Tracklist:

1. Temptation
2. By The Waters Of Minnetonka
3. Adieu Tristesse
4. Jungle Drums
5. Hymn To The Sun
6. Babalu
7. Old Devil Moon
8. Baia
9. The Moon Of Manakoora
10. Misirlou
11. Flamingo
12. Caravan

Notes:

“Exotic Percussion” is a vibrant and eclectic album released in 1962 by **Stanley Black and His Orchestra and Chorus**. Known for his innovative arrangements and charismatic conducting, Stanley Black brought together a diverse range of musical styles and instruments to create a unique listening experience. The album was produced by **Decca Records** and showcases Black’s ability to blend traditional orchestral sounds with exotic percussion elements.

The album features twelve tracks, including well-known compositions like “Temptation”, “By the Waters of Minnetonka”, and “Old Devil Moon”.  Each track is infused with lively rhythms and rich orchestration, highlighting the talents of the orchestra and chorus. Notable pieces such as “Jungle Drums” and “Babalu” offer listeners a taste of different cultural influences, making the album a true celebration of global music.

“Exotic Percussion” was designed to captivate listeners with its dynamic and rhythmic compositions. The use of various percussion instruments, combined with the lush orchestral arrangements, creates a sense of adventure and excitement. The album’s liner notes describe the music as a journey through exotic lands, transporting listeners to far-off places with its evocative sounds.

Stanley Black’s “Exotic Percussion” remains a testament to his musical genius and continues to be appreciated by fans of orchestral and world music. Its timeless appeal and innovative approach to blending different musical traditions make it a standout album in the genre of exotica music. Whether you’re a seasoned listener or new to this style, “Exotic Percussion” offers a captivating and enriching musical experience.

Phase 4 stereo

Phase 4 Stereo was a recording process created by the U.K. Decca Records label in 1961 and used by its American subsidiary, **London Records**, during the 1960s. This innovative process utilized a 10-channel, and later a 20-channel, recording console to create rich, multi-layered soundscapes. The recordings were initially made on 4-track tape, but the real innovation lay in the special scoring techniques used to maximize the technology, avoiding the tape hiss that multiple overdubs would have caused.

The Phase 4 Stereo series included a wide variety of music, from popular tunes to “gimmick” records engineered to make sounds travel from speaker to speaker, and even historical sound effect records. The series also featured a light classical “Concert Series” produced in 1964, which included works by renowned conductors like Leopold Stokowski, Antal Doráti, and Charles Munch. The recordings were known for their spectacular stereo effects and artificial reverb, aiming to dazzle listeners rather than recreate a concert hall experience.

Despite its commercial success, Phase 4 Stereo was met with mixed reviews. Some audiophiles appreciated the innovative sound manipulation, while others felt it detracted from the musical integrity. The recordings were made in Kingsway Hall, a venue known for its excellent acoustics, but the Phase 4 techniques often transformed it into something unrecognizable. This approach made the series a financial success for Decca but also a point of contention among classical music purists.

Today, Phase 4 Stereo remains a fascinating chapter in the history of recorded music. Its bold experiments with stereo sound and its impact on the industry are still remembered by audiophiles and music enthusiasts. Whether loved or criticized, the series undeniably pushed the boundaries of what was possible in audio recording during its time.