Ethel Azama – Exotic Dreams (The Enticing Voice Of Ethel Azama)

Vinyl 12"

Exotica masterpiece finally reissued! Produced by Martin Denny, arranged by pianist Paul Conrad and showcasing the captivating voice of Ethel Azama, Exotic Dreams is one of the defining recordings of the exotica genre. Often regarded as the genre's second great female vocalist after the legendary Peruvian singer Yma Sumac, Azama delivers a beautifully expressive performance throughout this timeless 1958 release.

Exotic Dreams places the Hawaiian jazz singer (1934–1984) firmly in the spotlight, as the album's original sleeve proudly proclaims with "the enticing voice of Ethel Azama". Martin Denny recognised her remarkable talent and successfully persuaded Liberty Records to release the album, even contributing the original liner notes. Following its success, Azama secured a contract for a second LP in 1959 with the support of Jimmie Rodgers.

Combining Azama's elegant vocals with Paul Conrad's lush arrangements and Denny's unmistakable production, Exotic Dreams remains one of exotica's finest recordings. It is all the more remarkable given Azama's relatively small recorded output before she faded from the spotlight, despite performing extensively in Hawaiian and Australian nightclubs and later appearing in the 1970s television series Hawaii Five-O. This long-awaited reissue is an essential addition for collectors of exotica, lounge, jazz and classic vocal recordings.