Description
*This is a Vinyl LP*
Release Date: 2020
Label: Jackpot Records
Track List
Side A
1. Jungle Madness
2. On A Little Street In Singapore
3. Voodoo Dreams
4. Chinese Lullaby
5. Hypnotique
6. St. Louis Blues
Side B
1. We Kiss In A Shadow
2. Summertime
3. Scimitar
4. American In Bali
5. Japanese Sandman
Personnel
Piano, Celesta – Martin Denny
String Bass, Marimba – Harvey Ragsdale
Japanese Flute, Shakuhachi – John Mechigashari
Koto – Barbara Smith
Samisen – Francis “Bud” Lee
Vibraphone, Marimba, Percussion – Julius Wechter
Vocals – The Jack Halloran Singers
Vocals, Bird Calls, Percussion, Bongos, Congas – August Colon
Notes
First time reissued on Jackpot Records!
A fan favorite from the father of the “Exotica” movement
Martin Denny’s Hypnotique was originally released in 1959. It became a fan favorite from the father of the Exotica movement. Stunning original cover artwork!
“The pinnacle of Denny’s career, Hypnotique earns a place in history for its achingly beautiful jacket design alone. The same photo shoot also yielded the cover photo for the Denny-produced “Exotic Dreams” by singer Ethel Azama. The music of Hypnotique is just as compelling, producing an effect that certainly must be described as hypnotic, if not occasionally feverish. This can be partially attributed to the help of guests Barbara Smith, John Mechigashari, and Bud Lee on various Japanese instruments. The Jack Halloran Singers also add understated vocal intrigue to two tracks, one of which is Les Baxter’s “Voodoo Dreams.” Liner notes are by author James Michener. Hypnotique is incredibly strong from start to finish, one of the first records one should pack in that slim, proverbial ‘desert island’ suitcase.” 4 1/5 stars, AllMusic
