Customer Reviews

Colors of Brazil / African Blue

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4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
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This Les Baxter title has some great music on it, but by the time this was released it it obvious he was not given the budget he deseved and loved. Still, he made good use of the tiny "orchestra" and while it is not my favorite, I still enjoy it. Les Baxter helped to create numerous musical styles with subtle influences on music (from the early use of the theremin on his arrangements on "Music Out Of The Moon" to the epic works such as "Ritual Of The Savage"). Before the Beatles, Les Baxter had a very successful decade with Capitol Records! I remember hearing the number one hit "The Poor People Of Paris" when I was only 3 years old. But I did not become familiar with the Les Baxter name until about 5 years ago. Why? I am enjoying his music as if it were new. This CD is fine but not as complex. It has a "pop" chorus on some numbers. I wish all his other material would be released--including all of his soundtracks.

These are two Baxter albums for the GNP Crescendo label from the mid-1960s. This music is easy to listen to, though at times the tracks are "tacky." When the mood does strike, however, I do toss this in an find it relaxes me (easily digestible music often has that quality). There is nothing here that makes a strong impression upon listeners. The most one might say after listening would be, "Yeah, I'll give this one a listen again." A week keeper, but a keeper no less.

WHILE NOT LES BAXTER'S BEST RECORDING, THIS IS STILL A VERY INTERESTING AND FUN SET OF MUSIC. THE REMASTERED JAPANESE VERSION ABSOLUTELY KICKS BUTT ALL OVER THE DOMESTICALY RELEASED VERSION, SO GET IT IF YOU WANT TO HEAR THIS ALBUM THE WAY IT WAS INTENDED TO SOUND. YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED