Polynesian Spell
Recorded "Live" at The Kahiki Supper Club, Columbus, Ohio, 1965
The Beachcomber Trio
Produced by Jeff Chenault
Mastered by Len Horowitz and Lee Joseph
History of Recorded Sound, Culver City, California
Graphic Design: Carole Pixier
Bacchus Archives BA11109
Dionysus Records
2010
Personnel:
Marcel "Marsh" Padilla: Woodwinds, Piano & Bass
John Dragu: Drums, Vibes & Sax
Don Hale: Guitar
Hand-numbered edition of 500 with digital download coupon taped to the sleeve.
From the back cover: Columbus restaurateurs Bill Sapp and Lee Henry has a great idea when they created the legendary Kahiki Super Club. They recruited Marsh Padilla and his trio to fill the Music Bar with a unique Latin Jazz/Hawaiian/Lounge musical hybrid. The Beachcomber Trio played at the Kahiki Supper Club in Columbus, Ohio from 1961 to 1978. The founding member and leader of the group was Marcel "Marsh" Padilla who played with Juan Rodrigo's Orchestra and numerous bands throughout the Midwest during the late 1930s. During WWII, he played lead saxophone for various bands backing up Judy Garland, Martha Raye, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. After the war he returned to Detroit to organize the Marcel Padilla Orchestra and played regularly at The Famous Door and Haig's Mambo City. In 1958, Marsh moved to Columbus, Ohio playing various gigs until forming the Kahiki Trio in 1961.
The Kahiki Trio or Beachcomber Trio, as they were also known, was recorded "live" inside of the Kahiki restaurant during 1965. Like many restaurant albums released in the 60s, this recording brings back the excitement of a live audience with cocktails in hand. Audience sounds, occasional whistling, and even waterfall sounds can also be heard adding to the unique environment experience. Sadly, the Kahiki closed its doors on August 26, 2000, the night of the Bon Voyage Kahiki Party. The beautiful structure is gone, but is still living in the hearts and minds of many who visited her shores.
Beyond The Reef
Quiet Village
Yellow Bird
Shangri-La
Polynesian Spell
Never On Sunday
Sway Pablo
Like Young
Quiet Village
Yellow Bird
Shangri-La
Polynesian Spell
Never On Sunday
Sway Pablo
Like Young
This is astounding! I haven't been able to find these tracks ANYWHERE. Do you happen to have the rest of them?
ReplyDeleteI fondly recall the Kahiki Supper Club and visited the restaurant many times from its opening until its closing. I still miss the food, the drinks, the atmosphere, and Sam the Macaw who ruled the roost — pardon the pun — in one of the bars. Like may others, I have a collection of Kahiki souvenirs.
ReplyDeleteI also have fond memories of the Beachcombers Trio. I even have an original album. Like everything at the Kahiki, the group added to the ambiance and helped make the Kahiki special.
Many accounts of the Kahiki and the Beachcombers list John Dragu as the member who played drums, vibraphone, and saxophone.
The musician's name was actually John Buchanan Dragoo. He was great friends with my parents, and I with his family. Here is some information:
John Buchanan "Jack" Dragoo, 26 February 1921 – 04 September 1968
Died in head-on automobile collision, I believe he was going home after playing.
Father: Frank Cadwallader Dragoo (1891-1978)
Mother: Ola Belle Buchanan (1893-1985)
Grew up in Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio.
Graduated University of Virginia with degrees in music & law
Married Lois Jean Roberts (1921-1989) on 19 January 1968
Real Estate Manager and Musician
Children
John Buchanan Dragoo, Jr. (living)
Dan Stuart Dragoo (1955-1962)
Scott D. Dragoo (living)
Jan Elaine Dragoo (living)