1954: An Explosive Year for Music

We all know that 1954 was the year of Elvis Presley’s famous and influential Sun recordings, but 1954 was also highly noteworthy for the combined impact of these three particular tunes – all instrumentals:

1.  “Stratosphere Boogie” by Speedy West & Jimmy Bryant –

Phenomenal, blazing twin guitar work — rock and roll by any other name (although some might call it “country jazz“).  Recorded September 2, 1954.  Bryant is using a “Stratosphere Twin” doubleneck guitar with 6-string and 12-string necks.  The 12-string neck, curiously, is tuned in thirds, thus sounding like twin lead guitars playing lines in harmony.

(image courtesy of Unique Guitar Blog)

Billboard‘s bloodless review in its October 30, 1954 edition (“a fast-paced instrumental with excellent guitar work“) barely hints at the raging currents that propel this groundbreaking recording —

“Stratosphere Boogie“

Speedy West & Jimmy Bryant (1954)

2.  “Space Guitar” by Johnny ‘Guitar‘ Watson –

Unhinged guitar paired with playful production (and unpredictable reverb) — as music writer/historian Larry Nager so adroitly dubbed it, “punk blues.”  Recorded as ‘Young John Watson’ in Los Angeles on February 1, 1954 and released on Syd Nathan‘s Federal Records.

“Space Guitar“

Johnny ‘Guitar‘ Watson (1954)

Cash Box‘s unintended bit of hilarity — praising Watson for his “fancy steel guitar work” in their April 17, 1954 issue — only reinforces the impression that the sounds conjured up by the pioneering guitarist were too radical for even the experienced ears of a music reviewer at one of the leading trade publications.

3.  “Pork Chop Stomp” by Grady Martin and His Wingin‘ Strings –

Crisp production, great chops (so to speak) and a little humor go a long way.  That’s Bud Isaacs on pedal steel, with Grady Martin and Hank Garland both playing lead on this spirited piece of western swing – recorded January 13, 1954.

“Pork Chop Stomp“

Grady Martin & His Wingin’ Strings (1954)

Down Beat, would it surprise you to know, was hip to this record at the time of its release?  April 21, 1954 issue —

Now some Opry news.  Grady Martin, top-notch guitarist on the Opry, has a new Decca release, “Pork Chop Stomp.”  Tune was penned by Grady and Hank (“Sugarfoot”) Garland, also a guitarist and with Eddy Arnold.  On the flip is an old tune, “My Window Faces South,” and Red Foley does the singing.

 (image courtesy of Discogs)

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Approximately 12 Years Later:

Johnny Echols of seminal Los Angeles folk-punk band, Love, would be seen playing one of those rare Stratosphere double-necks originally made famous by Jimmy Bryant:

(image courtesy of Discogs)

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