The world-famous composition composed by Henry Mancini for The Pink Panther (1963). Performed by the one and only Fran Jeffries. The audio is great, but you really have to watch the movie scene in which this sung to get the full effect. Watch it and you will know exactly what I mean. A beautiful song, the perfect melody, precise band rhythm and mandolin playing, and flawless singing. What more can you ask for?
‘South Seas Cruiser’
This is a sampling from a production music library aptly named ‘Dance Date’ and published by the Amphonic label in the U.K. (1983). Artist is ‘The Double Dozen Orchestra’. I think this track pairs well stylistically with Grover Washington Jr’s ‘Winelight’ album with its medium-slow rhythms and harmonic slides.
You’re on an elegant adults-only cruise in the Pacific with your significant other, a relaxing evening ensues after dinner and the captain just opened the dance floor to those willing. The band leader cues up the band and they hit just the right funky jazz note for the first dance of the evening…
‘Shooting Star’
Herm Saunders recorded this gem of an album in 1959. Masterfully playing the celeste, his playful melodies are magical in their emotional effect. This is one of his band’s best tracks from the album ‘That Celestial Feeling’. Recorded in mono (which was the normal for that point in history), the musical magic is missing a small dimension in spacetime, but you can hear the cleverness and artistry despite the mono limitation.
Find yourself doing a little jig or head-bobbin’ right along with this tune! It’s certainly one of my favorites…
‘Stop Gap’
From the production music library of Ren & Stimpy (1990’s cartoon) comes this nice little track of timeless quality. Set aside the weird name and the fact it comes from a cartoon – this track stands the test of time and the production quality is excellent. Enjoy!
Martini Madness 