Martin Denny

Now joining the Jackpot Record’s ever-expanding collection of Martin Denny re-issues is the hypnotic “visual sound” of Exotic Percussion, which has not been on vinyl since its original release in 1961. His production on Exotic Percussion is ambitious, adventurous, and fascinatingly futuristic, especially when a tumbler with ice was still the preferred way to let loose. Xylophones and chimes swim from ear to ear; traditional jazz instrumentation collides with such musical oddities as boo bas, shamisens, Manga harp, and Burmese gongs. 

As always, the choice of compositions on a Martin Denny record is a bizarre yet exciting spin around the globe, but this one is even weirder than usual. From the faster-than-light of “Cumana” to the luscious groove of “Moonlight On The Ganges” (made famous by Frank Sinatra and a track that is still being played on a loop at Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise attraction), it’s a whiplash of a ride. But the stand-out on the record is the combo of “Misirlou” (which would be made famous a few years later by Dick Dale and even decades later with its appearance in Pulp Fiction)

So join the conga line and head out into the street as Martin Denny once again creates a world we yearn to return to and an album we can always revisit.