Posted on: Sunday, March 26, 2006
ISLAND SOUNDS
'Exotica' essential CD for new, longtime Denny fans
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
A handsome retrospective revives Martin Denny's exotica, appealing to fans new and old.
The Road Rebels rock it up, with fun results.
And new-age sounds (with recitations) can augment your stress-busting breathing regimen.
"THE BEST OF MARTIN DENNY'S EXOTICA" BY MARTIN DENNY; CAPITOL/EMI RECORDS
Genre: Exotica, world music
Distinguishing notes: This is the essence of Denny's sound — what has come to be known as lounge or tiki music as it's constantly rediscovered by new generations of hipsters. The CD's savvy repackage of 18 Denny performances — from signatures such as "Quiet Village" and "Taboo" to American faves like "Stardust" and the Japanese "Ringo Oiwake" — creates an expressive quiltwork of the musician's past. Insightful liner notes include views from Denny's daughter, Christina, along with a portfolio of photos of Denny's original and evolving bands — you get to see and hear greats such as the late percussionist and bird-call genius Augie Colón, Arthur Lyman, John Kramer, Buddy Fo, Julius Wechter, Frankie Kim and Harvey Ragsdale. Exotica albums are hailed for their design, and of course this CD opens up to a collection of Denny's memorable LP jackets, most featuring a knock-out temptress. Though he died at age 93 a year ago, Denny's memory and legacy live on.
The outlook: For longtime Denny fans, this collection revisits the glory of yesteryear; for the neophyte, this is a dandy introduction. The real bonus is an undated interview with Denny, whose own words help connect the dots of his remarkable career as a pioneering, top-of-the-charts master.
Our take: A must-have item for any Denny library.
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Exotica" by Martin Denny. Audio sample available in mp3 format. |
"LET'S RIDE" BY THE ROAD REBELS; MISTRAL RECORDS
Genre: Rock
Distinguishing notes: The Rebels are Jay Soares and Marco Catracchia, unabashed rockers with a sense of humor. On "Let's Ride," the 15 cuts reel with searing rock guitar or reflect modes of the past. For instance, "Baby Changed the Locks" is a socko story in song about a doomed relationship; "Wake Me Up" is a Chuck Berryish wailer with robust riffs; "What Did I Say?" tracks a broken affair that's as real as life. The songs are either solo or collaborative compositions, with occasional contributions from Catracchia's wife, Roslyn, and Soares' Kimberly. While Hawai'i isn't a lucrative hard-rock marketplace, don't bypass this one. It's jammed with hearty party vibes and — guess what — there's not an ounce of Jawaiian. The humor? It's in the cover image — the Rebels pose on girlie bikes, instead of Harleys.
The outlook: Resourcefully sung everyday stories yield snappy results.
Our take: Local rock doesn't get any more solid than this.
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"Let's Ride" by The Road Rebels. Audio sample available in mp3 format. |
"HAAAA BREATHE! HAWAIIAN FOOD FOR THE SOUL" BY KAHU ELITHE MANUHA'AIPO KAHN AND DENNIS GRAUE; ZEN CARE
Genre: Instructional
Distinguishing notes: Inspired by Kahn's "Ha Breathe" book, this collection of idyllic sounds, augmented by new-age musicianship and chants, is intended to promote healthy breathing. Kahn and Graue lead a journey of word and sound, instructing the listener to breathe in, breathe out, meditate and even oli, for a mellow mental cleansing. Think workout CD for the soul.
The outlook: A special-interest release that offers a different approach to stress-busting. Available at Native Books and Na Mea Hawai'i.
Our take: Listen up to flush clutter from your mind.
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"Listen, Listen" by E Maliu E. Audio sample available in mp3 format. |
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
