Piero Umiliani

Musician

Forfans of vintage film soundtracks, italian jazz and lounge, crate-diggers and sample-hunters.
2 Reviews 3 Definitions 2 Charts

The Profile

Piero Umiliani (1926–2001) was an Italian composer best known for film scores and the composition "Mah Nà Mah Nà".

From the reviews: Umiliani had roots in jazz, wrote for the quintet of Gianni Basso & Oscar Valdambrini, collaborated with Chet Baker on Italian jazz recordings, composed for films such as Smog, and his posthumous collections collect music from 1970s Italian B-movies. Reviews note frequent Hammond use and ties to easy listening/lounge styles; the tune "Mah Nà Mah Nà" is cited as widely used (notably in television/commercial contexts).

Two DeBaser reviews discuss Umiliani's roots in jazz and his film work, noting characteristic Hammond sounds and 1970s lounge/film aesthetics. Reviews treat him with nostalgic appreciation and measured critique.