did a great job. Again, the audience got from Paul what they were expecting: Paul's typical bluesy surf sound, going back in time and showing how this all started. From comments I have received the highlights have been Mr. Moto, Squad Car, Tally Ho and Kamikaze. I am so glad that Paul was able to come: we all have a huge respect for this man, he is such a nice guy and a good musician to work with. Pyronauts, here they come! What a cool set with lots of movement on stage and energy. Double drum solo by Tim and a set full of originals and covers. When I was told Pyronauts are one of the top surf bands, they were surely right. I am absolutely happy they could join the festival this year! Back to the Garden with the Razorblades, a band that demonstrated again their high level of professionalism and musical capacity. An intense show, strong, fast like crazy with Martin going up and down the stage followed by a very cool rhythm section. The concert has really been appreciated by all the many people standing in front of the stage. Some of them never attented their show before and surely remained impressed. So following the Razorblades we arrive to the first main headliner of the festival, Fifty Foot Combo, a band that put on fire many stages in the late 90s with an amazing mix of instrumental surf, rock, garage and beat. And so they did again! Apart from the obvious skills on drums and guitars, the action on stage, the coolness of the tunes played, I think that Sandra at the organ really catched the attention of everyone, including the non-festival-visitors that just had a walk in the evening with their dog on the Terrazza Mascagni. Her way of playing is unique, crazy: jumping on this organ and dancing at the same time, making the people dance, pushing the tempo and the energy. Lots of fun, it was a great choice to have the combo as the Saturday headliner... I think everybody agrees on this.
A long day... it is time to move indoor for the first concert at Ungawa, the rendition of the Surfites. You know I am a trad lover, but this has been incredible! Not many people upstairs, probably tired from the long day, but still a good crowd. It was me, Ralf Kilauea and Jonpaul listening to a "perfect" surf show. Perfect sound balance, perfectly executed tunes, fantastic energy, great skills on the instruments, excellent dynamic. Sorry if I seem excited about this, but I really got impressed. The Surfites tunes that we all appreciate pushed at maximum, sounding finally so live and energetic. Thanks guys! And following the Surfites another surprise: the set of the Bradipos IV featuring Annette. Basically a surf band backing up a great singer with an incredible dynamic voice bouncing between a tune and another, from the 50s on. This means seeing the Bradipos under a different light, in a fantastic, remarkable show.
The night continued with a jam that saw the participation of a lot of musicians playing the classics and their own tunes. One of the fun things of the festival, no volume control, no "mess control", a real wild afterparty!

Sunday 22nd

As planned Alex Thaly shows to a few "customers" how to carve a tiki. He actually produced in those two days 2 big tikis that will remain at the Surfer Joe Garden. Using his chainsaw Alex started from a piece of wood and gave life to it, like Geppetto did with Pinocchio, but hawaiian style
Right after this a few of us have been involved in an interesting conversation with the writer and professor Tim Cooley who introduced his book Surfing About Music. We have been talking about the origins, the history of music related to the act of surfing arriving to the 60s surf music movement. A really interesting meeting and a cool exchange of opinions with again the opportunity to share feelings about the American VS the European views on this genre.
We continued at the Ungawa Tiki Bar for a quick lunch and the second symposium about Fender Precision Bass. Another very specific meeting and detailed explanation by Flavio Camorani showcases some of the most amazing bass guitars and checking any piece of them. Then we got into the Surf Drumming seminar. I gave some basic info about the surf beat and a few technical ideas related to it, mixed with some historical facts about the jazz and rock 'n' roll influences of the genre. Then the masters came up on stage: Tim Pyronauts showcased his own style and his vision of this music, Dusty Watson analyzed his progressive style and the way surf music has evolved and finally Bart of 50 Foot Combo told us his idea of making the surf sound "dirty". Also this seminar had an unexpected attendance, so I would say that the cultural part of the festival, where we mix ideas and techniques, where we have the chance to express our feelings and propositions, has been the most interesting for everybody after the concerts. This is a major goal for us and the whole surf community, it means that people still has something to say about this genre, that the interest is alive. It does not matter how many people show up, it does not matter if this is not mainstream music, but it is surely a cultural phaenomenon.
Concerts: we start the day with Watang, a new band from northern Italy, which includes 2 musicians not new to surf at all. In general the band plays well, quite tight, much original material out of their new album. It is a pleasure again to see a girl on the organ! A very interesting band and I am sure you will hear more about them soon. On the Main Stage the action goes to Tony Dynamite & His Shooting Beavers presenting their show fresh of the new album just arrived in time for the Surfer Joe Festival. The sound of the band is unique and they feature the only trumpet of the festival. The bands goes from trad surf music to a mix of different genres, adding some vocals here and there to reinforce a very cool rhythm section. Again this year they did a good job! The fest proceeds with the only technical difficulty during the 3 days at the beginning of the set of Bang Mustang: one speaker cabinet went bad... but Sven Roll managed to get it going after 5 minutes presenting an amazing show. The Bang Mustang play almost traditional surf music, but I think that Sven found his own identity. With a certain influence of Alex Faide in his hands he has a fantastic songwriting on top of one of the best rhythm sections with Patrick and Boris. If I can say something (not only me saying this) the band sounds better as a trio than a quartet... in general a very much dynamic set. We arrive to the "gran finale" after a proper introduction on the Main Stage: Slacktone. Not much to say, whoever has never seen the band before just remained paralyzed the first 5 minutes, then slowly realizing to be in Livorno at the Terrazza Mascagni Well they have done a great set, my favorite Dusty Watson performance in all the times I booked them. I heard one or two new songs and rumors say about a new album, very much awaited.

