Instrumental Surf Review: Randy Holden-Surf Guitar God 2001

Randy Holden, the self-proclaimed guitar god, has a special treat for his fans who remember him from his days playing guitar with a surf-instrumental group called The Fender IV. 

Yes, Mr. Holden has been around the block a few times. Calling himself a guitar god sounds like pretty heady stuff. Well, let me tell you, he can back up every word of it. And his guitar playing is a living testament to the title of the seven-track Surf Guitar God 2001.

Holden is not the classic once-bitten, twice-shy indie artist; he got screwed enough to make him reevaluate the music business. Back in his days with Blue Cheer, around the time Woodstock made history, some events nearly pushed a great artist to extinction. The self-imposed exile lasted for twenty years, and then he emerged from it, thank God. (There is a lot to that story in my interview.)

Holden is fiercely independent and motivated to succeed, and he has achieved this with great success. Holden himself painted the cover of this CD. As you can see, he is a very talented man.

Talking with Randy made me realize what a deep and sensitive artist he is. He is the consummate guitar player and technician. I referred to "Prayer To Paradise" in a previous review as a jam, and he quickly set me straight in an interview I conducted with him. He told me it was a sonata, not a jam. Jams are disorganized, and he loathes disorganization when he creates music. It makes perfect sense to me, and I learned the actual value of his creations in the process.

There are some great songs on this CD. "Prayer To Paradise" and all the other extraordinary compositions belong on this disc. For instance, "Hawaiian Rain," which epitomizes a tropical rainstorm, is the difference between getting showered with actual raindrops and an awe-inspiring blend of guitar chords. It beckons images of the beautiful island in your mind's eye.  The notes come raining down upon your consciousness. 

"Highway Surfer" and "Malibu Run" combine traditional surf and modern elements nicely. I realize that seven tracks don't look like a long-running CD, but do not be deceived by this. "Prayer to Paradise" runs 23:54, and "Hawaiian Rain" is 17:04. The rest of the songs are typically two minutes long, which is standard for the genre.

I have come to truly admire this man, not only for his complete artistry but also for his unyielding spirit and strength. He is a great man, playing great music. Anyone who can paint a picture like the one on the cover of this CD, enabling you to see it by listening to the music, has a gift that needs to be shared. Thanks for sharing your gifts with me, Randy.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

April 30, 2001

Tracks:

1. Margaya  

2. Highway Surfer   

3. Everybody Up   

4. Malibu Run    

5. Little Ollie    

6. Prayer To Paradise   

7. Hawaiian Rain