What's the Score Podcast

Guest: Composer Sharon Farber

Our guest is Composer Sharon Farber who hails from Israel, studied music in the USA and has become an award winning composer. She writes and orchestrates for film, TV as well has written concert pieces. Listen to our fascinating conversation about her journey and her approach to writing for film...as well as some terrific cues of her favorite scores.

Christmas music in film and TV

With all the craziness going on in the world, the Christmas season is a welcomed relief. I thought it might be fun to explore some music from Christmas films and TV specials. So I've chosen some of my favorites to share with you. I'm sure I missed some favorites of yours but I hope you enjoy this wide array of music that captures the spirit of the season. Merry/Happy Christmas to all! 

Guest: Composer Andrew Morgan Smith

Our guest is Composer Andrew Morgan Smith. He's scored over 90 projects from films to TV to Video games. His selections of cues will delight you and include music from films such as Star Trek, Pirates of the Caribbean, Tropic Thunder and more. We'll also play a cue from his upcoming film, a western starring Nik Cage, called The Old Way. Our discussion will interest those listeners who want hear some of the behind the scenes material of scoring films which I found interesting. Join us for great conversation and fabulous film music! PLEASE DOWNLOAD and listen at your convenience.

Guest: Actor Creek Wilson

We do something a little different in this episode at the request of our guest Actor Creek Wilson. Creek is someone who later in life changed careers and decided to follow his dream of being an actor and he's been successful at it, having been in numerous TV shows, films and commercials. The music will bring back memories of those great Burt Reynolds films of the 70s and the music that was in them. Toe tapping music with Creek's great stories make a for an interesting episode.

Guest Bill Koenig on Johnny Williams early career

Most fan music fans know of John Williams work from 1975 on...but are you are aware of his early work on TV? Returning guest Bill Koenig shares some great early Williams recordings and the stories behind them. Any film music fan is sure to enjoy these cues!

Guest: Jon Auty on Henry Mancini

Returning guest podcaster/author Jon Auty helps us explore the filmography of one of America's finest composers, Henry Mancini. IMHO, Mancini doesn't seem to be appreciated enough so we decided to dedicate an episode to him. Jon did some great research for background info and chose some terrific cues. Listen and enjoy. DOWNLOAD now!

Guest: Author and Film Historian Raymond Benson

A returning guest, Raymond Benson is an accomplished author and film historian with a broad knowledge of film music. For this episode, Raymond decided he wanted to focus on Italian cinema and 2 composers, Ennio Morricone and Nino Rota. You'll have chance to hear some fabulous music you probably haven't heard before. Plus, you'll learn plenty about Italian cinema. Join us for interesting conversation and music!

Guest: Ian Macdonald part deux

Ian Macdonald makes a return visit to the program. I call him a John Barry groupie but as this episode will show, his knowledge and interest goes well beyond the Barry filmography, You're sure to enjoy his great stories about various composers as well as his selections of cues. Music from Goldsmith, Williams, Gold and yes even one from Barry. Enjoy the conversation and music!

Tribute to Mike Lang pt 2

Part 2 of my conversation with Mike Lang, What an amazing man and musician.

Tribute to musician Mike Lang

The passing of Mike Lang has touched many in the film music world and beyond. An incredible talent, I was able to talk with him for two hours and recall some of his finest efforts for some of the 2000 scores he worked on. He tells great stories about composers (Jerry Goldsmith, John Williams and John Barry) he worked with, his approach to music and reveals a little about himself personally. Plus, we play what Mike thinks are his best performances. This is part one of our conversation. I think you'll enjoy it and learn some behind the scenes info on the film music world. Mike Lang...RIP