CD REVIEW - MISS LETTIE AND ME + NEWS FROM COSTA COMMUNICATIONS


Miss Lettie and Me
Music by Alan Williams
Silverscreen Music SMCD 023 (US)
24 Tracks 38:24 mins

Composer Alan Williams kindly sent me some recent releases on his Silverscreen Music label, including his very latest Miss Lettie and Me, a family drama from 2002, starring the formidable pairing of Mary Tyler Moore and Burt Reynolds. I've yet to see this screened on terrestrial TV in the UK and hope I'll have the opportunity soon, as not only are the star pairing an attraction, but I also happen to love Alan's score, which is filled with optimism and lovely homespun melodies, together with an element of poignancy, all delightfully performed by just three musicians, Tim May on guitars and mandolin; Joe Stone on flute, oboe and clarinet; and Alan Steinberger on piano.
If you like the kind of down home Americana scoring featured in the likes of The Waltons and other more contemporary rural family dramas, it's safe to say you'll enjoy this fine album.
Go to the composer's excellent website at www.alanwilliams.com to order your copy and to browse his catalogue. Reviews of his many fine scores are there to guide you, and there are other interesting features, like video clips and interviews.

FROM COSTA COMMUNICATIONS

AWARD-WINNING COMPOSER

GEORGE S. CLINTON

BRINGS SERIOUS DRAMATIC ELEMENTS INTO

“Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay”

In Theatres April 25

Soundtrack on Lakeshore Records

(Hollywood, CA) Award-winning composer George S. Clinton scores New Line’s “Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay.” The sequel to “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle,” follows the cross-country adventures of the pot-smoking duo as they try to outrun authorities who suspect them of being terrorists. Joe Levdon from Variety said, “"Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay" is one of the ballsiest comedies to come out of Hollywood in a long time. No kidding.” “Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay” opens in theatres on April 25. The soundtrack will be available on Lakeshore Records.

Clinton’s method of writing for comedy is to not write the music literally. The composer explains, “In comedy, I write the music like a straight man, and let the characters make the film funny.” Clinton integrated a full orchestra as well as ensemble players into the score. He added, “In certain moments, the film may feature lighthearted but not ‘cartoony’ elements.” Clinton also incorporated middle-eastern elements into this score.

Currently, Clinton has reunited with Mike Myers, with whom he worked all the Austin Powers films, for Paramount’s comedy “The Love Guru” co-written by and starring Myers. Myers plays Guru Pitka, a Deepak Chopra wannabe who is given the task of helping the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team get their star player back on track before the Stanley Cup play-offs. “The Love Guru” opens in theatres on June 20. For this film the composer’s score ranges from classic orchestral to "Bollywood" tablas and sitars.

Clinton's musical innovation and versatility has allowed him to create memorable scores for various genres. Last year, Clinton received an Emmy nomination for Best Original Score to HBO Films’ “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.” His score varied from Americana to incorporating Native American elements. He also enlisted World-renowned Native American flutist John Two-Hawks to play on the score. Clinton’s other credits range from such diverse films as the romantic Zalman King's "Red Shoe Diaries," the martial arts fantasy "Mortal Kombat,” the suspense "The Astronaut's Wife," and the sexy thriller "Wild Things." Other projects include John Waters' "A Dirty Shame" and "3000 Miles to Graceland."

In addition to his film projects, Clinton has written several concert works, three musicals, and songs recorded by such artists as Michael Jackson, Joe Cocker, Smokey Robinson and Johnny Mathis. Last year, George S. Clinton received BMI’s highest honor bestowed on a composer, The Richard Kirk Award for Career Achievement. He joins the company of legendary recipients which include John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith and Danny Elfman. George S. Clinton believes in imparting his knowledge on a new generation of filmmakers. For the last ten years, he has volunteered his time and experience to filmmakers and composers at the Sundance Institute in Park City, Utah.