Description
Les Baxter – The Fruit Of Dreams – Compact Disc
Les Baxter’s The Fruit of Dreams is a lush, transportive compilation that brings together two of his most celebrated mid-century exotica albums—Ports of Pleasure (1957) and The Sacred Idol (1960)—offering a vivid immersion into the romanticized soundscapes that defined the genre. Released in 2005 as part of a reissue effort, this collection captures Baxter at the height of his imaginative powers, crafting orchestrated musical fantasies designed to evoke far-off lands, mystical rituals, and dreamy tropical nights. A key architect of the exotica movement, Baxter used sweeping strings, dramatic percussion, haunting woodwinds, and innovative studio arrangements to simulate the feel of imaginary voyages to the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, and other idealized locales, all filtered through a mid-century American lens.
On The Fruit of Dreams, the tracks from Ports of Pleasure lean toward the light and romantic—filled with breezy melodies and lush textures that conjure visions of moonlit lagoons and coastal adventures. In contrast, the selections from The Sacred Idol adopt a more mysterious, ceremonial tone, drawing inspiration from imagined ancient cultures and mythologies, with darker, cinematic overtones. The two albums, presented together, highlight the duality of Baxter’s exotica ethos: escapist fantasy with a hint of drama, elegance balanced by theatrical flair. While the genre has since become a cult fascination associated with tiki bars and vintage lounge aesthetics, The Fruit of Dreams remains a masterclass in mood-setting and orchestral storytelling. More than just background music, it serves as a sonic time capsule—preserving a moment when listeners were eager to explore the world, even if only through their stereos.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Tahiti: A Summer Night At Sea
Shanghai Rickshaw
City Of Veils
Hong Kong Cable Car
Tramp Steamer To Singapore
Monkey Dance Of Bali
The Pearls Of Ceylon
Harem Skills From Bombay
Sidewalk Cafes Of Saigon
The Gates Of Annam
Procession Of The Princes
The Feathered Serpent
Fruit Of Dreams
Pool Of Love
Aquaducts
The Games
Conquistadores
Gardens Of The Moon
Temple Of Gold
Pyramid Of The Sun
The High Priest Of The Aztecs
Acapulco
