Love Is All Around

This is my instrumental arrangement of “Love Is All Around”. It was written by Reg Presley, the lead singer of the British rock group, the Troggs, in 1967. It was a hit that year in the UK (#5) and in 1968 in the USA (#7). Hank Marvin included a cover on his 2000 album, “Marvin at the Movies”. I borrowed the introduction of his version, but otherwise this arrangement is my own.

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A Time Will Come

“A Time Will Come” is an original instrumental composition intended to be similar to the style of the Shadows.

So Goodbye Now, Emily

“So Goodbye Now, Emily” is an original instrumental dedicated to the memory of a long-time family friend who passed away in February, 2021. It is intended to be similar in style to the Shadows.

Freaked

“Freaked” is an original instrumental composition intended to sound like something the Ventures might have done in the late 1960s. 1967 saw the release of Jimi Hendrix’ “Are You Experienced”, the Beatles “Sgt Peppers” and the Mothers of Invention “Freak Out”.

The Ventures released “Guitar Freakout” in 1967 as they were (like everyone else) influenced by what they heard. They also needed to stay relevant — surf rock and early 60’s style guitar instrumentals were ancient relics.

Lullaby of Birdland

This is my instrumental guitar-rock cover of “Lullaby of Birdland”. It was composed in 1952 by British Jazz pianist, George Shearing as the theme for New York City jazz club, Birdland. I thought it might work in the style of the Ventures.

The Darkness Ends

“The Darkness Ends” is an original instrumental composition intended to sound similar to the style of the Shadows.

Filler Cut

“Filler Cut” is an original instrumental compositions intended to sound like the 12-bar instrumentals used to fill out the albums of groups like the Ventures — as well as many surf-rock groups and the Shadows as well.

Crazy

This is my instrumental cover of “Crazy”, which was written by Willie Nelson and a huge hit for Patsy Cline in 1962. As far as I can tell, neither the Ventures nor the Shadows recorded a version, even though it crossed over to the pop charts from country, and they certainly would have been aware of it.

My Heart Can’t Be Full

“My Heart Can’t Be Full” is an original instrumental composition intended to be similar to the style of the Shadows.

Boogie Bored

“Boogie Bored” is an original instrumental composition intended to be similar in style to 1960s surf-rock.

This Guy’s in Love

This is my instrumental cover of “This Guy’s in Love”, written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. It was recorded and released by Herb Alpert in 1968. Although noted as a trumpet player and for the enormous success of the Tijuana Brass, Alpert’s vocal rendition earned him his first #1 hit single. Hank Marvin included an instrumental cover on his 1969 solo album.

Let’s Move On Together

“Let’s Move On Together” is an original instrumental composition intended to be similar to the country-style songs the Ventures did in the early 1960s. Nokie Edwards was a great country guitarist, and although the Ventures are not thought of as a “country” group, they recorded plenty of country material.