My summers would be incomplete without a Merrell Fankhauser surf-instrumental-rock album playing in the backyard amongst all the seasonal activities. I will have another great rock 'n' roll album to spin this summer by the legendary guitar man from the California Central Coast near Pismo Beach.
Rockin and Surfin Vol. 1 is the latest in Fankhauser's long line of treasured releases. At one point, he would no longer record this type of music because everyone from his surf band, The Impacts, had passed away, but with the urging of friends in the music business, he decided to give it another go. I would be deeply saddened if this man had never made another surf-instrumental album; it would have fit him like a glove. We are the lucky recipients of yet another masterful performance by one of the best to ever strap on a six-string.
When you hear his incredible instrumental version of Dylan's (most people think of Hendrix)"All Along The Watchtower," you will understand where I am coming from. There are the cover tunes, as there usually is at least one or two on any good surf-instro album worth its salt (no pun intended). He does terrific renditions of the all-time classics "Baja" and "Pipeline," as only Merrell can. Those of you who are familiar with his work know what I mean when I say that.
Getting back to more updated sounds, "Wild Gyrations" (my favorite track), which features some killer sax, and "Rockin and Surfin" are splendid slices of surf-rock instrumental heaven that will bring you right to that sandy white beach or a ride on your favorite surfboard inside your mind. This music is picturesque, and it does help you envision things related to the music and culture. The closer, "Last Wave At Hanalei," which serves as the sunset to this great set, saves your seat on the beach, and that is where you stay until the album is through. It is pure pleasure, and the sun's warmth comes through your speakers. I listen to this music, and it always makes me feel great!
Merrell is a believer in using vintage equipment to get his unique sound. He gave me an overview of what he used for the album:
I used a 1962 Fender Jazzmaster guitar and my 78 Fender Telecaster for the electric guitar parts, a Dobro slide on a few songs, and a Martin acoustic steel string & classical guitar. The electric was played through A Fender Blues Delux tube amp, and a Dan Electro' Nifty Fifty' amp run through a 'Blue Tube' pre-amp, a Fender Bass on all bass parts. All final mixes went down to a 2-track 1/4" Ampex analog recorder. That really keeps the warmth in the music. I don't like Computer or Pro Tools recording; it just sounds too digital. Surf music needs tubes and analog recorders. Chamber reverb is all we had in the old days until the spring reverb came along. The stand-alone Fender reverb units have the best quality for getting that original sound we had in the early 60s. I also run Yoriko's piano and Organ / Synth through an Apex tube pre-amp to warm it up.
Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
Rating-8/10
Tracks:
01. Rockin and Surfin (
02. Johnny B Good (
03. All Along The Watchtower (
04. Wild Gyrations (
05. Beach Boogie (
06. San Ho Zay (
07. Sukiyaki (
08. Surfin 101 (
09. La Perouse (
10. Pipeline (
11. Baja (
12. Last Wave At Hanalei (
Credits:
Merrell Fankhauser-Electric,
acoustic, slide guitars and bass
Yoriko Hongo-Keyboards
Tim Fankhauser-Guitar
Art Dougall-Drums and
Percussion
Leroy Richards-Bass
Bruce Clark-Sax and Flute
Martin Brown-Steel Guitar
Merrell Fankhauser has released four volumes of Rockin and Surfin. I enjoyed
the first volume in 2004, and now, all these years later, Vol. 2 is spinning for my
listening pleasure. I hope to hear 3 and 4 shortly.
The title, Rockin and Surfin, is a fitting descriptor for the
album's diverse musical styles. It features an eclectic mix of surf rock
instrumentals and a plethora of subgenres, making it an enjoyable and
unpredictable listen.
"Until The Ice Melts" is appropriate for the last few
days in my location with tons of snow and ice! The track is traditional surf-instro
60's style with guitar sounds you would expect to hear. It is a great rocker to
start this compilation featuring some outstanding drums.
