Film Score Friday: Star Trek: The Motion Picture

This week on Film Score Friday we listen to the score from Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Jerry Goldsmith wrote the score for this 1979 movie debut for the franchise. Goldsmith has the difficult task of being the first to ask: What does a Star Trek movie score sound like? We now has expectations after so many films, but this was a non-trivial task for Goldsmith especially given the timing so soon after Star Wars. Goldsmith rises to the occasion by creating themes that have been kept in the franchise for decades now. The highlight for us is the theme Goldsmith created for when we see the Enterprise for the first time. It's a big moment accompanied by equally big music. Enjoy!

 

 

 

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Star Trek on Amazon

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The 2016 Brass Republic Christmas Spotify Playlist

Film Score Friday: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

This week on Film Score Friday, we listen to the score from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Michael Giacchino wrote the score for this latest entrant to the Star Wars saga. Giacchino had the difficult job of following the iconic scores John Williams created for this franchise. He rises to the occasion here with some great work. Giacchino captures just the right feel and integrates many of the themes we all know so well. It's not just rescoring of the Williams work, though. He manages to make much of the score his own. Enjoy!
 

 

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Rogue One on Amazon

Rogue One on iTunes

Remembering Pearl Harbor and music

We hope you'll reflect today on the Pearl Harbor attack. As you do, remember the bravery of the band aboard the USS Arizona.

 "When “first call to colors” was bugled just before eight, the band formed up on the fantail to play “The Star-Spangled Banner.” But before they struck up, there came the drone of approaching aircraft."

 

"When general quarters sounded, they dropped their cornets and clarinets and hurried to the ammunition hoists beneath the forward turrets, where they handled the heavy powder bags for the ship’s 14-inch guns"

Film Score Friday: Once Upon a Time in the West

This week on Film Score Friday we listen to the score from Once Upon a Time in the West. Ennio Morricone wrote the score for this 1968 western. This film's score is often remembered for the amount of harmonica and ostinato. There's some overlooked Brass success here. In particular, Morricone uses unison Trumpets in the third act of the film to great effect. He also creates some wonderful Horn solos as well. 

 

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Once Upon a Time in the West on Amazon

Once Upon a Time in the West on iTunes

The Brass Republic 2016 Christmas Gift Guide for Trombone

Shopping can be tough. We put together a list of ideas for the favorite Trombone player in your life. These are our picks to help make a great Christmas with the special Trombone player in your life. Don't forget about yourself either. From the Brass Republic team, we wish you and your favorite Trombone player a Happy Christmas and holiday season. 

Something to Read

The Musical World of J.J. Johnson (Studies in Jazz)
$49.44
By Joshua Berrett, Louis G. Bourgois III
Buy on Amazon

This book on JJ Johnson is a welcome addition to the Trombonists library. It covers everything from his relationship with Quincy Jones to transcriptions of solos. Although it is pricey, it is a comprehensive resource on this pioneer. 

Something to Listen to

John Rojak debuted a new solo recording this year. As usual for him, he brings the Bass Trombone literature forward here and sounds great doing it. 

Something for your Horn

This case from Pro Tec looks good, but also does its main job of keeping your Trombone safe. The nylon exterior is rugged and the interior has a snug fit to keep your horn sage. 

Something to Listen With

This shockingly affordable gadget is like magic. This is a Bluetooth receiver that will play music wirelessly from your phone or other device. The key is the output. The device will output to RCA cables. This  is a great way to get the benefits of wireless combined with some older speakers you probably already have. 

Something for the Practice Room

This is a great addition to your practice room for resting your horn. We found the stand to be solid and was compact at the same time. 

Something to Watch

Although not entirely accurate to Glenn Miller's real life, this is a still a good film about this Trombonist's life. 

Something to Play

This arrangement of The Swan from Carnival of the Animals is a great addition to your library. 

We wish you all the best with your Christmas shopping. 

The Brass Republic 2016 Christmas Gift Guide for Trumpet

Shopping can be tough. We put together a list of ideas for the favorite Trumpet player in your life. These are our picks to help make a great Christmas with the special Trumpet player in your life. Don't forget about yourself either. From the Brass Republic team, we wish you and your favorite Trumpet player a Happy Christmas and holiday season. 

