Henry Mancini Music For Peter Gunn

Jazz | Aug 2014

Reviews

Trish Morgan
Reviewed 2014-08-20
Henry Mancini Music for Peter Gunn
Harmonie Ensemble/New York
Steven Richman, conductor
Harmonia Mundi, 2014 Reviewed by Trish Morgan 08-18-2014

Music for Peter Gunn evokes the cool styling of the 1958 TV show Peter Gunn. Although the show only lasted three seasons, it left its mark in the way Mancini’s cool jazz was woven through the plot, becoming more than just background music. On this recording of Mancini’s music for the series is recreated and reimagined in fine style by Harmonie Ensemble/New York. No vocals, just cool jazz with a pop sensibility. A fun listen that rewards beyond its origins. I liked every track.

1 Peter Gunn Theme 2:09 - The original theme song, blazingly cool and iconic. It’s a classic.
2 Sorta Blue 2:58 - Popping, swinging, minimal start that then blazes hot as the solos begin.
3 The Brothers Go to Mother’s 2:40 - Very 60’s pop-jazz sound. Feels like a stroll down the avenue on the Riviera.
4 Dreamsville 3:48 - Slow, dreamy (just like the name promises), this piece is a quiet reverie that swells and subsides and swells again. Restrained and reflective throughout.
5 Session at Pete’s Pad 3:54 - Swinging, moving, up-tempo. Finger-snapping. Horns erupting. A big band joy.
6 Soft Sounds 3:40 - Starts soft but insistent. Vibraphone and piano create an intimate late night atmosphere.
7 Fallout 3:05 - Bass and tympany lead the way into a flute solo and horn progression that swoops and swirls with aggression. Awesome wa-wa.
8 The Floater 3:41 - Happy upbeat romp of a song. Great vibraphone action.
9 Slow and Easy 3:01 - A loose, saxy lope. It meanders and meditates on a jazzy striptease.
10 A Profound Gass 3:29 - A hip everyday walk in the park. Alternating solos by vibes, bass, and guitar help it along.
11 Brief and Breezy 3:32 - Happy, peppy, mid-tempo. Cool and clean.
12 My Manne Shelly 2:39 - Light cute romp
13 Blue Steel 3:27 - Exciting action music; pulsing and moving; french horns get a workout
14 Blues for Mother’s 3:11 - Starts slow, melancholy, and slinky; it’s late, late at night and everyone’s drunk a little too much
15 Spook 2:53 - A blustery striptease with growling horns
16 Peter Gunn Theme (reprise) 2:03 - They go at it here, adding color and verve to the iconic theme music

Recent airplay

Dreamsville
Clean Copper RadioNov 24, 2015
The Brothers Go To Mother's, Sorta Blue, Peter Gunn Theme
Jump, Jive, & JazzJun 11, 2015
Session At Pete's Pad
Clean Copper RadioNov 15, 2014
Peter Gunn Theme
MeowOct 16, 2014
Session At Pete's Pad
Global WarmingOct 14, 2014
The Brothers Go To Mother's
Jump, Jive, & JazzOct 14, 2014

Charting

2014-08-22 — 2014-10-24 Jazz
Week EndingAirplays
Oct 19 4
Oct 12 3
Oct 5 2
Sep 28 1
Sep 21 4
Sep 14 1
Sep 7 3
Aug 31 3

Track listing

1. Peter Gunn Theme
2. Sorta Blue
3. The Brothers Go To Mother's
4. Dreamsville
5. Session At Pete's Pad
6. Soft Sounds
7. Fallout
8. The Floater
9. Slow And Easy
10. A Profound Gass
11. Brief And Breezy
12. My Manne Shelly
13. Blue Steel
14. Blues For Mother's
15. Spook
16. Peter Gunn Theme (Reprise)