Personnel:
Henry Mancini (dir, arr), Jack Sheldon (tp), Dick Nash (tb), Plas Johnson (ts), Jimmy Rowles (p), Pete Jolly (accordion), Larry Bunker (vib), Shelly Manne (d)
Reference: 74321 75067 2
Bar code: 743217506728
Tracklisting:
01. The Pink Panther Theme 2:37
02. It Had Better Be Tonight (Instrumental) 1:46
03. Royal Blue 3:11
04. Champagne And Quail 2:45
05. The Village Inn 2:36
06. The TIber Twist 2:50
07. It Had Better Be Tonight (Vocal) 1:57*
08. Cortina 1:55
09. The Lonely Princess 2:28
10. Something For Sellers 2:49
11. Piano And Strings 2:38
12. Shades Of Sennett 1:26
All tracks composed by Henry Mancini, except #2 & 7 by Henry Mancini, Johnny Mercer & Francesci Migliacci.
Music from the Film Score composed and conducted by Henry Mancini
Originally released in 12" album as RCA Victor LSP-2795
Featured soloist:
Jack Sheldon (trumpet), Dick Nash (trombone), Plas Johnson (tenor sax), Jimmy Rowles (piano), Pete Jolly (accordion), Larry Bunker (vibes), Shelly Manne (drums).
Recorded at RCA Studio, Los Angeles, California, September 16,17 & 18, 1963
(*) Features Henry Mancini, His Orchestra & Chorus
Produced by Joe Reisman
Engineered by Joe Malloy
Original liner notes by Peter Sellers
Produced for CD release by Jordi Pujol
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Review:
"The Pink Panther is another fine, early-'60s soundtrack from Henry Mancini. The title track became one of his most recognizable themes and kicks off a pleasant program of dreamy lounge cuts and Latin-tinged numbers. As he did on many other movie/TV albums (Touch of Evil, Peter Gunn, etc.), Mancini also includes some noirish, big band numbers, like "The Tiber Twist" and the main title. Along with these up-tempo songs, he balances out the mostly light material with the solidly swinging mambos "The Village Inn," "Something for Sellars" (as in Peter Sellars, the movies' star), and "It Had Better Be Tonight" (co-written by frequent partner Johnny Mercer and something of a minor vocal hit upon its release). The program's highlights, though, come from the kind of sublime (some might say cheesy) ballads he usually included on his soundtracks; the after-hours jazz tune "Royal Blue" stands out in particular, with its tasteful string arrangement and glowing trumpet solo. This is a great title for fans of Mancini's lounge/soundtrack material, but those more into his jazz material should consider either his Peter Gunn or Combo soundtracks."
Stephen Cook -All Music Guide
