Zing! Zing! Zoom! Zoom!
Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 04/23/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Les Baxter's true love may have been writing exotica music; but his pop music exceeded many people's expectations as well. Between the years 1951 and 1956, Les Baxter scored numerous ballads and hits that frequently charted and always pleased his audiences. This CD proves why his work was so successful.
The CD opens with the light, playful "Zing Zing - Zoom Zoom;" this melody is infectious and the chorus sings the lyrics to perfection. This upbeat number is the perfect way to start off the album.
There are several instrumental tracks on this CD, including the magnificent number "The Poor People Of Paris;" "April In Portugal" with its excellent use of the percussion and strings and "Gigi" with its use of the strings and percussion. Although these numbers reflect great judgment and a sophisticated musical arrangement; for me the tracks with vocals or at least a chorus work somewhat better.
Some great tracks that include lyrics include the haunting "I Love Paris" originally written by Porter; the playful "Shrimp Boats (A Comin'-There's Dancin' Tonight) sung so well by Dick Beavers with a chorus so joyful you can't help wanting to dance to this tune yourself and there's also the gorgeous and elegant "Because Of You" penned by Hammerstein and Wilkinson. Awesome!
Other great numbers on this CD include the love ballad "Wake The Town And Tell The People" sung by a chorus to perfection; "The High And Mighty" which begins with a wistful whistling that accompanies the music and the very familiar melody entitled "Kiss Of Fire" featuring Dick Beavers again with a stunning chorus. I dare you not to enjoy this classic music!
The liner notes include an essay about Les Baxter's earlier years at Capitol Records when they insisted he score these numbers because his exotica work had not pleased the public--at least not just yet! You also get the song credits and the art work reflects careful judgment.
Overall, I highly recommend this CD for fans of Les Baxter and fans of classic pop vocals. People who enjoy easy listening music from the 1950s will also love this CD.
Enjoy!
"
Track Listings (25) - Disc #1