The big three artists of classic Exotica music were Les Baxter, Martin Denny, and Arthur Lyman. Lyman got his start as the vibraphone player in Denny’s band, then moved on to his own solo career. The Legend of Pele has it all: stripped-down instrumentals, bird calls and other wordless vocals, and cheesecake on the cover. Add in the fact that it’s a tribute to the Hawai’ian goddess of fire and volcanoes, and you’ve got yourself a wonderful Exotica album. It is one of my favorites. Hale Pele!
