Being a resident of San Diego, Tim Coffman lives and breathes the tantalizing trimmings of Southern California. On his most recent album, Cruisin’ Pacific Coast Highways: The Longboard Collection, the respected guitarist and operator of Rolltop Music captures the gorgeous ambiance of the region in instrumental form.
As evidenced by Tim’s prior recordings, he certainly has a talent for transmitting such impressions to music. The listener really feels as though they are right in the thick of the scenario, be it lounging on the beach, splashing about in the ocean, surfing the waves, going for a Sunday drive along the coast, or basking in the warm sun.
Every single track on Cruisin’ Pacific Coast Highways projects its own special and unique identity, which is not an easy task when it comes to playing strictly instrumental music.
But Tim boasts an invaluable instinct for showering his musings with solid melodies, the kind that stick in your mind and refuse to let go. His arrangements are comparably strong, while his timing is absolutely flawless. Tim communicates articulately and excitedly through his guitar, as he dispenses one riveting riff after another.
The first cut on the disc, “E-Z Riders” pulls a funny, as it begins quietly before exploding into a mass of thrashing rumblings and delivering a boldly intense performance. Further pieces like “Ode To My VW Bus,” “Jungle Wave” and “Surfer Strut” zoom directly in on Tim’s eye and ear for detail, while the final number on the record, the appropriately titled “Last Set” flows and floats with breezy, relaxing rhythms.
Although Tim’s bag is traditional surf rock, his material is streaked with an “in the moment” bent, giving it an ageless quality. The stamina and energy is fresh, coupled with sneaky and surprising quirks designed to make the audience pay close attention to what is going on. Forceful yet filled with beauty and grace, Cruisin’ Pacific Coast Highways goes to show that great music does not require words in order to say something meaningful, touching and fun.
Once again, Tim Coffman has released an electrifying album, testifying why he is so revered in his field. Cowabunga power chords all the way!
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