Post #417589 by Jeff Central on Thu, Nov 6, 2008 6:49 AM

On 2008-11-05 20:30, Otto wrote:
Jeff
Please let us know how the concert was and provide photos! Also, what's the scoop on Bob's Music Hall of Fame induction?

I'm actually still in recovery mode. :)

The Baxter/Drasnin show was one of the most incedible concerts I have ever been to. It reaffirms my belief that Les Baxter was a complete genius. To witness an orchestra of 32 musicians playing his original music from the original scores is almost beyond comprehension for me. It was so stunningly beautiful that I actually felt a certain type of giddyness. I felt like a little kid. Skip Heller and I actually exchanged a high five after "Batumba." It was very hard to curb our enthusiasm for this incredible feat we were witnessing. Keith Pawlak should be awarded into the Exotica Hall of Fame for pulling off this monumental task of bringing Les Baxter's music to the stage with such professionalism.

The Drasnin portion of the program was also extremely cool. While the Les Baxter performers were more rigorous and wore suits, the Drasnin orchestra was much more relaxed and came out with Hawaiian shirts on. It was interesting to note the differences between to two artists even though they are considered to be on the same playing field. Bob's music was definitely more lei'd back and fun while the Baxter performance was just completely mind-blowing!!

I'll post more random thoughts and some pictures soon!

Cheers and Mahalo,
Jeff