Album Notes
TRACK CHRONOLOGY:
Early Home Recordings: 1-5
The "Liberty" Session: 6-10
The 45 Demo: 11-12
Other Studio Recordings: 13-16
The Warehouse Session: 17
Later Home Recordings: 18-24
The "Gold Star" Session: 25-28
The Belairs were one of the pre-eminent L.A. South Bay surf bands, scoring in 1961 with the classic “Mr. Moto.” Rhythm guitarist and “Mr. Moto” composer Paul Johnson was joined in the original Belairs lineup by lead guitarist Eddie Bertrand, drummer Richard Delvy and sax player Chaz Stuart. Jimmy Roberts also helped out on piano for recording sessions and live appearances. The Belairs carried on until 1964, when the British Invasion wiped out nearly all the surf bands.
This is the first in a series of South Bay Sound CDs that Crossfire will be releasing within the next year. Originally released in 1993, the tracks have never sounded better thanks to Greg Russo’s remastering and restoration. Paul Johnson has also updated his highly praised and insightful original album notes. Two tracks that were not on the original release are now included: the powerful “Bedlam” (a Paul Johnson composition he later recorded in a guest capacity with The Tornadoes) and “Giggling Girl” (the B-side of an R&B novelty record by The Initials with The Belairs as backing band).
Artist's Note
Concerts with The Duo-Tones and The Surfaris all throughout the year.
