The Primitive And The Passionate - Les Baxter

Peking Tiger

The Primitive And The Passionate
Les Baxter And His Orchestra
Produced by Chuck Eagle
Cover: George Jerman
Art Direction: Merle Shore
Reprise Records R-6048
1961

From the back cover: The Primitive And The Passionate marks another in a long list of exciting Les Baxter albums that have made him the leading exponent in the field of exotic music. If there is purpose to presenting an album other than to provide listening enjoyment, then the album's purpose is to explore the two sides of Les' musical personality – the sophisticated and dynamic aspects of the primitive along with the sensuous and beguiling ingredients of the passionate. In addition, this album might be considered a composer's showcase: eight of the composition are Les' originals which he wrote especially for this recording.

Added to the distinctive, romantic quality of the instrumentals is the truly amazing high soprano voice of "Tiki," a recent discovery of Les'. "Tiki's" remarkable four octave vocal range lends itself to being used not only as an instrument but also to simulate the unusual sounds of bird calls.

Of the many inspiring compositions in the album, Bird Of Paradise is perhaps the most unique. Its mystic sounds of the tropics, which features "Tiki" along with Leo Acosta on gourd and Larry Bunker on bongos, create an effect strongly reminiscent of Les' Quiet Village. Peking Tiger with its integrated realistic tiger sounds has an oriental flavor, achieved by an unusual blend of French horns, trumpets, bass flutes, and trombones, together with Leo Acosta's tympani backing. Manchurian Melody is arranged in a happy-go-lucky Latin fashion which could easily become another of Les' many instrumental hits. A Night With Cleopatra features "Tiki's" soaring ethereal tones which help paint a vivid picture of the seductive wiles of the "serpent of the Nile." Slave Ship, by its tempo, very vividly suggest the even pace at which blows are being struck at the oarsman while in bondage on a slave galleon. Clare Fischer is featured on celeste and Les on piano.

The current hit a Taste Of Honey is rendered in a subtle plaintive, melodic way which musically depicts the poignant story of the show of the same title for which Bobby Scott wrote this composition. Shearing-like counterpoint is gained b y the blend of Larry Bunker's vibes and Clare Fischer's piano. The standards Tenderly, Laura and Little Girl Blue, the latter being reintroduced in the upcoming film Jumbo, are given completely light and refreshing treatments which make them stand out anew.

The music and the unusual way in which it is arranged, prove conclusively that Les Baxter has no peer in presenting melodic, soothing and always compelling contemporary music. The Primitive And The Passionate is bound to be ranked as perhaps the finest collection of his musical contributions ever recorded. – Peter J. Levinson

From Billboard - September 1, 1962: Exotic arrangements of a group of sophisticated tunes composed by Les Baxter make this album of more than usual interest. The Baxter ork performs the tunes with care, sparked by the stylish use of instruments and unusual and ear-catching sounds. Of the eight songs in the set by Baxter, "Bird Of Paradise," "Fiesta Brava" and "Manchurian Melody" gran a lot of air exposure. One of the four new Reprise "sound special" albums.

Fiesta Brava
Tenderly
Peking Tiger
Laura
A Night With Cleopatra
Via Veneto
Bird Of Paradise
Slave Ship
Manchurian Melody
A Taste Of Honey
Congale
Little Girl Blue