Something to Read

Who Was Louis Armstrong?
$3.47
By Yona Zeldis McDonough
Buy on Amazon

This book Louis Armstrong is part of a series famous historical figures. It's appropriate for a 10 year old, but we found it an enjoyable read and refresher on the life of Pops. 

Something to Listen to

Trumpet Encores
By Rich Ridenour, Brandon Ridenour
Buy on Amazon

This is a entry from Brandon Ridenour that deserves a place in every Trumpeter's library. Ridenour has some great arrangements for Trumpet and Piano that are masterfully executed. 

Something for your Horn

This bag, from Gard, is a great way to haul your gear. It comes with an ample padded interior and room for 3 horns. There's also plenty of pocket space for mouthpieces and other accessories. 

Something to listen with

This shockingly affordable gadget is like magic. This is a Bluetooth receiver that will play music wirelessly from your phone or other device. The key is the output. The device will output to RCA cables. This  is a great way to get the benefits of wireless combined with some older speakers you probably already have. 

Something for the Practice Room

K&M Trumpet Stand
$23.97
Connolly Music Company
Buy on Amazon

This stand is great for putting your horn down while you mark up etude with 9 flats that has been vexing you so much. It has five legs and is solid as can be. 

Something to Watch

Miles Ahead
Starring Don Cheadle, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Ewan McGregor, Michael Stuhlbarg, Keith Stanfield
Buy on Amazon

Don Cheadle's take on Miles Davis came out this year. The film proved to be a highly faithful to this period in Davis' life. It's rated R though, so be forwarned. 

Something to Play

This arrangement of hymns from James Curnow is a must for your gig bag. These arrangements for solo Trumpet and Piano are accessible and appropriate for many settings. Also, there's a great recording from Philip Smith included. 

We wish you all the best with your Christmas shopping. 

Film Score Friday: Planet of the Apes (2001)

This week of Film Score Friday, we listen to the score from Planet of the Apes. Danny Elfman wrote the score for this 2001 remake. Elfman does a great job with creating a sound that really feels like the wilderness. The highlight are when Elfman scores just Brass and Percussion. These are great sequences. The score beyond just the tribal themes. There's some really great lyrical sections with some good Brass solos as well. Enjoy!

Film Score Friday: Spectre

This week on Film Score Friday we listen to the score from Spectre. Thomas Newman wrote the score for the 2015 entry in the James Bond franchise. Newman strikes a good balance between breaking new ground while still paying tribute to the classic themes of this franchise. One of the tropes of Bond score over the years was keeping the  Brass in the high range. Newman does a great job of having the section use the entire range. Don't worry, he still gets the screaming stuff in there too. 

One sad note about the score is the lack of Derek Watkins on Trumpet. Watkins played on every Bond score up until Spectre. Watkins passed away before this score was recorded. He inspired many throughout the years with his amazing work on this series as well as so many other recordings. 

 

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Spectre on Amazon

Spectre on iTunes

Film Score Friday: Enemy at the Gates

This week on Film Score Friday we listen to the score from Enemy at the Gates. James Horner wrote the score for this 2001 war film. The film depicts the fight during World War 2 from the Russian perspective while the Germans pressed further into their territory. To achieve the Russian sound and feel, Horner borrows heavily from Rimsky-Korsakov and Shostakovich. This achieves the goal and really helps sell the film. The Horn choir paired with vocal choir at the beginning is particularly worth the price of admission. The Brass as a whole have plenty of opportunities throughout the score. We recommend you give this lesser known Horner score a try, Enjoy!

 

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Enemy at the Gates on Amazon

Enemy at the Gates on iTunes

Film Score Friday: Nightbreed

This week on Film Score Friday, we listen to the score from Nightbreed. Danny Elfman wrote the score for this 1990 horror movie. This came out around the same time Elfman scored Batman. The similarities are striking and welcome. Elfman hits just the right themes for this overlooked horror film. Enjoy and Happy Halloween!

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Nightbreed on Amazon

Nightbreed on iTunes

Film Score Friday: Lost in Space

This week on Film Score Friday, we listen to the score from Lost in Space. Bruce Broughton wrote the score for this 1998 remake of the classic show. Broughton his usual A game to this score. The most enjoyable thing Broughton does here is with range. He makes sure the whole Brass section is getting around the entire range of their horns. It's a nice change up from the multitude of score that insist on inhabiting one portion of the instrument range the entire time. Enjoy!

