Les Baxter was a true pioneer of the exotica music genre, an influential composer, conductor, and arranger whose career spanned several decades beginning in the 1940s. Born on March 14, 1922, in Mexia, Texas, Baxter ventured into the world of music and quickly became an integral figure in the creation of mood music, a genre that sought to evoke an atmospheric or "exotic" experience for listeners. His signature style blended lush orchestral arrangements with global and often non-Western instruments, bringing sounds from the far corners of the world into the living rooms of American audiences.

Throughout his illustrious career, Les Baxter produced a prolific array of albums and soundtracks, carving out a niche for himself both in the recording studio and on the silver screen. His work in film scores is particularly notable, with compositions that enhanced the dramatic storytelling of many motion pictures. In addition to his solo career, Baxter also worked with the 101 Strings Orchestra, lending his expertise to create music that was rich in texture and ambiance. Albums such as "The Exotic Moods Of Les Baxter" and "The Soul Of The Drums" exemplify his ability to marry traditional orchestral sounds with exotic percussion and melodies, creating a unique and immersive sonic experience. His scores for films like "Black Sunday" and "Cry Of The Banshee" showcase his versatility and knack for setting the tone in a variety of cinematic contexts. Even after his passing on January 15, 1996, Les Baxter's influence remains palpable as new generations discover his work and as contemporary artists continue to explore and remix his timeless tracks, ensuring that his musical spirit endures in the ever-evolving landscape of music.

Genres

Easy Listening

Exotica

Laboratorio

Library Music

Lounge

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Henry Mancini

Martin Denny

Arthur Lyman

Piero Umiliani

A Tribe Called Quest

Billy May

Ennio Morricone

DJ Shadow

Francis Lai

Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass

Quincy Jones

Pérez Prado

Latest Release

Tangos [Audiophile Collection]

Les Baxter

Album - 10 Tracks - Released October 4, 2023