Juan Garcia Esquivel - More of Other Worlds, Other Sounds (2015) [Hi-Res]

Esquivel's place in the canon of 'serious' music is still highly debated. (The Mexican composer openly courted a Muzak-y, easy-listening aesthetic, while his arrangements flaunt elements of kitsch and theatricality. ) But whether his creations go by the name of 'space age,' 'lounge,' or 'exotica,' Esquivel's musical brew is unique to be sure.

„More of Other Worlds, Other Sounds“, originally released in 1962, is a shifting tapestry of galloping Western themes, big-band swing, cha-cha, mambo, and cinematic soundscapes decorated with tinkling xylophones, rolling tympani, reverb guitar, and various strange sounds--all par for the course with this revered cult figure. Four of Esquivel's originals appear here, including the sprightly, sweeping 'Primavera,' and the tiki-torch-waving 'Chant of the Night.'

Alongside these are treatments of 'I Get a Kick Out of You' (with Esquivel's piano playing alternating between one-finger simplicity and classical flourishes, tongue apparently firmly in cheek), a laid-back, lounge/mambo take on 'Dancing in the Dark,' and 'Street of Dreams,' complete with martini-shaking groove. The ensemble arrangements swing in earnest at times, with a wink at others--an ambiguity that rests at the heart of Esquivel's success and appeal. For many exotica fans, this 1962 Reprise release, his first for the label, is THE Esquivel record to get.

'The production and ideas behind the originals and cover versions are often breathtaking, the humour is spot on, the musical energy relentless. It's charismatic, insane and quite brilliant.' (Record Collector)

Tracklist:
01. Juan Garcia Esquivel - The Breeze and I [Andalucia] (2:40)
02. Juan Garcia Esquivel - Chant To The Night (2:38)
03. Juan Garcia Esquivel - Canadian Sunset (3:23)
04. Juan Garcia Esquivel - Street Scene (3:27)
05. Juan Garcia Esquivel - I Get A Kick Out Of You (2:40)
06. Juan Garcia Esquivel - Primavera (2:38)
07. Juan Garcia Esquivel - Street Of Dreams (2:16)
08. Juan Garcia Esquivel - La Mantilla (2:15)
09. Juan Garcia Esquivel - One for My Baby (And One More for the Road) (3:53)
10. Juan Garcia Esquivel - Dancing In The Dark (2:01)
11. Juan Garcia Esquivel - Snowfall (3:44)
12. Juan Garcia Esquivel - Travelin' (2:44)