- Kim Humphreys

Melbourne DJ, Don Lunn (The Daddio Of The
Radio) died on 6 September, aged 72. Lunn worked
on 3UZ in the 60's and was known for his smooth
delivery and 'american twang'. He had an
encyclopaedic knowledge of popular music and was
a true professional. RIP.
"The Ultimate Battle Of The Bands" will feature the
Allstars and the Fendermen. The Allstars have been
rockin' Australia since the fifties and the Fendermen
have just notched up 45 years. Also on the show
will be Betty McQuade, Rick Diamond and Joan
Mifsud. The show will also introduce a CD featuring
Johnny Preston, Chan Romero, Lucky Starr, Rick
Diamond, Betty McQuade and Joan Mifsud –
probably the first release by a local rock group with
artists that have record sales exceeding 10 million
copies.
The show will be at the Kingston Town Hall,
Moorabbin on Saturday November 18, 2006.
Tickets are only $28 BYO from Bev on (03) 9782
5582.
The plug has been pulled on one of this
country’s most popular guitar related
events. The Frankston Guitar Festival
provided a highly visible platform for
guitarists of all styles, both local and
international, gave musical equipment
manufacturers an opportunity to display
their wares and finally, afforded a
competitive podium for up & coming players. The Frankston
City Council, after deleting the 2006 festival from the calendar,
has decided to permanently discontinue the event, citing
budgetary constraints as the reason. Here is a golden tourist
friendly promotional opportunity for an enterprising Shire
Council, that perhaps sees bidding to host the next World Cup
as a bit out of their price range.
New Gandy Dancer – The Magazine For Rock
Instrumental Music” – The latest “NGD” is Issue 79,
now in the compact A5 size, and on photo quality
paper. Articles on The Echoes, Jet Harris,
Viscounts, Liberty Records and Exotic Guitars
accompany the usual plethora of reviews,
interviews, discographies and interesting items.
Subscriptions and back issues are available from
me – GEOFF JERMY, 8/52 Harding Street, Coburg,
Vic. 3058. Tel: (03) 9386 1972. Email:
gjermy@bigpond.net.au
Editor of NGD, Davy Peckett also has a large range
of (mainly) instrumental CD’s, vinyl and DVD’s for
sale. He can be contacted at 10 Camberwell Close,
Festival Park, Gateshead, NE11 9TZ, England or
email dave2109@btinternet.com
Pipeline magazine, 4 issues at 18 pounds, is coedited by Alan Taylor and Dave Burke. The latest
issue, No. 71 contains a feature story on Bob
Spalding and his involvement with The Ventures, an
interview with Ivan Pongracic, review of “Pipeline
2006” and more on the Ventures. The usual reviews
and interesting articles also appear. The Pipeline
website is www.pipelinemag.co.uk
Do you prefer the “Twang”? Arthur Moir is the editor
of Twangsville, devoted to, of course, Duane
Eddy. Subs are 15 pounds. Contact Arthur at
DECUK, P.O. Box 203, Sheffield S1 1XU, England.
SPEAKING OF
DUANE. . . . .
Duane Eddy’s 1987
Capitol album is
being reissued in
digital format on
EMI with one extra
track – the 12” mix
of
Rockestra
Theme. Should be
available on the
(UK) HMV website.
The bad news is
that Jamie Records are no longer trading, so the
proposed CD release of “Girls, Girls, Girls” is unlikely.
Stop
Press:
Al
Casey,
long-time
associate of Duane Eddy, died at a
Phoenix nursing home Sunday, 17th
September. A full obituary will appear
in the next 2G4W.
Shadsfax is an excellent little A5 magazine
concentrating on all matters Shadows. Subs are 17
pounds, contact editor Tony Hoffman at
legacyguitarman@hotmail.com Tony has a new
website (still under construction) which covers all
types of instro’s – check out www.instroworld.com
For Ventures fans, there’s The Ventures
Resurgence, now up to issue 85. Edited by Gerry
Woodage, it’s available at 17 pounds from Gerry at
E-Mail-venturesresurgence@tesco.net To me, the
Ventures continuing popularity is amazing. There
are heaps of new releases available and the group
are still performing live in Japan and the U.S.
Contact Gerry for more details!
Tours
Guitar Heaven
TOMMY EMMANUEL introduces "Tommyfest" with
guests Jake Shimabukuro from the USA (ukulele),
Martin Taylor MBE from the UK (guitar) and the
Joscho Stephan Trio from Germany. In Melbourne,
the show is at Dallas Brooks Hall on Friday 13
October. Tickets from Ticketek. Others at Burswood
Theatre, Perth (10 October – Ticketek), Her
Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide (11 Oct. – Bass),
Canberra (12 Oct. – Venue), and City Recital Hall,
Sydney (16 Oct. – Venue). As they say, check your
local papers for details!
ERIC CLAPTON will be at the Sydney
Entertainment Centre on 29 and 30 January 2007,
Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on 3,4 and 6
February, and appearances in Brisbane and
possibly others.
YNGWIE MALMSTEEN is at the Adelaide
Entertainment Centre on 1 November, then The
Arena, Fortitude Valley (14 Nov.), The Palace,
Melbourne (16 Nov.), Enmore Theatre (15 Nov.),
and Metro City (19 Nov.) returning for Adelaide 23
February 2007, Vodaphone Arena (Melbourne) on
26 Feb., Acer Arena (Sydney) on 27 Feb., and
Brisbane Entertainment on 28 Feb.
G3-06 features JOE SATRIANI, STEVE VAI &
JOHN PETRUCCI who appear at the Brisbane
Convention Centre on 29 November, Hordern
Pavilion, Sydney on 1 December, Regent Theatre,
Melbourne on 2 & 3 Dec., Adelaide Entertainment
Centre on 6 Dec., and Challenge Stadium on 8
December.
In addition, JUAN MARTIN will be in Australia from
5 to 14 October and JEFF BECK is strongly
rumoured.
KIM HUMPHREYS RECEIVES
$400.00 GUITAR PICK!
Adding to his 2006
Stewie
Award,
Kim was recently
presented with the
world’s
most
valuable
(?)
guitar
pick.
Made from Jade,
Silver and Onyx, it
was crafted by
Sydney
artisan
and guitar fan
Michael Hedges.
On Saturday afternoon August 19th, Hound Dog's
Bop Shop hosted an intimate performance by Kim in
store as he road tested his new mini KV sound
system. Three varied sets included tributes to Oz
surf, Duane, Ventures, Chet, Allman Bros, Mark
Knopfler plus original signature tunes, Mercedes
and Amistad (soon to be released as a special
promo pack for radio with the amazing new track
Voodoo Music) Brilliant as always.
Planning to spend much more of his time in
Melbourne, Kim is currently exploring gig
possibilities in the southern capital. Our gain,
Sydney’s loss!
Watch out for the speed cameras on Highway 31
Kim with those new wheels!
AMTECH AGE PRO – DIGITAL VINTAGE ECHO
AS USED BY PETER HOOD (ATLANTICS) & ZOE McCULLOCH
AMTECH has used the latest technology in the design and manufacture the worlds most versatile echo unit capable of
fulfilling the demands of musicians and replicating all the vintage echoes of the past.
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echo demand.
Adjustable repeat and echo levels matches the echo sound to the studio, theatre or auditorium.
