Ultra-Lounge is a series of compilation CDs released by Capitol Records, featuring music predominantly from the 1950s and 1960s in genres such as exotica, space age pop, mambo, television theme songs, and lounge. Many of the volumes have since been made available for purchase via digital download. Each CD featured detailed liner notes along with two related drink recipes, tips on how to serve drinks to guests, and often photographs of sculptures made out of bartender items and other objects.
One of the most satisfying recordings to be released in 1980 (and since reissued on CD in the OJC series), this date by pianist George Cables (who contributed four of the six group originals) features trumpeter Freddie Hubbard (who brought in "Byrdlike") and tenor saxophonist Ernie Watts in fiery form; the two horn players took time off from their much more commercial efforts for other labels. Vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson is also in the sextet/septet with bassist Tony Dumas, drummer Peter Erskine, and sometimes percussionist Vince Charles; the one departure is "The Stroll," which is an adventurous piano-vibes duet by Cables and Hutcherson.
Although reeds, brass, and even guitars are tossed in here and there to help create what the liner notes describe as "an exotic picture of tropical wildlife," the main focus is on percussion and some of the best tracks are the ones where the other orchestra members probably stepped out for a cup of Joe. One hesitates at the thought of pumping further caffeine into the timbale-pummelling Puente or his cohorts on congas, guiros, bongos, and assorted other percussion. Listeners who think a computer is necessary to play as fast as the beats would get in 90's jungle music had better check this man's hands out. Highlight track is, hands down, the unforgettable "Witchdoctor's Nightmare," a great way to start off the sounds at any party.
V.A. - Obsessions (1992). Erotic music. Bodies in harmony. Songs for making love. Sexy music. Dangerous. Touch, feel, smell, demand. Exploring the curves, following inner desires. Explosive and sensuous.
Dancing Fantasy, Software, G.E.N.E., Megabyte, Mind Over Matter and Peter Seiler.
The booklet contains erotic photographies of Gunter Blum!
V.A. - Rouge & Noir (1993). Erotic music. Bodies in harmony. Red and Black. Songs for making love. Sexy music. Dangerous. Touch, feel, smell, demand. Explosive and senseous. Exploring the curves, following inner desires. Unreleased and remixed erotic songs by: Software, Megabyte, Dancing Fantasy, TeeKay, Blue Knights, etc…