Waitiki 7

Biography

The WAITIKI 7 is a modern exotica ensemble founded in 2008 by Hawaiʻi-born musicians Randy Wong and Abe Lagrimas Jr. while they were studying in Boston—Wong at the New England Conservatory and Lagrimas at Berklee College of Music. Their collaboration began as a way to reconnect with their Hawaiian roots, experimenting with various musical concepts before settling on exotica, a genre that blends jazz, tropical rhythms, and global influences. The group expanded from its original quartet to a septet, drawing on the talents of conservatory-trained musicians, including Grammy winners and symphony performers, to create a lush, immersive sound that honors and redefines exotica for contemporary audiences.[2][3][1]

Rooted in the golden age of Waikiki and inspired by pioneers like Martin Denny and Arthur Lyman, The WAITIKI 7 has become a leading force in the exotica revival. Their music is characterized by intricate percussion, vibrant mallet instruments, jazz improvisation, and evocative soundscapes that transport listeners to imagined tropical locales. The band has released several acclaimed albums, such as 'Adventures in Paradise,' 'New Sounds of Exotica,' and 'Exotica Reborn,' and has performed internationally, including at Germany's Festival Wassermusik and major tiki festivals in the United States. Their commitment to the genre includes both preserving classic exotica repertoire and composing new works, often collaborating with other artists and orchestras to expand the genre's reach.[2][3][5][1]

The WAITIKI 7 is recognized not only for their musical excellence but also for their efforts to legitimize exotica as an art form, moving it beyond its kitschy reputation to highlight its cultural and artistic significance. Their performances, including recent sold-out shows in Waikiki and collaborations with the Hawaii Youth Symphony, have helped raise the profile of exotica and support music education. The band continues to inspire new generations of musicians and listeners, ensuring that the mesmerizing rhythms and vibrant spirit of exotica remain a vital part of Hawaii's musical heritage.[3][5][2]

Fun Facts

• Lopaka Colón continues his father Augie's tradition of performing bird and animal calls, a signature of the original Martin Denny exotica sound.
• WAITIKI 7 debuted internationally at Berlin's Festival Wassermusik in 2007, before officially forming as a septet.
• The band has performed with a 25-piece big band in tribute to Mexican composer Juan García Esquivel, a legend of space-age pop.
• WAITIKI 7 once played a bar mitzvah at an aquarium, complete with pop-and-lock dancers, and has performed at tiki festivals and burlesque events across the US.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Martin Denny - Pioneer of exotica and direct inspiration; Lopaka Colón's father, Augie, was Denny's percussionist and originator of signature bird and animal calls, a tradition continued by Lopaka in WAITIKI 7. (Classic exotica albums; influence on WAITIKI 7's repertoire and sound) [1950s–1960s (influence ongoing)]
• Arthur Lyman - Exotica vibraphonist and bandleader; inspiration for WAITIKI 7's mallet instrument focus and lush arrangements. (Classic exotica albums; influence on WAITIKI 7's instrumentation) [1950s–1960s (influence ongoing)]
• Les Baxter - Composer and exotica innovator; stylistic influence on WAITIKI 7's arrangements and global sound palette. (Exotica albums; inspiration for WAITIKI 7's compositional approach) [1950s–1960s (influence ongoing)]

Key Collaborators

• Abe Lagrimas Jr. - Co-founder, drummer, and vibraphonist; core member shaping the band's rhythmic and melodic direction. (All WAITIKI 7 albums and live performances) [2008–present]
• Lopaka Colón - Percussionist and bird call specialist; continues his father's legacy from the Martin Denny band. (All WAITIKI 7 albums and live performances) [2008–present]
• Randy Wong - Co-founder, bassist, and bandleader; driving force behind the band's vision and repertoire. (All WAITIKI 7 albums and live performances) [2008–present]
• Tim Mayer - Flautist and saxophonist; brings jazz sensibility and improvisational flair. (All WAITIKI 7 albums and live performances) [2005–present]
• Zaccai Curtis - Grammy-winning pianist; contributes jazz and Latin influences. (All WAITIKI 7 albums and live performances) [2008–present]
• Helen Liu - Violinist; adds orchestral and melodic depth. (All WAITIKI 7 albums and live performances) [2008–present]
• Jim Benoit - Vibraphonist; central to the band's mallet-driven sound. (All WAITIKI 7 albums and live performances) [2008–present]
• Brother Cleve - Producer and lounge revivalist; collaborated on early recordings and live events. (Production and live events, including Don the Beachcomber festival) [2009–2011]
• Robert Drasnin - Exotica composer; guest performer at WAITIKI 7's festival events. (Live performances at Don the Beachcomber) [2009–2011]

Artists Influenced

• Hawaii Youth Symphony - Collaborated on a gala performance, exposing young musicians to exotica and supporting music education. (Gala performance raising funds for music education) [2023]
• Modern exotica and tiki revival musicians - WAITIKI 7's preservation and innovation in exotica have inspired a new generation of artists and bands within the global tiki and lounge revival scenes. (Influence evident in contemporary exotica recordings and festival lineups) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Adventures in Paradise (Adventures in Paradise)
2. Ruby (New Sounds of Exotica)
3. Similau (This is Vintage Now)
4. Bali Hai (New Sounds of Exotica)
5. Sweet Pikake Serenade (New Sounds of Exotica)
6. Coronation (Adventures in Paradise)
7. Ouanalao (Adventures in Paradise)
8. Flower Humming (New Sounds of Exotica)
9. Tiki (New Sounds of Exotica)
10. China Fan (New Sounds of Exotica)

External Links

• Spotify