Flutter control adds that "Vintage Echo" sound without the old problems of distortion and noise associated with
earlier echoes.
Foot pedal for variable echo level with adjustable bypass setting
12 Month Warranty
AGE-PRO $1800
AGE-1 $1200
Contact Barry for a free demo Australia wide.
Mobile: 0419 25 35 76
Ph: 61 2 98752219
Email: barryc48@optusnet.com.au
Fax: 61 2 98755982
SKYPE: barryc48
Prices quoted are $AUS including GST. International enquiries welcome
BEN ROGERS INSTRUMENTAL ASYLUM appeared at
th
the world famous Rainbow Hotel in Fitzroy on 26 of
nd
September. Unfortunately all of our
August and 2
reporters were on strike, or at the footy, so no review!
HDBS (HOUND DOG'S BOP SHOP) is at 313
Victoria Street, West Melbourne Vic 3003. Always in
stock is a huge range of instrumentals from the 50's
and 60's – Shadows, Ventures, Duane Eddy,
Atlantics, Johnny & The Hurricanes, Bill Black's
Combo, Chet Atkins, Kim Humphreys, Spotnicks
and many others. Popular labels such as Rarity,
Echo, Collector, Canetoad, White Label, Bison Bop,
and lots of vinyl too – 45s and LPs!! Most of the new
releases reviewed here are available at HDBS.
There's also a growing range of DVD's as well as a
large range of books. Denys is always interested in
buying originals and reissues of rock & roll,
rockabilly, hillbilly, country, blues, soul, jive and
boogie – top prices paid for original records.
Opening hours are Thursday 10-6, Friday 10-7.30,
Saturday 10-3. Call in and check out the range, or
give DENYS a call on (03) 9329 5362. Denys can
also arrange mail order if you wish.
“What a pleasure to finally have a single disc that contains
all of these standards with incredible surround sound.”
“Not the original recordings, but new versions, that
sometimes quite frankly, sound odd.”
“A work of art. I thought I was listening to the originals.”
“To be avoided at all costs”
KIM HUMPHREYS & GEOFF JERMY
INVESTIGATE WHO & WHAT LIES
BEHIND GUITAR CONNECTION - A 2006
NUMBER ONE SELLING ALBUM OF
ANCIENT INSTROS!
Is the surprise success of this French sans vox album
GUITAR CONNECTION by JEAN PIERRE DANEL
the second coming of the twangy, echo laden
instrumental . . .or proof positive that you really can
sell refrigerators to Eskimos?
Hank Marvin’s best solo effort to date has clocked
up 65k sales, Guitar Connection has more than
doubled that figure in it’s country of origin alone.
(135k). After hitting the coveted numero uno
position, at the time of writing, it is still holding down
the Number 2 position on the French charts.
To date, my only connection with French
instrumentals has been a late 70’s budget release,
imaginatively titled 30 Great Guitar Hits, on which
the axe grinder is determined to obtain maximum
return on a newly acquired cheesy sounding chorus
pedal.
The amazing fact is, that apart from what are
obviously a couple if indigenous favourites, Guitar
Connection has a track listing that has been
recycled, regurgitated and re-recorded more times
than any of us could care to count.
The content and the cover art reek of a thousand KTel inspired budget productions, yet commercially
this release has outshone any works the likes of
Marvin and The Ventures have offered up in the last
25 years.
Alongside that appalling god-awful heavy metal
band that won Eurovision 06, this album may well
be the most logic defying musical anomaly to
emerge from Europe since Plastic Bertrand!
In the final analysis, Repackage King (?) Jean
Pierre Danel has made the opinions, both
complimentary and otherwise, of a handful of
hardcore Hankophiles, myself included, completely
and utterly irrelevant.
The reviews I have seen for GC tread no middle
ground. For guitar instro enthusiasts, this is either a
love it or hate it affair, JPD’s cloning of these
classics revealing excellence to some, flaws and
imperfection to others.
JPD has accomplished what most instro performers
only ever dream of achieving, i.e., successfully
marketing their product to the general public.
Delighted as we should all be that an instrumental
recording has had so much success, my only
personal disappointment is that originality does not
even enter the equation here, Joe Public’s thirst for
all things safe and familiar obviously far from
quenched.
It also once again reinforces the all-important factor
most often overlooked by many recording guitarists.
Melodic content and familiarity are paramount for
punter interest.
For Australian readers familiar with 80’s group Cold
Chisel, I am reminded of an appearance in my local
RSL club about 10 years ago by a Cold Chisel
tribute band. They packed the place out! Not five
minutes walk away; original Cold Chisel
guitarist/singer Ian Moss was performing his new
material in a pub, to 20 people!
GUITAR CONNECTION TRACK LISTING
1. Misirlou
2. Europa
3. Apache
4. Guitar Boogie
5. James Bond Theme
6. Parisienne Walkways
7. Concerto De Aranjuez
8. Walk Don't Run
9. Wipe Out
10. Sleepwalk
11. FBI
12. Duelling Banjos
13. One More Blues
14. Mini Skirt
15. A Love Theme For Sabine
16. Wooden Leg Stomp
17. Ballad For A Friend
18 Jeux Interdits
Photos show JPD to be a rather
suave, 40 something Rolex
embellished, Red Strat slingin’
man of the now, not yesteryear,
with a photogenic pout that
guarantees his audience will
comprise far more than Baby
Boomer guitar freaks. The New
Zealand super model constantly
at his side completes the
sophisticated aura surrounding
instro guitar’s latest champion.
KIM H.
GEOFF JERMY PICKS UP THE JPD STORY . . . .
Following research into the Jean-Pierre Danel
article, I found an intriguing web. The Apaches first
CD was titled "The Apaches Play The Hits Of The
Shadows" on Tring/Double Play (UK) GRF 204.
Issued in 1993, it featured Apache / Kon-Tiki / Man
Of Mystery / Wonderful Land / Atlantis / FBI / Dance
On / Red River Rock / Blue Shadow / Guitar Tango
The War Lord / Maroc 7 / Mary Anne (vocal) /
Riders In The Sky / Cavatina / Slaughter On 10th
Avenue / Don’t Cry For Me Argentina. Blue Shadow
is a C&W waltz, and NOT the similarly titled
Shadows track.
The CD appeared again as The Apaches Play The
Music Of The Shadows" in 1996 (GAL 067) with the
following: Apache / FBI / The War Lord / Cavatina /
Red River Rock / Atlantis / Guitar Tango / Dance On
/ Blue Shadow / Slaughter On Tenth Avenue /
Sailing / Kon-Tiki. The last two tracks incorrectly
listed as Midnight and Baker Street.
Next came the Shades Of Grey with "20 Years Of
The Shadows" on Going For A Song (UK) GFS 032
in 1998. Tracks were FBI / Riders In The Sky /
Apache / Sailing / Kon-Tiki / Wonderful Land / Man
Of Mystery / Atlantis / The Warlord / Red River Rock
/ Don’t Cry For Me Argentina / Cavatina / Guitar
Tango / Slaughter On 10th Avenue / Maroc 7 / Blue
Shadow / Mary Anne (vocal) / Quartermasters
Stores (*) / Peace Pipe (*) / Dance On / Foot Tapper
(*) / The Frightened City (*).
The tracks marked (*) are not on the original, and
could be by a different group. This issue boasts "remastered sound” and the stereo image reversed via
Cedar and Dolby Surround.
