This 1959 album finds Baxter exploring African rhythms and sounds, blending them with his signature orchestral arrangements. It's a prime example of his mid-career exotica work.
- The album was recorded during a productive period for Baxter, following his chart success with "Quiet Village." It was released on the Blue Moon label in June 1959. Chart performance for this specific album is not widely documented.
- This album features a prominent use of percussion and brass, characteristic of Baxter's approach to the exotica sound. It aimed to evoke the atmosphere of the African continent through an accessible, orchestral lens.
- While not as commercially successful as some of his earlier work, "African Jazz" is considered by enthusiasts to be a solid entry in Baxter's discography, showcasing his thematic explorations.
Les Baxter was an American bandleader, composer, and pianist, known for his lounge, exotica, and easy listening music. He was a key figure in the exotica genre of the 1950s.
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