Welcome to the special 2020 reissue of ‘Gemini’! The original 1000 cd pressing sold out, and by popular demand this new limited edition is now available. Since the original cd launch there have been countless successful shows, from festivals to dive bars, always endevouring to keep the music engaging, and fresh.
There have been a few changes however, including a name change from ‘The Fabulous Rumble’ators’ to ‘The Tremolomen’. Tremolo is my favourite guitar effect, so it stands to reason after all. Also there has been a subtle shift away from the organ driven sound (which I still love) to a two guitar combo.
A major hurdle of a global pandemic decimated the live music scene, but there are pockets of resistance still fighting and ‘The Tremolomen’ are one of them. We intend to keep on bringing quality blues, soul jazz, instrumentals and a dash of wild surf guitar to the people!
Today I'm still using my favourite instruments that you can hear on this recording; either my old L series Stratocaster or a hollow body Gretsch, through my heavily modified Australian made ‘Goldentone’ amplifier. But now my go to drum kit is a red sparkle Ludwig ‘Downbeat” I imported from California. It does everything!
But somethings never change and the music on this release is as timeless as ever. During the live to tape recording process, every effort was made to keep technology out of the way. The reordered tracks crackle with authentic vintage tone and are still just as relevant today. The 6 original tracks on the album include ‘C'mon Move On’ - one that I sing that has a Beatles’esque infectiousness. The Albert Collins inspired ‘Polarised’ is a classic 50s shuffle. ‘Lear Jet’ named after the beauty and speed of the aeroplane, is reminiscent of the lean Booker T and the MGs instrumentals of the day. The ‘Undertaker’ drips with classic spaghetti western style, complete with vintage Mellotron keys and baritone guitar. ‘Space Walk’ is my melancholy instrumental in the vein of Santo & Johnny's 'Sleep Walk'. The highly orchestrated soul ballad ’Sinking’ is a feature of this collection. On the final track, Link Wrays ‘Mustang’, I just had fun playing all the instruments.
The name Gemini is apt. The black and white checks on the cover reminded me of the markings on the 1950s American ‘Gemini’ rockets, and also something I associated with the early Chess record company. Though I am not the least inspired by the zodiac, I am a Gemini and the sign does represent a duality. On this release I play both guitar and drums through out. People often ask me which I prefer, I always honestly answer- both.
The art work here is also updated with new pics and a range of some of my posters I’ve made for shows over the years. I hope you enjoy this recording and packaging as much as I did making it for you.
(Matt Morrison - Chief cook and bottle washer @ Rumble Records)