I mentioned before that I had only seen one film that (one of) my favourite composers - Mark McKenzie - had scored. That being the unambitious and not-to-be-recommended sequel to 'Dragonheart'. Additionally, that's probably my least favourite McKenzie work. So, none of that worked for me.

I watched 'Frank and Jesse' last night. The narrative was what I expected while the cinematography took me by small suprise. A few frames in particular were exceptional. But the biggie, for me, was listening to McKenzie's score while watching the film. Having adored it for some time, it was great to see it appropriately used in the film.

I'm not entirely sure if its enhanced my appreciation for it overall. However, certain tracks such as 'Meeting the James Gang', 'The Lord is Callin' You' and 'I Play Not Marches' have new meaning in my McKenzie scheme of things.

I also tried to rent 'Jekyll' but that was out. Thankfully, 'Frank and Jesse' has motivated me with enthusiasm to see 'Durango', 'Lorca' et al.

More to come during the week.

Regards,
Rochelle

As you said about F&J, Lorca's cinematography is the best part of the film aside from the score.

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Originally posted by Scorro:
If your interested in watching another movie from the time period of F&J, check out Ang Lee's "Ride With The Devil" and listen to M. Danna's stirring score.

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Scorro,
Its incredibly co-incidental that you mention that because I was listening to 'The Ambush' from 'Ride with the Devil' only an hour ago. Many parts of that score are very 'Southern' for me but am getting used to it. I haven't seen the film but will rent it once its on video.

Something worth noting....when you listen to 'The Ambush' (from an original copy) - some parts of it sound like pops because of the drum rolling in the background. Did you experience this?

I should have mentioned that I tried to locate 'Durango' at my local video store but they didn't have a copy. I am guessing 'Lost Child' isn't there either.

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Many parts of that score are very 'Southern' for me but am getting used to it.

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When I was in college there used to be bluegrass bands that would play at the student union on some Fridays. I acquired an appreciation of good 'pickin' at those get togethers (and learned to pick a few notes myself).

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I haven't seen the film but will rent it once its on video.

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'Ride with the Devil' first became avail for rental at video stores last July. You may have to look for it in a large place to find it, either on VHS or DVD. About 2 months ago the movie was finally released for sale to the public. I bought a copy online for about $9.00

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Originally posted by Scorro:

'Ride with the Devil' first became avail for rental at video stores last July.

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Hi Scorro,

It may have slipped by me unnoticed but as an example of how frustratingly behind we can be.... 'Chicken Run' was only recently made available here in Australia... for purchase.

BTW - how exactly is country different from bluegrass?

In general, bluegrass music comes from the hill country and Appalachian Mtn. region of the eastern and southeastern U.S. When settlers of Irish & Scottish descent moved to those regions, they brought their fiddles and their fiddle tunes along. Bluegrass music is heavily derived from those fiddle tunes, which were tailored to be played on guitar, mandolin, banjo, etc., along with the fiddle.

Country music is short for 'country western' which became a part of western U.S. cattle country culture. Original country music was the domain of the cowboy ballad singer, singing of the wide open spaces. If you've heard "Home On The Range", you will have an idea of what I'm refering to. It comes as no surprise that modern day country artists still where cowboy hats, though the music has changed considerably.

The folk music heard in "Ride With The Devil" sounds like a very rough/earthy form of bluegrass (I figure tracks 2 & 6 have origins in fiddle music). Mychael Danna probably wanted to keep a non-polished feel to the folk music in order to fit in with the rough camp lifestyle of the Missouri Bushwackers. To hear a more modernistic, highly polished rendition of bluegrass picking, check out James Newton Howard's score for "The Man In The Moon".

And yes, there is considerable percussion employed in The Ambush! RWTD was easily one of my favorite CD's of '99.

Sc_

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Originally posted by joan hue:
Rochelle, I looked in video stores for two years for Durango. None carried it. It is from a TV movie. It turned out to be in all of our libraries, and I could check it out for free. Try your library.

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Thanks for the advice Joan but I had a feeling that I would be searching in vain (here in Australia). So I went ahead and bought a cheap copy off ebay. You didn't mention if you liked the film.

Regards,
Rochelle

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Originally posted by joan hue:
Hi Rochelle,

I looked for Durango because so many people on this Board raved about the music. The movie was sweet, but quite frankly, I don't remember much about it, so I don't think I was overly impressed. Some grand, sweeping orchestrations in the movie, but I preferred the Frank and Jesse music. McKenzie, IMHO, always delivers an enjoyable listen.

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Hi Joan,
For me its the other way around. I've listened to the score but want to see how it is used in the film. At the same time, I agree with you about the strength of 'Frank and Jesse' over 'Durango'.

Dying to see 'Jekyll'.

Regards,
Rochelle