Tracklist:

1. Burma Train
2. Kalua
3. M’Gambo Mambo
4. Buddhist Bells
5. M’Bira
6. Flamingo
7. BLlama Serenade (Peruvian Llama Song)
8. Akaka Falls
9. Bangkok Cockfight
10. Mau Mau
11. Dites Moi
12. Jamaica Farewell

Notes:

Released in August 1958, “Primitiva” was Martin Denny’s fourth album. Known as the “Godfather of Exotica,” Denny’s unique blend of tropical and exotic sounds made him a pioneer in the genre. The album was recorded at Liberty Studios in Hollywood and released under Liberty Records. It reached No. 27 on the national Cashbox chart in October 1958.

The album features a variety of instruments, including the m’bira, Burmese gongs, koto, Buddhist prayer bowls, and a “primitive log from New Guinea,” which contributed to its distinctive sound. Tracks like “Burma Train,” “Kalua,” and “Buddhist Bells” showcase Denny’s ability to transport listeners to far-off, exotic locales through his music.

Critics praised “Primitiva” for its innovative use of instrumentation and its ability to evoke a sense of adventure and mystery. Austin Faricy of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin described it as “no more primitive than a Salvador Dali painting, but it is persuasive,” encouraging listeners to dance to their own idea of the exotic.

Martin Denny’s “Primitiva” remains a beloved classic in the world of exotica music, celebrated for its imaginative arrangements and its role in popularizing exotic sounds in mainstream music. Its enduring appeal continues to captivate new generations of listeners who are drawn to its unique and evocative soundscapes.