Sven's The SOUND of TIKI CD -preview and discussion

On 2009-11-06 22:30, Tiki Shaker wrote:
Did restaurants play music back in the day? Sure, I know some had live shows.. but were the eating establishments equipped with speakers so that music could be piped in?
I've never thought of this before, but is tiki music basically whatever people played at home in their tiki bar basements and backyard luaus?

Very good point. We already know that live Exotica music, though the perfect supporting soundtrack to the Polynesian restaurant experience, was not performed regularly in mainland Tiki temples. Sure, Arthur Lyman played live at the Bali Hai and Lattitude 20, but if you look at the long list of mainland venues that Martin Denny performed at, you will find but a few outright Polynesian clubs.

But when did RECORDED music make its debut in the food and drink industry? It's hard to imagine that restaurateurs did not make use of the piped in "Muzak" concept in Tiki times, it having been established in 1936:
"The first actual delivery of Muzak to commercial customers took place in New York City in 1936. At this time the technology involved remained rather crude as the music originated from record players manually operated at a central office location..."

Even president Eisenhower, in office from 1953 to 1961 (the Tiki period president!), made use of it:
"President Dwight D. Eisenhower was the first to pump Muzak into the West Wing."

I have seen 1940s Hapa Haole records with a Don The Beachcomber label on them, I am assuming they were not only sold in the gift shop -all the restaurateur needed was a record player and some speakers. Hawaiian music was the very EARLIEST form of Polynesian pop that got imported to the mainland, from the early 1900s on, through live performers, records, and sheet music, it helped to inspire the first bamboo hideaways!

This is one of those things that were just assumed to always have been there, but there is no certainty of WHEN exactly the initial event occurred. So we need to talk to some veterans pronto to see if they remember IF and WHEN they heard exotic music in a Tiki restaurant first --and I am sure THEY will have a hard time pinning it down.

And then, more specifically, was it ever Exotica that got played? I think the answer to Tiki Shaker's second question ("I've never thought of this before, but is tiki music basically whatever people played at home in their tiki bar basements and backyard luaus?") is a YES:
Exotica music was the parallel contemporary of the Tiki Lounge, meaning that the generation that frequented Polynesian supper clubs were the same people that had Marty, Arty, and Les in their record cabinet. And they certainly must have played them in their rumpus rooms.

My compilation is entitled "The Sound of TIKI" (as in "The Spirit of Tiki"), not "The Sound of the Tiki Restaurant". But my very aim is to connect the Polynesian pop of the Tiki Lounge with the Polynesian pop of Exotica, by pointing out all the parallels in their themes and concepts.

To avoid the historical shaky ground of Tiki restaurant music, I formulated it like this in my liner notes:

Polynesian supper clubs used a variety of musical styles to support the escapist atmosphere of their establishments, but vinyl archaeologists have since discovered and defined the musical category of “Exotica” as the perfect complementary soundscape to the layered environs of a Tiki bar.

This is a good point at which I want to inquire about a certain Martin Denny venue:

The Tiki Restaurant at the Villa Plaza, Washington? (state, I assume). Its number was JU. 8-2101

That is all the information I have. Has anybody seen anything, any paper ephemera from this place?

On 2009-11-08 08:30, bigbrotiki wrote:
This is a good point at which I want to inquire about a certain Martin Denny venue:

The Tiki Restaurant at the Villa Plaza, Washington? (state, I assume). Its number was JU. 8-2101

That is all the information I have. Has anybody seen anything, any paper ephemera from this place?

There was a poster on eBay many moonsago advertising Martin Denny's appearance at the Tiki Restaurant. Unfortunately, I was outbid at the time. I have a lo res pic from the auction somewhere.

I do remember the Kahiki playing Hapa Haole and Exotica music from as far back as the mid-eighties. Plus they had the Kahiki Trio which played a mix of Exotica and top tunes of the day from 1961 until 1978.

The not only pumped in music but they had a sound system set up strictly for sound effects for the thunderstorm room and other areas.

Nice discussion guys!!

