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August 29, 2003
Back on track
A reader writes, apropos of my recent posting on film scores:Add Johnny Mandel to your ALN list. Among his best on CD are I Want to Live (Rykodisc) and The Sandpiper (Verve). And The Verdict (it's almost no writing, but what there is is perfectly placed).
I couldn't agree more, and am chagrined to have momentarily forgotten about Mandel, whose name is universally known and admired throughout the world of jazz. This may explain why I forgot to think of him in connection with film scoring--he simply does too many things well, including songwriting. To have written "The Shadow of Your Smile," the theme from The Sandpiper, is achievement enough for a lifetime. All praise to Johnny Mandel, then, for never having rested on any of his myriad laurels.
Incidentally, my favorite recording of "The Shadow of Your Smile" is by Singers Unlimited. It's only available in a box set at present, but if you're feeling extravagant, I can't think of a better way to spend a hundred bucks.
Posted August 29, 2003 12:04 PM
