LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

Originally released by Liberty Records at the end of the 1950s, Exotic Dreams introduced the captivating voice of Hawaiian jazz singer Ethel Azama. Presented and produced by exotica pioneer Martin Denny, the album combines sophisticated vocal jazz with Pacific melodies, theatrical orchestration and the atmospheric sound world associated with mid-century exotica.

Azama was born and raised in Honolulu and had already established herself as a popular nightclub performer when Denny helped secure her recording contract with Liberty. Her poised, expressive delivery moves effortlessly between intimate ballads, playful show tunes, Japanese and Hawaiian material and elegant interpretations of familiar standards.

Pianist Paul Conrad’s arrangements surround Azama’s voice with shimmering percussion, vibraphone, piano and colourful orchestral textures. The music retains the relaxed atmosphere of Hawaiian lounge entertainment while drawing upon jazz, traditional pop, Broadway songwriting and the imagined tropical landscapes central to the exotica movement.

“Ringo Oiwake” opens the album with Azama’s evocative interpretation of the Japanese song, followed by the playful rhythms of “Two Ladies in de Shade of de Banana Tree.” “Shady Lady Bird,” “Lazy Afternoon” and “Friendly Island” highlight her warm phrasing, while the mysterious “Green Fire” closes the first side with one of the record’s most atmospheric performances.

The second side begins with the Hawaiian melody “Kawohikūkapulani” before moving into distinctive readings of “Speak Low,” “Mountain High, Valley Low” and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Happy Talk.” “Nightingale” continues the album’s tropical mood, while “Autumn Leaves” concludes the programme with a restrained and elegant jazz performance.

Long valued by collectors of vocal jazz, lounge music and exotica, Exotic Dreams remains a striking showcase for one of Hawaii’s most accomplished singers. This Life Goes On Records edition restores the complete twelve-track album to vinyl.

Track listing:

Side A
A1. Ringo Oiwake – 2:35
A2. Two Ladies in de Shade of de Banana Tree – 2:36
A3. Shady Lady Bird – 2:45
A4. Lazy Afternoon – 2:57
A5. Friendly Island – 2:46
A6. Green Fire – 2:53

Side B
B1. Kawohikūkapulani – 2:54
B2. Speak Low – 2:46
B3. Mountain High, Valley Low – 3:10
B4. Happy Talk – 2:40
B5. Nightingale – 2:36
B6. Autumn Leaves – 2:46