Arthur Lyman

Born: 1932 in Kauai, HI - Died: Feb 24, 2002 in Ho

As the vibraphonist for Martin Denny's group, Lyman was instrumental in crafting the sound of exotica. Lyman didn't stay with Denny for long, however, leaving the ensemble in 1957 to start a solo career that was nearly as successful as Denny's. To no one's surprise, Lyman's albums sounded very much like Denny's, with even more of a somnambulent feel. Much of the public wanted to relax, though, and they sent his debut, Taboo, to #6 in the album charts in 1958. In addition to playing vibes on his group's recordings, Lyman also played some guitar, piano, and drums, as well as paying careful attention to using stereophonic sound.

Lyman also had a few hit singles, with "Taboo" and "Love For Sale" reaching the middle of the charts, and "Yellow Bird" (the only big exotica hit besides Denny's "Quiet Village") making #4 in 1961. Like Denny (though to a lesser extent), Lyman experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 1990s, when the space age pop revival made it acceptable to drag out his old LPs and sit in tiki bars again. He continued performing for tourists in Waikiki until a year before his death from throat cancer on February 24, 2002.

Discography:

Albums:
1958 Bwana' A: More Exotic Sounds of Arthur Lyman
1958 Taboo: The Exotic Sounds of Arthur Lyman
1959 Leis of Jazz: The Jazz Sounds of Arthur Lyman
1959 Bahia
1959 Hawaiian Sunset: The Sounds of Arthur Lyman
1959 The Legend of Pele: Sounds of Arthur Lyman
195? Many Moods of Arthur Lyman
195? The Colorful Percussions of Arthur Lyman
1961 Yellow Bird
1963 I Wish You Love
196? Blowin' in the Wind
196? Call of the Midnight Sun
196? Cotton Fields
196? Hawaiian Sunset, Vol. II
196? Isle of Enchantment
196? Mele Kalikimaka (Merry Christmas)
1998 Taboo 2: New Exotic Sounds of Arthur Lyman
???? On Broadway