When I started Kritzerland in 2005, I was determined to have a Mandel score. And I tried. Over and over and over again. When we did our tenth anniversary Indiegogo thing, the first thing I tried for was Agatha, my favorite Mandel film score. Warners. Impossible for us. Finally, we did Sailor and then The Verdict with the MASH stuff and that was great. He was a lovely man, and hugely talented.
And yes, as these things go, we've had a run on Sailor today, and anyone who doesn't have it should - it's amazing. One-of-a-kind, and a brilliant arranger on top of it.
By: Dylan (Member) "There was an LP released of Mandel's "Agatha," but so far no CD or digital release" ------------------- Thanks for the info Dylan. That makes more sense. Another classic film score LP without a CD counterpart (Agatha, meet Jeremy) And, in this day and age, more likely to get ANOTHER vinyl release, or go digital, before making it's debut on compact disc!
Loved his work. His arrangement of "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" (for Andy Williams) is a holiday music staple and sounds just as fresh and alive today as it must have when it was originally recorded. Have heard the Williams track more times than I can count and never tire of it.
It's probably my favourite Christmas song, I'm glad someone likes it as much as I do! I also love Andy's version of The Shadow of your Smile.
And I just heard that Carl Reiner died on the same day. Mandel and Reiner both did The Russians are Coming, The Russians are Coming! Rip to two great artists.
Let’s celebrate him with his music! He would like that.
Wish there was more music by Mandel that didn't remain unreleased. Would like to have That Cold Day in the Parkhttps://youtu.be/IafoqNMu1xA ... and/or Pretty Poison (Paramount) issued onto disc.
I also like Mandel's rejected score for AUTHOR! AUTHOR!, which was released by Varese along with the Dave Grusin score that appeared in the film.
As much as I love Grusin's music, I find Mandel's score to be a more pleasant listening experience. The film's producers must have wanted a "jumpier" score. Mandel's take is very relaxed and romantic.
Quincy Jones did a fabulous recording of the theme to That Cold Day in the Park featuring Toots Thielemans on his landmark 1969 album, Walking in Space. Still, after 40 years, one of my favorite albums.
