Paradise Isles
I recently purchased an instrument from Maestro Boards. Next time you're in the market for a lap steel be sure to look him up. You can link to his site from the Beyond the Reef section below.
"Tarzan the Ape Man" debuted in 1932 and was a huge hit. Filmed in various Los Angeles locations and at Crystal Springs, Florida (with a great deal of authentic African footage that had been shot for the earlier movie "Trader Horn"), "Tarzan the Ape Man" gave depression weary movie goers a unique form of escapist entertainment.
The Tarzan Yell
Yma Sumac, the five-octave Diva of Exotica, was born Zoila Emperatriz Chavarri del Castillo in 1922 in Inchocan, Peru. 
"For this dream of being awake suddenly was more urgent that the condition of actually being awake. He felt like an explorer who had at last walked into the true unknown and found that the treasure of discovery was the realization that true awareness needs not only the fact, but also the dream of the fact: these are the two vital ends to the journey between."
- from The Face Beside the Fire, 1953
Wherever exotica went, Les Baxter was there, often leading the way. His work for Capitol Records in the 1950s introduced most of the major movements in exotica. His 1950 album, "Music Out of the Moon," featured the theremin and was probably the best-selling theremin album of all time--and also founded the "space" school of exotica. 
Hand Carv
ed WITCO Decor... the mark of distinction
Since the beginning the powerful pull of wood has existed in its warmth to the eye and hand. WITCO Decor with hand carved, crafted wood, tempered by fire and polished glowing smooth speaks out strongly to be investigated... romantic, sophisticated, functional and decorative, a rare blend.
WITCO Decor compliments existing interior furnishings and styling while offering many exterior applications as well.
WITCO Decor creates an immediately interesting and unusual atmosphere, either individually displayed or collectively grouped.
WITCO Decor is truly "Conversational Piece Designed."
WITCO Decor influence is especially desirable for special decor application areas, such as foyer, patio, family or recreation rooms, den, bar, office, club, poolside, gardens, week-end homes, etc.
WITCO DECOR has been nationally acclaimed as the originator of the newest concept for successful decor pieces. The wedding of creative design, old world craftsman techniques, genuine wood and realistic pricing creates the most successful and refreshing line of decor available to the individual customer.
Here at WITCO the end of the day sees a passing parade of similar, but never two-of-a-kind pieces . . . our unique trademark that is reflected in three hundred handmade decor pieces of the WITCO line.
Characteristics and care of your WITCO Decor
Made of solid wood, our product is impervious to most destruction forces. Yet within itself is an inherent factor for mild checking or opening of grain due to moisture content and climate environment.
With the burnt dark finish the checking will expose itself as a showing of internal "White wood." By darkening this "White wood" with dark walnut stain or a can of flat black spray paint and rubbing smooth will tend to enhance rather than detract from the piece. This also applies to minor scratches and abrasions.
Periodic applications of wax with a soft cloth will maintain the rich sheen.
Contact your local WITCO dealer for a showing of WITCO Decor in depth.
WITCO Decor/Mt. Vernon, Washington
The man who brought the name "exotica" to this genre. The King of the Tiki Hut. Denny not only brought exotica its biggest hit of all time with his #2 single of Les Baxter's "Quiet Village,", he gave two other key figures in exotica--Arthur Lyman and Julius Wechter--their starts, and influenced several generations of lounge performers. 
Aku Aku - from Afro-Desia
"Careful man, there's a beverage here"
- Jeff "the Dude" Lebowski
"I originated and have served this thing since 1934... Anyone that says otherwise is a liar!"
- Donn Beach (aka Don the Beachcomber)
"I am the wind, the sea, the evening star, I am every one, any one, no one." - eden ahbez
eden ahbez (April 15, 1908 – March 4, 1995), born George Alexander Aberle in Brooklyn, New York and adopted by a Kansas family and raised under the name George McGrew, was a songwriter and recording artist from the 1940s-1960s, whose lifestyle in California was influential on the hippie movement. He was known to his friends as "ahbe" and he refused to use capital letters to spell his name.
