California is known as the birthplace of instrumental Surfmusic. Time to talk to one of todays active performers from there. Read that brief interview with Eric Cutshall [EC] guitarplayer of the band THE RECKLESS REEFERS, who released a 10 song instrumental CD ["Over the Edge"] which features moody surf & rock`n`roll tunes [covers and originals]. A good choice for everyone who digs the sound of early Ventures and classic Rock`n`Roll instrumentals played in a modern style. Check it out.
TES: Can you give a brief story about the Reckless Reefers ? members etc.
EC: My name is Eric Cutshall, I play guitar and organ with The Reckless Reefers. I formed the band at the end of 2004 to get back to my musical roots. I learned to play guitar listening to old records of instrumental rock of the late 50’s and surf music of the early 60’s. I contacted drummer Mike Torrence and bassist Roger Barber. We recorded a CD of mostly original tunes and started performing anywhere we could. Roger left the band last summer. Although we haven’t found a permanent replacement yet, we’ve continued to perform with the help of a few different musician friens filling in on bass.
TES: For what does the name stand ? Any background story ?
EC: The name is just a play on words. I was trying to think of a name for the band. My wife and I were tossing out ideas and she came up with The Coral Reefers. I like the name but Jimmy Buffet has been using that name for his band for quite some time now. My wife (Debbie) then came up with The Reckless Reefers, which I thought was amusing and had a ring to it. The name does get some laughs and some curious looks, but there’s really no hidden meaning or anything like that.
TES: What are your main influences ?
EC: My main influences are The Ventures, Duane Eddy, Johnny and The Hurricanes, Dick Dale, Link Wray, and all of the instrumental bands from the late 50’s and early 60’s. Mike has mentioned The Beatles, Beach Boys and rock groups from the 60’s as his influences.
TES: How does the claifornian surf music scene looks like these days ? Are there any cool spots for surf music concerts ?
EC:
The California surf music scene is still alive. There are some of the bands from the 60’s still perfoming out here
as well as bands that have formed since then. There are some clubs that will
have surf bands on the bill and there are other venues such as fairs, street
scenes, car shows and private functions. All of the bands I have talked to have
been very friendly.
EC: We were starting to play alot of shows when Roger left, after a few months of regrouping, we are now tryin to book as many as as possible.
TES: What were the highlights ?
EC: The highlights of any show is when the audience is into the music and having a good time. We really enjoy the interaction.TES: Can you tell me something about the gear you use ?
EC: I play an Epiphone ES295, which is not a traditional surf guitar, but I like the way it sounds and plays. My amplifier is a Fender Concert amp from the 80’s ( 60 watt, all tube, with 2 x10’s). The only effect I use is reverb and lots of it. Mike plays several different drum kits ( he owns a music store so he has his choice).TES: What are the future plans of THE RECKLESS REEFERS ?
EC: The Reckless Reefers plan to continue performing as much as possible. I am writing material for our next CD at the present time. We hopefully will start touring soon. California, Arizona, and Nevada to start with and hopefully expand as from there.TES: What are your „real“ jobs ? Is it difficult to juggle the dayjob and the band ?
EC: Mike is the owner of Music Mike’s. A music store in Riverside, California. Check out their website at: www.musicmikes.com. They are a retail store that also does rentals, lessons and repairs. In fact, Mike can usually be found in his shop in the back of the store fixing brass instruments. I teach guitar and bass lessons at a few different locations. Mike and I have somewhat flexible schedules so working during the daytime doesn’t get in the way. We have both played music full time in touring bands in the past.TES: What do you think about the internet as the „new middleman“ between bands and the audience ? Does the internet help you a lot to promote your music ?
EC: I like the internet and I think it is a valuable asset to bands and music fans.
TES: Where can your stuff be brought ?
EC: Our music will soon be available thru our website: www.the-reckless-reefers.com. We will either have a secure site of our own for credit card transactions or go thru a site such as CD Baby.TES: Are you guys „real“ surfers ?
EC: Roger ( who is no longer with us ) was the only surfer in the band. Actually he was a former surfer beached by an ankle injury. I am far too uncoordinated to attempt surfing, but I like the music and enjoy watching surfing and surf competitions. I am not sure what Mike’s excuse is for never taking to the waves, but I must admit: we are Hodads.TES:
Any last words to the readers ? EC: I would like to thank the readers and listeners and encourage them to check out our website and drop me a line at the-reckless-reefers@verizon.net, I’d love to hear from you.
Okay, there you have it ! Visit Eric and his band at www.the-reckless-reefers.com for more info about upcoming things and actions. If you would like to buy a copy of their debut "Over the edge" you can also contact the 3rd Eye Surfer zine.
comin` home baby.