The pinnacle of
Denny's
career,
Hypnotique
earns a place in history for its achingly beautiful jacket design alone. The same photo shoot also yielded the cover photo for the
Denny
-produced
"Exotic Dreams"
by singer
Ethel Azama
. The music of
is just as compelling, producing an effect that certainly must be described as hypnotic, if not occasionally feverish. This can be partially attributed to the help of guests
Barbara Smith
,
John Mechigashari
, and
Bud Lee
on various Japanese instruments.
The Jack Halloran Singers
also add understated vocal intrigue to two tracks, one of which is
Les Baxter's
"Voodoo Dreams." Liner notes are by author
James Michener
.
is incredibly strong from start to finish, one of the first records one should pack in that slim, proverbial "desert island" suitcase. ~ Tony Wilds