Project: Hilton Head
CBS TV Spot for Masters Tournament – “Hilton Head”
Dramatic theme for Hilton Head/CBS for the Masters Golf Tournament
Music Track Only:
GalleryProject:
“Morality & Markets – The Real Adam Smith – PBS Two-Hour Special”
So who was Adam Smith, and why did he have such a profound impact on today’s economy? This 2-hour PBS Special takes a look at this relatively unknown man who changed the world.
WATCH FILM ON YOUTUBE
Sample Montage of the Score
“Opening Theme”
“The First Battle”
“Trying to Be Serious”
“The Mystery of Numbers”
“Flying Up The Hill”
GalleryProject:
John Marshall – The Man Who Made The Supreme Court
Ok, I’ll admit it. Composing “classical-style” music may not be my strongest suit. But when given the chance to score a new two and a half hour film about John Marshall for Amazon Prime, I jumped at the chance! Marshall turns out to have been a fascinating character in US History, full of paradoxes and mysteries, and is a story that’s incredibly appropriate for today’s political climate.
The emotional ups and downs of this story gave me a chance to compose “classical” music (as well as other styles) in a number of different moods. In addition to the montage of the score, you can also some individual music cues, using the links below.
So take a listen when you get a chance, and let me know – was I able to pull the “semi-classical” style off?
Thanks – and enjoy!
VIEW FILM ON AMAZON PRIME
Montage of Music Score:
Opening Theme (shortened)
“Students Study Marshall”
“The Long Wait”
“Marshall’s Anger”
“The Morning After”
Gallery
GalleryProject: The Sultan and The Saint
“The Sultan And The Saint”
Short Montage from the Score:
Almost 800 years ago, St. Francis of Assisi crossed into “enemy” lines to meet with the Islamic sultan Al-Kamil, starting a chain of events that ended the crusades. A film about this story – “The Sultan and The Saint” premieres on PBS later this year. I was incredibly honored to compose the music for this film, which – considering today’s political climate, should be seen by every person on this planet, regardless of their political persuasion. Just sayin’…
Watch the film HERE
GalleryProject: "Liberty & Slavery"
“Liberty & Slavery” – PBS
“Liberty & Slavery” examines the paradox of America’s founding fathers who owned slaves while proclaiming that “all men are created equal”. Airing on PBS in 2017
Watch the film on VUDU or APPLE TV
Montage of the Score:
“Nightfall”
“All Is Not Well”
“Morning in Slave Quarters”
“One More Day”
“A Paradox Revealed”
View the trailer for the film here.
GalleryProject: Florida's Hidden Springs
“Hidden Secrets of Florida Springs”
Remarkably, Florida is home to more fresh water springs than any other region in the world. However, poor planning driven has led to a condition in which most of these once-pristine springs now show notable declines in flow, as well as a major increases in pollution. This film graphically examines the long and colorful history of our springs, explores some astounding scientific discoveries, and sounds an urgent alarm about the impending loss of many of these magical – but finite – natural legacies.
Watch the film HERE
Montage of the Score:
Samples of Individual Music Cues:
“Country Fun”
“That Bird Can Fly”
“Night Time”
Closing Theme
GalleryProject: "Confronting The Truth" - PBS
“Confronting The Truth” – PBS Documentary
When bloodshed ends, political agreements are signed, and peace is restored, but the past still remains.
In the last 20 years, a number of countries emerging from political turmoil have chosen to move forward into the future by looking back. They believe the unspeakable truths of massive human rights abuse can’t simply be forgotten; they need to be aired and acknowledged so victims can regain their dignity, and society can be rebuilt.
Confronting the Truth tells the human stories behind the truth and reconciliation commissions in Morocco, Peru, South Africa and East Timor. Revealing how commissions work, the documentary explores what they can and cannot achieve, and what impact they have on the communities they serve. Featuring moving interviews with Nobel Peace Prize laureates and former commissioners, Rev. Desmond Tutu and Jose Ramos-Horta, as well as courageous testimony from victims.
Watch the film HERE
“Mountain Mist”
“Waiting For His Arrival”
“The Confrontation”
“The Slow Walk”
“Will It Never End?”
