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"Carpinteria
musician’s first CD is hitting the air waves"
- By
Gary A. Schlueter
Cowboy Surfer Stu Shulman’s CD "Surf Saloon" is home grown Carpinteria rock and roll. Shulman is a multi-talented musician, singer, song-writer, producer, arranger and environmental activist. When he is not promoting his CD Stu is volunteering his prodigious energy as a Citizen for the Carpinteria Bluffs. He created and maintains the Citizen’s web site and recently produced
"I have been playing for 20 years now," he said. "I am a self-taught musician. I play by ear & feeling. I have been associated with many bands including KROQ bands Burning Sensations, Bonedaddies & Urban Artillery." "Surf Saloon" was released in August. His CD, an initial effort of his production company Seedless Records, has several cuts receiving air play on local radio stations. "To me, I have been successful beyond my wildest dreams," he said. "To have accomplished what I have in the last two years on a shoestring budget, starting my record company, recording & releasing a full length CD with full color artwork, getting it played on radio, building a web site, being written about & all of the positive feelings I’ve gotten from people have made this a most worthwhile experience." Shulman writes rock music with a message. In the first song on the CD "Cowboy Surfer" he advises "Open up your mind to a rainbow discovery that even on a cloudy day the sun always shines on a cowboy surfer." The second cut, "Overrated," starts with a blues rock riff and the words "Lust and betrayal" and further along he rimes "nerve so raw" with "like Limbaugh." Yes, Virginia, there is a political slant to Shulman’s lyrics, but it's not in-yer-face apparent. In fact, from the way the vocals were recorded the words aren’t always discernible. They slip behind the action of the axes as an adjunct to the instruments. This is a decision made at the mixing board. "Trails End" shifts the tempo down with a neat, circular hook and heavy rock instrumentation. But if the hook seems sweet, the voice howls a rasping "Give us the deed on you land Donald Scott! Don’t try to stand up for your rights. Don't even try to stand." Here he conveys social consciousness to a head banging dance beat. You can sometimes feel the influence of English guitar legend Richard Thompson in the way the vocals work with the guitars. This influence comes out again in "Nazi’s in Chile" which is couched in a tempo like an electrified English madrigal. Shulman has a lot of talent to go along with his energy. It shows throughout this CD. His ability to create unique melodies, his talent for arranging and his polished performance techniques are all showcased on "Surf Saloon." Dave Haddad’s crisp drumming throughout keeps the music sizzling, and both Haddad’s and Shulman’s work mixing tracks make this CD something to be proud of. Dec 17,
1998 - Coastal View
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