The King of Space Age Pop

Juan García Esquivel was a Mexican band leader, pianist and composer of film scores. He is simply called Esquivel and is known for the creation of a unique genre of jazz and lounge music. He has been called “The King of Space Age Pop” and “The King of Cocktail Music”. This quirky style of music and orchestration gave rise to the late 1950s to early 1960s style of music that is now called “Space Age Bachelor Pad Music”. Swanky stuff daddy-o.

Although there are others who perform Lounge or Cocktail Music, Esquivel’s sound is instantly recognizable because of his peculiar use of eccentric wordless vocals (sometimes called “zu-zu music” ), masterful piano runs, exotic percussion and dramatic changes in volume. His orchestral arrangements are extremely lush, and Esquivel’s pioneering use of stereo recording is legendary. He even recorded two bands playing simultaneously in separate studios to create mind-blowing stereo separation with the eccentric chorus and the Latin brass alternating on the stereo channels. The best example of this effect is also one of his best known songs “Mucha Muchacha”.

Juan García Esquivel continued to compose, arrange and record throughout his career. He staged elaborate concerts that featured fog and lighting effects – long before this practice became popular in live music. Esquivel also performed in Las Vegas several times as the opening act for Frank Sinatra. Several compilations of his work have been released over the years causing resurgences in his popularity and cocktail culture in general.

The Esquivel album “More of Other Worlds, Other Sounds” is considered the rarest and most desired Esquivel offering. It is a re-recording of its earlier version “Other Worlds, Other Sounds” and employs an unusual recording technique called the “Dual 35mm” recording process. This very rare and classic album is now available in digital form.