Lalo Schifrin
Lalo Schifrin was an Argentine-American composer, pianist, arranger, and conductor renowned for his film and TV scores blending jazz, Latin, and orchestral elements. Born Boris Claudio Schifrin on June 21, 1932, in Buenos Aires, he passed away on June 26, 2025. He earned five Grammy Awards, one Latin Grammy, and six Oscar nominations over his prolific career.
Schifrin grew up in a musical family; his father, Luis Schifrin, served as concertmaster of the Buenos Aires Philharmonic Orchestra. He studied law and sociology at the University of Buenos Aires but pursued music, winning a scholarship to the Paris Conservatoire in 1952 where he trained under Olivier Messiaen and Charles Koechlin while playing jazz in clubs. By 1955, he performed with Ástor Piazzolla at the Paris International Jazz Festival.
Returning to Argentina, Schifrin formed Latin America's first jazz big band, a 16-piece ensemble featured on Buenos Aires TV, and took on film, TV, and radio work. In 1956, he met Dizzy Gillespie, composing the suite Gillespiana (recorded 1960), and joined Gillespie's band as pianist and arranger in 1958. His jazz innovations continued through collaborations and founding Aleph Records in 1998.
His Hollywood breakthrough included the iconic Mission: Impossible theme (1966), earning Grammy recognition, plus scores for Bullitt (1968), Enter the Dragon (1973), Dirty Harry series with Clint Eastwood, Rush Hour trilogy, and others like The Cincinnati Kid and Cool Hand Luke. He also created the Paramount Pictures fanfare (1976-2004) and composed for episodes sampled in hip-hop, such as Portishead's "Sour Times".
Schifrin directed the Paris Philharmonic Orchestra for films (1987-1992), conducted at the Hollywood Bowl, and wrote works like the Pan American Games overture (1987) and Pampas for cello (2009 Latin Grammy winner). He appeared in Red Dragon (2002) and remained active into his 90s across classical, jazz, and film genres.
Black Widow
Written-By – Lalo Schifrin 4:15
A2 Flamingo
Written-By – Ed Anderson, Ted Grouya 4:28
A3 Quiet Village
Written-By – Les Baxter 3:59
A4 Moonglow / Theme From Picnic
Written-By – DeLange, Mills, Hudson 5:36
B1 Jaws
Written-By – J. Williams 5:47
B2 Baia
Written-By – A. Barroso, R. Gilbert 4:03
B3 Turning Point
Written-By – Lalo Schifrin 3:28
B4 Dragonfly
Written-By – Lalo Schifrin 5:15
Credits:
Alto Saxophone – Joe Farrell
Arranged By, Conductor – Lalo Schifrin
Backing Vocals – Patti Austin
Baritone Saxophone – Pepper Adams
Bass – Anthony Jackson
Bass Trombone – Dave Taylor
Congas – Carlos Martin (tracks: A2 to B4)
Design [Album] – Rene Schumacher
Drums – Andy Newmark
Engineer [Assistant] – Liz Saron, Matt Murray
Engineer, Mastered By – Joe Jorgensen
Flute – George Marge, Jerry Dodgion, Joe Farrell
Flute [Solo], Soloist [Flute] – Hubert Laws (tracks: B1)
Guitar – Eric Gale (tracks: A3), John Tropea
Guitar [Solo], Soloist [Guitar] – Jerry Friedman (tracks: A3)
Keyboards – Clark Spangler, Lalo Schifrin
Lacquer Cut By – J.G.
Percussion – Carter Collins, Don Alias, Sue Evans
Photography By [Cover Photography] – Pete Turner
Photography By [Liner Photography Of Lalo Schifrin] – Duane Michals
Producer – Creed Taylor
Trombone – Barry Rogers, Billy Campbell, Wayne Andre
Trumpet – Jon Faddis
Violin – Charles Libove, David Nadien, Emanuel Green, Harold Kohon, Harry Lookofsky, Matthew Raimondi, Max Ellen, Paul Gershman
Label: CTI Records – CTI 5000
Series: CTI PS
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1976
Genre: Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Jazz-Funk, Disco
Lalo Schifrin's 1976 album Black Widow is a standout jazz-funk/disco record, known for its dynamic arrangements, stellar session musicians (like Eric Gale, Steve Gadd, Joe Farrell), and successful incorporation of film themes, most notably the hit disco version of Jaws. Reviews highlight its sharp brass, deep bass, energetic grooves, and sophisticated take on 70s funk, making it a compelling listen for fans of the era and Schifrin's broader work, even if it steps away from his vintage exotica sound.
It features lush orchestration, deep grooves, and shimmering synthesizers, balancing catchy melodies with complex arrangements, and boasts a legendary lineup including Eric Gale (guitar), Steve Gadd (drums), Hubert Laws (flute), and Joe Farrell (sax/flute).
It integrates famous movie themes like Jaws, The Eagle Has Landed, and Rollercoaster, adding a disco flair. The Jaws single was a disco hit, charting in the UK, and the album performed well on jazz and R&B charts.
The album is praised as a "mixed bag" but ultimately a strong effort from a masterful composer, offering both energetic workouts and sophisticated listening.
Often reissued as a two-fer with his Towering Toccata album, providing excellent value. Original LPs were limited, but CD reissues (like the Robinsongs release) often include bonus tracks from the same sessions, offering more depth.