Arthur Lyman - Lyman 66 / Shadow Of Your Smile (CD)

All Music Guide

These mid1960s discs present a pair of wellrounded and diverse long players. The contents of Lyman '66 (1965) and The Shadow Of Your Smile (1966) are typical for the artist and era mixing modern pop and folk numbers with songs from the stage and screen. Staying true to his environs, Lyman and his assembled combo would reach back to their roots in tiki traditionals and exotica. The material was recorded in an acousticallyengineered Geodesic Aluminum Dome at the Hilton Hawaiian Village's venerable Shell Bar and even by modern standards the uncanny ambience remains evident. Lyman '66's key inclusions are the fun and frolic of the opening update of "Lemon Tree". The intimate and romantic title song from "Dear Heart" provides tropicallyflavored ukuleles and Lyman's soft vibraphone touch. It joins the sublime "Kon Tiki" a pair of the album's premiere ballads. Other betterthanaveragetoexcellent cuts are the "Medley From Mary Poppins" boasting a toetappin' "Spoonful Of Sugar," a jazzy and intr...ospective "Chim Chim Cheree," as well as a whirling "Supercalifragalistic" conclusion. The "(Jungle) Cat" is not to be missed by fans of Space Age Bachelor Pad kitsch. Considerably more in tune with his Polynesian audience and environs, is the "Boy From Laupahoehoe" a Hawaiian folk song written by Miss Irmgard F. Aluli. The format of The Shadow Of Your Smile (1966) is quite similar to its chronological predecessor. "I'll Remember You" is a regional favorite and this less than impassioned rendition is certainly in no danger of replacing Elvis Presley's unforgettable Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite (1973) version. Additional offerings inspired by the locals are the fullblown exotica of "Marobi," the collegiate team fightsong "Imua Kamehameha," the sumptuous "Kamalani O Keaukaha" and last, but far from least is the ultrahip "E Lei Ka Lei Lei (The Beach Party Song)". Its interminably catchy melody makes it an unqualified standout. In terms of Lyman and company's interpretation of concurrent chart hits, there is a lovely reading of the Beatles' "Yesterday," the eventempo treatment given to "Shadow Of Your Smile" and concluding the package, is undeniably the most energetic selection on either outing a definitely youthoriented and vibrant take of "Hang On Sloopy". Parties interested in sampling the best of what Lyman was doing in the center of the '60s are encouraged to check out this installment in Collectors' Choice Music's thorough digital reassessment of the artist's HiFi Records library. - Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide Read more Less