Photo of the Day

Here is episode 33 of Australia's no1 surf rock podcast The Dodge City Social Club :

1. The Biarritz Boys - Shogun.
2. The Dirty Licks - Ayah Zein.
3. The Routes - No Going Back.
4. Marky Kobane - Made in the Shade.
5. Tremelo Beer Gut - Racehorse From Hell.
6. Guitarmy of One - Perry Mason Exoneration.
7. The Aqua Barons - Gulag Party.
8. Agent Octopus - The Journey Home.
9. The Terra Surfers - Haboob.
10. Kris Bone - Theme for Young Lovers.
11. Screamin Sins - Love You to Death.
12. Los Turanga - Longboarding Kantauri.
13. Apemen - Percolator Stomp.
14. Dick Dale and his Deltones - Tidal Wave.
15. Messr Chups - Aquanautic Business.
16. The Sloptones - Pollox.
17. Little Kahuna - King Totem.
18. Intoxicos - Avalanche.

https://soundcloud.com/jamie-balcombe-941168545/dcsc-episode-33

Hello friends and guitar music fans -

First, my apologies for being so absent from this site for so long. It has literally been years since I have been active here; the recent years have been a bit of a distraction for me with challenges in both my health and financial departments. But I am happy to report that by the grace of God I have managed to come through all this OK, and with good hopes for the future.

And the chief aim of this post is to declare that that future begins now, as I am "getting back in the game" with a new album release (my first in over 20 years)! And I am hoping that you will go to check it out now my bandcamp page. (Note that as there are other Paul Johnsons active at band camp, I have amended my name there to "Paul Johnson guitar" to make it easier to find me.)

So what is this new offering all about?

It's "The Hepcats LIVE at the Ajax Novelty Company"; I am very pleased and excited to get "back in the game" with this, and once you hear it at bandcamp.com, I trust you will share in my enthusiasm...

What’s the backstory here?

My dear friend from my hippie days in Mendocino (late ‘60s), musician/artist John Chamberlin (the man who did the cover art for my "Christmas with the Hepcats" album) also created another cover back then for another proposed CD ("Hepcats at Ajax"), a project that has not been activated over all these years, until now! I have wanted to create this album all along, but until recently I have not seen a way forward for it, so John’s artwork has just been languishing in my files over all this time.

About a year ago, it occurred to me that I had a number of tracks "in the can" (stuff I've recorded over the years but never released) that would be appropriate for such an album; upon reviewing this material, I decided that it WOULD make for an excellent Hepcats album, and so I have spent the last year or so working at pulling it all together. (I have been unsure as to just what form the agenda for this release would take; I have just been motivated by the conviction that I ought to do this, because these tracks deserve to see the light of day, and because "fans" of the Hepcats deserve to hear them. Accordingly, I want to share them with YOU now!)

Simply use this link to bring the album magically alive on your desktop; you may then click to hear the album in its entirety, or select individual tunes for streaming. Then you may also (if you so desire) download either the complete album or any of the individual tracks that may catch your fancy.

It pleases me greatly, after all this time, to be able to share this new album with you, and I welcome your feedback here once you’ve explored it. Please feel free to share this with friends if you like.

One last word: As this is a "Hepcats" project, it’s all acoustic guitar stuff (as is their specialty). But I also have it in mind to do a similar project with a number of electric guitar tracks (surfy stuff) that I also have "in the can" (stuff that has also been waiting all these years to see the light of day). And of course, if/when this happens, I will bring this to your attention here. So if you are a fan of the electric guitar, I hope you willl join me in looking forward to this!

Meanwhile, may God bless you! -
Paul Johnson
paul@pjmoto.com

P.S. My dear friend, guitar music journalist Dan Forte, has published a review of this album in the latest edition of Vintage Guitar magazine; and by his and the magazines permission, here is that review:

Paul Johnson
The Hepcats Live At The Ajax Novelty Company

This isn't live; there may not be an Ajax Novelty Company; and the three felines known as the Hepcats are actually the brainchild of Paul Johnson, whose Belairs were early-'60s pioneers of surf music. Suspend reality and dig how the "trio" expertly articulates layers of acoustic guitar.

Across decades, Johnson has embraced folk-rock, psychedelia, and Christian music, and his eclecticism is on full display here. Ten of the 17 tracks are originals, including an unplugged take on the surf classic "Mr. Moto," which he wrote when he was 15.

