Teisco del Rey

by Craig HarrisPerforming on a wide array of what he calls, el cheapo guitars, Texas-based instrumentalist Teisco Del Rey (born Dan Forte) has brought the sounds of surf music to the Lone Star state. His 1992 album, The Many Moods of Teisco Del Rey, included guest appearances by Charlie Musselwhite, David Grisman, Jimmy Vaughn, Steve Douglas, members of Laika & the Cosmonauts, and Mel Taylor of the Ventures. His second effort, Plays Music for Lovers, released four years later, was accented by contributions by slide guitarist Sonny Landreth and synthesizer player Tim Ware.Hailing from Californias San Francisco Bay Area, Del Rey played sessions with San Jose-based group the Mallards before moving to Austin, TX, in the late 80s. He continued to play sessions with a studio band, the Lords of the New Surf.A scholarly rock journalist, Del Rey wrote the liner notes to the Rhino Records compilation Rock Instrumental Classics, Vol. 5: Surf. He interviewed members of Spinal Tap in 1984 and 1992.