Cheers and Mahalo,
Jeff

Jeff, good memory. Luckily, that very poster was won by a local collector (no, not Kohalacharms) and I have had the privilege to photograph it for the my booklet. :) But it's really hard to find out anything about a place as generic as "The Tiki Restaurant" with the only location named being Villa Plaza, and that phone number --plus the printer's signature: Washington Poster Co

Sven...Here is the ad for Alex Kaeck (misspelled on the ad) at the China Trader in Toluca Lake...if you don't have his "Surfer's Paradise" record, you're missing out.

a few more live music ads...

All of this is a funny thing to think about. I mean, ever since movies/tv have been around, I would think a lot of people (including myself), think of the past not only in the visual sense, but also with each era/style/group/fad having its own soundtrack. Over the last century especially, a lot of the styles/fads/eras were either equally influenced by music as much as visual elements, or music was the most important influence. Tiki, to me, seems to be one of the few recent styles/eras where the visuals were the dominating force. (or was it the alcohol?)

I wouldn't say it did not have its own musical style, it just wasn't music-DRIVEN, primarily. Since the Tiki period came and went so fast it might not have had the time to develop further, but Denny and Lyman were clearly its contemporaries, paralleling Tiki's rise and fall: 1957 - mid-60s, when the Beatles made them look old.

And let's not forget that Tiki had a large part of Polynesian pop inherent in it, and Polynesian pop DID get jump-started by the Hawaiian music craze. AND Hawaiian statehood then coincided with the big success of Marty and Arty, so "that modern music from Hawaii" did help inspire the spirit of Tiki on the mainland, no doubt, even if it did not get played in Tiki bars on a regular basis.

One more thing, talking about style periods and pop culture trends in the 20th Century:

Does anybody else concur with me that dividing the century in terms of 40s, 50s and 60s as style decades does not really fit the bill? Looking back, beginning with Tiki: Tiki wasn't a 50s thing, it wasn't a 60s thing, the decade of its style lay between 1955 and 1965. If I look at fashion and car styling for example, their look was more similar between 1945 to 1955, than "in the 40s" , or "in the 50s". That might have to do with WW2, but it seems to me that even before, the ten years from 1925 to '35, and from 1935 to '45 had more one coherent look than the actual beginning and end of a decade. The same goes for 1965 to 1975. ???

Oh, and by the way, Jim, that's a nice collection of Polynesian live act ads. Do other Exotica collectors have any? Jeff?
And Jim, can you perhaps cut me a CD of "Surfer's Paradise"?

I posted a download of the Alex Keack Surfers Paradise LP about 5 years ago on this thread. Moving at my usual breakneck pace of keeping web stuff cool and current, I haven't actually moved that in the 5 years since, other than putting it in a different folder (this one). Here's the cover again:

Totally agree about the inadequacy of rough decade boundaries for describing pop culture trends, btw. I think the actual decade of the 60s had even more than two discernible periods though - 65 was different from 62, and also very different from 69.

-Randy

You know , there is a Digital only release of this record from the actual master, not an lp burn. It's available on iTunes.

Oddly enough, it's under the name "Mike Adams and the red jackets" - It's actually a double release of the Mike Adams record AND the Alex Keack album, but the company didn't use Alex Keack in the name of the digital re-release. So tracks 1-10 are Mike Adams and the Red Jackets, and 11-20 are Alex Keack

The quality is AMAZING, and way better than the burned from the lp copy I'd been listening to, which was also, by the way in mono.

This version is in super clean stereo, and the record is just stellar. you get both records as one digital only album for $9.99 on iTunes.

Sven I can burn a CD if you like, but for $10,, it's worth the download.

Definitely one of my favorite exotica albums.

BTW, I got those ads from Arkiva Tropika and Critiki.

I've been wanting to cover "Polynesian Hayride" from the record since I started the Orchestra....great tune.

I also agree with the assessment of the eras....I always refer to the golden age of tiki as "late 50's, early 60's" when I describe my band to people, but really our deal reaches into late 60's Herb Alpert territory as well.

[ Edited by: tikiyaki 2009-11-08 22:15 ]

Oh, looking back at old shared songs, I just noticed I had some other songs up that are relevant to this thread...

