Ethel Azama

A beautiful little vocal set -- and not nearly as gimmicky as you'd expect! The album's "presented" by Martin Denny, but overall it's a pretty straight jazz set -- featuring vocals by Japanese/Hawaiian Ethel, sung in a cool and moody style that's got lots of 50s west coast touches.

The arrangements in the set are by Paul Conrad, of who we know little -- in a mellow jazz-based style that has a lot more of a torchy feel than you'd expect from the exotic title and cover, which mostly seem to be playing up on Ethel's ethnic origins!

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1. Ringo Oiwake
• A2. Two Ladies In De Shade Of De Banana Tree
• A3. Shady Lady Bird
• A4. Lazy Afternoon
• A5. Friendly Island
• A6. Green Fire

• SIDE B
• B1. Kawohikukapulani
• B2. Speak Low
• B3. Montain High, Valley Low
• B4. Happy Talk
• B5. Nightingale
• B6. Autumn Leaves