Latin Jazz & Exotica
 

So summer is approaching and I wanted to ask for some recommendations.

For uncertain reasons that may or may not have to do with the colder climate up here, I often feel myself drawn to more (for me) exotic sounds during the summer months. Usually, I sprinkle my playlists with various shapes of latin jazz and a bit of exotica, though many seem to think of the latter as most suitable as soundtracks for elevators.

The start of it may have been a slight obsession with Brazil (aquarela do brasil) which happened after multiple viewings of the Terry Gilliam movie of the same name many years ago. Carlos Antonio Jobim and Joao Gilberto were some early checkouts.

A pivotal album for myself was discovering brazilian singer Joyce's Feminina (1980) which is a delight.

A couple of later discoveries: Chilean singer Yma Sumac, most known for her in the exotica music, which is a blast from the past.



.. And currently, I am checking out Joan Chamorro and bands and artists related to him. There are various great performances on youtube worth checking out.



So what else is there to check out? :)

By the way, I could also mention the album that really turned me on to exotica even if I've never really found anyone who shares my passion :D

Don Tiki's debut album Forbidden Sounds of Don Tiki from 1997 (I think) is just GREAT if you like that sort of thing. I own all their albums now and while there's something to enjoy on all of them, the debut is their greatest offering.

The album is mostly instrumental, but I'll share with you a vocal track since people seem to prefer that sort of thing.

If you're familiar with the 'Buena Vista Social Club' album then you may already know about this album but I was listening to it yesterday and it fits the "Latin Jazz" category, so I'll post it here...

Thanks! Been listening to it when I did the dishes today. Very nice! Thanks for the suggestion :beer:

Jazz fusion from Brazil. He has a big discography that's amazing all the way through from what I've explored so far.

Here are a few suggestions from my own collection of exotica...

Les Baxter ‎– The Exotic Moods of Les Baxter

Martin Denny ‎– The Exotic Sounds of Martin Denny

The Tikiyaki Orchestra

Sun Ra Exotica

I imagine you're already familiar with Les Baxter and Martin Denny. The Tikiyaki Orchestra have been around since 2007. The Sun Ra album is a posthumous compilation of some of his jazz tunes that have an "exotic" vibe to them.

Thanks guys! I'll check out your recommendations :)

By the way, Martin Denny is also a guest on Don Tiki's debut mentioned above :) that album starts off with a version of his song Exotica

Its that exotica time of the year again!

Here's a track from an album that perhaps fits what you are looking for, guybrush.
Shut your eyes, open your ears and enjoy those visions of exotic dancers under Caribbean skies:-

Yes, Lisnaholic! That's just the thing :) Thanks for your tip. I like it and will check the whole album out.

Just straying slightly into the world of gypsy jazz, this beautiful song from Jimmy Rosenberg has a slightly sombre, but still summery feel to me.



edit:

Why not post the lovely Blue Bossa from the same album while we're at it :love:

^ Some nice playing there! I particularly liked the mellow tone of the first clip.
__________________________________________________ ____________-

I imagine that you already know the Charles Mingus album, Cumbia & Jazz Fushion ? It starts with a wonderful "exotica" opening, but as the album advances it becomes more and more just straight-up jazz. Anyway, here's the first side of the old vinyl album, the 28 min "title track", just in case anyone hasn't come across it before:

I mentioned this band earlier in this thread but I happen to be listening to this album at this moment and thought I'd post it here. Recently re-released on bandcamp as a digital download...

Nice one, Psy :) Reminds me a bit of Don Tiki mentioned earlier. I'll check this out at the next opportune moment.

Thanks for the recommendation!

:beer:

"Aloha, Baby!" & "Swingin' Sounds for the Jungle Jetset" are also worth checking out if you like that one.

New album just released from The Tikiyaki Orchestra. I haven't heard the entire album yet but here's a video of a tune from the album...

Some solid stuff - I'll have to listen to the whole thing.

There was a guy named ESQUIVEL in the 60s that did some interesting exotica. I’d post a vid but I’m still too new here. Martin Denny already mentioned as well as Yma Sumac.