A Moment of Silence in the Quiet Village Exotica Pioneer Passes Away
Martin Denny, the most exhalted potentate of dreamy Hawaiian rhythms, passed away last night at his Hawaii Kai residence. Denny's unique fusion of Asian, South Pacific, American jazz, Latin American and classical music transformed what people listened to in the 1950's and enjoyed renewed worldwide popularity in the past five years. Denny's kitschy sound blended Buddhist bells, Burmese cymbals and the West Indian guiro with the sounds of exotic birdcalls and wrapped it all up in some of the most enticing album covers ever made.
Whether you plan on hosting an island-themed tiki soiree or just enjoy an evening of mai tais and romance with a voluptuous wahine, the music of Martin Denny remains utterly essential listening for transforming everyday life into cross-oceanic bacchanalian island world of Polynesian delights. You should go listen to some right now.
RIP Mister Denny, the Isotope will always hold you in the highest esteem.