Post #624387 by heylownine on 02/10/2012

On 2012-02-08 10:34, JOHN-O wrote:
It works on many different levels...

1. As far as I'm aware, it's the only mid-century recording of Exotica performed in a mainland Tiki bar. Looking for a actual vintage connection between Tiki and Exotica ?? (other than the Tiki Revival's pairing of the two complimentary aesthetics). This is it !!

2. It's very atmospheric music. And good sound quality for a live recording. You can hear the audience in the background.

3. It adds to the mythic status of the Kahiki. Very very few people on the West Coast have experienced this place when it was open. I asked Nepheria of the Ding Dong Devils about it. She's originally from Columbus and shared her memories of it when she was younger. Her descriptions made it sound like the most fantastic place on Earth. I used to just imagine the Kahiki based on the amazing pictures in BOT but now this live recording makes me feel as if I had the opportunity to visit.

John-O, you hit on a couple of great points that I've not been able to successfully articulate about this record.

As I understand it, "restaurant recordings" used to be more common. I think this was discussed on an older episode of the Quiet Village...they were produced by the restaurant themselves, but very limited so few copies exist (if I recall correctly...I should go re-listen to that episode). As such, it's cool to be able to listen in on a type of recording that's pretty unconventional today.

Additionally, hearing the patrons in the background is so interesting to me. A "regular" live record would have loud cheering at all the expected parts. This record captures people as they enjoy dinner with a live band playing while they dine. Dining and listening to live music needn't be mutually exclusive, as this recording illustrates.

The music is great on this record, but what really makes it special are the other elements that turn it into a veritable time machine.

kevin