Search - Various Artists :: That's Swift: Instrumentals From the Norman Petty Vaults

Ace Records is well known as the home of the Fireballs, the rocking instrumental combo that legendary producer Norman Petty shepherded to the top of the charts in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Their unprecedented success inspired a generation of instrumental combos, several of whom decided to follow in the Fireballs footsteps and beat a path to Petty's door. "That's Swift" compiles the very best of the non-Fireballs rock instrumentals that Norman Petty cut in the early 1960s, and a rocking little disc it is too. Established professionals like Canada's successful Wes Dakus' Rebels rub shoulders with obscure outfits such as the Tiaras and the Chandelles, all showcasing the patented excitement that Petty pioneered with the Fireballs. There's R&B flavoured items from the Gliders and the Chances, moody melodies from the Techniques, King Pins and Bentleys, and several quasi-surf classics such as 'Jetster', 'Riptide' and 'Termites'. Most of the acts are from New Mexico and West Texas, and feature local guitar heroes like John Wagner (Five Counts) and Ysidro Garcia (Gliders). As with all of Ace's releases featuring Norman Petty-produced material, "That's Swift" benefits from years of meticulous tape research, and thus boasts much unissued material and top-notch sound. The packed booklet goes into depth about these recordings, the bands that cut them, and Petty's world-renowned production techniques. Utterly essential for all instrumental and Norman Petty fans alike.