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04 Aug 2009 08:37
Various Artists - Dutch Exotica
"This is a record played on arabian instruments, a cha-cha-cha
from Cuba played by a Dutch musician for an American tourist."
So says the voice of a square sounding radio announcer, while
introducing Languestra and his Orchestra's 'Jamila (Cha-Cha-Cha
Oriental). This cultural gumbo describes this collection of
Dutch exotica from 1937 - 1977 to a tee.
Exotica icon Martin Denny said this: "My music has always been
fiction, jut like a book. Everything comes from my imagination,
a mix of my ideas and those of the musicians who worked with me.
It wasn't about authenticity, but illusion." Exotica came to
prominence on American hi-fis and easy-chairs as a respite from
Cold War tension, as a result of an increase in disposable
income and leisure time and the rise of the social class known
as the Swinging Bachelors. It was a welcome respite to the
pervasive shadow of invisible enemies and paranoia, and the
looming prospect of imminent nuclear annihilation. It allowed
the listen to be swept away to sunny isles with swaying palm
fronds and swinging hammocks, frosty tropical drinks adorned
with gay colored umbrellas.
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