Along comes The Apaches again with "Play The
Hits Of The Shadows" on QED (UK) GEB 027.
Tracks differ slightly from the first issue in that
Cavatina is billed as Theme From 'The Deer
Hunter', and Sailing is added. Another version was
issued on FCMG.
Then there's "Play 18 Hits Of The Shadows" on
Prism (UK) PLATCD 233 from around 1999. It
contains Apache / FBI / Foot Tapper / Kon Tiki /Man
Of Mystery / Atlantis / The Rise And Fall Of Flingel
Bunt / Wonderful Land / Shazam / Frightened City /
Shadoogie / Perfidia / 36-24-36 / Dance On /
Shindig / Guitar Tango / Geronimo / Theme For A
Dream. Different selection again, and George
Geddes, in "Pipeline" # 46 reported that they do not
appear to be the same 'group' as the Tring tracks.
Finally (?) "Hits Of The Shadows" on Cosmopolitan
(UK) 40528-2 came to light in 2000. This features
the same tracks as the QED CD mentioned above.
So are The Apaches really Jean-Pierre Danel?
Does anyone know for sure? Over to you! At the
time of writing, Jean Pierre had not responded to
our requests for an interview.
www.kimhumphreys.com
NOW ON LINE Download 2G4W Issues 9 10 11
Find out more about the friends and supporters
of 2 Good 4 Words
www.martincilia.com
www.delightfulrain.com.au
www.kimhumphreys.com
www.zoemcculloch.com
DISCOGRAPHIES
Over the years, I have amassed huge amounts of
discographies and information on (mainly)
instrumental artists. I have started to computerize
lots of these discographies. If there are any you
would like, just ask. Bear in mind, that it would be
almost impossible to do the Shadows or Ventures!!
For those wishing to explore the Jean Pierre Danel
saga a little further, I have now itemized his
recorded works. gjermy@bigpond.net.au
Perth band DOM MARIANI & THE MAJESTIC
KELP have a new CD "Music To Chase Cars By"
due soon. This is a follow up to their excellent
"Underwater Casino". The new CD should be
available through Shock Records or you can visit
the website www.dommariani.com
Thanks to Sonny Witt for the info. Sonny also
mentions a guitar duo from Broome. They are called
DESERT CHILD and "incorporate all sorts of music
from rock to reggae to jazz". Samples of tracks are
available on their site www.desertchild.net
2G4W SUBSCRIPTIONS & ADVERTISING
GEOFF JERMY 8/52 Harding Street, Coburg, Vic.
3058. Tel: (03) 9386 1972, Mobile: 0428 288 577,
Email: gjermy@bigpond.net.au
KIM HUMPHREYS talks to Adelaide based DAVID MINEAR about his project that gathered the crème of
Australian Surf Musicians from the past four decades together at Sydney’s Freshwater Surf Club, which
for two weeks was transformed into a video and recording studio. The aim was to capture individual and
collaborative performances for CD/DVD documentary celebrating Oz surf inspired music.
KH: What is your background and what
inspired is your interest in surf
music and culture?
DM: My professional career is in advertising – 30
plus years. I spent 26 of those years with
international advertising agency, Young & Rubicam,
in various senior creative and management roles in
Australia and overseas.
I don’t play a musical instrument and I’m not that
good on a surfboard. But I love music and the
beach.
In truth, I love all sorts of music and have a large,
eclectic collection. However, surf music and surf
culture have figured prominently in my life.
Interestingly when I left Young & Rubicam back in
2002, the small company I set up I called “Bombora”
– so I guess it’s naturally a part of my life.
“Bombora” is now the record label that I have
released “Delightful Rain” on.
In my mid 50s, surf music has been a bit of a
soundtrack to my life. For years, I’ve loved the
music of The Atlantics. I’m a huge fan of Richard
Clapton. The soundtrack to Morning Of The Earth I
play over and over. And of course, there are the US
influences – Dick Dale, The Chantays, The Surfaris,
The Sandals. I could go on and on. My list of
favourite surf music artists and bands is probably in
the hundreds. Tragic isn’t it? But you get the picture;
I’m addicted to it.
KH: How long has the Delightful Rain
project been on the drawing boards?
DM:In mid 2005, Bombora did its first music project.
I was Executive Producer on an album called
“Lawson” featuring John Schumann and The
Vagabond Crew. www.henrylawson.com.au John
took the poems of Henry Lawson and beautifully
turned them in to songs.
The producer of “Lawson” was Kerryn Tolhurst who
is my partner in this “Delightful Rain” project.
It was the first time I had met Kerryn. I was aware of
his time with The Dingoes and of his song-writing
and producing credits.
We got on pretty well and somewhere through the
recording sessions we got to talking about Hank
Marvin and The Shadows and their influence of
Australian bands in the late 50s and early 60s. In
fact, we felt that they influenced our early Australian
surf sounds more than the music of southern
California.
Subsequent research proved our theory was right.
First up, very casually and with not much true
intention, we talked about doing a tribute album to
Hank using Australian bands from then and now –
e.g. The Atlantics, Billy Thorpe, etc. Somehow the
idea evolved into a recording project about the
evolution and influence of Australian surf music on
our way of life.
When “Lawson” was finished, Kerryn went back to
New York and I came home to Adelaide. But the
idea was too powerful – it had taken hold of us and
we both continued to talk about it via e-mail.
The next thing we know Kerryn is back in Australia
last December and we’re into basic pre-production
and research – making lists and connecting to
possible artists, thinking about the right kind of
recording venues, etc
It’s on that trip I came up with the title “Delightful
Rain” – from Peter Howe’s song “I’m Alive” from the
Morning Of The Earth soundtrack. The lyric in the
song says, “I spend a lot of time inside the world of
delightful rain”. Obviously a great description of the
experience of surfing – but it also seemed to sum
up the last 40 plus years of Australian surf music
“raining” down on us in a warm, protective manner
from generation to generation.
I love that song, always have – and I reckon it
makes a great title for this project. Peter Howe was
pretty chuffed when I rang him out of the blue and
asked him if I could use it for the title. He does a
great version of it on the new CD.
KH: What was the criteria you used to
select
the
performers
and
how
difficult was it to get them all into
the one place at the same time?
DM:In one-way, it wasn’t as difficult as it seemed. I
think we were pretty lucky really.
Kerryn and I met with a number of the artists and
bands directly or via e-mail (depending on where
they were at the time) and explained the idea.
Everyone really liked the concept and understood
what we were setting out to do.
We wanted to get some of Australia’s finest surf
musicians together to record material – old and new
– and to celebrate the journey of Australian surf
music.
It’s an idea that certainly appealed to the artists.
Our theory was that Australian surfing music –
heavily influenced by The Shadows - really started
around the time of The Atlantics and “Bombora”,
The Denvermen and “Surfside”. The early 60s.
And from then on, there were seminal moments in
the evolution of Australian surf music that we had to
reflect.
So in some way, the artists sort of selected
themselves. The Atlantics, Les Green from The
Denvermen, Tamam Shud, Tim Gaze and Peter
Howe from the “Morning Of The Earth” 70s surf film
era, the incredible Richard Clapton, Robbie Hirst
and Martin Rotsey from Midnight Oil, the surf punk
Celibate Rifles and GANGgajang, and Dan Rumour
– the founder of The Cruel Sea.
