The Return of the Pink Panther
LP RS 1010 (1975) STEREO
ABD1 0968 QUADRAPHONIC

1: THE PINK PANTHER THEME (Mancini) soloist: Tony Coe (tenor sax)
2: THE GREATEST GIFT (Mancini; David) instrumental version
3: HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU, KID (Mancini)
4: SUMMER IN GSTAAD (Mancini)
5: SO SMOOTH (Mancini)
6: THE RETURN OF THE PINK PANTHER (PARTS 1 & 2) (Mancini) includes The Pink Panther Theme
7: THE GREATEST GIFT (Mancini; David) vocal version/soloist: Henry Mancini (piano)
8: THE ORANGE FLOAT (Mancini)
9: DREAMY (Mancini) soloist: Henry Mancini (piano)
10: DISCO (Mancini)
11: NAVEL MANOEUVRE (Mancini)
12: BELLY BELLY BUM BUM (Mancini)
13: THE WET LOOK (Mancini)

Symphonic Soul
LP APL1 1025 (1975) STEREO
APD1 1025 QUADRAPHONIC

14: SYMPHONIC SOUL (Mancini) soloist: Bud Brisbois (piccolo trumpet)
15: BUTTERFLY (Hancock) soloists:Abraham Laboriel (bass guitar), Joe Sample (electric piano)
16: SATIN SOUL (White) soloist: Joe Sample (organ)
17: PETER GUNN NEW VERSION (Mancini) theme from the TV series soloists: Abraham Laboriel (bass guitar), Joe Sample (organ), Bud Brisbois (piccolo trumpet/trumpet)
18: SLOW HOT WIND LUJON (Mancini; Gimbel) soloist: Louise DiTullio (flute)
19: PICK UP THE PIECES (Ball; Stuart) soloist: Joe Sample (organ)
20: SUN GODDESS (White; Lind) soloist: Joe Sample (organ)
21: SOUL SAGA SONG OF THE BUFFALO SOLDIER (Jones; Brown; Bahler; Greene) soloist: Tommy Morgan (harmonica)
22: AFRICAN SYMPHONY (McCoy) soloist: Mayuto Correa (African finger piano)

All tracks available in stereo and multi-channel

SA-CD
This hybrid CD can be played on any standard CD players

Vocalion have returned to familiar territory with their release of Henry Mancini’s twofer CD The Return of the Pink Panther / Symphonic Soul (CDSML 8535). Released in 1975, both albums were also launched in Stereo and Quadrophonic versions. So it’s nice to see Vocalion’s CD make a welcome debut on the hybrid SACD format. As far as Mancini pairings go, this selection works extremely well. The choice of Return of the Pink Panther is undoubtedly a smart move as it is arguably the best of the Panther soundtracks. Recorded at London’s CTS studios, there’s a nice range of styles spread across this memorable score. Released on the cusp of the disco era, there’s naturally a great deal of funky guitar riffs (provided by session musician Alan Parker) as well as some beautiful pieces such as ‘Dreamy’ which saw Mancini himself take to the piano. The highlight piece is arguably The Return of the Pink Panther (parts 1 & 2) which accompanied the theft of the Pink Panther diamond. It’s a great piece of composition which incorporates both the Pink Panther theme, a slow (but increasing dramatic) tension builder and a full on frenzy of brass and strings for its climax.
Supporting Mancini’s soundtrack release is his studio album, Symphonic Soul. The album was recorded in L.A. and manages to merge the funky mid 70s sound with Mancini’s lush orchestrations. Mancini brought a few of his own new compositions to the album including the wonderful title track. He also took this opportunity to introduce a new souped-up version of his memorable Peter Gunn theme. There’s also some well-established period pieces to be found among the track listing including a great variation of The Average White Band’s funk anthem ‘Pick up the pieces’ and Herbie Hancock’s ‘Butterfly’.
Vocalion’s mastering by Michael J. Dutton (from the original master tapes) is reflective of the label’s usual high standards whilst a detailed 8 page booklet rounds off the packaging perfectly. (Disc total 71.51)
BY DARREN ALLISON
(Cinema Retro Soundtrack Editor)

CDSML8535