*2022 stock* A stellar cast doesn’t always guarantee a magnificent film and, from a strictly cinematographic point of view, “La morte bussa due volte” (Death knocks twice) is one of many examples of this kind; This thriller was in fact quickly forgotten at the time (1969), despite the presence of the charismatic Adolfo Celi and the beautiful Anita Ekberg.

However, even for less ‘important’ productions, the likes of Morricone or, in this case, Piero Umiliani, were sometimes bothered: composers but also experimenters, with an unusual prolific songwriting. Here, Umiliani writes a soundtrack that mixes soul, jazz, bossa nova and lounge, which recalls the works of Henry Mancini and Quincy Jones, with a vague lighthearted and easygoing flavour, part of Umiliani’s typical trademark.

Wonderful work from one of the grooviest soundtrack composers ever! At the end of the 60s, Piero Umiliani wrote some of the best film scores to come out of the Italian scene – and this little gem, long out of print, is certainly one of them! The album's got some beautifully jazzy numbers – touched by all the right elements of whimsy and sexiness that make Umiliani's other work so great – and the short little tracks on the album offer up a blend of slinky themes that intertwine wonderfully, moving from groove to sleaze, but always handled with the highest of class and care! - Dustygroove