Twang Bang

“Twang Bang” is an original instrumental in the late-50’s early 60’s style of guitar twangmaster Duane Eddy — who together with producer Lee Hazlewood — put together a string of 27 Hot-100 hits between 1958 and 1964.

Twang Chaser

“Twang Chaser” is an original instrumental in the late-50’s early 60’s style of guitar twangmaster Duane Eddy — who together with producer Lee Hazlewood — put together a string of 27 Hot-100 hits between 1958 and 1964.

Twing, Twang, Twung

“Twing, Twang, Twung” is an original instrumental that combines elements of the styles of Duane Eddy, the Ventures, and the Shadows. All three are artists I’ve spent considerable time studying.

The most prominent lead instrument is the baritone guitar.

 

Eddy-fied

“Eddy-fied” is an original instrumental in the late-50’s early 60’s style of guitar twangmaster Duane Eddy — who together with producer Lee Hazlewood — put together a string of 27 Hot-100 hits between 1958 and 1964.

Blue Bari

“Blue Bari” is an original composition. I set out to write a Duane Eddy type tune featuring bluesy licks my baritone guitar. The recording does feature the baritone, but the feel of the track turned out to be more Bill Doggett-style honky-tonk.

Rebel Walk

“Rebel Walk” was a track on Duane Eddy’s 1960 album “The Twangs the Thang”. My version borrows the main riff, 12-bar form and shuffle feel, but little else. It should still be recognizable as a Duane Eddy style number, however — featuring a baritone guitar and plenty of twangy rockabilly.

Tiger Love and Turnip Greens

“Tiger Love and Turnip Greens” was the 2nd cut on Duane Eddy’s 1960 Album ” The ‘Twangs’ the ‘Thang’ “. Written by Eddy and producer Lee Hazlewood, it is a foot-stomper. The original features Eddy on a baritone guitar. My arrangement also incorporates a baritone guitar, but also adds a few things.

Shakin’ All Over

“Shakin’ All Over” is a song originally performed by Johnny Kidd & the Pirates. The song was written by frontman Johnny Kidd, and his recording of it reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in August 1960. The original recording was not a hit outside of Europe.

In the USA “Shakin’ All Over” is better known in versions by other artists. In 1964 a local band from Plattsburgh, NY called the Twiliters recorded a live version of it. It did well in New England but did not chart nationally.  A 1965 cover by The Guess Who reached #1 in Canada, and also top 40 in the US and Australia.

I think this is a great “garage band” tune that works very well as an instrumental.

 

Unchained Melody

“Unchained Melody” is a 1955 song with music by Alex North and lyrics by Hy Zaret.It has since become one of the most recorded songs of the 20th century. The title is the result of the music serving as a theme for the little-known prison film Unchained. In 1955, three versions of the song (Les Baxter, Al Hibbler, Roy Hamilton) charted in the Billboard Top 10 in the United States. Ten years later the Righteous Brothers version topped out at #4. There are also versions by Duane Eddy and the Ventures.

 

 

Trambone

“Trambone” was a track on Chet Atkins’ 1962 album “Back Home”. It went on to become one of his signature tunes. Duane Eddy and the Ventures covered it as well.

Rear View Mirror #18: Treat Her Right

“Treat Her Right” as recorded by Roy Head and the Traits, reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965. It was kept from the #1 spot by the Beatles “Yesterday”. It is one of my all time favorite tracks. My version is pretty faithful to the original, but since I don’t sing, there are no vocals.

(Dance with the) Guitar Man

“(Dance With The) Guitar Man” is a song written by Duane Eddy and Lee Hazlewood and originally performed by Eddy. The song reached #4 on the UK Singles Chart and #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962. My version eliminates the vocals but is otherwise pretty faithful to the original. 

Rear View Mirror # 14: Kommotion

“Kommotion” is a song written by Duane Eddy and Lee Hazlewood and performed by Eddy. The song reached #13 on the UK Singles Chart and #78 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960. The song appeared on his 1960 album, $1,000,000.00 Worth of Twang.

Duane Eddy used a Danelectro 6-string bass on his recording. I used a 6-string bass on mine as well.

Rear View Mirror #13: Cannonball

“Cannonball” is a song written by Duane Eddy and Lee Hazlewood and recorded by Eddy. The song reached #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1958.

In my version I tried to add a little additional interest and rhythmic complexity.

 

The Ballad of Paladin

This was the song used over the closing credits for the 1958-63 TV western “Have Gun – Will Travel”.  As played by actor Richard Boone, Paladin was the main character. Duane Eddy released an instrumental version that was a top-40 hit in 1962.