“The Journey”
“Finding The Graves”
GalleryProject:
Ken Burns “The Roosevelts” Series – TV Trailers
For 30 years, Ken Burns has found the Roosevelt family “irresistible”. Now, Burns shines a spotlight on the family itself in “The Roosevelts: An Intimate History,” a 14-hour film debuted Sept. 14 on PBS, and ran for seven consecutive nights.
Although Burns usually uses historical music for his projects, I was honored to be asked to create the original music theme for the Roosevelt series trailer. It was a bit tricky composing music that was intended to be “powerful and energetic”, yet without a melody or any musical element that would interfere with the narrator (Peter Coyote). PBS was very pleased with the final music score, recorded with live strings, french horns, etc.
Here is the Music Track only, without that pesky narrator (Peter Coyote) in the way… 😉
GalleryProject:
“Michelle Malken Investigates” TV Series
Michelle Malkin is known for her controversial and hard-hitting reporting style. She has appeared on countless talk shows and networks, and now has her own investigative show premiering on CRTV this fall. I was pleased to be asked to compose all of the music for this raw series. You can hear music samples from the show, below, and learn more about the series here.
Closing Theme (Music Only)
GalleryProject: PBS "Best Of Indies" Series
For years, PBS has been known to be in the forefront of promoting and showing independent films from around the world. In keeping with this tradition, in 2016 PBS will be featuring a new series – “The Best of Indies”. From the Black Panther Party to a hopeful ballerina, this series cuts across cultures. I was really pleased to be able to compose the music for this series.The video below is the promo spot for the series.You can hear more audio samples from the show HERE.
GalleryProject: Penn State Health
“Penn State Health”
And here is the music on its own, without that pesky narrator in the way 😉
GalleryProject: "Chaplains" - PBS
“The Chaplains” – 2 Hour PBS Special
CHAPLAINS is a new 2-hour documentary PBS film that takes the viewer into the dynamic world of chaplains – men and women who represent their own particular faith tradition but are trained to be of comfort and support to everyone – religious or not. With a tradition dating back centuries, chaplains today are on the front lines – often in the midst of life and death situations – where the questions are the deepest and the need for spiritual and pastoral care the greatest.
Watch the Trailer HERE
Watch the film HERE
Brief Montage of music cues from the score:
“In The City”
“Early Hollywood Jazz”
“In the 60s”
“Baltimore Grit”
“Old-Timey Jazz Piano”
“Tibetan Morning”
GalleryProject:
Most people (Iranians included) are unaware of the tremendous presence and influence of Iranians in the Bible. This independent film sheds a light on these influences, particularly King Cyrus, who not only allowed the Hebrew people to practice their own customs and laws, but actually decreed that the Jewish people build their own temple, and eventually allowed these Hebrews under his control to be freed.
Composing and producing this score gave me the opportunity to work with some truly phenomenal classical Iranian musicians, and learn about this unique musical genre.
Watch the entire film HERE.
Or, listen to music samples from the score HERE.
GalleryProject: "Measure of A Man" - Booker T Washington Film
There can be little doubt that Booker T. Washington is deserving of his reputation as an innovative leader. Rising from a life of slavery to a position of power and influence is an incredible story.
I was honored to be asked to score this film, primarily because of the importance of this man and the role he had in shaping history. Even though the score sounds as if it was recorded using a small orchestra, music was recorded using only two musicians (recorded many times to emulate a larger ensemble).
Watch the Film HERE
Short Montage of the Score
Full Music Cue Samples:
“Slavery Horrors”
“Washington On The Move”
“Growing Up Poor”
“Closing Theme”
Ken Burns “The Roosevelts” Trailer – PBS
Project: Ken Burns "The Roosevelts" PBS
The music was recorded at Bias Studios, using a live string section, horns, etc.
And here’s the Music track, without that pesky narrator (Peter Coyote) in the way: 😉
GalleryProject: Autism Is A World
“Autism Is A World” – Academy Award Nominee
Sue had autism. She was diagnosed and treated and mentally retarded until the age of 13 when she began to communicate using a keyboard. This Academy Award nominated documentary, co-produced with CNN Productions, takes the viewer on a journey into her mind, into her incredible world, and her obsessions. Created by Academy Award wining producer & director Gerardine Wurzburg.