We also needed to reflect the younger current
generation of Australian surf music artists. We were
blessed that both Beau Young and Andrew Kidman
put their hands up.
There was the four and a half decades of Australian
surf music evolution. And the amazing thing was
that these guys were all available for the mid May
dates we’d locked in to record at Freshwater Surf
Life Saving Club.
Yes, regrettably there were one or two other groups
and artists that we would have liked to have on
board – but we just couldn’t make calendars or
touring schedules work. Maybe next time.
KH: Was there a particular set list
you wanted or did you leave that up to
the performers?
DM:Obviously there were a few songs that we
definitely wanted. Bombora (The Atlantics), I’m Alive
- Delightful Rain (Peter Howe), Surfside (Les Green
of The Denvermen), Walk On Water (Richard
Clapton) and one or two others.
But really we left it up to the musicians. Old material
or new – their choice.
Kerryn worked closely with each artist/band during
the recordings to get the material they felt most at
ease with but that also reflected the journey of
Australian surf music.
Each band put down at least two or three tracks.
We ended up with about 35 songs to select from.
There are 16 on the CD and a couple of bonus
items on the DVD.
What we have now is almost a 50/50 split of old and
new material.
Yes, Bombora is there but there are also some
great new tracks from The Atlantics. Robbie Hirst’s
new band The Angry Tradesmen put down a
cracker called “Big Wave”. The Dan Rumour Band
we couldn’t stop – they put down six tracks in a day.
And then, as if paying respect to the music that
influenced him, Beau Young recorded a version of
John J. Francis’ “Simple Ben” from the 70s cult film
Morning Of The Earth. It will introduce a whole new
generation to that song
Also The Atlantics did a version of the Oils’
“Wedding Cake Island”.
It’s definitely organic and cross generational. But
that’s what we wanted. A real celebration.
KH: Who, apart from the musicians,
have you involved, and relied on, to
get this up and running?
The one thing I now know about making a project
like “Delightful Rain”, it’s never a one-man band.
So many people have contributed above and
beyond the call of duty. But somehow they all
wanted to – because it has been a great project to
be involved with.
In particular, the roles of Kerryn Tolhurst as
producer and Mick Wordley as engineer can’t be
under-estimated. You can listen to the CD but you’ll
never fully appreciate their efforts in pre-production,
recording, setting up for a different band every day,
mixing and mastering.
Mike and Corey Piper and Darcy Yuille did a stellar
job of filming the entire 14 days of recording. And
Craig MacLean as graphic designer, art director and
photographer has really captured the spirit of
“Delightful Rain” in the graphic look.
However, the real patron saint of this project and
the one guy I owe a great deal to is Chris Moss.
Chris has been a heavyweight in the Australian
music industry for many years but had recently
decided to opt for a quieter life by opening a surf
shop in Manly. Little did he know what he was
getting himself into when I asked him to help me out
on “Delightful Rain”.
He has been incredibly generous with his
experience and his connections in the music
industry – and in particular, the surf music arena.
KH: What other promotional plans do
you have for the CD/DVD? Are you
offering it to TV?
“Delightful Rain” will be launched in mid October as
a special “Collector’s Limited Edition” featuring the
16 song CD, a 50 minute DVD and a 24 page
booklet.
The DVD is a great little history of the Freshwater
recording sessions, the songs and some lovely
insights into the artists themselves. And I’m sure
everyone will be impressed by the venue. There’s
also a bonus track or two on the DVD.
Right now we are formulating our marketing plan.
We obviously hope that we can get some airplay for
the songs and maybe even get the 50 minute DVD
programme aired on free to air and/or cable.
KH: Did you receive any corporate
backing, record company support or
Government financial assistance?
DM: Absolutely not.
“Delightful Rain” has been totally financed by my
company Bombora. It is an independent release. It
is something I have thoroughly enjoyed doing. And
wanted to do.
Without sounding too heavy-handed about it, I feel it
is an important cultural project. Our beach culture
and surf music – generation after generation – are
important aspects of our Australian way of life.
If “Delightful Rain” has some place in that or can
reflect that part of Australia, I’m happy. And proud.
It is also a project that I suspect over time will give
me some return. It has certainly already given me
great enjoyment.
I have had the privilege to meet and spend time with
some great Australian musicians.
KH: Can you reveal the budget?
DM: Budget? If I tell you, I’ll have to tell my wife and
that may not be such a good idea.
KH: Do you have any plans to take a
live show on the road or run any gigs
under The Delightful Rain banner?
DM: Although we have had a few chats about it,
right now we don’t have any plans to tour “Delightful
Rain”. I’m sure the artists would be up to it. And it
would make a very worthwhile tour. Maybe in the
future. . . . .who knows?
VARIOUS - DELIGHTFUL RAIN CD/DVD
MGM / BOMBORA PRODUCTIONS- 02
SHADDER - DAN RUMOUR BAND / WHAT’S COME
OVER YOU? -TAMAM SHUD / RIFF A GO GO – THE
ATLANTICS / REMEMBER THE DUKE- ANDREW
KIDMAN / BIG WAVE – THE ANGRY TRADESMEN /
WALK ON WATER – RICHARD CLAPTON / WEDDING
CAKE ISLAND - THE ATLANTICS / SIMPLE BEN BEAU YOUNG / SURFSIDE - LES GREEN / ONE MORE
SUMMER – THE ATLANTICS / LAZY SUNSHINE – THE
CELIBATE RIFLES / DRIFT - DAN RUMOUR BAND /
BLUE BAY BLUES – THE PILGRIM BROTHERS /
SURFIN’ AROUND THE WORLD – GANG GAJANG /
BOMBORA – THE ATLANTICS / I’M ALIVE (Delightful
Rain) – PETER HOWE
The fact that surf music has transcended its 60’s
origins to evolve into so much more than four guys
with matching suits, guitars ands amps, is made no
clearer than on this eclectic collection.
The bonus DVD contains many interesting
anecdotal interviews, giving varied insights into why
musicians from genres as diverse as blues and
punk are so indebted to surf culture. While a couple
of the inclusions appear a little incongruous (to me)
everyone involved does a superb job.
Traditional surf music
fans will gravitate
immediately towards
the contributions of
The Denvermen’s Les
Green, The Atlantics
and The Dan Rumour
Band, who all aptly
demonstrate
why
Australia was, and is,
a force to be reckoned
with when it comes to
surf instrumental music.
Surfside by Les Green is augmented by the
beautiful slide playing of Kerryn Tolhurst, The
Atlantics Bombora benefits from being pulled back
a tad, while their version of Wedding Cake Island
may take a bit of getting used to! Michael Smith (ex
Countdown darlings Scandal) has the enviable task
of holding down the bottom end in the absence of
Bosco Bosnac and slots right in) Original Cruel Sea
guitarist, Dan Rumour is quintessential 60’s instro,
with melodies that refuse to leave your head. Hippie
surfers, Tamam Shud join the 00’s with some Drop
D riffing, the band still as cool as it was back in The
Paddington Town Hall gig days of the early 70’s,
even if Lindsay has ditched the feather boa!
In the acoustic department, Peter Howe is the
epitome of experience and cool; Beau Young (son
of surfing icon Nat Young) along with Andrew
Kidman and The Pilgrim Brothers all exude plenty
of Byron Bay vibe with loads of Triple J appeal.
