Voodoo II

Robert Drasnin | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 22, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Dionysus Records
• ASIN: B000P6R6SI
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #115,813 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Over ten years after the reissue of "Voodoo" and almost fifty since the release of the original, Dionysus Records unveils ROBERT DRASNIN's Voodoo II. Combining ROBERT DRASNIN's beautiful aquatic-like composition with all elements necessary for the exotica sound such as marimba, percussion, flue, piano and more; Voodoo II is destined to become as much of an exotica classic as it's predecessor. The original "Voodoo" (a/k/a "Percussion Exotique") was recorded in the late Ã"50s and released on two budget labels; Tops and Mayfair, insuring its place in obscurity; that is until it's mid-Ã"90s resurrection/reissue on Bacchus Archives. The record received its proper place as a representative piece of the genre making a whole lot of Tiki and Cocktail fans very happy. The story didn't stop there. ROBERT DRASNIN, accomplished jazz musician, musical director at CBS television in the Ã"50s and Ã"60s (Mission Impossible and then some) and music teacher at UCLA, was asked to play Voodoo live at Tiki festivals all the way across the country. In the process, Robert was inspired to compose songs for Voodoo II. The new record was recorded with a small combo in February of 2007. The 12 songs from the new album will be performed live at the yearly Hukilau event in Florida. And, like the "Voodoo" reissue, the cover art for "Voodoo II" was created by artist SHAG.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If Exotica Is Your Thing, You Need This..., May 27, 2007

By 

d - See all my reviews

This review is from: Voodoo II (Audio CD)

It's always a treat when a rare exotica gem is reissued on CD. It's unheard of when an artist of that era goes back into the studio to do a new exotica album. Robert Drasnin, nearly 80, reproduces the mood of his original album on this sequel. The instrumentation is the same as the first, with the welcome addition of cello. The only nod to modern technology is the use of a sampler. It is used sparingly to supply the sounds of harder to find percussion instruments; and if it wasn't listed in the credits, you'd never guess it was there. A sensuous feast throughout. If you don't already have it, order the original "Voodoo" while you're at it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Album!, November 27, 2008

By 

Dana Countryman - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Voodoo II (Audio CD)

I loved "Voodoo", the original 1959 Tops LP. In fact, I have the original framed in my studio.

But as much as I loved the original, I really have to say that I love "Voodoo II" even more. The tunes are even more memorable, and I find myself unconsciously humming them during my workday. That's a really great testament to the staying power of this music.

The fact that Drasnin was 80 years old when he recorded this is even more amazing, and this is NOT the the case of an older musician, feebly releasing music that does not hold up to his work in his glory days.

Just the opposite: this is work that firmly stands up to the best of his earlier work, and in my opinion OUTSHINES much of his music from his youthful days.

I just can't say enough about how much I love this CD. I've played it countless times, and I've given copies of it to friends and family as gifts.

Mr. Drasnin can be proud of this CD, and long after he is gone, it will stand as a testament to a uniquely talented man that really left memorable music behind for us all to enjoy.

And good news, I hear that Drasnin is currently at work on "Voodoo III"! I'll be first in line to buy a copy of that, and can't wait!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Drasnin Exotica, May 7, 2008

By 

G. Thorson "Film Score Fan" (Maryland United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Voodoo II (Audio CD)

First that this CD was cut in 2007, by now 80 year old Robert Drasnin as an updated version of his his nearly 50 year old Voodoo exotica sessions is remarkable. What Drasnin has done is take the basic Martin Denny/Arthur Lyman instrument lineup & added cello/flute, almost like a Les Baxter Tiki Chamber Ensemble. The cuts are well written, some have very cool endings you would expect from the former CBS music director.The extra instrumentation takes the lead line burden off the vibes &/or piano making the overall effort sound fresh. The solo female choral singing also adds to the mood. Sonics are pretty darn good & proves that talent can produce a fine exotica effort whether its 1957 OR 2007!