Martin Denny – Hawaii Goes A Go Go! (1966)

 

Martin Denny – Hawaii Goes A Go Go! (1966) Album Review & History

Liberty records 1966  LP-7445 

notes:

If you’re exploring the golden age of exotica music, Hawaii Goes A Go Go! 

by Martin Denny is a must-listen. Released in 1966, this album captures 

the vibrant fusion of tropical rhythms, lounge aesthetics, 

and mid-century pop culture.

Unlike earlier exotica records, this album leans into the upbeat “go-go” 

trend of the 1960s. It blends:

Traditional Hawaiian influences

Jazz-infused lounge arrangements

Contemporary pop rhythms

The result is a lively, danceable sound that reflects the cultural shift of the era.

credits:

Martin Denny – piano, vibraphone, arranger, bandleader

Regular Collaborators (Martin Denny Group era)

These musicians were frequently part of 

Denny’s mid-60s recordings and live lineup:

Julius Wechter – vibraphone, percussion

Harvey Ragsdale – bass

John Kramer – drums

Augie Colon – Latin percussion, bird calls, sound effects 

(earlier key collaborator; influence continues stylistically)

 Session Musicians:

Exotica albums often relied on studio musicians who were 

not always fully credited. Likely contributions include:

Guitar (surf/lounge style backing)

Additional percussion (congas, bongos, shakers)

Possible horn or organ accents (depending on track)

Recorded: 1966

Label: Liberty Records

Era: Mid-1960s “go-go” / pop-exotica crossover period

Engineer – Eddie Brackett

Producer  Joe Saraceno

tracklist:

A1 E Lei Ka Lei Lei (Beach Party Song)

Written-By – Don Ho

2:25

A2 Beyond The Reef

Written-By – Jack Pitman

2:20

A3 The Girl From Ipanema

Written-By – Jobim*, Gimbel*, DeMoraes*

2:17

A4 Hole In The Wall

Written-By – Jackson*, Jones*, Cropper*

2:14

A5 Luna Luna

Written-By – Florence*, Saraceno*

1:55

A6 Call Me

Written-By – Tony Hatch

2:13

B1 Friendly Islands

Written-By – Benny Carter

2:45

B2 Sweet Someone

Written-By – B. Keys*, G. Waggner*

2:47

B3 Everything In The Garden

Written-By – Cook-Greenway*

2:30

B4 She Sang Aloha To Me

Written-By – J. Carey*

2:42

B5 Pearls (Mexican Pearls)

Written-By – D. Randi*, J. Milolas*

2:44

B6 Pearly Shells

Written-By – L. Pober*, W. Edwards*

2:00

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