Dang, I can't believe how late I'm coming to this thread. I don't want to re-start the earlier argument over Dick Dale and Hendrix, but I have heard a number of times that when Hendrix made the comment it was a reference to Dick Dale. BUT - that could be rumor, apochryphal, or simply lies, and frankly I don't care! I also know there's no greater self-promoter and user of hyperbole than Dick Dale - and I don't care, because the man is a complete original and NO ONE plays like him. I've seen him for four years in a row here in Fort Collins, and I'm hoping he's well enough to come back this year. Heck, I have a shadow box with Dick Dale memorabilia (most of it signed) in my music room!
I play in a surf band - and you're welcome to surf our channel on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/colocoug. I've recently started to understand that surf is really a distinct style, and that some guitarists find it easy to learn, and others never master. It's probably very much like jazz and other genres in that respect.
I know that as a bass player, I find the surf style to be a great kick in the butt - loads of fun to play.
Here's our version of Pipeline:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f01NWETUDc&feature=channel_pageAnd for a non-traditional surf tune, here's Ghost Riders / Rawhide / Ghost riders:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsTjkGVWgjE&feature=channel_pageWhich perhaps makes the point that surf bands don't HAVE to play only surf!