1/6/06 - Urban Surf Kings
and much more, Link Wray Tribute, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Just recovering from Friday night's Link Tribute up here in Halifax (Canada).
Since there's no local Blue Stingray, guess I'll do the show report myself.
First up was the all girl Stolen Minks. Their garage-style sound (gtr, bs, kys,
drm, vox) got the crowd up on the dance floor right from the first song.
Highlights were "Black Widow", "Branded" and "Slinky". These Minks did their
research, giving out Link Wray facts between songs.
Next up was Brad Conrad performing a handful of tunes from Link's often
forgotten country period (1970's). Brad performed a solo, slide guitar
version of "Crowbar", then brought up the Urban Surf Kings to back him up on a
few more country Link tunes. This set wrapped up with stormin' versions of "Jack
the Ripper" and "Studio Blues".
The third act up was the Link Wray-named band Big City After Dark, featuring
Wray's disciple Jay Melanson. Right from the opening notes of "The Shadow Knows"
to the closer "Law of the Jungle", BCAD had the crowd in their collective hands.
Some of the highlights included "Deacon Jones", and "Pancho Villa" with Drummer
Mink (from the Stolen Minks) playing the cowbell part. This was only the band's
second gig; they tore the house down!
Last up was Urban Surf Kings. Sitting in on Longhorn bass for us was Brad Conrad
(he'll be with us for the next while. Crash Flagg is on Paternity leave). This
crowd knows Link. Opening with "Commanche", the crowd was "singing" along, and
dancing from the first power chord. We played a 16 song set filled with our fav
Link tunes, including "Mr. Guitar", "Run Boy Run", "Run Chicken Run" and
"Vendetta". We wrapped up the night with "Rumble", of course. Jay from
BCAD came up to play my guitar neck as I strummed the strings on this one.
I had a great time MC-ing/playing the night. It was great to see that Link has
so many fans in Halifax. There were about 200 at the Tribute held at Stage Nine.
Rumble On!!!
Rev Hank/Urban Surf Kings
