Martin Denny - "Forbidden Island" (1958) - Liberty Records
Hello friends and welcome to the Forbidden Island!
Why is it forbidden? We're not sure exactly! Perhaps its an island full of blood-thirsty headhunters? Or, perhaps its inhabitants are giant, prehistoric beasts? If we're lucky it is an exotic isle populated by sexy brunettes, dressed in sarongs, who tempt us with fancy rum drinks, a cool island breeze and the distant sounds of some out-of-this-world tiki music!
Whatever the reason, Forbidden Island is a classic of the Exotica genre. Its Martin Denny's third album and it is a fantastic trip through the dark jungles, sandy beaches and swinging hotel lounges of the South Pacific!
While taking a break as house band at Don The Beachcomber's Bora Bora Lounge in the heart of Waikiki, Denny's quartet came up with a dozen atmospheric & hypnotic tracks including 5 originals ("Cobra", "Exotica", "Goony Birds", "Primitiva" and the title track) and some excellent covers ("Port Au Prince", "Bali Hai" & "March of the Siamese Children"). As far as instruments go there's a lot of string bass and piano, but there's also bongos, marimbas, celestes, xylophones, vibes and of course the highly exotic bird calling and special effects of percussionist, August Colon.
What an album! From start to finish each of these 3 minute masterpieces is a luau for your ears!
And yes, that's Exotica girl, Miss Sandy Warner once again gracing a fantastic album cover!
RATING: 5 Mai Tai's out of 5
Why is it forbidden? We're not sure exactly! Perhaps its an island full of blood-thirsty headhunters? Or, perhaps its inhabitants are giant, prehistoric beasts? If we're lucky it is an exotic isle populated by sexy brunettes, dressed in sarongs, who tempt us with fancy rum drinks, a cool island breeze and the distant sounds of some out-of-this-world tiki music!
Whatever the reason, Forbidden Island is a classic of the Exotica genre. Its Martin Denny's third album and it is a fantastic trip through the dark jungles, sandy beaches and swinging hotel lounges of the South Pacific!
While taking a break as house band at Don The Beachcomber's Bora Bora Lounge in the heart of Waikiki, Denny's quartet came up with a dozen atmospheric & hypnotic tracks including 5 originals ("Cobra", "Exotica", "Goony Birds", "Primitiva" and the title track) and some excellent covers ("Port Au Prince", "Bali Hai" & "March of the Siamese Children"). As far as instruments go there's a lot of string bass and piano, but there's also bongos, marimbas, celestes, xylophones, vibes and of course the highly exotic bird calling and special effects of percussionist, August Colon.
What an album! From start to finish each of these 3 minute masterpieces is a luau for your ears!
And yes, that's Exotica girl, Miss Sandy Warner once again gracing a fantastic album cover!
RATING: 5 Mai Tai's out of 5
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