ANYMORE / I CAN TELL / LITTLE DONNA / SALLY /
GREY MONDAY MORNING
This is a re-issue of the original CD release on
Canetoad, with 16 extra tracks. It now contains the
entire Cherokees 1964 LP on W&G, "Here Come
The Cherokees". This album contains no less than
nine instrumentals, including a fine cover of the Five
Whispers' "Moon In The Afternoon" and five
originals by Doug Trevor. The remainder of the CD
is vocal and contains the group's complete output
for the W&G and Go labels. G.J.
Project producer Kerryn Tolhurst weaves his
musical magic throughout, adding subtle support on
many of the tracks. The gift of being able to
compliment the performance an artist without being
intrusive is a rare one indeed. I still recall the first
time I saw Kerryn with Country Radio. He exuded
a confidence that can only come from being at one
with the music. Truly inspiring!
TOMMY EMMANUEL ”THE MYSTERY"
The Godfather, Richard Clapton unpretentiously
demonstrates why he is without doubt, Australia’s
premier singer/songwriter. Commercial radio may
well currently be on The Pete Murray bandwagon,
but where there’s smoke. . .do yourself a favour and
check out the fire!
CANTINA
SENESE
/
GAMESHOW
RAG
/
CANNONBALL RAG / THE MYSTERY / COWBOY'S
DREAM / WALLS / LEWIS & CLARK / THE DIGGERS'
WALTZ / ANTONELLA'S BIRTHDAY / AND SO IT
GOES / THAT’S THE SPIRIT / FOOTPRINTS / KEEP IT
SIMPLE
To many, surf music may immediately conjour up
images of reverbed out guitars but as in a live
concert experience, it is often the drummer who
commands the spotlight. The DVD showcases
some amazing drum performances. GANGgajang’s
Buzz Biddstrup makes it look all too easy, as does
Tamam Shud’s Nigel Macara and Jim Elliot Cruel Sea / Dan Rumour. Witnessing Peter Hood
in close up is a rare treat, while Rob Hirst
demonstrates the amazing technique and
showmanship that inspired many a young potential
skinman (person).
This is a mainly acoustic
album (Tommy's Matons
are only augmented by a
Tele on the only VOCAL
track,
Walls)
and
continues his recent
tradition
of
gentle
ballads with fast finger
picking in a variety of
styles. In some ways it reminds me of his first outing
"Up From Down Under", particularly in the laidback
tracks such as The Mystery, Footprints and Keep It
Simple (a reworking of the track from his 1994
album "The Journey Continues"). The tracks are
mostly solo guitar. Overall, an enjoyable disc, but
next time, more electric please Tommy! G.J
Having shared the stage with the many of the
performers on this set, I felt as if I had come back
home as soon as I put the CD and DVD into the
player. I am a sure many older fans of Oz surf and
rock music will feel exactly the same.
By the way, artwork, packaging, recording, video
quality and production values are all top notch.
David Minear and associates have left no stone
unturned on this one! This is a must have for
anyone with an interest in Oz surf music. K.H
THE CHEROKEES
"HERE
COME
THE
CHEROKEES
THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS
1964-1968"
CANETOAD CTCD-007
MOON
IN
THE
AFTERNOON / RUNNING
WILD / THUNDERCLOUD /
POPEYE / LOVE POTION
#9 / BLUE SATURDAY /
HEY LITTLE GIRL / PONY
EXPRESS/ PINOCCHIO /
GEPETTO / THEME FROM
A SUMMER PLACE /
HUBBLE BUBBLE TOIL
AND TROUBLE / I'VE GOT
SOMETHING TO TELL YOU / IT'S GONNA WORK OUT
FINE / ONLY IF YOU CARE / I'VE BEEN TRYING /
THAT’S IF YOU WANT ME TO / STOP THIS MISERY /
THE ANGELS LISTENED IN / SHAME ON YOU BABY /
I’LL GIVE YOU LOVE / A WOMAN WITH SOUL / THE
THOUGHT OF YOU / LITTLE LOVER / OH MONAH! /
AIN'T GONNA CRY NO MORE / MINNIE THE
MOOCHER / I'VE GONE WILD / JUST CAN'T CRY
FIRST EDITION WARNER MUSIC ABC 5101137282
VARIOUS - LOADS OF INSTRUMENTALS
VOL.1
WALKIN' - JERRY McGEE & THE CAJUNS / WITCH'S
TWIST - MANDRAKE / SALVATION ROCK - MARV
MEREDITH & HIS ORCH. / ROCKIN’ "J" BELLS LITTLE BOBBY REY / BUTTERSCOTCH - RICHIE
ALLEN / SHOOTING STAR - RICKY STARR & THE ALL
STARS / FUGITIVE - JAN DAVIS / DALILIA - ROGER
ROGER & THE CHAMPS ELYSEES ORCHESTRA /
WALKIN’ THE BOP - RAY CONNIFF & HIS ORCH. /
THE TWISTIN' GHOST - MAXIMILLIAN / IT'S A GAS ALFRED E. NEUMAN & THE FURSHLUGGINER FIVE /
ROUTE 66 THEME - NELSON RIDDLE & HIS ORCH./
WEE TOM - LORD ROCKINGHAM'S XI / TOM TOM
CAT - TOM CATS / FLYING CIRCLE - FRANK SLAY &
HIS ORCH ./ KING NEPTUNE'S GUITAR - KING
CURTIS / AROUND THE CORNER (AND UP YOUR
STREET) - THE WESTWOODS / DON'T TELL WILLIAM
- THE KEYTONES / MALAGUENA - THE UNIQUES/
TWO BY FOUR - THE LITTLE DIPPERS / WHAT TIME
IS IT? - THE RAIDERS / SATAN'S THEME - THE
RONDELS / MOON IN THE AFTERNOON - THE FIVE
WHISPERS / THE CAVALCADE - THE REBELS OF
ADRIANO CELENTANO / WAIT - ANDY DOLL /
TORTURE - THE FENDERMEN / CRUISING - THE
DUALS / THE BIG BEAT - DICK JACOBS ORCH. /
GROOVY GRUBWORM - HARLOW WILCOX & THE
OAKIES / IL SILENZIO - NINI ROSSO
here in Melbourne during his 2005 tour. Only one
instrumental "Eefin' Rock" which was originally titled
"Didgeridoo Rock" until no didgeridoo could be
found. Locals Peter Baylor (guitar), Dave Cantrell
(guitar), Mike St. Clair-Miller (bass) and Andrew
Lindsey (drums) are the support. Great! G.J.
