Tails of the Merman is a podcast mini series made by and for the Tiki community. Based in southern Florida, Don Rudowski and Lu Ru initially assembled a group of friends back in 2007 and filmed the first of what was to become a 5-episode romp in the style of mid-century B movies. It became quite popular among fans of retro culture, Tiki, Surf Rock, and mid-century subculture. The last episode was released in May of 2008.

Fast forward to the Spring of 2020, in the beginning stages of the COVID pandemic. Don and Lu Ru find themselves with the time to take on a long-shelved revisit of this project. With updated gear and an expanded cast, the next chapters of the series, filmed in the safe bubbles of each of the cast member’s homes, Don is presented with the challenging task of assembling footage that he was not able to direct in person, sent in a variety of formats, and with surprising but very happy results. With the technical limitations imposed by the pandemic, the release of the episodes becomes sporadic, but the joy in the production and sharing remains well-received. The whole series can be seen by following this link: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvjku2v-CL5u9gN8Hbnx2Y1rFsZ-l6_v3

My involvement in the music began in the 4th and 5th episodes of the original series, and were my first attempts at producing a soundtrack. Since then, I have expanded my own abilities in composition, and am proud to present this soundtrack, which covers a variety of styles appropriate to the genre of the Merman: Exotica, Crime Jazz, and even a bit of Surf.

My relationship to those styles is the result of my involvement with and experiences related to Waitiki, one of the premiere Exotica ensembles of the day. The travel, performances, and music have led me to get to know and appreciate the music of the classic Exotica and Lounge period, such as Martin Denny, Les Baxter, and Robert Drasnin. The latter two have influenced me a great deal in the creative process that led to this recording. I must also mention Juan García Esquivel as an influence and inspiration.

Special thanks to Don and Lu Ru, and all of the cast who made this project so special. Thanks for your inspired performances! And to the Fraternal Order of Moai, which is the glue that holds much of the Tiki community together and provides a forum on which this sort of project can find eyes and ears. Special thanks to Waitiki, namely Randy Wong, as the founder and captain of the ship, and of course, to the memories of Robert Drasnin, Les Baxter, and Juan García Esquivel.