Cue of the Week: “The Story of Leo”

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.