by Ed Solt
There’s something about catching a wave that inspires music. Vocals are not necessary, as the kinesthetic energy translates very well to the hyperactive twang and dripping notes of a guitar swelling with reverb and the animalist back beat of a deranged drummer. This sound is called “Surf Music” and it has been stoking out its fans since the early 60s. Although Jimi Hendrix sang, “To you I shall put an end/then you’ll never hear surf music again” on his song “3rd Stone from the Sun,” surf music has had several renaissances. (The lyric often is misinterpreted as a diss. It was actually Hendrix’s “get well” to an ill Dick Dale during the time of recording).
The 14th Annual Surfer’s Stomp at Suzy’s Bar and Grill brings the many different waves of surf music together for a “bitchin’” time. Local surf band CHUM brings a thrash element to the Stomp as they proclaim not to be “your dad’s surf music — no pretty harmonies, no old ladies from the Valley, no matching suits/Hawaiian shirts…Guitar, bass, drums, reverb, a bit of distortion, some attitude, and a suitcase of bad jokes.”
One of Chum’s (and every surf band’s) biggest influences, Paul Johnson, will end the night. The South Bay native Johnson played lead guitar in the “The Bel Airs” and released the surf instrumental “Mr. Moto” in 1961. Newport Beach’s Dick Dale released “Let’s Go Trippin” almost at the same time and both are considered the first singles of surf music. Despite popular belief, there’s a little bit of hazy water as who is the “The King of Surf Guitar,” as some surf music fans crown Johnson.
With eight bands scheduled to play and only five bucks, the 14th Annual Surfer’s Stomp is not “Agip.” Better fire up that woody and get down to Suzy’s. Don’t be a hodad, squid lips!
Sunday, May 29th, Doors open at noon with the first band going on at 2:00. Suzy’s 1141 Aviation Blvd. Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (310) 379-6171 ER
