That’s not a cello you hear, but a contrabass played lyrically, courtesy of bassist Maggie Hasspacher. From the score of the film Emerald, Texas, this is the theme for Leo, a gentle soul who just wants to wear a blonde wig and avoid fights. Since he’s the film’s analog of the Cowardly Lion, this instrument seemed perfect — but I wrote for its upper register, to reflect the character’s softer side.

This week’s selection from the film Emerald, Texas accompanies a triumphant moment where the travelers face down a bigot in a bar and make a speedy escape via pickup truck. Guitar performances come courtesy of Kyle Johnson; violin solo performed by Adrianne Pope.

In the film Emerald Texas, a moment of auto larceny slash teenage self assertion is accompanied by this spirited folk-rock cue. Guitars and mandolin are courtesy of Kyle Johnson and vocals are by Enrique Acosta. (My backing vocals may also be buried in the mix.)

A teary-eyed moment late in the film Emerald, Texas. Here I chose to gave the cue’s main melody to the viola rather than violin. The viola has a more raw and less polished sound than its more celebrated soprano sibling, and I felt that a touch of raw longing was just what the scene needed.

Happy Thanksgiving to the American followers of this blog!

The music for the final scene of Emerald, Texas has a happy-go-lucky vibe, with whistling over guitars leading to a finale for piano and strings. However, the film’s denouement is more complex than this cheerful cue suggests!