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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.
M.A.N.T.I.S. 2nd single from Time Surfers released today on all Streaming platforms!!!
Animation by @pierceart555.
Recorded at Pineapple Studios in NY.
timesurfers2000@bandcamp.com
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
Here is my first original recorded tune called "Podium Finish", under the guise of The Outback Surf Squad, where i plan to collaborate with my trusted surf music buddies with the aim of bringing out an ep one of these days.
"Podium Finish" was in collaboration with Jason Deatherage from The Surf Hermits.
I have always been fascinated by the hot rod racing scene of the 50s and 60s and that was the inspiration for "Podium Finish"...if you like surf-a-billy style instro rock, then take a listen!!
Have a super day....Jamie Balcombe.
https://soundcloud.com/jamie-balcombe-941168545/the-outback-surf-squad-podium-finish
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 :
https://soundcloud.com/jamie-balcombe-941168545/dcsc-ep-27
Have a great day...Jamie Balcombe.
Christmas Yet To Come is a collection of original holiday instrumentals from The Deathly Quiet. It also happens to be the band's first release.
Is it odd for a band's first release to be a holiday collection when the band has no intention of solely releasing holiday tunes (instrumental or otherwise)? Perhaps, but 'tis the season and all that. Let's not overthink this. Some songs were written. There were sleigh bells. You know how these things go. One thing led to another and now there's Christmas Yet To Come.
So, grab a hot beverage, curl up under a warm blanket and enjoy The Deathly Quiet.
I am pleased to announce the SurfGuitar101 2024 MP3 Compilation! Our 20th one! Just like before, this is a way for members to share music, recording tips, and to just have fun. The main emphasis is fun, so please send in an entry no matter what your skill level is. Here are the rules:
Please use the comment thread for this news story to discuss the compilation and to get information on how to submit an mp3. Please also use that thread if you'd like to find a fellow member to work with on the project. With the magic of digital recording and the Internet, remote collaborations are possible. Make your own virtual surf band!
Please check out our prior compilations by using the links in the bottom left sidebar of the desktop version of our site.
Let the comp begin!
