Tracklist:

• I Love You
• Speak Low
• Love Walked In
• In The Still Of The Night
• Long Ago (And Far Away)
• Happy Talk
• The Way You Look Tonight
• I Talk To The Trees
• They Can’t Take That Away From Me
• You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To
• Wish You Were Here
• Spice Island

Notes:

Ed Kenney’s The Exotic Sounds of the Spice Islands is an album that embodies the lush, escapist world of exotica music. While the album is often mistakenly dated to 1950, it was actually released in 1960, fitting perfectly within the era of tropical-inspired orchestration and cinematic soundscapes. Kenney, a Hawaiian-born singer and Broadway performer, infused this album with a mesmerizing blend of island melodies, easy listening, and jazz. His smooth vocals, combined with elaborate arrangements by Dick Hyman, transport listeners to an imagined paradise filled with swaying palm trees and moonlit lagoons.

The album’s tracklist features both romantic ballads and vibrant island-inspired compositions, each enhanced by its rich instrumentation. Songs like Love Walked In and Speak Low showcase Kenney’s warm vocal delivery, while Spice Island captures the essence of the album’s theme—a musical journey through the allure of the Pacific. With orchestral flourishes, gentle percussion, and dreamy harmonies, the album offers a sensory escape from reality, making it a prized gem among collectors and enthusiasts of the exotica genre.

Kenney’s background in Hawaiian music and musical theater lends depth to his interpretations, making The Exotic Sounds of the Spice Islands feel both authentic and theatrical. His ability to blend Hawaiian influences with jazz and cinematic orchestration sets the album apart from others in the genre. The production quality, carefully crafted to evoke images of tranquil island nights, solidifies its place among the most evocative exotica albums of the era. His performance not only conveys musical artistry but also tells a story of distant lands filled with romance and mystery.

Over the decades, The Exotic Sounds of the Spice Islands has remained a sought-after piece in vintage music circles. Whether appreciated for its dreamy ambiance, artistic craftsmanship, or simply as a portal to an imagined tropical escape, the album continues to captivate listeners. Its influence on the exotica genre is undeniable, marking Ed Kenney as an artist whose legacy extends beyond Broadway into the world of immersive musical storytelling.