Martin Denny - Exotica Volume III LP (Reissue - Sky Blue Vinyl) (Jackpot)

The final disc in Martin Denny's "Exotica" series, this sees him returning with loyal crew of multi-instrumentalists that had previously performed on Forbidden Island, Primitiva, Hypnotique & Quiet Village: stand up bass player Harvey Ragsdale, vibe player Julius Wechter (also a member of the legendary recording unit The Wrecking Crew) and percussionist Augie Colon who was called the “Grandfather of Hawaii Percussion”. And of course, the famous cover girl on Martin Denny’s albums, Sandy Warner, otherwise known as “The Exotica Girl”, returns as well.

Although Denny was recording at a brisk rate, there’s something about Exotica Vol. III, which makes it one of his best and most sought-after with collectors and listeners. Of course, the brilliance of the lead-off track of Les Baxter’s “Jungle River Boat”, with its tight vibe-and-percussion workout intertwined with Colon’s iconic bird calls and other worldly sounds, only makes the sweet, lazy water sounds of the following track “Harbor Lights” all the more delightfully mysterious. This Jackpot Records reissue includes audio sourced from the stereo master tapes.

Note: This is pressed on sky blue vinyl and does not come with a download card.

Tracks: Jungle River Boat - Harbor Lights - Manila - Mama Iti E Papa E - Bamboo Lullaby - Ringo Oiwake - Moon Of Manakoora - Limehouse Blues - Beautiful Kahana - Caravan - Congo Train - Hello Young Lovers