Mr Lucky Goes Latin – HENRY MANCINI****

Mr Lucky Goes Latin/Lujon/Tinpanola/Rain Drops In Rio/Siesta/The Dancing Cat/Cow Bells & Coffee Beans/The Sound Of Silver/Tango Americano/No-Cal Sugar Loaf/Blue Mantilla/Speedy Gonzales

Mr Lucky Goes Latin features some more numbers from the TV series, this time given the Latin treatment by Henry Mancini, when his reputation and popularity was at a peak. (US:28)

“Mancini recasts some of the numbers he wrote for the popular CBS TV series Mr. Lucky in a light Latin vein. This release also features two of his best cuts in a circus-minded mix of harpsichord and trombone Rain Drops In Rio and the noirish ballad Blue Mantilla; once again, Mancini strikes a fine balance between jazz atmospherics and lounge flourishes. Furthering his stock in after-hours slinkiness, Mancini goes widescreen on layered stunners like Lujon and The Sound Of Silver, while taking the conga line to over-the-top extremes on the glibly titled Cow Bells & Coffee Beans.”

“Topped off by stellar contributions on guitar and drums Mr. Lucky Goes Latin qualifies as yet another highly entertaining release from Mancini's early-'60s prime.” ,p> “I was a fan of Mr. Lucky when it was on TV, but the best thing about it was the music and when Mancini also did Mr. Lucky Goes Latin, that was unbelievable. Really great music on top of the Mr. Lucky original.”

“This is a jazz classic. You get a good idea of the musicianship of Henry Mancini.”

“It really gets into some sonic gorgeousness, the kind that Mancini is known for and does best. Lujon, for instance, has a haunting sweeping string melody with some very cool downward chord changes. I think it's one of Mancini's classic cuts. Blue Mantilla is another slow weeper, equally remarkable. And of course there's also Mancini's playful side, represented by cuts such as Rain Drops In Rio or No-Cal Sugar Loaf.”

“Mancini prided himself on his versatility and range. It is in full evidence here.”

“Goes Latin is wonderful blues and bounce at the same time. Mancini was at the top of his game back then.”