Henry Mancini - Peter Gunn

This is not only a great LP but a key piece of jazz and pop music history. Back in 1958, Peter Gunn was one of the unexpected hits of the new television season, capturing the imagination of millions of viewers by mixing private eye action with a jazz setting. Composer Henry Mancini was more than fluent in jazz, and his music nailed down the popularity of the series. With the main title theme, a driving, ominous, exciting piece of music to lead off the album, The Music From Peter Gunn became a huge hit, charting extraordinarily high for a television soundtrack and doing so well that RCA Victor came back the next year asking for a second helping (More Music From Peter Gunn) from Mancini.

The music holds up: “Session At Pete’s Pad” is a superb workout for trumpets of Pete Candoli, Uan Rasey, Conrad Gozzo and Frank Beach, while Barney Kessel’s electric guitar gets the spotlight during “Dreamsville.” “Sorta Blue” and “Fallout” are full-ensemble pieces that constitute quintessential “cool” West Coast jazz of the period.

Side One

1. Peter Gunn

2. Sorta Blue

3. The Brothers Go to Mother's

4. Dreamsville

5. Session at Pete's Pad

6. Soft Sounds

Side Two

1. Fallout!

2. The Floater

3. Slow and Easy

4. A Profound Gass

5. Brief and Breezy

6. Not from Dixie

Customer Reviews (5.00 Stars) 3 person(s) rated this product.

Not just nostalgia posted on 06/23/2012 5 Stars Reviewer: Rick Speakers Corner remains my favorite reissue label with the exception of the Music Matters Blue Note reissues (buy them direct - they are better). I love this music. I'm 58 and remember the theme song and bought it mainly for nostalgia. What a surprise when I heard great music. It sounds like a truly fine old recording, not meant as a negative. Mancini was a genius and this beautifully represents his music. Now I have to get Pink Panther. Sonically the vinyl is quiet, the music warm and intimate at times, very dynamic at others. Highly recommended.

Mancini At His Best posted on 02/29/2012 5 Stars Reviewer: Lloydville Very slick pop-jazz masterpiece -- vinyl heaven.

A must have for any collector! posted on 10/21/2007 5 Stars Reviewer: Chad Thorpe One of my favorites!! I liked it so much that I orderd Charade. I can't stop playing it!

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