Once upon a time, mentioning surfing and music in the same sentence conjured up sepia-toned images of the early’’60s. But thanks to artists like Donavon Frankenreiter -- who, unlike most of the old-school “surf-rockers,” knows his way around a wave as well as he does a fret-board -- those images have been updated radically to focus as much on musical adventure as on the spreading of good vibes.

Over the course of the past half-decade, the California-bred Frankenreiter established himself as one of the more original voices on the acoustic-rock scene with his 2004 self-titled debut album (produced by Jack Johnson). Donavon achieved success in support of that album through tireless touring and the innate catchiness of songs like “Free” (which became a Triple-A radio staple upon its release four years ago).  But, unsatisfied with simply heading further down that path, he opted to shift gears for Move By Yourself, his sophomore outing.

That album was something of a sonic sea change for Frankenreiter. While the sun-kissed openness of his songs is still in full effect, he couched those feelings with a whole new set of sounds, from the keyboard-drenched “Let It Go” (which blends Allmans-styled soulfulness with an undeniable pop sensibility)  to the low-slung funk grooves of the smoldering title track.

While Move By Yourself had no shortage of sonic mood swings, there’s still a definite evenness of spirit that is indicative of Donavon’s approach to life, whether he’s relating his feelings about his child (as on “These Arms”) or simply waking up to greet the new dawn addressed on “Beautiful Day.” He’s a happy guy, and he’s the first to admit it.

“It’s a totally positive thing for me,” Frankenreiter declares. “I’ve talked to people who’ve asked ‘why don’t you write more depressing songs? Sure, I have bad days like anyone else, but mostly, I feel lucky. When I pick up a guitar, I feel good. It makes me want to open a bottle of wine and have a party, and that’s what I’d like people to feel when they listen to my music.”

After establishing himself as one of the most acclaimed free surfers in the world -- a talent that took him halfway around the world before his 16th birthday -- he picked up a guitar in order to master riding a different sort of wave. By his senior year of high school, he was part of a popular live act called Peanut Butter and Jam, in which he learned that taking the stage provided an entirely different sort of pleasure -- for him and his audience.

“The reality is that surfing is my first love,” he admits. “For a long time, it was my life -- I made a living at it starting when I was 16 years old, and it took me all a round the world. But it’s vastly different than doing music. If I call up a buddy to surf, there can be a moment of clarity, but if I get a wave that’s really incredible and try to convey that feeling to someone else, they may not be able to relate. But my wife -- or anyone -- can see me on stage playing and really feel what I’m feeling. It’s magical, there’s so much togetherness.”

After the success of Move By Yourself, Donavon wanted to create something special for his fans.  In the summer of 2007, Frankenreiter recorded the Recycled Recipes EP on the front porch and in the kitchen of fellow band member Matt Grundy’s home in Southern California. Grundy also took part in the recording of Recycled Recipes playing bass and singing background vocals.  The EP is a collection of newly recorded covers by Bob Dylan, Dr. John, Bruce Cockburn, Credence Clearwater Revival, Wilco and The Band.

In Frankenreiter’s words, “We started hanging out and jamming music together in between tours. We decided to record a six-song EP of covers that have inspired us over the years. It was just so cool hanging out with Matt, laughing and recording music and when it was all said and done, we both felt that we captured something special.”