Here is the Astronauts version of Quiet Village that's been mentioned a few times.

And here is a cover of Adventures in Paradise by the Playboys - an Aussie instro band that isn't the Atlantics.

Here is a nice version of Bermuda by Merrell Fankhauser and the Impacts. Actually it's on other threads that Fankhauser comes up as an example of highly questionable taste in modern times with the "We Love Tikis" video. BUT he did have some good stuff with the Impacts in the last decade or so (like this version of Bermuda), and of course more so in the 60s with the original Impacts.

Not sure if this derails the thread, but anyway hope these are of interest to someone.

Thanks tikiyaki for the info about the digital copy from master on itunes.

-Randy

Bigbro - How's the CD coming along?

Any updates as to when we may be able to order this fine CD?

• Waiting patiently in Sylmar :wink:

Well, unfortunately it will be a while, like end of March! It's gone into production now, I was just reminded to write the promo text for the coming catalog, but til its printed and shipped from Asia it'll be months.

Here is a sample of what the packaging will be like, not in a crappy Jewel case where you have to squeeze the booklet in and out, but it is glued into a cardboard cover and will open like a book, with 50 pages (this is a SAMPLE for the style only):

Every song will get a double page of text and images, here are some snaps from my laptop:

I am so thrilled I got to squeeze that photo that Gecko took of me and Martin Denny in there. Martin holding my book and me holding his poodle. :)

Damn, Sven :)

March is not too long a wait, man!

Thanks for sharing what you could. I can tell this will be THE jewel of my exotica CD collection.

Music aside for now (plenty of time later to discuss that aspect) I'm grateful that a booklet will be included packed full of info and pics. I know your layout will be colorful and informative, entertaining...you know in that magical 'Kirsten' fashion. The packaging as shown is a great choice too(Its a drag CDs are small and not LP sized - my eyesight sucks nowadays lol) Thank You for committing to this project.

I'll be one of the first in line for this release. Patience does pay off.

Cheers! Greg

Wow! What great work. March isn't too long to wait for this.

Looks really nice Sven!!! :)

Cheers and Mahalo,
Jeff

Sven,
looks great, can't wait to get a hold of it.
Will there be a release party for it?
and will it be for sale at Wacko or 8 ball?
or Amoeba, they have a good Exotica section.

If I made a cdr of some very mellow surf bands doing stuff that I think would be great for a 2nd cd comp, for you to put out, would you be interested in hearing it?

Jeff(btd)

I had missed this thread and read thru it all today - very interesting. Truth is, I don't stop by the Tiki Music thread very often because I'm really not familiar with the genres of Tiki Music. I bought a Tikiyaki and a few obligatory "Marty and Arty" downloads but a compilation CD like this (along with the copious liner notes) would be a great thing for newbies like me. Like a See's chocolate sampler :D Anxiously awaiting the March release.

Sven, just curious about the logistics for a CD like this. I assume you have to get rights from and pay royalties to all the music owners? What a pain in the butt!

Holy Cow!!!! Im not in here very often and just found this.
This cdbook looks awesome Sven. Cant wait

On 2009-12-03 20:56, MadDogMike wrote:
I had missed this thread and read thru it all today - very interesting. Truth is, I don't stop by the Tiki Music thread very often because I'm really not familiar with the genres of Tiki Music. I bought a Tikiyaki and a few obligatory "Marty and Arty" downloads but a compilation CD like this (along with the copious liner notes) would be a great thing for newbies like me. Like a See's chocolate sampler :D Anxiously awaiting the March release.

Sven, just curious about the logistics for a CD like this. I assume you have to get rights from and pay royalties to all the music owners? What a pain in the butt!

I am hopeful I have succeeded in my aim to make the CD interesting for both, Exotica/Tiki novices and Exotica veterans alike. Actually, to make it not too esoteric and more appealing to the non Exotica-savvy populace, only one third of the songs are classic style Exotica instrumentals, the rest all have vocals, to ease folks into the genre. I hope to strike the same balance between popular and specialist appeal I aim for in my books.

