I was too young in the early 1960s for the first wave of Exotica, so it was the Exotica revival in the mid-1990s that caught my attention. The bachelor pad, Latin-inspired jazz of Martin Denny and Les Baxter was being re-released and I feel in love with the sound of vibes, percussion and all those upbeat, Tiki-bar rhythms.
Around that time, I wrote and directed a play about street people and used the music of Denny and Baxter as the soundtrack – thinking it would lighten the proceedings and provide some ironic counterpoint. But mostly, I just loved hearing it.
More recently, the early seasons of Mad Men employed some of that same music and I also discovered Stolen Idols, a bay area band that keeps the tiki torches lit and the lounge music flowing. They’ve provided some of my favorite nights in the Side Door, which has the feel of a jazz nightclub from the 50s and 60s.
Stolen Idols returns to the Side Door this Sunday, May 18, and along with a new CD, the band will be bringing lots of Tiki decorations to add some appropriate ambiance.
Here’s what pianist and founder Drew Farmer said about the music:
“Exotica is escapist, impressionistic music. The best exotica has this irresistible combination of rich harmonies and hypnotic rhythms. I try to capture this in our music.”
And this about forming the band:
“After living in the chilly northeast for about 12 years, I moved back to Florida about ten years ago. I was surrounded by all these tropical plants, and all l I wanted to listen to was old-school Latin jazz and exotica. I thought, ‘Somebody should be doing stuff like this here.’ That’s what gave me the idea. I like the fact that it is location-appropriate music.”
Now, Drew and the band are releasing a new CD called “Moonlight Offerings,” and the first place you’ll be able to hear it and buy it, is the Side Door. The show is Sunday, May 18, at 7. DJ Brian Oblivion will be spinning exotica before the show and during intermission.
Here’s a little blurb from the band that describes exactly what they are all about:
From Florida, Stolen Idols present authentic exotica, the mid-century tropical mood music pioneered by Martin Denny and Les Baxter. Playing primarily in the Tampa Bay region since 2008, Stolen Idols were among the sonic highlights of the Hukilau, Fort Lauderdale’s annual tiki festival, in 2009 and 2010. “Moonlight Offerings,” their debut album, will be released May 16. With lush arrangements and hypnotic rhythms, Stolen Idols conjure an exotic paradise with all the color of a Gauguin Tahitian landscape. Prepare to travel to steamy jungles, South Seas islands and Far East gardens – in one night, without spilling a drop of your mai tai!
The new album was recorded at the Mike Eisenstadt Live Music Studio, WMNF, Tampa, and Path of Palms, in Brandon. It features Kent Oldfield – vibes, marimba, percussion; Drew Farmer – piano, arrangements; Daniel Navarro – acoustic bass; Scott Bihorel Yañez – congas, bongos, percussion; Ivan Ftorek – drums, percussion; and Jeff Browder – percussion.
The show is Sunday, May 18 at 7 p.m. Along with general admission seating, a limited number of reserved seats at prime tables are available. Visit www.mypalladium.org or call the box office at 727 822-3590 for details.
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