 

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Lost in Space on Amazon

Lost in Space on iTunes

Film Score Friday: The Great Train Robbery

This week on Film Score Friday, we listen to the score from The Great Train Robbery. Jerry Goldsmith wrote the score for this 1979 caper film. There was a period of years in the 1970s when despair was a consistent theme in movies. The music often matched this theme. In a sea of gloom, this film and its music was a welcome return to fun and whimsy. Goldsmith wrote a fun score here. It's not remembered as well as many of his other works, but it's worth of your time. Enjoy!

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The Great Train Robbery on Amazon

The Great Train Robbery on iTunes

 

Film Score Friday: The Da Vinci Code

This week on Film Score Friday, we listen to the score from The Da Vinci Code. Hans Zimmer wrote the score for this 2006 film. This score resembles some of Zimmer's other work from this period like Batman Begins. That's a good thing. The main attraction here is what Zimmer does with Horn. There's some great moments when Horn is paired with the choir that are great. Enjoy!

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The Da Vinci Code on Amazon

The Da Vinci Code on iTunes

Film Score Friday: Stargate

This week on Film Score Friday, we listen to the score from Stargate. David Arnold wrote the score for this 1994 film. This is a little know gem from this period of film scores. Arnold was working retail at the time the producers of Stargate asked him him to write this score. We're glad he did. He had written music one other film, but hardly a blockbuster of this magnitude. 

The original recording was made in London and is a pleasure. Arnold embraces the summer blockbuster feel and made the score bombastic and grandiose enough to match what was on the screen. Despite this, he manages to work some elements of subtlety in. Much of the movie takes place in a desert setting and you can hear the influence of past films like Lawrence of Arabia. In other parts, Arnold gives the low brass free reign to hammer home the dramatic moments and it feels great. Enjoy! 

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Stargate on Amazon

Stargate on iTunes

 

Film Score Friday: Toy Story

This week on Film Score Friday, we listen to the score from Toy Story. Randy Newman wrote for the score for this 1995 classic. As the first feature length Pixar film, this one is often most remembered for its striking visuals. What is often overlooked is the great contribution Newman made with his score. Newman really nails it by emulating the great storytelling on the screen. The film was joint effort between Disney and Pixar. Up to this point, a kids film associate with Disney with an almost entirely orchestral score was unheard of. Bucking the trend worked well and the film is better for it. 

The genius of Newman here is he manages to make the score highly programmatic without being cartoonish. He takes it from thinly score and subtle to driving, heavy, and dramatic within an instant. This is a favorite of ours. Enjoy!

 

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Toy Story on Amazon

Toy Story on iTunes

Film Score Friday: The Gauntlet

This week on Film Score Friday, we listen to the score from The Gauntlet. Jerry Fielding wrote the music from this 1977 film. This film debuted at a time when Jazz was considered by many to be past its prime. Given that context, we're glad the film kept its swing heavy music. This score uses big band throughout and it fits with the Clint Eastwood movie's feel. A young Jon Faddis is the real highlight. Faddis has opportunities to solo from the very beginning with his take on "Just a Closer Walk with thee." He maintains prominence throughout the recording and it's great. Enjoy!

 

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The Gauntlet on Amazon

The Gauntlet on iTunes

Film Score Friday: Young Sherlock Holmes

This week on Film Score Friday, we listen to the score from Young Sherlock Holmes. Bruce Broughton wrote the score for this 1985 take on the classic detective. It was a popular trope in the 80s to take a well established character and create story about their origin or "young" years. Very few of these were good and this installment was average at best. Broughton's score is great and lifts the film to a higher level than it would achieve on its own. Broughton's usual approach of making playful and fun music is at home here. The adventurous themes he uses fit with the material well. 

Enjoy!

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Young Sherlock Holmes on Amazon

Young Sherlock Holmes on iTunes

Film Score Friday: Zulu

Zulu
Fantastic Voyage
Buy on Amazon

This week on Film Score Friday, we listen to the score from Zulu. John Barry wrote the score for this 1964 film. This is film about British soldiers that Barry makes sound very British. He uses Horn and Low Brass to emphasize a stately motive that returns again and again throughout the score. This is executed in a good way. If you listen closely, you'll also hear some themes Barry would go on to mirror in his later works. Enjoy!

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Zulu on Amazon

Zulu on iTunes