I am not paying anyone, that is all the record company's problem. But A.), the tracks are so esoteric, it can't be much, and B.) I believe in Germany the rights situation is a little less difficult than here. You pay an organization called the GEMA a basic fee, (but you still can sell the product here). I myself am not making much on this, I will get paid in raw goods -CDs -which I then can sell to you folks.

This is going to be the GREATEST THING EVER!!!!!!!!

Now now, tiz just a liddle CD, folks... :blush:

That may be, Sven, but anything you seem to be involved in turns out great. I am so digging "tiki Modern", for example. To me, it is even more the definitive "tiki" book then BOT was! (and since BOT is to me like the bible of Tiki, that's saying a lot!)

cant wait it looks like a must have.

On 2009-12-02 14:21, bigbrotiki wrote:
Well, unfortunately it will be a while, like end of March!

I WANT IT NOW!!!!

:)

Well, folks, I felt the same way when I first heard the release date, but you know what, it's funny how when you think something is bad, there's always worse. I just had confirmation of the possibility of a great opportunity presented to me, something that made me jump with excitement --and I will not say one word more-- but it was followed with the humbling reality that this project would not come to fruition until... the year 2014 !!! Kind of puts those few months into perspective. And don´t ask, I won't tell.

2014? Well, the world is supposed to come to an end 2012...

I'm guessing the United Nations has hired you as a consultant to help establish a new society once the earths crust has stopped moving and a new single continent is left? I assume they want this new land to be based on Danny Balsz' "The Tikis"... only larger?. You know, to fill up the entire new continent.

Bump?

Thanks, Mike,
but as I said earlier:

On 2009-12-02 14:21, bigbrotiki wrote:
Well, unfortunately it will be a while, like end of March! It's gone into production now, I was just reminded to write the promo text for the coming catalog, but til its printed and shipped from Asia it'll be months.

I am just trying to find out if 8-Ball will get them in time to sell at Viva Las Vegas April 1-4.

Just checkin' :D

I would vote no to both.
I like to put myself back in suburban California in 1963....
I'm 7 and my brother is 12.
My brother would have been rocking to the Ventures and the Shadows with his knock-off Sears guitar....not knowing yet, but just waiting for the Beatles....
My parents and their friends would have been going to dinner and drinks at the Lanai..listing to Denny, Baxter, Lyman, Hawaiian....ect.
The brother would have hated the exotica...the parents would have hated the surf rock.
EXOTICA ONLY.
You're parents are always right.

Sven, this CD looks INCREDIBLE! Ingenious concept... Congratulations! The cover art is stunning... Great work from Kevin Kidney, as usual!

And what a great discussion on this thread! Since I can offer nothing illuminating on the subject, I can only reiterate:

Will there be a release/listening party?!?! That would be AWESOME!

Keep us posted!

Are we gonna see any Yma ?? Does her song "Kon-Tiki" provide enough of a Tiki connection?

Yeah, it might not be as exotic as some of the stuff on "Voice Of The Xtabay" but her inclusion would validate her place within Tiki culture. It's probably a stretch though. :( (But hey, if she isn't Tiki enough, what was she doing at Hukilau in 2005?)

I don't think she gets as much appreciation around here as some of her other Exotica peers. Even 60 years after the fact, she's probably still ahead of her time. The Bigbro seal of approval would go far though. :)

Also I'd hate to see "Hawaiiannette" Funicello not pass muster if Don Ho can make the cut.

Just my 2 cents.

[ Edited by: JOHN-O 2010-01-21 16:54 ]

Of course it would have been great to include it, and that's why I listened to Yma's "Kon Tiki" when I was compiling the disc --but it just didn't cut it. There is a reason why it is so obscure, it's just not one of her strong pieces. And she did not make it on this compilation because though she might be "Exotica", she is not "Tiki". Don Ho made it, (even though he himself isn't either,) because he sang "Quiet Village", and the Ventures because they intoned "Kon Tiki". Remember this compilation is about titles/sounds relating to TIKI CONCEPTS. And I had the responsibility to, just like with the material in my books, present music that was accessible, and not only for the Exotica aficionados.