VARIOUS- LOADS OF INSTRUMENTALS
VOL.2
COOLATION - THE DUSTERS / PONDEROSA ROCK LUCKY WHITE & THE PONDEROSA PLAY BOYS /
MANDRAKE - MANDRAKE / NEW ORLEANS BEAT THE CANNONBALLS / DARDANELLA - THE RAIDERS
/ HAPPY GUITAR - REG OWEN & HIS ORCH. /
FOREVER - THE LITTLE DIPPERS / JET-TONE
BOOGIE - THE JET-TONES / MEMORIES OF MARIA JERRY BYRD / CARAVAN - RALPH MARTERIE & HIS
ORCH. / MARIE - THE MUS-TWANGS / SHADES OF
GREEN - THE RONDELS / THE BREEZE AND I PETER GUNN - MAXIMILLIAN / ALI BABA - MORGANCONDELLO COMBO / GOOFIN' OFF - LARRY
LAWRENCE & THE HUB CAPS / HOOTS MON - LORD
ROCKINGHAM'S XI / SPANISH ARMADA - LES REED
COMBO / CRIPPLE CRICKET - HARLOW WILCOX &
THE OAKIES / CHOP SUEY ROCK - THE
INSTRUMENTALS / PARKING FIELD 4 - THE
KEYTONES / STRAIGHT FLUSH - THE FRANTICS /
COWBOYS AND INDIANS - RONNIE BRENT /
RENEGADE - THE UNIQUES / SHAMUS O'TOOLE THE SOUL REPS / COTTON PICKIN' - JIM & THE
INVICTAS / CAMILIA - THE KEYMEN / HOUSE ON
HAUNTED HILL (PART 1) - KENNY & THE FIENDS /
HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL (PART 2) / KENNY & THE
FIENDS / THE ENCHANTED SEA - THE ISLANDERS /
LIMBO (LAND OF IN-BETWEEN) - THE WESTWOODS.
The above two CD's are the start of a new series
containing rare and requested instrumentals from
around the world. They are available from Hound
Dog's Bop Shop or from me, Geoff Jermy –
addresses elsewhere in this issue.
The CD's contain a wide variety of material, from
Jerry (Gerry) McGee's excellent Walkin' to novelty
items, jazz, easy listening, R&B, country, film and
TV themes and lots of good ole' rock 'n 'roll, with
guitars, saxes, drums and more. My favourites
include the Westwoods, Keytones, Mandrake, Andy
Doll, Jerry Byrd and the Soul Reps, but there's
something here to please everyone. Highly
recommended. G.J.
DEKE DICKERSON
(CDEP/EP)
(US) EF-1015
Deke Dickerson finally meets his hero,
GEOFF JERMY
DIABLO
RAW (EP)
SUBDUED / ON THEIR OWN / THIS TIME, I’M RIGHT /
FATE ON I OWE / SAYONARA / SOAKED TO THE
SKINS (INST) dave2109@bitinternet.com
The name Davy Peckett
should be familiar to most
2G4W readers. The head
honcho from New Gandy
Dancer dons his other hat
and picks up the sticks for
Brit Pop outfit, Diablo,
which features Dave Jnr.
out front on vocals and
guitar. Fuzzed out Gibson’s, shimmering acoustics,
with plenty of nods to the classic instro era along
the way, on this all-original, vocal set list, My
favourIte is the very catchy On Their Own. But wait,
there’s more! Soaked to The Skins is Davy’s
instrumental tribute to his hero, Sandy Nelson.
Diablo boasts a very healthy live following, the first
limited release of this CD quickly selling out. You
may not have heard of Muse, Radiohead or The
Stereophonics, but believe me, having the like
minded Diablo introducing classic instro ideas to a
contemporary audience is one sure way to ensure
the spirit will survive. K.H.
"DEKE DOWN UNDER"
PRESTON / ECCO-FONIC
MY BABY DON'T LOVE ME
ANYMORE / CUT LOOSE /
EEFIN’ ROCK / HEY WORM
A 7" EP with a bonus
CDEP (containing the
same tracks) – was
recorded
at
Graeme
Thomas' Preston Studios
UK- (No Number)
DAVY PECKETT
DRUMMIN’ UP A
STORM WITH
DIABLO
VARIOUS "ROCKIN' GUITARS & LIGHTNIN'
FINGERS"
REMEMBER (EEC/Belgium) RMB 75102
CHICKEN WIRE - ROY CLARK / TEXAS TWIST - ROY
CLARK / DARDANELLA - THE RAIDERS / RAUNCHY
GUITAR - THE VENTURES / TEEN SCENE - DICKY
DOO & THE DON'TS / GUITAR TWIST - THE JET
BLACKS / NIGHTCAP - MICKEY LANE / VENTURE'S
MEDLEY - THE CHALLENGERS / BUMBERSHOOT PHIL HARVEY / PANDA BEAR - THE CITATIONS /
REVEILLE ROCK - THE TITANS / RIFF RAFF - THE
CURRENTS / NIGHT RUN - THE MARKSMEN /
SWINGIN' SWANEE ROCK - KENNY BIGGS / REV-UP MANUAEL & THE RENEGADES / ROCKIN' RED RIVER
- KATHY LYNN & THE PLAYBOYS / BLUE BELL
BOUNCE - BLUE ECHOES / GOT NO CENTS - THE
ESCAPADES / THIS BRAVE NEW WORLD - THE
STRANGERS / PROJECT X-9 - JIMMY FAUTHEREE /
WHEN JOHNNY COMES DRAGGIN' HOME - THE
LANCERS / RIDERS IN THE SKY - THE RAMRODS /
SHAKIN' ON THE RANGE - THE CONSULATES / ROD
HOT ROD - THE KING PINS / RAUNCHY TWIST - THE
G-MEN / COUNTDOWN - THE SATELLITES / FALLOUT
- ASTON MARTIN / MOVIN' WILD - THE CRESCENDOS
STRAIGHT AHEAD - THE RAINBOWS / ALL SHOOK
UP - JERRY KENNEDY / LOVE LOST - JAMES
BURTON / GUITAR BOOGIE - ARTHUR SMITH
A great compilation featuring some of the greats –
Roy Clark, Arthur Smith, James Burton, Jerry
Kennedy et al. The Ventures track is actually Guitar
Twist, and their guitarist also appears with The
Marksmen on a great track. Other favourites include
Teen Scene, Raunchy Twist, Bumbershoot, Got No
Cents (ain't that true!) and the old Ramrods' hit
(Ghost) Riders In The Sky. Some terrific stuff here,
lots are hard to find these days. G.J.
Do you remember PETER FRAMPTON? He was
responsible for a couple of (vocal) hits in the 70's –
"Show Me The Way" and "Baby I Love Your Way"
using the VOICE BOX, a device, which synthesized
guitar and vocal sounds.
His album Frampton Comes Alive sold over 6
million. Instrumentally, his
only contribution was (as
far as I know) the track The
Frightened City on the CD
"Twang! – A Tribute To
Hank
Marvin
&
The
Shadows" in 1996.
Now comes the news that
his first all-instrumental
album "Fingerprints" is due for release. It has 14
tracks featuring Hank Marvin, Brian Bennett, John
Jorgensen, Paul Franklin, Charlie Watts, Bill
Wyman and others. I hope to review the CD in the
next "2G4W".G.J.
DVD
"TOMMY EMMANUEL LIVE AT HER MAJESTY'S
THEATRE, BALLARAT, AUSTRALIA"
FAVORED NATIONS ACOUSTIC (US) FNA5120TALL FIDDLER / ANTONELLA'S BIRTHDAY / NINE
POUND
HAMMER
/
CANNONBALL
RAG
/
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW / HEARTBREAK
HOTEL / DO I EVER CROSS YOUR MIND? / DREAM A
LITTLE DREAM / WALLS / TOGETHER ALONE /
LEWIS & CLARK / COWBOY'S DREAM / THAT'S ALL /
TAHITIAN SKIES / (THE MAN WITH THE) GREEN
THUMB / I STILL CAN'T SAY GOODBYE
80 minutes of Tommy Emmanuel magic. As with the
CD, it's all acoustic (not an electric in sight!) – with
vocals by Tommy and/or his fiancée Elizabeth
Watkins on eight tracks. Tributes to the likes of
Merle Travis and Chet Atkins mix well with originals.
