Henry Mancini – Ultimate Mancini (2004) {SACD ISO + FLAC 24bit/88,2kHz}

Henry Mancini is an American Icon. Now with the 80th anniversary of his birth and the issuing of a commemorative stamp by the U.S. Postal Service, singer Monica Mancini and an all-star lineup of guest artists including Stevie Wonder, Take 6, Tom Scott, Kenny Rankin, Joey DeFrancesco, Gary Burton and saxophonist Plas Johnson, who updates his classic recording of “The Pink Panther Theme” (it’s the Panther’s birthday, too: number 40) join together to celebrate Hank’s greatest Oscar and GRAMMY-nominated hits. Concord Records invites you to join in the celebration of the definitive Hollywood composer and the definitive Mancini collection (in spectacular Hybrid Multichannel SACD Surround Sound); Ultimate Mancini.

Henry Mancini was easily one of the greatest composers for film soundtracks, so putting together a collection of 17 songs nominated for various awards (Grammy, Golden Globe, or Academy Awards) was easy. But finding the proper mix of musicians was important. His daughter, Monica Mancini, is a talented singer in her own right, so she was an obvious choice. And it was only natural to invite tenor saxophonist Plas Johnson to reprise his most famous solo in “The Pink Panther Theme,” which he recorded with Mancini for the original soundtrack. For the most part, Mancini’s arrangements are utilized, but there are some twists. Stevie Wonder is featured on harmonica with the vocal group Take 6 in the pretty ballad “Moon River,” while organist Joey DeFrancesco shines in the breezy “Mr. Lucky.” But it is Monica Mancini who makes the biggest impression (along with her father’s music, of course). Her sensual rendition of “Moment to Moment,” and her lightly swinging duet with singer Kenny Rankin of “Dreamsville,” both of which are complemented by Tom Scott’s superb alto sax, make it apparent that she inherited her father’s musical genes. Among the several arrangements contributed by Patrick Williams, his gorgeous chart for Monica of “Dear Heart” features the singer backed mostly by George Doering’s sensitive acoustic guitar. As Donald Fagen of Steely Dan puts it in his brief note to the CD: “All bow before the High Priest of Hollywood Cool!” In other words, fans of Henry Mancini should snap up this rewarding CD right away.

Tracklist:
01. The Pink Panther Theme
02. Charade
03. Two For The Road
04. Moon River
05. Moment To Moment
06. Days Of Wine And Roses
07. Peter Gunn Suite: Peter Gunn Theme
08. Peter Gunn Suite: Dreamsville
09. Dear Heart
10. The Thorn Birds Theme
11. Anywhere The Heart Goes (Meggie’s Theme)
12. Mr. Lucky
13. Whistling Away The Dark
14. Movie Medley: Life In A Looking Glass
15. Movie Medley: Crazy World
16. Movie Medley: It’s Easy To Say
17. Music On The Way
18. Soldier In The Rain [Bonus Track]