Exotica music began to take its roots as early as the 1930′s, but after WWII this romanticized version of Polynesia, far-away places, and tropical islands was clearly permeating its way into the American culture, transporting the listener with distinctive sounds like jungle drums, idiophones, Indonesian and Burmese gongs, Tahitian logs and the exotic sounds of bird calls, primal screeching, and other abstract jungle sounds. Martin Denny described this style of music as “a combination of the South Pacific and the Orient…what a lot of people imagined the islands to be like…it’s pure fantasy though.”

In the 1950′s and 60′s, “Space Age Bachelor Pad Music” (the term wasn’t in vogue at the time) was also boasting the sounds of Mexican lounge king Juan Garcia Esquivel. The new sounds in high fidelity were an experimental playground for arrangers like Esquivel and his zany mix of American pop, big band jazz, and easy Latin. “Compared to some of the other lounge music at the time, this music is anything but bland. Esquivel is spicy,” says Irwin Chusid, DJ and music historian.

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Ever wonder what an Italian film score sounds like? Yeah? Well how about Italian scores from erotic films? Even if you haven’t seen an Italian erotica, these scores are great for every lounge music lover (pun intended). “Beat At Cinecitta” is a music score compilation from, you guessed it, raunchy and erotic Italian films from the 60′s and 70′s. Italian composers such as Piero Piccioni and Riz Ortolani are featured in three great volumes.

There are many variations in the music with slow spy like tracks to fast paced melodies. Keyboards, drums and brass instruments of all kind pop up in and between the tracks. I think you may even hear an organ in there somewhere. My favorite tracks are “Bada Caterina” and “Abigaille” from Beat At Cinecitta Volume 1. All the soundtracks are fun, creative and wild. You can’t go wrong with these instrumental albums. You’ll fall in love.

Dave Pike has created this swell recording for all those swingin’ bachelors. Herbie Hancock plays the keyboard along side Dave Pike’s vibraphone. Bobby Hebb had wrote “Sunny” and introduced it in this album, which was later released for hundreds of additional recordings. This album reminds me a little of Cal Tjader, who was the creator of Acid Jazz. Some of my favorite recordings are “Blind Man, Blind Man,” “Jet Set”, and “Devilette.” Jazz for the Jet Set is really boss! I highly recommend it for your next cocktail party!

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One of my absolutely favorite composers of all time has passed away. John Barry, winner of five academy awards and numerous other awards. Many will remember him for his tremendous work of scoring 11 of the James Bond movies and co-authoring the famous 007 gun barrel theme, but that’s only part of his career. He also scored music to 100 other films and tv-shows.

His trademark sound of using lush strings and strong brass arrangements has created beautiful and emotionally strong songs to movies such as “High Road to China”, “Out of Africa”, “Dances with Wolves” and “The Lion in Winter” among many, many others. Barry started his career in 1957 and got his big break performing on the BBC show Drumbeat with his John Barry Seven band. A few years later he was offered to rearrange the 007 theme as the producers were displeased with Monty Normans work. The rest is as they say, history.

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A well known Brazilian singer, Elis Regina, born on March 17, 1945 would have been 65. She unfortunately died very young at the age of 36 on January 19, 1982.  Regina is most notable for singing Bossa Nova music. Elis Regina began her singing career at the age of 11 and released her first album when she was 16 years old. She had released around 30 albums between 1961 and 1982. Regina’s beautiful voice was very gentle and creative – sounding like a distinctive instrument within the music. Over one thousand fans had gone to visit her glass casket to pay their last respects to this wonderful Brazilian pop singer.

Electrify your Christmas music mix with some Hammond organ sounds! Jimmy Smith originally was a pianist and later became an organist in the early 50’s. Smith signed on with Verve Records in the 60’s and had the opportunity to collaborate with the great Lalo Schifrin and Wes Montgomery. Don’t be mistaken; Jimmy Smith’s style is not your typical funeral or church organ music. His jazz tempo is much more lively on the electric organ, which later became more popular due to his new style – fast paced and be-boppin’.

Jimmy Smith’s album, Christmas 64, has recognizable Christmas songs with a Hammond organ twist. Smith’s fast fingers rip through the organ – adding spice to songs like Jingle Bells, We Three Kings and The Christmas Song. One of my favorite songs is White Christmas. It slowly begins with some brass instrument and transitions into percussions. As you patiently listen, you’ll soon recognize the Hammond organ sneak into the rhythm of the song.

Turn up Christmas 64 as you mingle with friends and family this holiday season, sipping that delicious glass of eggnog (spiked with rum perhaps?).