martin denny passed away today at the age of 93. a westerner who apropriated gamelan and polynesian musics and forged real connections between eastern and western classicism, denny’s most famous recordings came out in the 1950s and were best known as “stereo demonstration” records. these popular records, showcased ornate and exotic intruments and approaches that were often conspicuous enough to use as vivid examples of the new stereo technology. waved aside by academics, appreciated in his time by mass consumers, adored by chillout djs, indirectly responsible for innumerable tiki-decorated basements and the nauseatingly sweet cocktails served in them. see also: arthur lyman, esquivel, les baxter, ray