That's about all I have to say.
Thanks to my entire staff and to Luca and Francesco for taking care of so many aspects of the organization. I do the bands, I am a surf fan, you all know me, but these guys really do the dirty job that unfortunately is necessary to keep this event going. Paperwork, accounting, logistics, restaurant and bar management.
Please send them a big thanks via email at info@surferjoe.it...

Thank you for coming this year, hope to see you all soon!

Lorenzo SJ

in case anybody missed this on the last page.
bump

Jeff(bigtikidude)

IvanP wrote:

I finally got a chance to sit down and catch up with all reports and reviews of the festival. All I can say is, WOW! It sounds like it was a pretty incredible time for all that were lucky enough to be there. Lorenzo and his team really seemed to have outdone themselves this time, raising the standard to a new high. It makes me truly happy to see an event like this taking place anywhere in the world, though of course also deeply frustrated to not have been there! But between the NSSR live broadcast and these reports, it does take a bit of the sting out of it.

HUGE thanks to Lorenzo and all others involved for your deep commitment and tireless work to make Surfer Joe better and better! I surely hope to be there next year, and the year after that, and the one after that....

(BTW, Lorenzo, I wasn't able to get the Flick photos on your website to work.)

that's strange i tested it on any browser, but could be a security issue. go to flickr directly then:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/surferjoemusic/sets/72157644985910140/

Lorenzo "Surfer Joe" Valdambrini
(www.surfmusic.net)

Days, days... I will be ready soon...

Lorenzo "Surfer Joe" Valdambrini
(www.surfmusic.net)

Not too late for another review? After visiting all North Sea Surf Festivals (2010, 2011, 2013) it was time to head for Italy to check out the SJSF. After flying from Eindhoven Airport to Pisa Airport, I first visiting Pisa and then took the train to Livorno arriving in the evening. I would stay at Parking Hotel Giardino, but when I got there the hotel was fully booked. Something had gone wrong with my reservation (room was reserved with my old credit card which was now expired and the hotel could not contact me because my e-mail address had changed). Well, they rang another hotel in the neigbourhood, also within walkin distance of the venue, and I went there. I can certainly recommend that hotel, the Albergo Imperiale, only 36 euros a night (no breakfast) for a clean and good room.

Now time for surf! Arriving a bit later that Friday evening, Monokini was already on stage and playing their last few songs. Then El Ray, great songs and as always a great performance! Next the Phantom Four. Wow! Went to their concert in The Hague just a month before (24 May) and again a master showcase.

On Saturday the party started with Threesome. What a amazing progressive surf sound of this trio! Didn't like the one vocal song though. Bradipos IV on the main stage, nice playing but with Threesome still resonating in my ears the Bradipos IV sounded a bit laid back. Paul Johnson and Friends, for me one of the reasons to come to the SJSF. And they didn't disappoint me, the surf legend playing lots of classic surf songs, amazing! Great power show of The Pyronauts, really enjoyed it. Then the second power surf trio of the evening, The Razorblades of Germany. Martin surely knows how to perform a show, fantastic performance of the Razorblades! I was looking forward to The Fifty Foot Combo, their albums are great. But this was one of the disappointments of the SJSF. The only thing I heard were tedious repeating riffs and a lot of vocal songs. I don't want to hear vocals, surf must be instrumental. The theremin on the stage was only used in one song, no surf exotica songs. The evening ended with The Surfites, I left after a few songs as I was tired.

Sunday evening started with Watang!, I didn't like their live sound, but I certainly recommend their album. Next were Tony Dynamite & The Shooting Beavers. Why are they playing at a surf festival? Most of the songs were vocals and the sound was nothing like surf. Bang! Mustang played with three instead of four members. Yes, again a power surf trio. Unfortunately there was a technical problem and their show was interrupted for quite some time. In the end a great performance! Then the show that made me want to visit the SJSF, Slacktone. High energetic! This was worth the trip alone. The intensity of playing and posture of Dave reminded me of John Blair, when I saw Jon & The Nightriders perform in 1998 in the city of Rotterdam. Slacktone played from 11.15pm to 00.45am. And afterwards I was still shaking of the intensity of the show. It's sure time for new tunes and a new album please!

Thanks Lorenzo for organizing this festival! Next is the North Sea Surf Festival 2014 on 20 September and the Bazart Goes Fast Surf Festival in The Hague on 21 September.

Instromania on Bandcamp

Last edited: Sep 08, 2014 15:43:42

Sure, Amsterdam and the following day The Hague (Scheveningen surf beach at the North Sea). To keep surf music alive. Don't forget to bring those crazy dancing and jumping Tonomats!

Instromania on Bandcamp

What is the lineup for the sept. 21st show?

Jeff(bigtikidude)

So, I decided this time NOT to open a new thread, but rather using the same one for the NEXT SURFER JOE SUMMER FESTIVAL.

The dates are almost official: JUNE 19-21 2015
Same location: Surfer Joe's, Livorno, Italy.

Our plan is to announce the festival in November completely: full line-up, time schedules and so on. Me, Luca and Francesco are working hard to make this happen.

I tell you right now there will be next year a better control on the accommodations (hotels, b&b) with better and more precise information.

Expect updates pretty soon!

Lorenzo SJ

Lorenzo "Surfer Joe" Valdambrini
(www.surfmusic.net)