Even when it was unfashionable, he stuck to his guns, championing instrumental music. Covers include the Shadows' "Apache" and "Tico Tico", which has been recorded by everyone from Charlie Parker to Paco De Lucia. He gives the minor-key "Midnight In Moscow", a 1962 hit for Dixieland trumpeter Kenny Ball, a Gypsy flair, which is both somber and uplifting.

Johnson’s trademark melodicism shines throughout, along with noninvasive ornamental touches. Equally impressive, his tone is warm but crisp.

In addition to his role as elder statesman to today's surf revivalists, this is the third album Johnson has released under the Hepcats model, and it's the best.

• Dan Forte, Vintage Guitar magazine

The fantastic fourth issue of Colorado Instrumental Fanzine is now available. Issue four includes interviews with:

The Boss Martians (Washington)
Jenny Don’t & The Spurs (Oregon)
King Pelican (Texas)
The Nebulas (Rhode Island)
Sant Anna Bay Coconuts (Belgium)

This issue ALSO includes a 7" record from King Pelican and Chris Barfield
(A download code is included in the parcel.)
Your order includes a FREE full-color PDF download of the fanzine

Listen to the King Pelican EP while reading their interview.

A standout collaboration between guitarists Chris Barfield and Ernest Hernandez showcasing their skillful surf songwriting. Backed by the solid rhythm section of Darren Kuper on drums and Kris Zebrowski on bass, these tracks come to life with a laid-back yet compelling energy. Don’t miss out on this special release—an essential addition for vinyl collectors and surf music enthusiasts alike.

Side A: Vaquero (Hernandez/Barfield)
Side B: El Mirage (Barfield/Hernandez)

This version has an exclusive cover designed by Heather Woodhaven!!

In addition to the five interviews, the zine is filled with tons of live photographs, thoughtful music reviews, and a couple of gear reviews for your reading pleasure. This issue features a variety of special guests sharing their insights. Weighing in at a hefty 44 pages, you'll have hours of reading material about some incredibly talented surf/instrumental bands. It's printed on 80lb satin paper with a 100lb satin cover and appropriately sized at 8.5 X 11 (~A4).

Get issue 4 today!

Gday there surfer dudes, here is episode 32 of Australia's no1 surf guitar podcast, all the way from Birdwoodton, VIC, Australia :

1. The Starhoppers - Lunar Legato.
2. Mariachi Death Squad - United Nuclear.
3. Ben Rogers Instrumental Asylum - Torquay.
4. The Fathoms - Tracking Bigfoot.
5. Shoreline Dreamers - The Heist.
6. DREBIN - Tentacoli.
7. My Dusty Raygun - Lets Lynch the Landlord.
8. The Tornados - Scalping Party.
9. I.Jeziak and the Surfers - The Breeze.
10. Pointbreak - You Aint No Cowboy.
11. Los Reverb - Dogtown.
12. Dick St John - Boogie Man.
13. The Guantanamos - Hasty Drip.
14. The Surf Hermits Jam!! - To Fall From the Kingdom of Air.
15. Jay Poison and the Batpeople - Midnight Moon.
16. Mark Malibu and the Wasagas - Crazy Mouse.
17. Lenny Dee - Caravan.
18. Mariachi Death squad - Half Life.
    https://soundcloud.com/jamie-balcombe-941168545/dcsc-episode-32

Gday surf dudes, here is episode 31 of Australia's no1 surf guitar podcast, The Dodge City Social Club....lookout for tracks 10 and 11 which involves a father and son surf combination...also check out Agents from Reverb from Melbourne, AUS...

1. Agents of Reverb - Upwey Surf
2. Sys Malakian/The Surf Hermits - Indominous Wave.
3. The Surfisticats - Gitano.
4. The Outback Surf Squad - Moana Point.
5. Magnatech - Surf Ambulance.
6. The Malbehavors - Carambola.
7. The Sea Jays - Experiment in Terror.
8. The Sea Jays - Touch of Evil.
9. The Shakers - Big Daddy's Saloon.
10. Sean Eddy - Slo 5-0.
11. The Revels - Comanche.
12. Sant Ana Bay Coconuts - Egg Burrito no4.
13. Beach Moonsters - Surfers from Planet Z.
14. Project X - Tubed.
15. Kris Bone - Autumn Leaves.
16. The Surf Hermits Jam!! - Laser Brain.
17. Agents of Reverb - Shakin All Over.
18. Beach Moonsters - Kraken Attack.

Dont forget, the DCSC is played on GTF instrumental, Dripfeed, Rockabilly Radio and The Skidshack!! Have a gr8 day

Gday surfers, here is episode 30 of Australia's no1 surf guitar podcast, The Dodge City Social Club. You wont be disappointed with the track selection for this episode....enjoy and have a super day...Jamie!!

