Here is my new single: “Pink Panther meets Karagouna”
Feel free to tell me what you think.
The “Pink Panther Theme” composed by Henry Mancini, meets “Karagouna” a Greek folk song and dance from Thessalia.
While playing these two favorites on the bass I figured out that they have some things in common and can blend together very well. I combined them by moving from one song to the other in a fusion of styles, having in mind a Big Band sound using only four instruments with the melody on trombone and bass.
As a kid I used to watch the “Pink Panther” cartoon, enjoying that music so much, actually that was for me the introduction to Jazz. My parents used to listen to Greek folk music and “Karagouna” was my favorite, a unique bluesy melody.
Now’s the time for the Greek traditional “Karagouna” to have a Swing dance and get a jazzy character.
“K” said to “PP”:
“Nice to meet you”!!
Without the priceless contribution of these excellent musicians the result wouldn’t be the same. I am grateful.
Arrangement by Manos Loutas
Antonis Andreou: Trombone
Pantelis Benetatos: Piano
Yorgos Maniatis: Drums
Manos Loutas: Bass (Lakland 5-string)
Mixed by Anastasios Katsaris at Small Stage Productions
Mastered by Anestis Psaradakos at Athens Mastering Studios
Recorded by Alexandros Chrysidis at Sierra Studios on February 20, 2025
Video and graphics by Manos Malichoutsakis (https://manos.malihu.gr)
Manos Loutas is a bassist, composer, improviser and educator for over 40 years, performed mainly in Greece and the U.S.A. but also appeared all over the world, collaborating with many artists in various styles of music. He performed and recorded with great Jazz musicians such as David Liebman, Andy Sheppard, Alex Foster and local greats Nana Simopoulos, Dimitrios Vassilakis and many others.
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