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Moe's Alley (Santa Cruz, CA) hosted a great display of progressive Surf and Instro music with Shig and Buzz and The Mermen. Yes, it was Jim Thomas' birthday, but it was also a nice forum to see the scarcely observed, but talented, Shig and Buzz as show openers. Well, they have evolved over the years and now do very progressive versions of instro faves, such as Flight of The Bumble Bee, Dark Eyes and Caravan. This Shadows-inspired band did not disappoint their longtime fans of the Double Diamonds days with tunes like Lost Train. The keyboards and electric violin add both showmanship and a talented dimension of progressive sound to their mix. Black shirts white ties and stripes. Johnny "Berzerker" Hamilton now slots in on bass for S&B. Grins all around and an encore for this opening act! Nice!

The Mermen: well, the orignal lineup with Jim Thomas, Allen Whitman and Martyn Jones truly define classic Mermen music. There's a jamming synergy among these players that cannot be duplicated. They played some recent material, but satisfied my craving for one of their all-time concert greats- Pull Of The Moon. Psycho effects in tow up on the wall. Great show.

All the usual local suspects were in tow at this event, including many of Jim's personal friends. Stretch Riedle and Matt Kora was there with his "open invitation", Jaime (of course!) and the omnipotent Phil Dirt, who the Mermen owe much of their notoriety to were all in attendance. Good to see you clubbing, Mr Phil!

-bIG wAvE Dave
Bass, The Aquamarines