Personnel: Monica Mancini (vocals); Take 6 (vocals); George Doering (guitar); Stevie Wonder (harmonica); Tom Scott (alto saxophone); Plas Johnson (tenor saxophone); Warren Luening, Charles Davis (trumpet); Andy Martin, Charles Loper (trombone); Michael Lang (piano); Joey DeFrancesco (Hammond b-3 organ); Gary Burton (vibraphone); Gregg Field (drums); Kenny Rankin.

Recording information: Capitol Studios, Hollywood, California (10/2003); G Studio Digital, Studio City, California (10/2003).

Arranger: Henry Mancini.

This 2004 album features new interpretations of composer Henry Mancini's music performed here by a Los Angeles studio orchestra and various guest artists. Mancini's own daughter Monica Mancini sings on this release, and her deep voice single-handedly propels the orchestra on several of these cuts.

Mancini's most popular compositions are included here, among them the sleek "The Pink Panther Theme" and the suspenseful "Peter Gunn Theme." "Days of Wine and Roses" (from the movie of the same name) is one of the highlights of this set, with the younger Mancini's vocals invoking the affection inherent in Johnny Mercer's lyric. "Moon River," the most enduring on this album, features the gorgeous harmonica playing of Stevie Wonder and the carefully harmonized vocals of Take 6. Together these artists bring great depth to this already-penetrating work. Overall, ULTIMATE MANCINI, a tribute both reverent and forward-looking, will remind listeners of the indelible beauty of this composer's catalog.