A real standout set from the end of Les Baxter's run at Capitol Records – originally scored for a film that was never released, but a great set of tracks that more than stands strongly on its own! The theme here is a Mexican/Latin American one – explored by Baxter with his trademark blend of larger orchestrations and lighter exotica touches – often swirling around in an extremely evocative mode that makes us wish the film had been issued to the public, and at a few key moments even hinting at the funkier modes that would follow on some of Les' later work for other labels. Titles include "Aqueducts", "Gardens Of The Moon", "Pyramid Of The Sun", "Temple Of Gold", and "Procession Of The Princes". LP, Vinyl record album

A beautiful tribute to New York from jazz arranger Ralph Burns – perhaps one of the best of that odd postwar genre – the LP-long salute to the Big Apple! This set's got an unusual approach – great instrumentation from Burns, on a par with his more famous jazz scoring of the 50s – mixed with sound effects from all over the city – bits of voices, traffic, crowds, ships, and more – a wonderful pastiche of music and moments! (Jazz, Now Sound) LP, Vinyl record album

Sweet 70s grooves from Percy Faith – a snoozer of an arranger in the 60s, but a talent who picked up a lot for us in the 70s! The album features some strong tracks in which Percy mixes strings and easy instrumentation with electric bass and some nice drum work by Hal Blaine or Earl Palmer – creating tunes that at once have a glossy sweep, but also a nice little bounce that actually makes for some nicely funky moments that sparkle with a soundtrack feel. Some tunes are easy – but there's some really nice ones on here, like Percy's cover of Freddie Hubbard's "First Light", or versions of "Pata Pata", "Enter The Dragon", "Corazon", and "Crunchy Granola Suite"! LP, Vinyl record album

A killer funky group from early 70s Japan – a slightly large ensemble, but one with some really heavy drums at the bottom – plus some great use of organ and electric guitar! There's a tight brace of horns at the top – flute, tenor, trumpets, and trombone – but the rhythms are what really drive the record, and give the whole thing a sometimes-funky, always-groovy quality that never lets up! The mode is almost soundtrack funk at times – jazz, but filled with some rich colors and expansive tones too – and there's a sophistication here that really rewards repeated listenings, but never gets in the way of the groovier moments too. Titles include "Theme Mustache", "Tak's Tune", "Joint", "Monster", "Lullaby For Yuh", and "Scotland Scene". (Jazz, Now Sound) LP, Vinyl record album