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LP
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LIFE 033LP
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Exotica masterpiece finally reissued! This record is produced by Martin Denny, arranged by pianist Paul Conrad and features vintage Exotica's second lady who is only outclassed by the Peruvian chantress Yma Sumac. It's Exotic Dreams, released in 1958, that puts "the enticing voice of Ethel Azama" (1934 -- 1984), a Hawaiian jazz singer, into the spotlight. Martin Denny discovered her a few years later and was able to negotiate with his house label Liberty Records, which granted Azama the opportunity to release one LP on which Denny also provides the liner notes (on a side note, Jimmie Rodgers succeeded with his negotiations as well, granting Azama a contract for a second LP in 1959). Exotic Dreams is one of those superb records that live up to the hype due to both the beautiful voice of the singer and the exotic arrangement alike, causing the listener to execrate the missed opportunities of releasing further material, as Azama faded into obscurity shortly thereafter despite her obvious talent, various gigs in Hawaiian and Australian night clubs and her recurring role in the '70s TV series Hawaii Five-0.
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LP
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OUT 5003LP
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"Produced by Martin Denny and arranged by pianist Paul Conrad, 1958's Exotic Dreams put this fairly unknown Hawaiian jazz singer in the spotlight, to rival Peruvian chantress Yma Sumac for the title of first lady of "exotica". Exotic Dreams is one of those superb records that live up to the hype due to both the beautiful voice of the singer and its exotic arrangements, causing the listener to execrate the missed opportunities, as Azama faded into obscurity shortly thereafter, despite her obvious talent and various gigs in Hawaiian and Australian night clubs and her recurring role in the '70s TV series Hawaii Five-0. Twelve songs are featured on Exotic Dreams, and the style ranges from far eastern mystique over Hawaiian snugness to faux-Polynesian exhilaration. Ethel Azama feels always at home, regardless of the tempo, style or mood, and once the listener is growing tired of the occasionally jazzy nature, the next song around the corner is totally different, yet cohesive enough to not tear the concept of dreaminess apart."
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