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. ~ Ken Dryden