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A Different Side of Les Baxter

John Grimlan | Los Angeles, California United States | 01/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A delightful surprise at a bargain price! After my previous exposure to Baxter's big '50s show-tune orchestrations, his lounge exotica compositions, and his horror film soundtracks from the '60s and '70s (all of which I love), this album turned me on to yet another facet of this great artist's music. This album is effectively a re-release of "Que Mango" Baxter's 1970 collaboration with the 101 Strings Orchestra, minus two cuts. The sound is smooth, sophisticated early 1970s at its best, with hints of both Latin and subtle R&B influences, and even a bit of electric guitar here and there. My only complaint is with the omission of the two tunes "Morning On The Meadow" and the rather pleasing instrumental cover of Neil Diamond's "Soolaimon", but at a price of under $..., and the unabridged "Que Mango" out of print, this album is a great deal and a must-have! **Addendum 01/28/2002** Clarification, this is *not* a bootleg or take-off release. Madacy is the current owner of all 101 Strings works, and the earlier Scamp reissue was by their permission. So three cheers to Madacy for choosing to keep this Baxter masterpiece available at such a bargain price, even if it is abridged by two tracks."

A welcome return to form

Stuart M. Paine | Arlington, VA USA | 11/15/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I want to second everything said by Mr. Grimlan with respect to this album and Les Baxter's output in general. Although I am extremely fond of Les's 1940s-50s work in all genres, some of his 60s pop things (specifically, VOICES IN RHYTHM and COLORS OF BRAZIL/AFRICAN BLUE) continue to leave me cold. This 1970 album, however, exhibits none of the shortcomings of those earlier ones - the lukewarm performances, the generic and barely competent guitar/bass work or the tired and passe doo-wah vocalizations. No, this abbreviated QUE MANGO! has real energy. It crackles - and not only is there not a bad track, but some of them ("Que Mango", "Tropicando", "On a Warm Night", "Felicia, My Love") stand easily with the best of Les's work from his great 50s albums. Highly recommended even as it is at under 24 minutes."