The Bel-Airs

One of the very first instrumental surf combos, this Southern California group recorded one of the first big regional surf hits, "Mr. Moto." Its heavily reverbed guitar lines, distinct Mexican melodic influence, and honking sax helped set the prototype for hundreds of songs that would be recorded in the next two to three years. None of the other material the group recorded in the early '60s was as successful or memorable. Guitarist Paul Johnson was still active decades later, while guitarist Eddie Bertrand went on to form the surf band Eddie & the Showmen. ~ Richie Unterberger