The DVD is very well filmed using multiple cameras,
and tracks are interspersed with brief explanations.
Extras include special features. G.J.
NEPOTISM IS NOT A DIRTY WORD AT
2G4W H.Q.
JOIN THE CLUB BY ADVERTISING AND OR SUBSCRIBING.
GEOFF JERMY chews a bone with
the
force
behind
one
of
Melbourne’s’
most
iconic
institutions. Meet The Hound Dog
himself - DENYS WILLIAMS
from HOUND DOG’S BOP SHOP.
.
GJ: Welcome to "2 Good 4 Words" Denys. I
know you're not an instrumental fan, per
se, but do you have any favourites in
the genre?
DW:I'm not a Shadows or Ventures fan, but really like
Merle Travis and other finger pickers, and I love piano
– mainly boogie-woogie, from Albert Ammons to
Preacher Jack and Carl 'Sonny' Leyland. My favourite
guitarist is Carl Perkins.
GJ: You have a huge selection of records
in your collection and/or for sale. What
would be the rarest instrumental you've
seen and what was it worth?
DW: Hard to say. There
was a single called "Rock
Guitar Rock" – I can't
remember the artist. The
Australian issue of the
Merle Travis LP (10"
version) is ultra rare. I've
never seen one for sale.
Leon & Carlos "Rock
Everybody" would fetch
over $1,000, and most
early Merle Travis singles
are hard to find.
GJ:Off the top of your head, what do you
consider the best-selling instrumental
at Hound Dog's?
DW: Again, hard to recall. The excellent Ace series
"Teenbeat" spring to mind.
GJ:Instrumentals aside, what or who are
your favourites? I know you're a Jerry
Lee Lewis fan. Didn't you run his fan
club some time ago?
DW: Yes, I ran the club in the early 60's and Pauline
ran the little Richard Club. It was a bit of fun, and we
met many others with similar interests, and, of course,
made many contacts in the US to get elusive records! I
have really diverse tastes – from pre-war country and
blues to western swing to Cajun to vocal groups to
R&B to soul to some of the better modern rockabilly
bands. My real favourites would be Carl Perkins, Hank
Williams and Moon Mullican.
GJ: You’ve been the Hound Dog for 31
years
now
–
what
have
been
the
highlights of those years?
DW: The overseas trips definitely. We've been to the
US over 30 times, buying records, listening to live
music and enjoying the food. We have met a lot of
good friends over the years with similar interests and
musical tastes. We also have hosted lots of live music
'in store' and outside – that's a thrill. Not a highlight as
such, but the biggest change to the shop has been the
introduction of CD's. Although I much prefer vinyl, I
have to say that CD's have seen the reissue of much
long-lost music, and that's a bonus.
GJ: Tell us a bit about yourself – what
did you do before Hound Dog's, and what
prompted you to start the business?
DW: Well, I've been married to Pauline since 1968, and
we have a son, Joel. In the early 70's we enjoyed an
overseas trip and noticed in London especially, lots of
small specialist records shops, such as Moondog's.
We decided to open a similar shop here in Melbourne,
and ran a sandwich bar in Preston for 12 months to get
us started financially. The rest, as they say, is history.
GJ: Regardless of value or
what's your favourite record
time?
rarity,
of all
DW: Varies from week to week. But I'd say Hank
Williams' lesser known tracks, and early Carl Perkins
on Sun.
GJ: As a collector, what's that elusive,
missing gem that you're still searching
for?
DW: Quite a few early country rockabilly singles –
probably well out of my price range!!
GJ: What are your interests outside of
music? The Melbourne Football Club is
obvious!!
DW:I'm a squirrel – I collect advertising signs, old
gramophone needle tins, small advertising tins and
record dusters. The shop doesn't leave much time –
although we keep 'gentleman's hours', I spend at least
a day per week sending out mail orders, another day
running around to suppliers and customs, another day
sorting, pricing and filing – not much time for other
pursuits!
PHOTOS - MANDY HALL
"ARID" (Australian (and New Zealand) Rock Instrumental Discography)
This time we focus on two of Sydney's best-loved bands from the 'surf' era. Previous issues have featured The Atlantics,
Strangers, Peter Posa, Graeme Bartlett, The Joy Boys, Rob E.G. and The Thunderbirds. Back issues are available.
The titles in lower case are vocals, whilst the titles in UPPER case are instrumentals. Any comments, additions or
amendments are welcome.
THE DENVERMEN
The atmospheric "Surfside" typified the Denvermen sound, and reached number 1 throughout Australia. The group emerged
in 1961 and were Phil Bower (from Arncliffe, NSW, Premier Drums), Allan Crowe (from England, Fender Precision Bass),
Les Green (from Port Macquarie, NSW, Lead Guitar - Fender Jaguar, Gibson) and Tex Ihasz (from Hungary, Rhythm Fender Stratocaster). Ron Patton (Sax) also featured from 1961 to 1963. Their first disc "The Mexican" was recorded in
response to the heavy airplay of the Fentones' version which, for some reason, was never released here. It had little success
however, and it was Surfside which put the group on the map. It would be easy to think that the group were obsessed with
sound effects - rolling surf introduced Surfside, ricocheting bullets on Night Rider, and Sydney Harbour ferry hooters on
Harbour Cruise. All group members were multi-instrumentalists, featuring banjo, ukulele, trumpet, piano and other
instruments in their act. In addition to their excellent instrumentals, they had featured vocalist Digger Revell in the group
from 1961-62, and backed him on record after that. They actually became the house band for RCA Australia in August
1964, and backed many other artists too. The first four singles are reported to have grossed over one million sales - a huge
achievement for the time. Another article, on 27 July 1963, claimed that the group boasted instruments (Fender and Gibson
guitars) and equipment (Fender and Maestro amps) worth 3643. The Denvermen owe much to manager (and singer)
Johnny Devlin, who composed most of their material, including Surfside - which was covered (complete with B side Lisa
Maree) by U.S .group The Notables on Big Top 3141 - this was probably a reissue of the actual Denvermen single. The
Dutch group The Toreros also recorded "Surfside", and "Mystery Wave" and "Harbour Cruise" were recorded by The
Lions from Brazil. Night Rider / Blue Mountains were also covered by the Blue Jeans (South African group who backed
Dickie Loader) on Parlophone 277. The magazine "Everybody's" awarded the Denvermen "Pop Stars Of 1963" and they
received numerous other awards. Digger Revell formed The Sundowners in July 1965, taking Les Green as lead guitarist.
By November 1965, the Denvermen were Ken Kramer (Bass), Phil Bower (Drums), Tex Ihasz (Rhythm), Mick Liber (Lead
Guitar), and Frank Kennington (Vocals). The group disbanded shortly after. Les Green and Tex Ihasz were 'lured' from
retirement in 2005 for an appearance at the "Return Of The Surf Guitar" gig at Sydney's Empire Hotel. Les has since been
involved in the "Delightful Rain" project.
