Interview with Author John Mansell About his new book, Italian Western Violent Image, Savage Soundtrack, Volume II. Per Qualche Western in Più.
by Jason Drury (IFMCA/Cinematic Sound Radio).
Jason Drury. When did you decide to do a second book?
John Mansell. I knew as I was writing the first volume there was a lot of other things I could cover.
I had more to say after volume one was published,and wanted to include a filmography and discography, along with recognition for the many individuals who helped bring the soundtracks of Italian westerns to the UK from the late 1960s to the 1980s. People like Michael Jones, who is remembered by many but rarely acknowledged, deserves mention. Additionally, I wanted to highlight the contributions of actors, directors, producers, and writers in this genre.
I also spoke with several directors, composers, performers and others who were influenced by Italian westerns. The impact of this genre was significant, and I aimed to incorporate as much information as possible. My goal was to create a book that collectors and fans would find enjoyable, and relate to rather than one that would overwhelm them with technical details. I hope I have succeeded in this endeavour.
How long did you get to research the book?
Well, I suppose most of the book's content comes from my own personal memories, my soundtrack collection, the films I have watched, and also the composers I have met along the journey, plus conversations with record labels and record producers. So if I said I started to collect Italian Western soundtracks around 1964 the book took 60 years to research and put together. Give or take a year.
How long did it take to write the book?
Again, it’s a subject I have always tried to promote, and am passionare about. So 60 years in the making, I guess.
How many Italian western scores do you have?
At last count, there were at least 650 CDs, and about 200 LP records; the vinyl is all original stuff from the seventies. I used to travel up to Soundtrack, Dean Street, Harlequin records and other places to buy them, which I did from the age of around thirteen.
How many interviews did you do for the book, and what was the timeline for you working on them?
This second volume features three interviews: one with Franco Bixio, which I conducted in November 2025, as well as an interview with Fabio Frizzi from 2024, and another with Captain Apache composer Dolores Claman from a few years ago. Additionally, there are approximately forty-five biographies of composers, including well-known figures like Carlo Savina, alongside lesser-known talents Bruno Canfora, Mario Migliardi, and Carmelo Bernaola. This volume also includes profiles of performers, including Edda Dell’ Orso and others.
How long did it take to collate the pictures for the book?
About a year or so, I had intended to use them in volume one, but did not because it was my first book, and I wanted to focus more on the info, rather than fill it with pictures.
Of the scores featured in your book, which ones for you stand out as definite examples of the genre?
All of them are great, but if I had to choose, I would highlight the works of Marcello Giombini, Francesco De Masi, Bruno Nicolai, and, of course, Ennio Morricone. Honestly, each score from an Italian Western has something that will I think appeal to most people,the range of musical styles within the genre is incredible. The way these films were scored was innovative and groundbreaking.
The music became integral to each plot and played a crucial role in the filmmaking process. While Italian Westerns would still exist without the music, they may not have had the same impact and influence. Additionally, many of these films feature songs, some of the lyrics I included in the second book.
Are you working on any other books which will be published in the near future?
Yes, I have a few projects in the works. Plus doing research on something that I do not think has been covered before. I can’t be sure when they will be out, but hopefully the first of them will be in print by December 2026 or January 2027. The publisher Bear Manor Media are working hard on them.