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| Bill Elm - steel guitar Joey Burns - guitar, bass Van Christian - drums Tom Larkins - percussion John Convertino - vibes, marimba, other percussion |
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Friends of Dean Martinez are from Tucson, and their music reflects the sexy languor of the American Southwest. They play sad, sweet, instrumental classics (most of them originals), with Bill's steel guitar acting as both lead guitar and voice.
Though the mood is rather laid-back, they're not to be mistaken for lounge lizards--people just have a hard time categorizing non-rock music. Far from being a "novelty" act, Friends Of Dean Martinez are just one of many contemporary bands rediscovering the emotional power of music beyond rock ‘n' roll. The Shadow Of Your Smile is Friends Of Dean Martinez's first album, following last April's debut 7" on Sub Pop (as Friends of Dean Martin). While there is bass on the album, Joey does not play bass live. About their name change, yes, they used to be called Friends Of Dean Martin, but our lawyer told them to anticipate legal trouble, so the change was made. (I happen to like its Southwestern flair.) When Deano's "people" finally called back, indeed they said they'd come a-huntin' if anyone started to cash out. Oh yeah... Joey and John are also in Giant Sand. Bill used to be in Giant Sand. Tom and Van are also in Naked Prey. Bill used to be in Naked Prey. Friends Of Dean Martinez ARE available for parties, weddings, and soundtracks.
The Friends may be coming to your town! Check the tour schedule. |
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CMJ
Following their debut 7" release, the Friends of Dean Martin(ez) were
officially expelled from the Rat Pack, but they're always welcome on our
hi-fi. Their easy-listening artistry and expertise in varied 50's and 60's
instrumental styles is perfect for those late-summer barbecues, or great
with a refreshing beverage any time of year. You may already be acquainted
with The Friends -- various members of Giant Sand and Naked Prey, along with
Bill Elm, a former member of both groups, whose sparkling steel guitar
stylings nearly steal the show. This Arizona combo's metier is sultry
Southwestern ballads for slow dancing and slow drinking ("Given the Time,"
"House of Pies" and a leisurely version of "Misty"), but they're also
masters of the cliches of twangy surf rock ("Chunder"), jet-set lounge organ
("Swamp Cooler") Hawaiian luau music ("I Wish You Love"), jazz a la MJQ
(cool vibes on Thelonius Monk's "Ugly Beauty"), spaghetti western ("All The
Pretty Horses"), Euro-exotica ("Per Sempre," featuring accordion, mandolin
and violin) and twangy south-of-the-border spice ("El Tiradito" and the
classic title cut). The authenticity of the Friends' sound is a testament
to both their musical talents and their record collections. FACTSHEET 5
Instrumental twangmeisters with the best of 'em, these cool cats ride off
into the sunset as often as they can, a total of thirteen times on this
disc. If I had a car and somewhere to drive it, I would probably find
myself driving to this. The music is a slinky, languid take on the classic
instrumental sixties sound. They make excellent use of steel guitar to get
that classic falling asleep in the back seat Ry Cooder type of feel and the
tempo really doesn't ever heat up. A good one to sit on the porch sipping
gin and tonics to. |
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