“Working with the Sedona International Film Festival was great,” said Monica.
“A movie without music is like an airplane without fuel, your music has lifted us up and sent us soaring, and everything we cannot say with words or show with action you have expressed for us. You have done this with so much imagination, fun and beauty.”
Internationally known for his musical scores Moon River, The Pink Panther, Peter Gunn, Itari (The Elephant Walk), Charade, Days of Wine & Roses and more, Mancini’s music and memories penetrated hearts at the Henry Mancini 100th Birthday Celebration at the Sedona International Film Festival.
The multimedia event showcased Mancini’s daughter, Monica, a two-time Grammy nominated singer who sang several songs, including her favorite, Days of Wine & Roses. “There’s something so haunting and stirring about the song. It’s a beautiful song and something that stuck with me,” said Monica. “I was so young at the time it was first recorded, but it was so beautifully crafted and worded by lyricist Johnny Mercer.” Monica Mancini was accompanied by Grammy-winning Pianist Randy Waldman, who frequently collaborated with Barbra Streisand.
Monica Mancini’s husband and producer, Gregg Field, expounded on Henry’s life and music with personal memories, slides and film clips. “He wasn’t afraid to try new sounds with cool strings, piano and sexy saxophone. He created simple melodies that continue to resonate. Henry couldn’t understand why his music became so popular because it was so simple. He was a very humble man.”
“Gregg worked very hard on his presentation. We crafted it for the occasion and I’m really glad it worked. Working with the Sedona International Film Festival was great,” said Monica.
“We were honored to celebrate 100 years of Henry Mancini and give everyone a walk down memory lane to the soundtrack of so many wonderful films,” said Sedona International Film Festival Executive Director Patrick Schweiss. “Monica Mancini and Gregg Field gave us a glimpse behind the scenes and gave us some great insights into the musical genius that was Henry Mancini. It was a truly magical night! Brilliant in every way!”
With every seat filled at the Sedona Performing Arts Center, the first public re-recording of the ‘50s theme song Peter Gunn and ‘60s The Pink Panther captivated the audience while showcasing Cuban-American trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, American jazz musician and bandleader Herbie Hancock, record producer Quincy Jones and saxophonist Plaz Johnson.
“I found that the way they highlighted Henry Mancini’s songs along with the movies was so enjoyable. Also learning about his life and the story behind his success was so interesting,” said actress Rose Schatz Glinsky of Sedona. “Monica’s voice was impeccable, perfect pitch and pianist Randy Waldman did a wonderful job of accompanying. I really had a great time.”
Mancini was born outside of Cleveland on April 16, 1924. His talent earned him 20 Grammy awards, four Oscars, one Golden Globe and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Pancreatic cancer took his life in 1994. He was married to Ginny Mancini, who sang in all of Mancini’s films. They had three children, a son, Chris, and twin daughters, Monica and Felice.
The Mancini family is planning a big 100th birthday celebration, which will take place at the Hollywood Bowl in June. “It was his home venue. He worked the Hollywood Bowl every other year until he passed. It was his homebase where he would perform,” said Monica.
“Through films and stories, we want people to see the face behind Henry Mancini’s music. We want people to see it wasn’t music created out of thin air, but the person who wrote it,” she said.
Outside of his music, Monica said that her dad loved to ski and cook. “He loved to ski, so we would go to Vail, Colorado. He loved to cook, too, so we had memorable Sundays when he would make his favorite dish, pasta.”
An extended play (EP) version of several of Mancini’s songs will be released this year as well.
Exemplifying the immortality of Mancini’s music, Moon River was recently recorded by singer and songwriter Beyonce. Last year, guitarists Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck released their rendition of Moon River. A commemorative 37-cent U.S. postage stamp was issued on April 13, 2004, to honor Mancini.
While in Sedona, Monica said the views were “stunning,” the food was “wonderful” and working with the Sedona International Film Festival was “delightful.”
“The executive director, Pat, had so much on his plate but was so attentive to our needs,” she said. “He is so efficient and so passionate about his job and yet so fun and a pleasure to work with. He is the absolute perfect person for his job.” QCBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN
The Sedona International Film Festival is now in its 30th year. For more information, visit www.sedonafilmfestival.com or call 928-282-1177.
Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney Fresh Focuses Photography: A commemorative postage stamp honoring Henry Mancini was issued on April 13, 2004.
