Rumblin' & Rare

Liner Note Author: Brian Nevill.
Although they're generally lumped in with the instrumental surf bands of the early to mid-'60s, the Rumblers were really more of a white R&B group specializing in sax-led instrumentals, with maybe just enough of Link Wray-styled electric guitar tossed in to satisfy the surf crowd. This set, the second and last installment of Ace Records' reissuing of the band's catalog, includes six tracks from the Rumblers' lone LP from Downey Records -- the remaining 18 tracks have been unreleased until now. It's a fun set, with several cuts featuring a twin-sax attack, and there isn't much of a surf feel here, which really isn't a problem unless that's what one is looking for. Highlights include the opener, "Boss Drums," a surprisingly effective instrumental version of "Summertime Blues," the lovely and shuffling "Bashful," and a sweet take on Duke Ellington's "Harlem Nocturne." ~ Steve Leggett