Personnel: Monica Mancini (vocals); Take 6 (vocals); George Doering (guitar); Stevie Wonder (harmonica); Tom Scott (alto saxophone); Plas Johnson (tenor saxophone); Warren Luening, Charles Davis (trumpet); Andy Martin, Charles Loper (trombone); Michael Lang (piano); Joey DeFrancesco (Hammond b-3 organ); Gary Burton (vibraphone); Gregg Field (drums); Kenny Rankin.

Arranger: Henry 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. ~ Ken Dryden

This 2004 album features new interpretations of composer Henry Mancini's music performed here by a Los Angeles studio orchestra and various guest artists. Mancini's own daughter Monica Mancini sings on this release, and her deep voice single-handedly propels the orchestra on several of these cuts.

Mancini's most popular compositions are included here, among them the sleek "The Pink Panther Theme" and the suspenseful "Peter Gunn Theme." "Days of Wine and Roses" (from the movie of the same name) is one of the highlights of this set, with the younger Mancini's vocals invoking the affection inherent in Johnny Mercer's lyric. "Moon River," the most enduring on this album, features the gorgeous harmonica playing of Stevie Wonder and the carefully harmonized vocals of Take 6. Together these artists bring great depth to this already-penetrating work. Overall, ULTIMATE MANCINI, a tribute both reverent and forward-looking, will remind listeners of the indelible beauty of this composer's catalog.