Long before he became the legendary composer of blockbuster classics including Jaws, Star Wars, E.T. and Indiana Jones, John Williams was establishing his reputation as one of Hollywood's most versatile young musical talents. This release brings together two key early soundtrack albums: the Grammy-nominated jazzinfused

score from the acclaimed CBS television series Checkmate (1961) and the lush, romantic music from Diamond Head (1962), Williams's first major feature film assignment.

Originally credited as "Johnny Williams", these recordings reveal the remarkable breadth of a composer equally at home with hard-driving jazz rhythms and expansive orchestral writing. Checkmate showcases his sophisticated, modern television scoring, while Diamond Head foreshadows the sweeping melodic style that would later make him the most celebrated film composer of his generation.

Completing the collection are four rare bonus tracks from the 1957 album Plays Sounds From Screen Spectaculars, featuring some of Williams's earliest arranging and conducting work. A unique opportunity to hear the formative recordings of a future cinematic giant.