Watch the film HERE
“Lonliness”
“One More Day”
“Evening With Sue”
Gallery“Justice” PBS/Harvard TV Series
Project: "Justice" Harvard/PBS TV Series
JUSTICE is the first Harvard course to be made freely available online and on public television. Nearly a thousand students pack Harvard’s historic Sanders Theatre to hear Michael Sandel, “perhaps the most prominent college professor in America,” (Washington Post) talk about justice, equality, democracy, and citizenship.
Through this PBS series, viewers can take the same journey in moral reflection that has captivated more than 15,000 students, as Harvard opens its classroom to the world. In this 12-part series, Sandel challenges us with hard moral dilemmas and invites us to ponder the right thing to do—in politics and in our everyday lives.
Video Preview of the Series:
Music Samples:
“Justice – Opening Theme”
“Solvable?”
“Still Thinking”
GalleryProject:
The Power of Forgiveness is a dramatic documentary film for PBS that takes an honest look at the intensity of human anger and grief.It is a collection of seven short stories that profile some of the most dramatic transgressions imaginable, and explores the role forgiveness holds in various faith traditions and examines how the scientific community is now measuring the physical and mental benefits of letting go of grief and resentment.
Watch the film HERE
Watch the trailer HERE
“Vietnamese Monk”
“Ireland Rising”
“The Garden”
“Closing Credits”
Gallery
GalleryProject: Korean War Stories - PBS
“Korean War Stories” – PBS – National Emmy Winner
Hosted by Walter Cronkite, Korean War Stories allows veterans to share their memories of a very difficult and brutal war. Not only does it tell the story of the war and its effect on the men and women who fought, but it also shows how these veterans sacrificed and effort helped stabilize America and the world during the early years of the Cold War. This documentary won the Emmy for Best Historical Documentary.
Watch the film on PBS
Opening Theme
“Battle”
“Frozen War”
“Unbelievable Aftermath”
“Remembering”
Gallery“Water Blues, Green Solutions” – PBS
Project: Green Solutions"
Hosted by Majora Carter, this PBS Special explores the ways in which everyday people can have a dramatic impact in saving our planet. The music score features country, blues, and even 70’s funk.
Watch the film HERE
“Water Blues Open”
“Pedal Steel”
“Dry Desert”
“70’s Funk – Sort of…”
“After The Hoedown”
“Country Avenue”
“Coming On Out”
“Twelve-Bar Swing”
GalleryProject: "Birth of a Colony"- PBS
This 90-minute PBS film highlights the beginnings of what is now the State of North Carolina, from the years when thousands of Native-Americans prospered, through the first visitors and the “Lost Colony,” early colonial development and growth in the 17th and 18th centuries, followed by the horrors of warfare against the once-powerful Tuscarora. It is truly the story of North Carolina’s -and America’s – beginnings.
Watch the film HERE.
“Indian Dawn”
“Fall Morning”
“Eve of Battle”
Click here to see the film.
GalleryFranklin Institute – “Curious Ben”
Project: Franklin Institute "Curious Ben"
The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia has a unique mission – to promote the spirit of inquiry and discovery embodied by Benjamin Franklin. The featured video at this institute tells Franklin’s amazing story in an amazing way. The score is classical, and even features the “glass harmonica”, an instrument invented by Franklin himself.
Video:
“Curious Ben” music score only:
GalleryProject: "Water's Journey" - PBS
That fabled wetland, the Florida Everglades is in trouble. For the past 150 years humankind has attempted to harness this enigmatic wilderness to serve its needs. Ironically, we have destroyed more than the beautiful natural habitat of a diverse flora and fauna. We have endangered ourselves.
The subject of the Everglades and its restoration is as vast and complex as the landscape itself.In this two-part episode of Water’s Journey, our scientists and explorers follow the path of the water from the headwaters just outside of Disney World in Orlando, to the Florida Keys. They learn about the history, the hydrology, the people who live and work on the land, its natural beauty and our efforts to restore and protect this great natural resource.
WATCH THE FILM ON PBS
Opening Theme
“Quiet Swamp”
“This Thing Works!”
