In the early 1960's I had already been inspired by The Beatles. I was learning guitar and writing surfer songs. In 1963 the instrumental band THE SURFARIS came out with 'WIPE OUT" (Find it and listen on any platform).
The tune rocked my young world! The song featured drummer Ron Wilson's impressive skills. It was one of the few times in music history a song featuring drum solos made the charts.
All my friends were playing the drum part on their desks and tables, anywhere they could find a surface to bang on. Not me! I learned to play the drum solo with my right hand and a pick on my guitar! I learned Bob Berryhill's guitar licks and could play both parts solo! I had the honor of meeting Berryhill and blurted out "You taught me how to play the guitar!" I guess there is still a bit of "groupie" in me!
The Surfaris made me realize that I could play my acoustic guitar as a percussion instrument. My right hand would drive the beat while my left hand took care of the chords and notes. The result is high energy, driving, percussive approaches to my songs. "LIKE DON'T ALWAYS MEAN LOVE" is one of those songs. I hope you'll check it out.
The Surfaris were recently inducted into Musician's Hall of Fame in Nashville.
Check out "LIKE DON'T ALWAYS MEAN LOVE" on the Epiphany EP