ProJazz.net

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow:
Henry Mancini was a significant writer for films who used the flavor of jazz in some of his movie scores. Mancini gathered an impressive cast of top players consisting of trumpeter Pete Candoli, trombonist Dick Nash, Ted Nash on alto and flute, Art Pepper (sticking exclusively to clarinet), baritonist Ronnie Lang, pianist Johnny Williams (doubling on harpsichord), guitarist Bob Bain, bassist Rolly Bundock, drummer Shelly Manne, Ramon Rivera on conga, and Larry Bunker on vibes and marimba. Some of the dozen selections are relatively straight-ahead, while a few (particularly “A Powdered Wig” and “Scandinavian Shuffle”) are a bit corny, especially in their use of harpsichord and marimba. There are a few strong moments (particularly from Candoli and Pepper) on such numbers as “Moanin’,” “Sidewalks of Cuba,” “Castle Rock,” and “Everybody Blow,” but the end results are not too essential. Overall, this is a compromise between creative jazz and tightly controlled music meant for a larger audience. A historical curiosity (https://www.allmusic.com/album/combo%21-mw0000034954).

Track listing:
1 Moanin’ 2:50
2 Sidewalks Of Cuba 3:22
3 Dream Of You 2:54
4 Swing Lightly 4:15
5 Castle Rock 2:31
6 A Powdered Wig 2:35
7 Playboy’s Theme 2:55
8 Tequila 2:35
9 Far East Blues 3:26
10 Charleston Alley 3:10
11 Scandinavian Shuffle 2:37
12 Everybody Blow ! 3:21

Personnel:

Ted Nash  – alto saxophone, flute (2)
Ronny Lang – baritone saxophone, flute
Rolly Bundock – bass
Art Pepper – clarinet
Henry Mancini – conductor
Ramon Rivera – congas
Shelly Manne – drums
Bob Bain – guitar, bass guitar
Johnny Williams – piano, harpsichord
Pete Candoli – trumpet
Larry Bunker – vibraphone, marimba

_______________________________________

Released: 1960
Duration: 36:47
Recorded: June 14, 1960 – June 21, 1960
Recording Location:
RCA Victor’s Music Center Of the World, Hollywood, CA