A message from the compilation producer

The Rock 'n' Roll instrumental has been popular from the earliest day of rock. Not only did the format emphasize different instruments such as guitar, drums, bongos, organ, piano and saxophone, but also different musical styles, such the raw guitar-sax sound of The Champs "Tequila," the drum laden sound of Sandy Nelson's "Teen Beat," the bongos of Preston Epps, "Bongo Rock," Duane Eddy's trademark twangy guitar on "Rebel Rouser," and the organ drivin sound of Bill Doggett "Honky Tonk" among others. This collection features 25 of the finest hits the genre has to offer. No slow dances here, only the best rockin' instrumentals. Three songs are making their American CD debut. All tracks on this release are the original hit single versions, and are mastered from the best sources available.

An amazing collection

I have held off buying compilations of 50's and 60's instrumental rock music, never satisfied with the CDs out there, and not sure I could sit through so many purely instrumental recordings. Well, this CD put that concern to rest. If you have always thought the old rock instrumentals were lame, watered down, 3 cord pap from bands who could not sing, think again. This grouping of some of the best instrumentals from that era should change your mind. Yes, most of these cuts are available on many CDs (I must have Lonnie Mack's Memphis on at least 3 others) but this mix does not have one truly weak link. I listened to it the first time on a long road trip last week, and must have looked weird shouting and slapping my hands on the steering wheel. The wailing sax in Tall Cool One and Bust Out - and the strollin' line dance image from Doggett's full version Honky Tonk, and on and on. Here's hoping Varese follows up with another like this.