Both LPs feature the pianist and composer accompanied by European jazz stars. European Encounter (Atlantic LP1392) showcases Lewis with Danish violinist Svend Asmussen, while (Atlantic LP1402) is a collaboration between the pianist and German trombonist Albert Mangelsdorff. Lewis would never record again with either of them. The last track of Animal Dance features The Zagreb Jazz Quartet, a European group modeled after John Lewis" Modern Jazz Quartet.