Romantica!

Martin Denny - "Romantica" (1961) - Liberty

Hello Friends,

Tonight on the turntable?  How about the lush and exotic sounds of Martin Denny?  I'll drink to that!

Actually we picked up this gem in a used bin during Record Store Day.  Another great Martin Denny album cover featuring the incomparable "face of Exotica", Miss Sandy Warner and those inviting eyes!

As the liner notes state, "Denny has chosen twelve selections that are ideal for a dream voyage on an ocean of serene romance" and folks we couldn't have said it better ourselves!  

Pianos and vibraphones square off with exotic percussion sounds and lush string arrangements.  

Songs include: "And This Is My Beloved", "Romance", "My Reverie", "Magic is the Moonlight", "A Fine Romance", "Tenderly" and Denny's own compositions, "Love At Sight", "Aloha, I Love You" & "Blue Paradise".

RATING: 4 La Pampas Y La Punas out of 5 

Forbidden Island

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  

Ssssh... its Quiet Village

What a horribly-named album.  This village is not quiet at all!  Its full of ocean sounds, angry Hawaiians, exotic-sounding birds, sci-fi sounding organs and weird, spacey percussion.  Its like a tiki drink for your ears!


Great album cover too... wish my porch looked like that!


That's one Miss Sandy Warner gracing the cover.  Known as "The Exotica Girl", this saucy brunette with the "bedroom eyes" appeared on a bunch of album covers for Martin Denny in the 50's & 60's.  Not too shabby!  


I wonder if she held up with age... I couldn't find a recent photo.   Back in the day though, I certainly wouldn't kick her off my bamboo porch.  [winks and nudges guy next to me]