WAITIKI 7

EXOTICA REBORN: IN STUDIO AND LIVE AT HOUSE WITHOUT A KEY

Waitiki International

Here is a collection of lush soundscapes reflecting Hawaii’s golden age and in particular, the music of Waikiki.  This historic group includes 97-year-old drummer, Harold Chang. Chang brings authenticity and history to this album.  He recorded on the original Exotica records of the mid-1950s.  This was a time when Exotica music was having a heyday. It was 1957 when Martin Denny’s classic album, “Exotica” was popular.

The Exotica tradition continues with this captivating band that weaves together jazz, cultural Hawaiian folk music, and nature sounds.  Starting with the very first song on this album titled, “Cave of the Tarpon” I am captivated by the band’s percussive groove, along with the soothing vibraphone sounds of Jim Benoit.

Track #3 is called “China Clipper” and it swings!  Zaccai Curtis offers a stunning piano solo, improvising impressively over the drums of Abe Lagrimas Jr. and the percussion of Colon Jr.  Abe breaks out with a stunning and powerful drum solo that lifts this arrangement a notch.

The percussion and birdcalls throughout this album are the talents of Augie “Lopaka” Colon Jr.  It was these implemented nature sounds and bird calls that create a feeling of peace and tranquility in Exotica music.  In the late fifties, the tune “Quiet Village” sped up the Billboard Music Chart to the #4 spot. Waitiki 7 reimagines this tune on their album.

“Cave of Uldo” has a Middle Eastern/Asian-feel to the arrangement. The addition of their guest artists, the Galliard String Quartet, weaves their magic into the percussion excitement in a sweet and gentle way.

On the following popular tune, “Yellowbird,” the unique sound of tropical birds spice up the track. You will probably recognize the melody.  This is a Norman Luboff composition ‘covered’ by many artists over the years, with lyrics by Alan & Marilyn Bergman, although no one sings them during this arrangement. However, 97-year-old Harold Chang plays drums on this one. During their arrangement of “Lucera” (a composition by Cal Tjader), Tim Mayer sparkles on the flute. Then, Abe Lagrimas Jr., soaks up the spotlight during an exciting drum solo.

These new sounds of Exotica live on through the expressions of the wonderful musicians who make up Waitiki 7.  Their improvisational powers and fresh take on seasoned arrangements re-introduce Exotica music of the past to a brand-new generation of the future.

THE WAITIKI 7 includes: Tim Mayer, saxophone/flute; Zaccai Curtis, piano; Helen Liu, violin; Jim Benoit, vibraphone; Randy Wong, bass; Abe Lagrimas Jr., drums; Augie “Lopaka” Colon Jr., percussion/birdcalls; GUESTS: Mika Mimura, marimba; Harold Chang, drums; Galliard String Quartet: Helen Liu, Wu Hung, violins; Anna Womack, viola; Kathleen Gushiken, cello.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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