“Aquarius”
“Exotic Plants”
“Just One Left”
“Dramatic Dawn”
“Breathing”
“Moving at Last”
GalleryProject:
In 1918-1919, the worst flu in recorded history killed an estimated 50 million people worldwide. The U.S. death toll was 675,000 – five times the number of U.S. soldiers killed in World War I. Where did the 1918 flu come from? Why was it so lethal? What did we learn? A dramatic, evocative, and often heartbreaking score accompanies this revealing film.
Watch the film HERE
“Opening Theme”
“Jewish Ghetto”
“Inuit Indians”
GalleryProject: "Rescue In The Philippines" - PBS
“Rescue in The Philippines” is a one-hour documentary of the previously untold story of how the five Frieder brothers, Cincinnati businessmen making two-for-a-nickel cigars in pre-WWII Manila, together with Manuel Quezon, the charismatic first president of the Philippines, Paul McNutt, US High Commissioner and former governor of Indiana, and an ambitious Army Colonel named Dwight Eisenhower – helped 1,200 Jews escape the Nazis and immigrate to the Philippines.
View the film HERE
“Philippine Morning”
“Clouds of War”
“Nylon Dreams”
“A Family At Last”
“Koto Clouds”
GalleryBiltmore “Across Generations”
Project: Biltmore: "Across Generations"
This theater experience tells the story of the legendary Biltmore Estate and the Vanderbilt family’s efforts to preserve and hold on to their land. Visitors sit in an intimate theater as breathtaking aerials and panoramas of the estate and nearby Blue Ridge Mountains play out on three large screens that surround the viewers. The family story is told, in part, by George Vanderbilt’s great-granddaughter, who provides a warm and compelling view of her family’s history.
Audio Sample
Video Sample
Gallery“The Secret Life of Whitetails” – PBS
Project:
There are nature films, and then there are incredible nature films. This is the latter. This film is full of stunning footage of the secret life of these majestic animals.
Watch the film HERE
“The Gathering”
“Early Mist”
“Dawn”
Gallery“The Retirement Revolution” – PBS
Project:
Millions of Americans have had to change their retirement plans in the wake of the 2008 financial meltdown. Retirement Revolution looks at the stories of everyday people who have found ways not only to survive but thrive in this new reality.
Watch the film on PBS
“Jazzy”
“Still Frozen”
“Too Tense”
“Industrial Revolution”
“Tentative Jazz”
Closing Theme
GalleryRediscovering Alexander Hamilton
Project: Alexander Hamilton - PBS
This engaging 2-hour HD film walks the paths of Hamilton’s life, from the Caribbean islands where he was born, to Yorktown and Wall Street where he fought and worked, to Harlem, where he lived and died. We hear a Treasury Secretary, a Supreme Court Justice, publishers, warriors, pornographers, lawyers, calypso singers and urban gang members talk about money, rights, news, battle, sex and honor—all the themes that shaped Hamilton’s life, helped him make modern capitalist America, and led to his death in the most famous duel in American history.
Rediscovering Alexander Hamilton illuminates the life and accomplishments of one of the most brilliant yet least celebrated Founding Fathers.
Watch the film HERE
“Whiskey Rebellion” Excerpt
“Lonely Night”Excerpt
“Waiting for Her” Excerpt
Gallery“India Awakes” – PBS – Full Film
Project: "India Awakes" - PBS Special, zzz
Imagine what India would look like if the human potential of its lower castes were unlocked. In the past 20 years, the goal of eradicating extreme poverty has moved from a dream to a real possibility. “India Awakes” focuses on stories of individuals in four radically different situations who are improving their lives. The score was incredibly fun to do, and gave me a chance to use a lot of ethnic instruments that are laying around the studio. You can watch the entire film HERE.
Listen to music samples HERE.
GalleryProject: Global Focus - with Robert Redford
Global Focus – with Robert Redford
GLOBAL FOCUS is a half hour documentary narrated by Robert Redford, featuring intimate portraits of six passionate and dedicated environmental activists from around the globe. These are true environmental heroes who have placed themselves squarely in harm’s way to battle authoritative governments, powerful corporations and other intimidating adversaries. Their goal: safeguarding the Earth’s natural resources from shortsighted exploitation and unbridled pollution.
