Les Baxter-The Lost Episode-EXOTICA-NEW EP 10"

Les Baxter "The Lost Episode"

(Lost Episode/Bacchus Archives/Dionysus 07)

new and sealed EP 10"

The liner notes caution the listener: Note: This record was mastered from an old videotape. While every possible step was taken in the transfer and mastering steps, the source tape itself was not pristine. There are a few glitches. They're not the engineer's fault, nor did they happen in the mastering. Sure, the sound quality might be better, but the historical importance of this recording more than compensates. To actually hear Les Baxter, live, introduce such classics as "Quiet village", "Ruby", and "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing" obliterates these fidelity imperfections.

The lush orchestration of "Quiet Village" demonstrating the contrast between Baxter's vision and Denny's hit single. Betty Ford's vocal on "Ruby" will amaze you and send shivers down your spine (and cats out of the room).  A swinging "Chopsticks" fuses many a Baxter gold record into a hot mambo surrounded by the familiar piano lesson tune. Closing this album, a grand version of "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing" with just the right oriental touch. Not an album for picky audiophiles, but an invaluable document for those who love exotica and can overlook the blemishes.