1. TigerSharkNilsson - Clickbait.
2. TigerSharkNilsson - Nightsurfer.
3. The Treasures - Minor Chaos.
4. Poolhead - Shotgun.
5. The Gagarins - Siberian Wind.
6. Los Babydolls - Belo Horizonte.
7. Green Ghost - Red Devil.
8. The Surftones/Dave Meyers - Church Key.
9. The Supertones - I Surf in Black (live).
10. Planet Rockers - King Fool.
11. Chairmen of the Boards - Beach Bang.
12. The Dirty Licks - Malibu Barbie-Q.
13. Desert Undertones - Sayulita Senorita.
14. Stage Men - Fallout.
15. Jon and the Niteriders - Sea n Shore.
16. The Tiki-Tones - Rusty Nail.
17. Royal Coachmen - Loophole.
18. The Young Barons - Intoxica.
19. Beach Moonsters - Evil Highway

https://soundcloud.com/jamie-balcombe-941168545/dcsc-ep30

The third thrilling issue of Colorado Instrumental Fanzine is now available.

See here: Link

Issue three includes interviews with:

Desert Undertones (Arizona)
The Electric Heaters (Massachusetts)
The Meteoroids (California)
Slacktone (California)
The Volcanics (California)
The WHYs (Japan)

This issue ALSO includes a 7" record from Desert Undertones (AND a download code) <<<

In addition to the six interviews, the zine is filled with tons of live photographs and thoughtful music reviews for your reading pleasure. Weighing in at a hefty 44 pages, you'll have hours of reading material about some incredibly talented surf/instrumental bands. It's printed on 80lb satin paper with a 100lb satin cover and appropriately sized at 8.5 X 11 (~A4).

Listen to the Desert Undertones EP while reading their interview.

Note: The download code will be mailed to you in the parcel.

Combo packs available: Link

After a hiatus of a couple of months, Australia's no1 surf guitar podcast The Dodge City Social Club returns for episode 27 and here is the tracklist :

1. Coffin Daggers - Black Sand Beach.
2. Riptide Rate - Reef Rumblin.
3. The Spiratones - Crooked Waeve.
4. The Velvetones - Mr X.
5. Aloha in Hell - Wave 9.
6. Agents of Surf - Codename Cicero.
7. The Coratones - Surfing the Lunar Sea.
8. Project X - Ocean Deep.
9. Magnatech - Hannah's Twist.
10. Humanga Danga - Otorongo.
11. The Volcanos - Whirlpool.
12. Killer Tone Jones - Night Dive.
13. Foxtail Molly - Black Cat.
14. Dirty Quarantine - Puca Tsunami
15. Kris Bone - Brazil.
16. Longboard Cruise Control - Riviera.
17. The Surf Hermits - Speaking with Ghosts.
18. David Marks/marksmen - Sheriff of Noddingham.
19. Coffin Daggers - Namaida No Juujiro.

https://soundcloud.com/jamie-balcombe-941168545/dcsc-ep-27
Have a great day...Jamie Balcombe.

The spectacular second issue of Colorado Instrumental Fanzine is now available for Summer 2024.

Issue two features interviews with:
The Del-Novas (CA)
The Pyronauts (CA)
The Reverbivores (CA)
Surf Monster (CA)
The Surfrajettes (Canada)

In addition to the five interviews, the zine is filled with live photographs and music reviews for your reading pleasure.

Weighing in at a hefty 48 pages, you'll have hours of reading material about some incredibly talented surf/instrumental bands. It's printed on 80lb satin paper with a 100lb satin cover and appropriately sized at 8.5 X 11 (~A4).

Note: Shipping outside the USA is available ONLY through our official partners.

Australia (Martin Cilia): https://surfersauraus.com/
Canada (Mark Malibu): https://wasagas.com/shop
Europe (Eddy Luca): https://surfinsbackagain.shop/
Mexico (Sys Malakian): facebook.com/georgetownrecordscdmx
UK (Alan Taylor): http://www.pipelinemag.co.uk/
USA (Sean Berry): https://www.doublecrownrecords.com

Please inquire with each distributor before ordering to confirm availability.
Some variation between printing styles in each region should be expected.

THE SURF GUITAR BOOK Vol. 2 is out today!

200 pages, 30 songs with play along and backing tracks plus chapters on songwriting, arranging and practicing.

Order your copy here:

https://thesurfguitarbook.com/order/

Thanks to everybody who already or supported the crowdfunding!