Crime and Spy Jazz on Screen Since 1971

Henry Mancini''s Peter Gunn theme. Lalo Schifrin''s Mission: Impossible theme. Isaac Hayes'' theme from Shaft. These iconic melodies have remained a part of the pop culture landscape since their debuts back when movie studios and TV production companies employed full orchestral ensembles to provide a jazz backdrop for the suspenseful adventures of secret agents, private detectives, cops, spies and heist-minded criminals. Hundreds of additional films and television shows made from the mid-1950s and beyond have been propelled by similarly swinging title themes and underscores, many of which have (undeservedly) faded into obscurity. This meticulously researched book begins with Hayes'' game-changing music for Shaft, and honors the careers of traditional jazz composers who--as the 1970s gave way to the ''80s and beyond--resolutely battled against the pernicious influx of synth, jukebox scores and a growing corporate disinterest in lavish ensembles. Fans frustrated by the lack of attention paid to jazz soundtrack composers--including Mort Stevens, Laurie Johnson, Mike Post, Earle Hagen, David Shire, Elmer Bernstein and many, many others--will find solace in these pages (along with all the information needed to enhance one''s music library). But this is only half the story; the saga''s origins are discussed in this book''s companion volume, Crime and Action Jazz on Screen: 1950-1970.