Paul Whiteman - Hawaiian Magic. Grand Award Records. 1966 ...

Leader of the most popular dance bands in the United States during the 1920s, Whiteman's recordings were immensely successful, and press notices often referred to him as the "King of Jazz."

Using a large ensemble and exploring many styles of music, Whiteman is perhaps best known for his blending of symphonic music and jazz, as typified by his 1924 commissioning and debut of George Gershwin's jazz-influenced "Rhapsody In Blue". His popularity faded in the swing music era of the 1930s, and by the 1940s Whiteman was semi-retired from music. In his autobiography, Duke Ellington declared, "Paul Whiteman was known as the King of Jazz, and no one as yet has come near carrying that title with more certainty and dignity."

This release was originally released in 1956 with the rather more attractive sleeve below. The 1966 re-release featured what some vinyl websites describe as a "striking cover" ... I'd call it pre school collage but that's my opinion!

The record features "Lush strings, full and colorful, with bright guitar passages the reflect so splendidly the rich romance of the haunting music of Hawaii." My pick would be the Moon of Manakoora.

Enjoy - Paul Whiteman - Hawaiian Magic 1966.