ISLAND SOUNDS
Head on back to the time of the tiki
By Wayne Harada
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Arthur Lyman, who, like Martin Denny, was widely associated with "exotic" music (which Mainlanders call lounge music), left a legacy of tiki-and-jungle sounds associated with the genre.
Since his death to throat cancer in 2002, his catalog was not available on CD — until now.
Lyman, a vibraphonist, infused his vibes-and-percussion sound with jungle calls and tropical embellishments in a number of releases from the 1950s to the 1970s. His "Taboo" was a best-selling album; his single, "Yellow Bird" was a signature hit.
On Tuesday, 10 new two-in-one compilations will make his repertoire of 18 LPs (those ancient vinyl 33 1/3 rpm discs) available on CD as part of Collectors' Choice Music launch to reintroduce Lyman's band and music to a new generation of fans. Or connect with the ol' gang.
Two two-fers were made available for preview reviews:
"Bwana A" and "Bahia" by Arthur Lyman; Collectors' Choice Music
The reissues will revive memories from yesteryear; the arrangements paint a colorful and varied picture of the nature of Lyman's grasp of notes to "place" a mood. "Otome San," the popular Japanese folk song, typifies his pleasurable take on global influences for his jungle safaris. On the opposite end of the spectrum: a more subdued and poetic romantic stance, on "Pua Carnation."
"Quiet Village," with requisite bird calls, surely is a homage to mentor Denny, who first hired Lyman in his pre-fame band.
The liner notes give some history on who Lyman was and how he fit into the spectrum of Island sounds and the world market; too bad they lack deeper explanations of the musical selections for the unknowing audience.
Sample song: "Isle of Enchantment" by Arthur Lyman |
"Isle of Enchantment" and "Polynesia" by Arthur Lyman; Collectors' Choice Music
The allure of Hollywood beckoned, too, with tuneful pauses on "More," "Charade," "The High and the Mighty" and "Don't Rain on My Parade" — all from big-screen film hits.
Lyman also imparted his exotica on popular hits such as "Swingin' Shepherd Blues," giving it a jazz inkling, and "Waltzing Matilda," the Down Under hit with charm to spare. And there's a side trip to folk country, too, in Pete Seeger's "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?"
Again, the liner lacks breadth and depth to bring history and background into the equation. A nice touch, however, is the image of the original release as part of the packaging; helps pinpoint the product for those who own the real McCoy.
Sample song: "Bwana A" by Arthur Lyman |
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.