Ports of Pleasure

by Les Baxter

Ports of Pleasure cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: 1957
  • Label: Capitol
  • Country: United States
  • Length: 33:46
  • Community rating: 3.31/5 from 2 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Pushing the boundaries of the stylized instrumental lounge genre, the legendary arranger creates an incredibly lush, heavily orchestrated sonic travelogue of the Far East. The dramatic, highly cinematic compositions utilize sweeping string sections and foreign percussion elements to evoke an idealized, deeply romanticized vision of global exploration. The grandiose, escapist production remains a defining masterpiece of mid-century Space Age Pop.

Genres

Tracklist

  1. Tahiti: A Summer Night At Sea (2:32)
  2. Hong Kong Cable Car (2:49)
  3. The Gates Of Annam (4:41)
  4. Shanghai Rickshaw (1:17)
  5. Tramp Steamer To Singapore (3:29)
  6. Spice Islands Sea Birds (1:50)
  7. City Of Veils (4:17)
  8. Monkey Dance Of Bali (1:37)
  9. Harem Silks From Bombay (2:25)
  10. Sidewalk Cafes Of Saigon (2:40)
  11. The Pearls Of Ceylon (3:26)
  12. Bangkok Cockfight (2:34)

Credits

  • The Wonder Stuff - primary artist
  • Judith Fleet - cello
  • Martin Gilks - drums, percussion, programmed by
  • Martin Bell - fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, accordion, piano, programmed by
  • Malc Treece - guitar, vocals
  • Tim Young - lacquer cut by
  • James Taylor - organ [hammond]
  • Genene Edwards - viola

More from Les Baxter: full discography