The Tarantulas

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For other uses, see Tarantula (disambiguation).

The Tarantulas (or Randy J and the Tarantulas) are a surf guitar band. Formed in 1995 in Orlando, Florida, the primary members and founders are Randy J (also known as a film composer)^[1] on guitar and drummer Chris Valentino.

In the early 1990s, guitarist Randy J was mainly performing as a solo guitarist at local coffee houses and bars in Orlando. More and more frequentley, Chris Valentino, who was already gaining a reputation as an experienced percussionist and jazz drummer, would sit on drums and the two musicians would improvise on instrumentals for an entire set. ^[2]

[edit] Early history

The experimental elements of the music gradually became a backdrop for pure traditional surf guitar melodies in the style of The Lively Ones, Link Wray, Dick Dale, and The Ventures. The two musicians found a bassist, Loran Lea, to round out the band, and the trio began performing as The Tarantulas.

In 1998, Ken Baugh joined The Tarantulas on bass. Ken was already known as a surf guitarist with his own band, the Ten Penny Heroes. The band continued performing shows at the House of Blues in Orlando, opening shows for the legendary Link Wray, and performing shows with The Friends of Dean Martinez and Dick Dale.

The trio released "Monster Wave 100 Feet High" in 1999, followed by "Bandidos De Rojos" in 2000, "The Tarantulas Greatest Hits..or...The Big Sellout" in 2004, and "Don't Murder Anyone...Listen to the Lovebeats" in June 2006. ^[3]

The 2 later recordings feature surf instrumentals as well as some vocal tracks. They also feature drummer Eddy Barattini, vocalist Kelly Cole, and early Tarantula tracks from the original lineup in the mid-90's.

The band is currently located in Arizona^[3] and is currently working on film projects, recording a new album, and performing live shows.

The Tarantulas is a registered trademark through the United States Patent and Trademark Office.^[4]