Meaning: The quote you've provided is a reflection by Les Baxter, a musician, about the challenges he faced when trying to create a Broadway album. In this quote, Baxter expresses frustration with the lack of musical success in the shows he was working on. It suggests a sense of disappointment and possibly a lack of creative fulfillment in the projects he was involved in.

Les Baxter was a prominent figure in the world of music, known for his work as a composer, conductor, and arranger. He was particularly recognized for his contributions to exotica music and his ability to blend various musical styles. Throughout his career, Baxter worked on a wide range of projects, including film scores, orchestral compositions, and arrangements for popular artists.

The reference to a Broadway album in the quote likely pertains to an attempt to capture the essence of Broadway musicals in an album format. Broadway musicals are known for their captivating music, compelling storytelling, and memorable performances. Creating an album that effectively captures the spirit of Broadway requires a careful selection of songs and arrangements that showcase the best of what the genre has to offer.

Baxter's frustration with the Broadway album projects he mentions in the quote may stem from the challenges of translating the live, theatrical experience of Broadway onto a recorded album. The quote suggests that the shows he was involved with did not resonate musically, indicating that they may have fallen short of capturing the magic of Broadway on record.

It's important to note that the success of a Broadway album depends not only on the quality of the music but also on the popularity and critical acclaim of the original shows. If the Broadway shows that Baxter was working on were not well-received or failed to make a significant impact, it would have likely posed challenges in creating a successful album based on their music.

In the context of the quote, the term "bomb" likely refers to the lack of success or resonance of the Broadway shows in question. This could mean that they failed to attract audiences, receive positive reviews, or leave a lasting impression in the world of musical theater. As a result, the absence of compelling music from these shows would have made the task of creating a Broadway album particularly challenging for Baxter.

Overall, Les Baxter's quote sheds light on the complexities and difficulties of creating a successful Broadway album, especially when the original shows themselves may have faced struggles. It serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between live theatrical experiences and recorded music, and the challenges of translating the magic of Broadway onto an album. Despite the setbacks Baxter faced, his legacy in the music industry endures, and his contributions continue to be celebrated by music enthusiasts and performers alike.