Henry Mancini Pink Panther ( HQ vinyl LP )

Release date: 19-10-2011(Originally released in 1963)

2011 Speakers Corner master from the original, analouge mastertapes ( HQ vinyl LP )

One of the most memorable and delightful sounds is that of the accordion, whose melodies evoke an atmosphere that is filled with the Bohème, Paris and the sound of the musette.

This music is never gaudy, but subtle, just like a panther padding quietly along.

Tracks:
A1     The Pink Panther Theme
A2     It Had Better Be Tonight (Meglio Stasera) (Instrumental)
A3     Royal Blue
A4     Champagne And Quail
A5     The Village Inn
A6     The Tiber Twist

B1     It Had Better Be Tonight (Meglio Stasera) (Vocal)
B2     Cortina
B3     The Lonely Princess
B4     Something For Sellers
B5     Piano And Strings
B6     Shades Of Sennett

Mancini would not be Mancini if he did not bathe the film location – the skiing resort Cortina d’Ampezzo –in highly varied musical colours and genres. His well-known love for dance music finds itself in the samba ("It Had Better Be Tonight"), the shuffle ("Champagne And Quail"), and the cha-cha ("Something For Sellers"). But also the ballad, sung by a muted trumpet and saxophone ("Royal Blue"), or the simple combination of keyboard and strings ("Piano And Strings") are all woven into the story. One of the most memorable and delightful sounds is that of the accordion, whose melodies evoke an atmosphere that is filled with the Bohème, Paris and the sound of the musette. This music is never gaudy, but subtle, just like a panther padding quietly along. And if your appetite is now whetted for more, there is an extra portion of Mancini to be found in "Breakfast At Tiffany’s" (RCA LSP 2362).

Recording: September 1963 at RCA Victor's Music Center of the World, Hollywood, by Jim Malloy
Production: Joe Reisman