Wild Guitars - Les Baxter

 

Cubana Mulatta

Wild Guitars

Les Baxter

Produced by Voyle Gilmore

Capitol Records ST 1248

1959

From the back cover: Mandolino, Cubana Mulatta and Cabayo are all Les Baxter originals – each sparked by the Latin influence, sparkling with the unmistakable Baxter touch. The Latin mood carries throughout the remainder of the tunes as well, with a variety of Spanish and Brazilian tempos setting refreshing rhythm changes from one to another. They all feature the three classical guitarists, Nestor Amaral, Joe Carioca, and Pepe Gamboa – with Gamboa sometimes playing tres (a Cuban three-stringed instrument), or cavaquinha (a Brazilian instrument similar to a guitar).

From Billboard - September 28, 1959: Baxter using various groupings of electric and/or Spanish guitars comes up with some intriguing sounds. Bright chorus added to the numbers with exciting percussive effects allows for further versatility and interest. The tunes are mainly of Latin origin, and several Latin tempos are featured. Selections include "Tico, Tico," "Ritual Fire Dance" and "Piccolissima Serenata." Sound throughout is excellent.

Sabre Dance

Maracangalha

Desilusao

Cabayo

Piccolissima Serenata

My Buddy

Ritual Fire Dance

Brazilian Slave Song

Tell Me, Margarita

Mandolino

Cubana Mulatta

Tico Tico