"Back in The 60s is a more mellow sound and tempo, but it
is another reminder of what you would have heard in the early decade of surf
instrumentals. The rhythms are familiar and unmistakable 60's surf. The echoing
guitar was one of the trademark sounds so beautifully played. One of the common
threads of this music is the strumming acoustic guitar to accentuate the bottom
end and let the electric guitar stand out and take the spotlight.
"Midnight Surfer" features catchy rhythms, strumming
acoustic guitar, and a strong bass. The pleasant lead guitar is reminiscent of
The Ventures' playing at its peak. This one has a tropical-island flavor around
the edges for further sound enhancements.
"Long Boards and Cool Cars" The previously mentioned
strumming remains a considerable factor that the lead electric guitar counts on
for support. The leads are excellent, with a very warm sound with catchy hooks.
"Waimea Run" is a definitive surfer song. Immediately,
the energy bursts out when the track starts with all the instrumentation. Some
classic riffs backed by good rhythms are in place. The music is both
picturesque and colorful.
"Angel Baby" is a 1960 single by Rosie and the
Originals. It sounds more 50s-style to me. It is pop played elegantly and
perfectly, and only a gifted guitar player like Merrell Fankhauser could pull
it off. It is very chill.
"Tropical Heat" takes things in a different direction
with this compilation. The combination of acoustic and electric guitars is
superb. Again, the rhythm section does a great job of setting down a strong
foundation to which the rest of the sounds can glide. It is the most complex
track, with many layers. And with percussion added, it makes for the perfect
atmosphere so you can feel the heat!
"Tiki Lounge" is Merrell's long-running syndicated TV
series. He jams with friends and interviews people, such as Niki Hopkins, many
years ago.
The tropical feel of the track is in place, as in the previous
track; it continues with another taste of the sun and waves. All is done well,
capturing the feeling of being there with some fine slide guitar playing,
perhaps inspired by the Hawaiian Slack Guitar style. The percussion in the last
minutes and the whistle-blowing reminded me of Latino music I enjoyed from the
50s and 60s.
"Hene Hene Ko Aka" means "There is a place for
you." The acoustic guitar, bass, and drums feature beneficial rhythms. The
lead electric guitar resonates with the island sound, which was
intended based on the title. The consistent beat featured on these tracks was
always key for the lead lines.
"NawillWill With You," which I believe means By Will.
The strumming and electric guitars merge again to make for a full sound. This
time, keys are added for the first time for more texture. Again, we get the
treat of some fantastic slide guitar and good rockin' riffs. This track is
different as it has some country sounds and everything else you have heard thus
far. The eclectic guitar playing mixes several styles within one track and is
captivating.
"Corazon Quebrado" means "Broken Heart," so
along that train of thought, the music is mesmerizing, with some superb guitar
playing. An authentic surf sound and island atmospheric touch will bring you to
the beachfront in a heartbeat.
"A Long Time Ago" features a shimmering guitar sound
that reflects the shoreline's beauty and ocean blue. The slower tempo gives you
more time to reflect on that incredible gift of nature.
"Wipe Out" is not just a song. It's a live experience
on this track. It's one of the most recognizable and famous surf-instro songs
ever. Merrell wrote the song. This is a live version with Willie Nelson cutting
loose with Merrell at a live Dharma event. The video is included here. The
drums and guitar of the song will never get old; it's always so much fun to
hear it!
Rockin and Surfin Vol. 2 is one more volume focusing on the multitude of talents Merrell Fankhauser has brought to music for so long. His abilities on the guitar and as a composer of music are beyond reproach. As much as I have enjoyed the tracks with him singing on several other albums, he was totally in his element playing surf instrumental rock, and this is one of four tributes to that legacy.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf
Music Reviews and Art Founder
February 17, 2025
Tracks:
01. Until The Ice Melts
02. Back in The 60’s
03. Midnight Surfer
04. Long Boards and Cool Cars
05. Waimea Run
06. Angel Baby
07. Tropical Heat
08. Tiki Lounge
09. Hene Hene Ko Aka
10. NawillWill With You
11. Corazon Quebrado
12. A Long Time Ago
13. Wipe Out
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