Los Straitjackets

Biography

Los Straitjackets are an American instrumental rock band formed in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1994 by guitarists Danny Amis (aka 'Daddy-O Grande') and Eddie Angel, along with drummer Jimmy Lester and bassist E. Scott Esbeck. The group originally began as the Straitjackets in 1988, but after a brief hiatus, they reformed with a new visual identity—donning colorful Mexican wrestling masks—and a renewed focus on the 'lost art of the guitar instrumental.' Their debut album, 'The Utterly Fantastic and Totally Unbelievable Sound of Los Straitjackets,' was released in 1995, quickly establishing them as leading figures in the surf rock and retro-instrumental revival scene[1][2][3].

Drawing inspiration from surf rock pioneers like Link Wray, Dick Dale, the Shadows, and the Ventures, Los Straitjackets developed a distinctive style blending surf, rockabilly, garage rock, and touches of punk. Their energetic live shows, marked by humor and theatricality, helped them build a devoted following. Over three decades, the band has released more than a dozen studio albums, collaborated with artists such as Nick Lowe and blues legend Eddy 'The Chief' Clearwater, and toured extensively in the US and abroad. Their work has earned critical acclaim, including a Grammy nomination for their collaboration with Clearwater in 2003[1][2][3].

Despite lineup changes and personal challenges—such as Danny Amis’s battle with multiple myeloma—the band has remained active, continuing to record and tour. Their masked personas and commitment to instrumental excellence have made them icons in the modern surf and roots rock landscape, influencing a new generation of musicians and keeping the spirit of classic guitar-driven rock alive[2][3].

Fun Facts

• Los Straitjackets are famous for performing in colorful Mexican wrestling masks, a visual gimmick that has become their trademark[1][3].
• Danny Amis, one of the founders, was previously a member of the influential neo-surf band The Raybeats and managed a record store in Nashville before forming the band[2].
• Their collaboration with blues legend Eddy 'The Chief' Clearwater on the album 'Rock 'n' Roll City' earned them a Grammy nomination in 2003[1][3].
• Danny Amis was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, but continues to record with the band from Mexico City[2].

Members

• Jimmy Lester (from 1988 until 2005-04)
• Danny Amis (from 1988)
• Eddie Angel (from 1988)
• Scott Esbeck (from 1994-05 until 1998-10)
• Pete Curry (from 1998-12)
• Jason "Teen Beat" Smay (from 2005-04)
• Greg Townson (from 2010)
• Chris "Sugarballs" Sprague (from 2012)

Original Members

• Danny Amis
• Eddie Angel
• Pete Curry
• Jason "Teen Beat" Smay
• Greg Townson
• Chris "Sugarballs" Sprague

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Link Wray - Major stylistic influence; inspired the band's guitar-driven instrumental sound. (General influence, especially on Eddie Angel's playing.) [1950s–present (influence)]
• Dick Dale - Pioneering surf guitarist whose style shaped Los Straitjackets' approach. (General influence on surf rock elements.) [1960s–present (influence)]
• The Ventures - Instrumental rock band whose sound and arrangements influenced Los Straitjackets. (General influence.) [1960s–present (influence)]

Key Collaborators

• Nick Lowe - Frequent collaborator; Los Straitjackets have served as his backing band and recorded tribute albums. (What's So Funny About Peace, Love and Los Straitjackets (2017), touring band) [2010s–present]
• Eddy 'The Chief' Clearwater - Collaborated on a Grammy-nominated album. (Rock 'n' Roll City (2003)) [2003]
• Big Sandy - Guest vocalist and collaborator. (Various live and studio performances) [2000s–present]
• Deke Dickerson - Rockabilly guitarist and frequent collaborator. (Joint tours and performances) [2000s–present]
• Band Members - Core collaborators: Danny Amis (guitar), Eddie Angel (guitar), Jimmy Lester (drums, until 2005), E. Scott Esbeck (bass, until 1998), Pete Curry (bass, from 1998), Jason Smay (drums, from 2006), Greg Townson (guitar, from 2010s) (All Los Straitjackets albums and tours) [1994–present]

Artists Influenced

• Modern surf and instrumental bands - Los Straitjackets' revival of surf and instrumental rock has inspired a new wave of bands in these genres. (General influence on the surf/instro revival scene) [2000s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. A Monster's Holiday
2. Que Monstruos Son (feat. Keith Streng & Mary Huff) (Mondo Zombie Boogaloo)
3. Different Kind of Blue (Indoor Safari)
4. La Hiedra Venenosa (Rock en Espanol, Vol. 1)
5. High Wire Act
6. New Siberia (Jet Set)
7. Went to a Party (Indoor Safari)
8. Blue on Blue (Indoor Safari)
9. Jet Pac Boomerang (Indoor Safari)
10. Hey Lupe (Rock en Espanol, Vol. 1)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #garage-rock, #instrumental-rock, #rock-and-roll