The Richard Gleason Orchestra - "Riff-Blues (Theme From Mike Hammer)"

[fromthesidelines]

Incidentally, the album this was featured on was recorded and issued in early 1959, primarily featuring themes from various MCA-TV programs appearing at the time [including "THE RESTLESS GUN", "BUCKSKIN", "CIMARRRON CITY", and "ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS"] -the exceptions were Fred Steiner's themes for "NAVY LOG" and "PERRY MASON"- both written for CBS- and Henry Mancini's "PETER GUNN" {which EVERYONE covered back then}.

[fromthesidelines]

The theme, written for the 1957-'59 syndicated edition of the series (officially titled "MICKEY SPILLANE'S MIKE HAMMER") starring Darren McGavin, was by the same people who wrote the "LEAVE IT TO BEAVER" theme {"The Toy Parade"}- Dave Kahn and Melvyn Lenard Gordon. I've heard the original soundtrack version of the theme, and it's somewhat lush itself [and brief]. This is as close as you'll get to the original- depicting the "lonely streets of New York at dawn"...and "loner" Mike Hammer himself.

[wpl955g]

Marvellous - and as a trumpet player, I can say it's great fun to play in that style. Lyrically 'OTT', as they say, but utterly lovely. I've got the orig orchestra from '58 playing it on LP - Spillane did the liner notes and called it 'Man Sized Music' - but this is awfully lush by comparison. (Unless you're an LP enthusiast, there is apparently a CD of M Squad and Hammer tunes out there somewhere - well worth it, so far as I'm concerned...)

[lauredean100]

Excellent loved it great piece of music

Thanks Judie for sharing

[gfks11]

Very cool!!