= MORE MUSIC FROM PETER GUNN =

If modern jazz becomes indelibly linked with manslaughter, murder, mayhem, wisecrackling private eyes and droll policemen, the brunt of the responsibility must be borne by composer Henry Mancini. Because of him the point is rapidly being reached where no self-respecting killer would consider pulling the trigger without a suitable jazz background.

Seriously, Henry Mancini has become a pacesetter. Immediately after the first episode of the TV series "Peter Gunn," Mancini's modern jazz background score became a topic of general conversation. THE MUSIC FROM "PETER GUNN," his first RCA VICTOR album (LPM/LSP-1956) rocketted into the nation's number one best-selling spot with the muzzle velocity of a police positive. Various recordings of the main theme music became top single records.

With all this excitement, it was inevitable that others should follow Mancini's lead. TV detectives now swash, buckle and make love to the strains of modern jazz. Mancini feels that the whole thing is leading the public toward an ever greater acceptance of jazz as an art form, benefiting the listener and the musician. Never before have so many people been actively aware of modern jazz. This form of music has found a new medium of exposure.

MORE MUSIC FROM "PETER GUNN" is straight from the talented pen of the "original." It sparkles and swings. It has all the changes of mood, feeling and innuendo which make great drama and great jazz. Here are imaginative themes and improvisations, interpreted by some of the world's finest jazz artists. Here is big band jazz with the impact of tear gas or the delicacy of a fadeout kiss.

Each selection in this album is from a different episode of the "Peter Gunn" NBC-TV series. The titles are derived from the incidents of characters which inspired the themes. They are varied, descriptive and exciting. They are great compositions played by great musicians. That seems to be the best way to describe this album ... great!

- BILL OLOFSON

Recording Engineer Al Schmitt
Produced by Dick Peirce
Recorded in the RCA Music Center of the World on February 17, and March 5 and 6, 1959.