Over ten years after the reissue of "Voodoo" and almost fifty since the release of the original, Dionysus Records unveils ROBERT DRASNIN's Voodoo II. Combining ROBERT DRASNIN's beautiful aquatic-like composition with al... more »l elements necessary for the exotica sound such as marimba, percussion, flue, piano and more; Voodoo II is destined to become as much of an exotica classic as it's predecessor. The original "Voodoo" (a/k/a "Percussion Exotique") was recorded in the late Ã"50s and released on two budget labels; Tops and Mayfair, insuring its place in obscurity; that is until it's mid-Ã"90s resurrection/reissue on Bacchus Archives. The record received its proper place as a representative piece of the genre making a whole lot of Tiki and Cocktail fans very happy. The story didn't stop there. ROBERT DRASNIN, accomplished jazz musician, musical director at CBS television in the Ã"50s and Ã"60s (Mission Impossible and then some) and music teacher at UCLA, was asked to play Voodoo live at Tiki festivals all the way across the country. In the process, Robert was inspired to compose songs for Voodoo II. The new record was recorded with a small combo in February of 2007. The 12 songs from the new album will be performed live at the yearly Hukilau event in Florida. And, like the "Voodoo" reissue, the cover art for "Voodoo II" was created by artist SHAG.« less
Over ten years after the reissue of "Voodoo" and almost fifty since the release of the original, Dionysus Records unveils ROBERT DRASNIN's Voodoo II. Combining ROBERT DRASNIN's beautiful aquatic-like composition with all elements necessary for the exotica sound such as marimba, percussion, flue, piano and more; Voodoo II is destined to become as much of an exotica classic as it's predecessor. The original "Voodoo" (a/k/a "Percussion Exotique") was recorded in the late Ã"50s and released on two budget labels; Tops and Mayfair, insuring its place in obscurity; that is until it's mid-Ã"90s resurrection/reissue on Bacchus Archives. The record received its proper place as a representative piece of the genre making a whole lot of Tiki and Cocktail fans very happy. The story didn't stop there. ROBERT DRASNIN, accomplished jazz musician, musical director at CBS television in the Ã"50s and Ã"60s (Mission Impossible and then some) and music teacher at UCLA, was asked to play Voodoo live at Tiki festivals all the way across the country. In the process, Robert was inspired to compose songs for Voodoo II. The new record was recorded with a small combo in February of 2007. The 12 songs from the new album will be performed live at the yearly Hukilau event in Florida. And, like the "Voodoo" reissue, the cover art for "Voodoo II" was created by artist SHAG.
CD Reviews
If Exotica Is Your Thing, You Need This...
d | 05/27/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's always a treat when a rare exotica gem is reissued on CD. It's unheard of when an artist of that era goes back into the studio to do a new exotica album. Robert Drasnin, nearly 80, reproduces the mood of his original album on this sequel. The instrumentation is the same as the first, with the welcome addition of cello. The only nod to modern technology is the use of a sampler. It is used sparingly to supply the sounds of harder to find percussion instruments; and if it wasn't listed in the credits, you'd never guess it was there. A sensuous feast throughout. If you don't already have it, order the original "Voodoo" while you're at it."
Fantastic Album!
Dana Countryman | 11/27/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I loved "Voodoo", the original 1959 Tops LP. In fact, I have the original framed in my studio.
But as much as I loved the original, I really have to say that I love "Voodoo II" even more. The tunes are even more memorable, and I find myself unconsciously humming them during my workday. That's a really great testament to the staying power of this music.
The fact that Drasnin was 80 years old when he recorded this is even more amazing, and this is NOT the the case of an older musician, feebly releasing music that does not hold up to his work in his glory days.
Just the opposite: this is work that firmly stands up to the best of his earlier work, and in my opinion OUTSHINES much of his music from his youthful days.
I just can't say enough about how much I love this CD. I've played it countless times, and I've given copies of it to friends and family as gifts.
Mr. Drasnin can be proud of this CD, and long after he is gone, it will stand as a testament to a uniquely talented man that really left memorable music behind for us all to enjoy.
And good news, I hear that Drasnin is currently at work on "Voodoo III"! I'll be first in line to buy a copy of that, and can't wait!"
Drasnin Exotica
G. Thorson | Maryland United States | 05/07/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First that this CD was cut in 2007, by now 80 year old Robert Drasnin as an updated version of his his nearly 50 year old Voodoo exotica sessions is remarkable. What Drasnin has done is take the basic Martin Denny/Arthur Lyman instrument lineup & added cello/flute, almost like a Les Baxter Tiki Chamber Ensemble. The cuts are well written, some have very cool endings you would expect from the former CBS music director.The extra instrumentation takes the lead line burden off the vibes &/or piano making the overall effort sound fresh. The solo female choral singing also adds to the mood. Sonics are pretty darn good & proves that talent can produce a fine exotica effort whether its 1957 OR 2007!"
New Exotica!
Cameron | Brisbane AUSTRALIA | 10/06/2008
(3 out of 5 stars)
"At last, some new Exotica, albeit by a veteran performer. Not a bad offering considering Drasnin is now in his 80s. I enjoyed this album but unfortunately it's a little too much easy listening for me. I don't really feel this album, although a nice listen, is really a fitting sequel to Robert Drasnin's [[ASIN:B0000059YI Voodoo], which is brilliant and a great ambassador for this genre.
If you want to check out Exotica Lounge then I suggest try Drasnin's originalVoodoo, and of course any anthology of Martin Denny is essiential, such asThe Best of Martin Denny's Exotica or The Exotic Sounds of Martin Denny, followed by Les Baxter and Arthur Lyman.
However saying that I'm sure these Dresnin pieces would be lovely played live in the right setting, and it does a good job relaxing you, much more than many of the Chill artists can do today with their repitious beats.
Let's hope Dresnin is just warming up for Voodoo 3!
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1