The theme to
Peter Gunn is not just one of
Henry Mancini's most popular compositions, but also one of the most recognizable and beloved of all movie themes. Two CDs totaling 156 minutes of interpretations -- by
Mancini and others -- of music from the
Peter Gunn series might be overkill even for
Mancini/Peter Gunn enthusiasts. Nonetheless, you can't fault this compilation for breadth of material, starting with disc one, which has 23 tracks from
Mancini's
The Music from Peter Gunn (as well as one track from his
More Music from Peter Gunn). Be aware, or even cautioned, that nothing else on the first CD is as dynamic as the ominous "Peter Gunn" itself. Most of the other cuts are more sedate pieces in the cool/noirish jazz style; suitable for a long-running TV series, no doubt, but not as arresting as "Peter Gunn," or as attention-holding when listened to without accompanying images. Only on "Blue Steel" do you get the more dynamic, adventure-heralding jazz you'd hope to hear more of after "Peter Gunn," or even
Mancini's soundtrack to
Touch of Evil. And only on the smoky "Spook!" do you get more of that growling guitar that makes "Peter Gunn" such a standout.