Solo Debut of a Wild Talent
Bill Taylor | Van Nuys,, CA United States | 03/28/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The Lonely Surfer is the album follow-up to Jack Nitzsche's only solo hit single, a top-ten instrumental from the early 'sixties. Made with a modest band of familiar Wall-of-Sound session players (Hal Blaine a standout on drums) it features several catchy originals with very strong tunes and unusual arrangements (French Horns in surf music!) as well as covers of some hits of the day ("More", "Stranger on the Shore" and so forth). Some of the cuts could have used more players or more tracking, reminders that this dates from the three-track days at Gold Star Studios in Hollywood.There's only a hint here of the resourceful, sometimes brilliant orchestral composer that Nitzsche was to make of himself. For that you'll have to find the CD of "St. Giles Cripplegate", his self-produced calling card/audition as a "serious" composer, (a limited edition release from Rhino Records). Nor is there much evidence of the Oscar-winning songwriter ("Up Where We Belong") that was to come, though he had already written "Needles and Pins" with Jackie DeShannon.Nitzsche's obits made much of his struggles with his personal demons, and they certainly helped to obscure the breadth of his achievements, keeping him a slightly marginal figure. This CD is really a record of a tremendously talented musician beginning his growth from a Spector side-man into a world-recognized film composer and music producer. And anyone who realized that "Da Doo Ron Ron" had potential as a ballad deserves a listen!"
SUPER COOL MAN ! I WAS HOOKED FROM THE OPENING NOTE!
! MR. KNOW IT ALL ;-b | TRI STATE AREA | 07/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I came across this album quite a few years ago and it just looked like I needed to hear it.......I am so glad I did! After doing some reseach, I realized that I had been listening to this man for years and didn't even know it. He has played on some very impressive albums by some very impressive groups(Rolling Stones). This may not be for everyone,but if you like the first cut "the Lonely Surfer" with it's baritone guitar, you should dig this CD.....I do!"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1