Crime and Spy Jazz on Screen Since 1971

<p> Henry Mancini's <I>Peter Gunn</I> theme. Lalo Schifrin's <I>Mission: Impossible</I> theme. Isaac Hayes' theme from <I>Shaft</I>. 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 <I>Crime and Action Jazz on Screen: 1950-1970</I>.</p>