54 Celebrates Henry Mancini

By Alix Cohen

The Legacy of a Master Composer

Henry Mancini (1924–1994) was an influential and versatile American composer. He began as a pianist and arranger for the Glenn Miller Orchestra after WWII. Joining Universal-International Studios in 1952, Mancini contributed to over 100 films as varied as Touch of Evil, The Glenn Miller Story, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. A roster of television themes followed. Savory melodies and genre-blending arrangements left an indelible mark on American music.

Michael Lavine has put together an admirable, smoothly produced salute, appropriately emphasizing music with intermittent, deftly arranged instrumentals. Theme from The Pink Panther begins this evening with a smile.

“Le Jazz Hot” (lyrics- Leslie Bricusse- Victor, Victoria) is performed by Christine Pedi with insinuation and a well placed growl. Vocal is clear, resolute, and evocative. We hear two versions of the lyrics for “Two for the Road” (Johnny Mercer). The first, discovered and tonight performed by Deniz Cordell was thought to be too much of a “downer.” The second, familiar set is offeredd by Jane Summerhays, heart in her throat.

Nicolas King’s “Slow, Hot Wind” (lyrics – Norman GImbel- from the album Mr. Lucky Goes Latin) displays the vocalist’s expert crooning. Lyrics are kneaded. “…a slow ha-ha-ha-hot wind,” he unhurriedly sings. King could teach microphone placement. The song emerges palmy, refined, tantalizing.

KT Sullivan steps into character. Decked in apt feather boa and turban “I’ll Give You Three Guesses” and “Your Good Will Ambassador (lyrics- Johnny Mercer- Darling Lili) arrive infectiously playful and provocative. Later, in “Crazy World” (lyric Leslie Bricusse- Victor Victoria), the performer shares sentiment as if from personal experience.

Deniz Cordell, whose adroit arrangements throughout enhance, plays four handed piano first with Lavine and then his wife, Annie Pasqua. The latter is a medley of television themes well executed if unfamiliar. Cordell and Pasqua are adept and vivacious .

Javier Muñoz lights up with the samba “It Had Better Be Tonight” (lyrics- Johnny Mercer). Hand on his breast, shifting hips, he musically winks. “Send a Little Love My Way” (Lyrics- Hal David- Oklahoma Crude), is a blithe, tap n’ slide. “I was born to reject rejection/If only for today/Send a little love my way…” ‘Thoroughly appealing.

A.J. Shively’s “Bye Bye” (Lyrics Jay Livingston & Ray Evans- The Peter Gunn Theme) advances and retreats, bites and pulls back. “Don’t look surprised, you know you’ve buttered your bread/So now it’s fair, you should stare at the back of my head…” This is one pissed off character; entirely believable, theatrically performed.

Among instrumentals, a textured, sway version of “Dreamsville”, the snappy “Baby Elephant Walk”, and a wistful “Nothing to Lose” (arranged by Sean Harkness), bridge vocals. As disarmingly performed by Steve Ross, “Whistling Away the Dark” (lyrics- Johnny Mercer- Darling Lili) is elegant and moving. Company and audience join in the iconic “Moon River” (lyrics Johnny Mercer – Breakfast at Tiffany’s) .

Except for a couple of numbers when he overrides vocals, reed player Scott Kreitzer is a welcome, multi-faceted addition to this glimpse of Mancini’s oeuvre. Michael O’Brien adds confident rhythm and ballast. Sean Harkness brings his familiar musical gift and enthusiasm. Michael Lavine’s piano is reliably symbiotic.

54 Celebrates Henry Mancini
MD/Host /Piano -Michael Lavine
Arrangements- Deniz Cordell
Sean Harkness- Guitar, Michael O’Brien- Bass, Scott Kreitzer- Reeds
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