Exotica

An epic concept album about an utopian society living in peace and harmony on an island far away from the modern western world as we know it.

Les Baxter has been officially dubbed 'the founding father of Exotica'.

The result seems to be surreal and mind-blowing to the listener, yet distantly familiar and comforting.

Exotica! The soundtrack for a mythical air conditioned Eden, packaged for mid-century, tiki torch-wielding armchair safariers.

Bagdad Daddy is a sometimes hilarious look at the music inspired by this mish-mash of exotic, misunderstood cultures.

Jungle Jazz remains one of Les Baxter's loudest, most vibrant albums. The brass sections are in the limelight all the time, varying from silky sections over melodious jumpiness to shattering stabs.