Sandy Nelson – Walkin' Beat

Sandy Nelson – Walkin' Beat

Sandy Nelson – Walkin' Beat captures the energetic, drum-driven sound of one of the most recognisable instrumental performers of the early rock & roll era. Released during Nelson's prolific period in the early 1960s, the album puts his explosive drumming firmly at the centre, combining rock & roll rhythms with surf, R&B and instrumental pop influences.

The record opens with "I'm Walkin'", a lively interpretation of the Fats Domino classic, before moving through the upbeat "Party Time" and the appropriately titled "Drum Stuff", which provides plenty of opportunity for Nelson's dynamic playing to take centre stage.

"Tijuana Jail" and "Jump Time" continue the fast-moving instrumental approach, while side two gets underway with "House Party Rock" and "Soul Drums". These tracks showcase the combination of powerful percussion and catchy arrangements that helped make Nelson such a successful instrumental recording artist.

The extended "Beat From Another World" is a particular highlight, giving Nelson more room to explore his rhythmic sound, while "Teen Beach" brings a touch of the surf and beach-party atmosphere associated with early-1960s instrumental music.

Sandy Nelson was one of the era's most successful drummer-led recording artists, scoring major hits including "Teen Beat", and his distinctive, hard-hitting style helped demonstrate that the drums could be more than simply a supporting instrument.

For collectors of Sandy Nelson, instrumental rock & roll, early rock, surf music, rockabilly and vintage drum records, Walkin' Beat is an energetic snapshot of the early-1960s instrumental scene.

Tracklist

Side A

1. I'm Walkin' – 2:15
2. Party Time – 1:55
3. Drum Stuff – 3:43
4. Tijuana Jail – 2:36
5. Jump Time – 2:04

Side B

1. House Party Rock – 2:00
2. Soul Drums – 2:32
3. Teen Beach – 4:44
4. Beat From Another World – 7:05
5. Here We Go Again – 2:03