In Waikiki, where I live whenever I get the chance, a bistro known as the Daggar Bar and its accompanying Bora Bora Lounge has for sometime been the mecca of people who enjoy a new type of music. I'm one of the gang that gathers there to hear the fresh, clean tropical sounds of Martin Denny and his group.
Why do I go for Denny's type of music? It's professional, and very expertly put together for the public. It's new, for it uses instruments and rhythms not usually found in modern popular music. It's witty, and much to the taste of people who like a little humor for the long haul.
But in my case, I like it particularly because it reminds me of places I've been, and sounds I've loved. It's really very exciting to see the Denny group perform in Hawaii.. The great brass gongs, the Asian instruments (whose names I can never remember), the tropical setting, and the proficiency of the performers make the music a delight for the late wanderer.
This is music to see - and on this record there are many new sounds that will force the listener to create his own word pictures. It's music to feel - and Denny is careful to provide in his orchestrations the specific sound of things banging into other things, or scraping across them, or being struck by a human hand.
As you can see, I get a charge out of my friend's music, and this record is a new departure in that for the first time Denny utilizes voices and strings to augment his mood.
This "blurb" is different from many that you read these days - I'm not getting paid a nickel for it...I just happen to like the music that comes with the package, and I think you will too.
-James Michner, author, from the liner notes for Hypnotique
Denny presents these tunes in his own unique way, with an imaginative but nonetheless totally recognizable treatment of familiar melodies. Add to that the warm glow we get from recalling the entertaining hours we spent in seeing the films in which these songs were presented, and we have a sure-fire formula for happy listening.
-Louella Parsons, journalist, from the liner notes for Exotic Sounds From The Silver Screen
In view of our many years hopping, skipping and jumping from New York to Hollywood and back again, it becomes a mystery as to how we managed to miss catching Martin Denny's act "in person" until just recently. This error of omission was rectified during our most recent trip to the Islands, where we had the pleasure (three nights in a row) of hearing and watching Martin play musical ball in his own home park...Don the Beachcomber's.
It was a stimulating experience. This was music the way it should be played: lots of melody, lots of rhythm and plenty of exciting, romantic effects. Surrounded, as we were, by the indescribable beauty of the Islands, Martin Denny's music seemed to add just the right combination of the sophisticated and the primitive, the civilized and the savage. Our guests, White House executives and the Washington Press Corps, will certify this embrace.
Now that we have finally invaded Denny's "beat", it is only fitting that he should tackle ours: Broadway! This is exactly what he does on this album. Martin picks up a chunk of Hawaii and puts it down right in the middle of our beloved Great White Way. And somehow it doesn't seem a bit out of place! The great Broadway show tunes in this album profit from Denny's exotic treatment. The melody and rhythm are there in abundance, with the added luster of a truly romantic interpretation.
So welcome to Broadway, Martin. We sure hope you find it as attractive as we found your Hawaiian Paradise.
-Walter Winchell, columnist/commentator, from the liner notes for Exotic Sounds Visit Broadway
The most unusual and exciting group of musicians I have ever heard -- and brother, I've been hearing music for a long time. Unique would be an understatement. This is beautiful and refreshing music -- a positive "Don't Miss!"
-San Francisco Examiner
Just what the doctor ordered to banish the Presleys and Nelsons from teen-agers' affections. Relying principally upon honest talent and surprising showmansip, Denny and his ingenious crew use a variety of percussion instruments to obtain provocative rhythms and cool sounds. The impression is they could draw compelling music from any object that wouldn't strike back.
-The Seattle Times
A most unusual sonding group. Their version of "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue" sounds positively romantic. Some men bring their wives, so that should give you an idea of the potent strength of Martin Denny and his musical magicians.
-The Las Vegas Sun
This is a subtle gang of musicians who play around with Oriental noisemakers in creating off-beat tones with that exotic touch. This group should hit home with just about everyone...a tonic that should recall memories to those who have visited the Islands. For those who haven't, it should stir them into going.
-Variety