Gallery“Deep Sea Life” TV Spot
Project: Deep Sea Life -TV Spot
The European Group “Protect Our Heritage” has produced a compelling tv spot showing the link between deep sea life and our own future.
GalleryProject: "Egypt" Revolution Interrupted"
An amazing story of the Egyption Revolution, including ths suprising successes, failures, and continuing struggles. The original score was recorded using numerous mid-Eastern musicians, including the band “Sultana”.
Watch the film HERE
Music Montage from the Score
Gallery
Gallery“Over Alaska” – PBS
Project: "Over Alaska" - PBS, zzz
Explore Alaska like never before in Over Alaska in High Definition video. The film, shot by the world’s most experienced high-definition aerial production team, takes you over everything from bustling cities to ghost towns, and some of the most dramatic aerial footage ever taken. This film received numerous awards, including an Emmy for best music score.
Watch the film on HOOPLA or PLEX
“Landbridge”
“Ideterod”
“Inside Passage”
“Kenai Fords”
“Anchorage”
“Bush Pilot”
“Glacier Bay”
“Railroad”
GalleryPBS – Born Explorers Campaign
Project: Nation of Explorers, zzz
National “Born Explorers” Campaign
Music Only:
Gallery“Living Goods” Fundraiser Film
Project:
An amazing story about one non-profit group that is making a real difference in poverty-stricken Africa.
Muisc Track Only:
GalleryProject: "Zarra's Law"
Zarra’s Law is a gritty independent film, with more twists and turns than you could imagine. I scored the trailer for this intriguing film.
Music Track Only:
GalleryProject: Ben Gurion: Epilog
Ben Gurion: Epilog
In 1968, six hours of interview footage was discovered of one of modern history’s greatest leaders- David Ben-Gurion. Ben-Gurion’s introspective soul searching is the focus of this film, and his clear voice provides a surprising vision for today’s crucial decisions and the future of Israel.
Watch the film HERE
Opening Theme:
Closing Theme:
Gallery“Suffer No Fools” – PBS
Project: "Suffer No Fools" - PBS
On the major social and political issues of our time, Walter Williams is one of America’s most important and provocative thinkers. He has come to believe that it has been the welfare state that has done to Black Americans what slavery could never do: destroy the Black family.
PBS is premiering a new film on this controversial man, and I was honored to compose the music for this film. The music score really was a joy to compose, because it gave me a chance to create music in a number of different styles for the same project.
Watch the film HERE.
Music Samples are below.
“One More Day”
“Down South Hopeful”
“City Movement”
“60’s Tension”
“Soft and Easy”
“Williams Piano”
“Fifties Prom”
Gallery“The Bill of Rights” – National Archives Film
Project: "The Bill of Rights" - National Archives Film
Score for film that runs hourly in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
Gallery“Bringing Down A Dictator” – PBS
Project: "Bringing Down A Dictator" - PBS
Narrated by Martin Sheen, “Bringing Down A Dictator” documents the spectacular defeat of Slobodan Milosevic in October, 2000, not by force of arms, as many had predicted, but by an ingenious nonviolent strategy of honest elections and massive civil disobedience.
WATCH THE FILM HERE
“Dictator Opening Theme”
“We Won’t Go Away”
“Nighttime is Best”
“Final Triumph”
Gallery“President Kennedy Has Been Shot” – CNN
Project: "President Kennedy Has Been Shot" - CNN
Forty-one years ago President John F. Kennedy was shot and killed while riding in a motorcade through Dallas, Texas. CNN looks back at November 22, 1963 through the eyes of the journalists who covered the assassination in “President Kennedy Has Been Shot!” Directed by Academy Award-winning® filmmaker Gerardine Wurzburg, this gripping drama relives that terrifying and uniting time in US history.
Gallery“USO: For Those Who Serve”
Project: "USO: For Those Who Serve"
An evocative 4 minute film created by Gerardine Wurzburg to launch USO’s new brand. Features interviews with retired and current soldiers and their families, portraying life during deployment and returning home. Featuring the supportive role of the USO, this film conveys the world of deployment, the honor of serving, and important role of families.
Music Track Only: