Just because we are a EURO Cult Society doesnt mean that American stuff is off-limits. (I hate fascist board parameters.) Common sense and love of the music are more important than being rigid and controlling. I have to share a wonderful recording from television, but this is Silver Age material and that is also specifically what our Society is all about. It is also important to remember that Silver Age composers for film and television, both here and abroad, were influencing each other, paying attention to what fellow artists were coming up with. I think the cue Im here sharing, by one of Americas most influential soundtrack composers, Fred Steiner, was very likely listened to and acknowledged by composers in Europe - just as I am certain that American composers (during the 60s and 70s) where carefully listening to and being influenced by stuff being done by Morricone and his European peers. One of the greatest television tracks of all time has got to be Steiners Perry Mason Theme. I have always loved this cue, even as a little kid. I found it thrilling, and I would go out of my way to hear it even when I was too young to actually be interested in the show itself. It is sensual, and very evocative of human vice and hidden longings. Here is what Maestro Steiner said about it: The original title was Park Avenue Beat. And the reason for that was that I conceived of Perry Mason as this very sophisticated lawyer — eats at the best restaurants, tailor-made suits, and so on — and yet at the same time he’s mixed in with these underworld bad guys, murder and crime. So the underlying beat is R&B, rhythm and blues, and for the reason that in those days, and even to this day, jazz or R&B is always associated with crime. You look at those old film noir pictures and they’ve always got jazz going. So it’s kind of a piece of symphonic R&B. - Steiner says it all right there as regards what I really dig about Silver Age scoring - Symphonic R&B! You dont get THAT in Golden Age stuff! There have been dozens of cover versions of the Mason Theme over the years (and rightly so) but this one (mp3 link) is my favorite. It is not only extremely faithful to the original broadcast arrangement but it also fleshes out the piece with a superb jazzy bridge featuring a dark and sleazy trumpet solo. I really love this recording! The stupid thing is that I cant remember who made this cover! Oh well, whoever did it kicks ass - this is just a damn fine rendition of one of American televisions most iconic and captivating compositions. https://dl.dropboxusercontent/u/264382062/MUSIC/03.%20PERRY%20MASON-F.Steiner.mp3
Posted on: Fri, 05 Dec 2014 08:35:23 +0000
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