The Tikiyaki Orchestra is a modern-day ensemble that embraces the vintage flair of mid-century exotica and tiki culture through their lush and layered instrumental compositions. Founded in 2006 by musician and composer Jim Bacchi, the orchestra has become synonymous with the revival of the genre that peaked in popularity during the 1950s and ’60s. Their music is an auditory escape to an idealized Polynesian paradise, complete with exotic birdcalls, vibraphones, lush strings, and a mélange of jazzy brass and percussive rhythms, creating an immersive experience akin to sipping a Mai Tai at a beachfront luau at sunset.

The Tikiyaki Orchestra has released a number of albums that serve as tributes to the golden age of exotica, capturing the imagination of both old enthusiasts and new listeners alike. With titles like "Swingin' sounds for the Jungle Jetset!" and "Aloha, Baby!", they transport listeners to a world of retro-fantasy, blending elements of surf music, lounge, and space-age pop. The album "Idol Worship and Other Primitive Pleasures" continues this tradition, offering a nuanced exploration of the genre while their rendition of "Wonderful Christmastime" adds a tropical warmth to a holiday classic. The group's attention to authentic detail in instrumentation and arrangement ensures each performance is not just music, but a time machine to a bygone era of sophistication and exoticism.

Genres

Exotica

Lounge

Latest Release

Wonderful Christmastime

The Tikiyaki Orchestra

Single - Released November 27, 2023