Album Notes

AC Nakagawa is a Los Angeles-based guitarist/songwriter producing surf-themed rock instrumentals, but with a harder edge than traditional surf music. This first album is strictly an independent solo effort.

This recording represents the cumulative sum of my 25+ years of casual musical explorations on the guitar, plus a lifetime of absorbing various musical impressions ranging from cartoon soundtracks to maximum-decibel sonic mayhem. Those who have shared this journey with me will recognize an array of old ideas that I have subsequently resurrected and modernized, plus a few new ones as well. Hopefully, you will also recognize in me a greater musical maturity - the ability to transform a one-dimensional idea into something satisfyingly thematic and emotional. To all of those who have the opportunity to listen to my music: PLEASE ENJOY!! Meander On!!

Here’s a brief rundown of the songs on the album “Meandering Tides”:

Arise - This is the short intro to the album depicting a dramatic sunrise in anticipation of catching the first waves of the day.

Ride at Dawn - Here's a nice adrenaline rush from catching those first great rides! It gets a bit scary in the middle section, when the "monster set" comes in, but you eventually surface and grab a lungful!

Captain Quirk - The intro is kind of haunting, but then this song becomes quite pleasant, with an abrupt transition in the middle. It's kind of like a surfer, or any person for that matter, that has a really quirky style that somehow works. Could this song be autobiographical?

Dropping In - This is my favorite song from the album "Meandering Tides". The intro is interesting and also a bit haunting, sort of like a cold, foggy paddle-out. It then turns into kind of a jazzy, melodic, fun piece, and features an extended rock solo.

Boardbreaker - This depicts those violent waves that can snap a board in two. Scrawny kooks like me stay out of the water! This song initially sounds classical, but then goes into a blues vamp based on the same chords. A Pink Floyd tribute concludes the song.

Peelin’ on Glass - I get a lot of compliments on this song. It's the most fun song of the bunch, and includes a lot of classic surf themes. It's almost danceable! The title describes perfect, fun waves peeling on a calm, glassy ocean!

Offshores - Wonderful, warm, gentle, offshore breezes! Tropical waters! This song was the top download while I had the free site set up.

Twang Opus - This is a classically-influenced piece for those who like long guitar solos! This song is not surf-themed, but I made if part of the album anyway.

Wander On - This is the short concluding piece for the album "Meandering Tides". Keep wandering on!