ALBUMS:
1. "LET'S GO SURFSIDE WITH THE DENVERMEN"
(LP)
(December 1963)
RCA (Aust) L.101537 (M)/SL.101537 (S)
SURF CITY STOMP / ON THE BEACH / MYSTERY WAVE / SURFSIDE ROMANCE / HO-DAD / SURFER'S CHA
CHA / BACK RIP / LET'S GO SURFIN' / SPANISH SANDS / QUIET BEACH / SURF PATROL / SURFER'S BLUES
2. "SURFSIDE AND OTHER GREAT INSTRUMENTALS"
(LP)
(1989)
CANETOAD (Aust) CTLP-008
OUTBACK / THE MEXICAN / SURFSIDE / LISA MAREE / NIGHTRIDER / BLUE MOUNTAINS / AVALON STOMP
/ HARBOUR CRUISE / STOMP FEVER / THE SUN SEEKER / MYSTERY WAVE / SPANISH SANDS / THE REBEL /
VAQUERO / SURFER'S BLUES / THE PROUD ONES / ROUTE NO.1 / SHE'S GONE
NOTE: AN ALBUM ENTITLED "THE BEST OF THE DENVERMEN" WAS RUMOURED TO HAVE BEEN ISSUED
BY HMV, BUT I HAVE SEEN NO EVIDENCE OF IT.
COMPILATION ALBUMS:
1. "THE STARS WITH THEIR HITS"
(LP)
- SURFSIDE
(January 1964)
HMV (Aust) OCLP.7609
2. "ROCKIN' GUITAR - INSTRUMENTALS VOL.5"
(LP)
- LISA MAREE
OUT OF TIME (?) 3177
3. "NAT YOUNG'S HISTORY OF AUSTRALIAN SURFING"
(LP)
(1986)
- STOMP FEVER
CBS (Aust) CP 16
4. "ROCKIN' 'NEATH THE SOUTHERN CROSS 1958-64"
(CD)
- SURFSIDE
5. "DECCADE OF INSTRUMENTALS 1959-1967"
(LP)
5a."DECCADE OF INSTRUMENTALS .. PLUS . 1959-1967"
(CD)
- SURFSIDE
6. "MADE IN AUSTRALIA"
(LP/CAS)
- SURFSIDE
TIME-LIFE (Aust) RRC-E 31/840 AUS 2
SEE FOR MILES (UK) SEE204
SEE FOR MILES (UK) SEECD 204
EMI (Aust) EME 261140
7. "LET'S GO SURFSIDE"
(CD)
(1994)
SURFSIDE RECORDS (NZ) SR-156537
- SURF CITY STOMP / ON THE BEACH / MYSTERY WAVE / SURFSIDE ROMANCE / HO-DAD / SURFER'S CHA
CHA / BACK RIP / LET'S GO SURFIN' / SPANISH SANDS / QUIET BEACH / SURF PATROL / SURFER'S BLUES
("LET'S GO SURFSIDE" LP coupled with "REAL COOL HITS" LP by California group AVENGER VI)
8. "JUKE BOX BOP - A COMPILATION OF AUSTRALIAN ROCK AND POP RECORDINGS 1956-1963"
(CD)
(2000)
RECURRENT / SCREEN SOUND AUSTRALIA (Aust) CD/SSA/EA0018
- DRIFTIN'
9. "RARE SURF VOLUME 5: THE CAPITOL MASTERS 1"
(CD)
(2000)
ATM RECORDS (Germany) ATM 3825-AH
- SURFSIDE / LISA MAREE (as DIGGER REVELL & THE DENVERMEN)
E.P'S:
1. "SURFSIDE"
(October 1963)
SURFSIDE / HARBOUR CRUISE / AVALON STOMP / NIGHT RIDER
HMV (Aust) 7EGO.70040
2. "STOMP FEVER"
(July 1964)
STOMP FEVER / SURF PATROL / SURF CITY STOMP / HO-DAD
RCA (Aust) 20313
3. "SURF CITY STOMP"
(1964)
RCA (Spain) 3-20775
SURF CITY STOMP / SURFER'S CHA CHA / ARENA ESPANOLA (SPANISH SANDS) / SURFER'S BLUES
SINGLES:
1. OUTBACK / THE MEXICAN (DIGGER REVELL'S DENVERMEN)
(September 1962)
2. SURFSIDE / LISA MAREE (DIGGER REVELL'S DENVERMEN)
(February 1963)
HMV (Aust) EA.4491
HMV (Aust) EA.4506
HMV (NZ) ?
HMV (Belgium) PGB 1002
CAPITOL (US) 4934
DECCA (UK) F.11657
3. NIGHT RIDER * / BLUE MOUNTAINS
(March 1963)
HMV (Aust) EA.4545
4. NIGHT RIDER * / YOUR DOGS WIN (vocal ?) (UNRELEASED DEMO/SAMPLE RECORD)
HMV (Aust) EA.4545
(* NOTE: ORIGINALLY TITLED "CAPTAIN THUNDERBOLT")
5. AVALON STOMP / HARBOUR CRUISE
(August 1963)
HMV (Aust) EA.4561
6. STOMP FEVER / THE SUN SEEKER
(September 1963)
RCA (Aust) 101533
RCA (NZ) 60374
RCA (Italy) 45 N 1372
7. MYSTERY WAVE / SPANISH SANDS
(December 1963)
RCA (Aust) 101540
8. hootenanny stomp / forever mine (Tony Weston & The Denvermen)
(December 1963)
RCA (Aust) 101543
9. THE REBEL / VAQUERO
(March 1964)
RCA (Aust) 101554
10. THE PROUD ONES / SURFER'S BLUES
(August 1964)
RCA (Aust) 101570
11. SHE'S GONE / ROUTE NO.1
(October 1964)
RCA (Aust) 101577
12. bird dog / without you
(May 1965)
RCA (Aust) 101599
13. i can tell / time will bring everything
(October 1965)
HMV (Aust) EA.4721
THE ECHOMEN
1961 saw the formation of the Echomen in Cairns, Queensland. The group were Rod Rumble (Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar),
Ken Lennon (Drums) later replaced by Griff Beale, Peter Rappolt (Lead Guitar), Charles (Chas) Rappolt (Bass) and Anne
Reilly (Vocals). The single Ski Run reached the Top Twenty in Sydney, but other singles only had moderate success. Like
many others, the group turned to vocals during the "beat boom". For Liz is an arrangement of Fur Elise. Guitarist Peter
Rappolt and Griff Beale currently work together in the gypsy jazz influenced group, Viva.
E.P:
1. "SKI RUN"
HMV (Aust) ?
DETAILS NOT AVAILABLE - PROBABLY NOT ISSUED, A TEST PRESSING?
SINGLES:
1. SKI RUN / SNOWBOUND
(August 1963)
2. BOARD WALKIN' / STRANGERS WHEN WE MET
(September 1963)
3. EASTER BUNNY / FOR LIZ
(April 1964)
4. lonely sixteen / turn to me (Anne Reilly and The Echomen)
(August 1964)
5. THE BEE / hey, what's wrong with me
(September 1964)
6. the end of the beginning / i would never be (ashamed of you)
(February 1965)
HMV (Aust) EA.4562
HMV (Aust) EA.4584
HMV (Aust) EA.4623
HMV (Aust) EA.4646
HMV (Aust) EA.4649
HMV (Aust) EA.4671