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Glasgow Tiki Shakers' Tokyo vacation update:
Surf content: We saw the Ventures last Sat afternoon in Yokahama. They
sounded great, did a great show and had a really appreciative audience.
It is true that there are some serious Ventures fans in Japan. They
played in a pretty large modern auditorium. Two days later we came down
to the lobby of our hotel and there they were, heading out for their
next show in Hokkaido. We had a chance to talk, real gentlemen. Great
way to start the day.
Surf CDs in Japan: The larger stores, Tower and HMV, had some Surf
Coasters, Ventures and Eleki, kind of steep on the price though... Most
of the younger sales guys seemed to think that I was looking for Jack
Johnson when I asked about surf. Used stores had more stuff and much
better prices.
Guitars: There are lots of vintage guitars in Tokyo with prices very
much like here(US) too high!! Japanese made Jazzmasters/Jaguars are
around, both new and used, with prices lower than here. Plenty of music
stores to check out.
On the plane home, while I was fussing with my guitar in the overhead
of the plane, the flight attendant, a young guy from Singapore asked if
it was mine and what I played. So I said, "instrumental music, you know
like surf music". His response was, "Oh, like Dick Dale." So, surf is
alive in other parts of the world.
Anyone have any other summer stories about surf music in other places
or Japan in particular?
Bill
