Richard Hayman and his Orchestra - "Havana in Hi-Fi" (1957) - Mercury Records
Hello Friends,
This record was a great thrift store find and we're enjoying the hell out of it while we suck down some mojitos and wait for the summer sun to set.
We were first introduced to bespectacled bandleader Richard Hayman on his record, Voodoo (1959). (Review here.) This LP, like that one, has a very soundtracky quality to it. The heavily orchestrated arrangements are at times classical, at times jazzy, with hints of exotica and a healthy dose of spaghetti western. (As Tiki T. points out the opening number, "Rhapsodero" would not sound out of place in a Quentin Tarantino movie!)
We were first introduced to bespectacled bandleader Richard Hayman on his record, Voodoo (1959). (Review here.) This LP, like that one, has a very soundtracky quality to it. The heavily orchestrated arrangements are at times classical, at times jazzy, with hints of exotica and a healthy dose of spaghetti western. (As Tiki T. points out the opening number, "Rhapsodero" would not sound out of place in a Quentin Tarantino movie!)
The liner notes on the back of the record describe in great detail the recording process and instruments used! In the 50's, the term "High Fidelity" was used by record labels to help market their products by promising a fuller, more authentic sound. (Eventually, the term "Hi Fi" became pretty generic and was mostly used to replace "phonograph" or "record player.") So if you care you can read about the "authentic"-sounding oboe on "Caminito", what kind of RCA microphones were used on the violas, or how the track "Love and the World Loves With You" is a real "treat for tweeter fans", you can!
Plus, we love the cover! We're always suckers for a bongos and a brunette with nice gams!
RATING: 4 Tropical Merengues out of 5
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