Henry Mancini cemented his status as a master of soundtrack composition with his groundbreaking album, ‘Music From Peter Gunn’. Following its immense success, RCA-Victor eagerly invited Mancini back to the studio to create a second volume of music inspired by the iconic Blake Edwards television program. This resulted in ‘More Music From Peter Gunn’, an album that, while perhaps not reaching the stratospheric commercial heights of its predecessor, stands as a testament to Mancini’s enduring talent for crafting compelling and stylish instrumental pieces. This collection of Henry Mancini Songs further explores the jazzy, suspenseful soundscapes that became synonymous with Peter Gunn.
Recorded in 1959 with a stellar ensemble of musicians including legendary drummer Shelly Manne, trumpet virtuoso Pete Candoli, and the future film score titan John Williams on piano, ‘More Music From Peter Gunn’ is rich with musicality and innovation. Despite some commercial decisions that initially hindered its availability on CD, the album’s musical merit has always shone brightly. While the first ‘Peter Gunn’ album often overshadows its successor, ‘More Music From Peter Gunn’ offers a wealth of captivating tracks that are arguably just as strong.
The album showcases a diverse range of moods and styles. Tracks like “Timothy,” despite its moments of lightheartedness, feature impressive trumpet work. Others, such as “My Manne Shelly,” cleverly spotlight Shelly Manne’s drumming in a surprisingly subtle manner, defying expectations for a featured piece. “Goofin’ at the Coffee House” is a vibrant and energetic track, providing a platform for Victor Feldman’s vibraphone, Candoli’s trumpet, Williams’ piano, and Ronnie Lang’s flute to shine. For pure cinematic tension, “Odd Ball” delivers with its suspenseful and action-packed arrangement, filled with virtuoso performances. Finally, “The Little Man Theme” is a delightful showcase for the interplay between Lang’s flute, Ted Nash’s piccolo, Williams’ piano, and Bob Bain’s electric guitar.
While early CD reissues might have presented fragmented versions, complete re-releases of ‘More Music From Peter Gunn’ are available, sometimes even including bonus tracks such as the original “Peter Gunn” theme, themes from ‘Mr. Lucky’, and ‘Experiment in Terror’. These additions further highlight the breadth of Mancini’s genius and his contribution to the world of henry mancini songs and television and film scores.
In conclusion, ‘More Music From Peter Gunn’ is not merely a footnote to its famous predecessor but a significant collection of henry mancini songs in its own right. It is an album that deserves recognition for its musicality, its stellar performances, and its contribution to the iconic sound of Peter Gunn. For fans of Henry Mancini and aficionados of classic soundtrack music, ‘More Music From Peter Gunn’ is an essential listening experience.