And if this first CD sells well enough, I might get to do another, maybe even a Bear Family Multi CD set, like this one:

http://www.bear-family.de/index.php?sid=feec552dd9916b70e060df49a8f2ac76&cl=details&cnid=as347e253e436c454.60188604&anid=9a7522627552dacc0cc80c5d41a570dc

Now THEN I could throw a broader net, and Yma and Anette would certainly be included, too. :D

I just discovered this thread and I am really excited about this CD. Normally, I only buy vinyl, but I will have to make an exception. I like the fact that this is more than just an exotica compilation.
BTW I found out about this CD on an audiophile forum that I frequent: http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?t=206097

Is there a track listing for this album yet?

[ Edited by: MrFab 2010-01-22 10:26 ]

Got my copy yesterday and have been listening to it non-stop. The song selection is awesome, Sven. Love Don Ho doing Hawaii 5-O. The little booklet that comes with is great, love the pics. Good job, Sven, it's worth every penny.

On 2010-01-22 11:14, GROG wrote:
Got my copy yesterday and have been listening to it non-stop. The song selection is awesome, Sven. Love Don Ho doing Hawaii 5-O. The little booklet that comes with is great, love the pics. Good job, Sven, it's worth every penny.

WHAT?!...it's done and out?
Where?
how much?

Hey I want one too! Where can I get it "south of the border"? Maybe I coul be your dealer in Mexico.

He he he!

That Grog! He is such a....

HAW HAW !

I hear that 8-Ball might have the first exclusive U.S. release of it at Viva La Vegas on Easter weekend (if it gets there on time)

[ Edited by: bigbrotiki 2010-01-22 20:55 ]

Grog, don't even think about it! :evil: I see your intentions! I feel the "heavy vibes". Where's the Aloha spirit!? I have to watch my words because if I say something "funny" GROG will make fun of me! ;( What's wrong with you people!! (I'm joking)

hi sven,
i dig your project. i know it will be top notch whatever it is.
i'm no authority but speaking for myself......
i judge tiki music by how hammock worthy it is. if i can lay in my hammock and drown out the sounds of the 101 in the background, feel as if i escaped,- hear and imagine the ocean and a few birds-well that is good for me. as much as i love surf music i find it a bit to loud for my much deserved tiki-time. cheers and look forward to grabbing a copy.
tony

Tony, thank you! And I dig the VIEW from your hammock. :D It is nice to hear that a professional musician such as you can still enjoy and distill music to its basic purpose. I shows in your work.

Those are nice hammocks. Actually Tony, if you live close enough to the beach to hear the 101, you got nothing to drown out. Really good music will drown out Interstate 10. :lol:

On 2010-01-21 17:16, bigbrotiki wrote:

And if this first CD sells well enough, I might get to do another, maybe even a Bear Family Multi CD set, like this one:

http://www.bear-family.de/index.php?sid=feec552dd9916b70e060df49a8f2ac76&cl=details&cnid=as347e253e436c454.60188604&anid=9a7522627552dacc0cc80c5d41a570dc

Hopefully it works out well Sven. I've been waiting for some new Johnny Burnette since like, mid-August, 1964...:wink:

ARTHUR LYMAN: Taboo Tu
MARTIN DENNY: Aku Aku
GLORIA LYNNE: Bali Ha’i
LES BAXTER: Bird Of Paradise
PAUL PAGE: Castaway
MARTIN DENNY & SI ZENTNER: Tiki
ANDY WILLIAMS: House Of Bamboo (1958 version)
THE SHADOWS: Kon-Tiki
MARAIS & MIRANDA: I-Ha-She
BUDDY MORROW: Hawaiian Eye
THE MARY KAYE TRIO: Hilo Boy
THE SURFERS: Ulili E
PAUL PAGE: Pieces Of Eight
EDEN AHBEZ: Full Moon
THE SURFMEN: Bamboo
DON HO: Hawaii 5-0./Quiet Village Medley
RADIO JINGLE: Luau Is Calling You