Mancini recasts some of the numbers he wrote for the popular CBS TV series Mr. Lucky in a Latin light vein. This 1961 release also features two of his best cuts in a circus-minded mix of harpsichord and trombone called "Rain Drops in Rio" and the noirish allad "Blue Mantilla"; once again, Mancini strikes a fine balance between jazz atmospherics and lounge flourishes. And furthering his stock in after-hours slinkiness, Mancini goes widescreen on layered stunners like "Lujon" and "The Sound of Silver," while taking the conga line to over-the-top extremes on the glibly titled "Cow Bells and Coffee Beans." Topped off by stellar contributions from the likes of Brazilian guitarist Laurindo Almeida, pianist Jimmy Rowles, and drummer Shelly Manne, Mr. Lucky Goes Latin qualifies as yet another highly entertaining release from Mancini's early-'60s prime.
In 1961, Henry Mancini recorded an album called “Mr. Lucky Goes Latin.” This in spite of the fact that the show was no longer on the air. However, the album of music from the show (Music From “Mr. Lucky”) was still a top seller. Into the recording studios went Mancini and out came this delightfully humorous album full of current Latin rhythms and harmonies. To start things off, “Mr. Luck
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“The Dancing Cat” refers to the one eyed cat whose presence on the record cover and the opening credits to “Mr. Lucky” as well as his presence on the show. The melodic line is a meandering samba saunter with an twisting solo on alto sax before the organist takes over to lead us to a surprise ending.
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Most of us old enough will fondly recall a Warner Brothers cartoon character named Speedy Gonzales. His energy and quick thinking managed to aid him in outwitting Daffy Duck, Sylvester Cat and all sorts of crows and cats with a high octane positivity. Mancini achieves this same positive character with virtuoso writing for an electric guitar propelling the proceedings with smooth strings playing...
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For those who love slow ballads, the title refers to the main solo instrument, as romantic a trombone solo as one is likely to hear on this Earth. Dick Nash is called upon to display his rich mellow tones in this showcase for trombone, set against a lush pillow of strings who end this gentle opus with soft tremolos whispering sweet nothings.
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 "Mr. Lucky Goes Latin")
