A neat boon of modern music production software is the combination of musical elements that would never run into each other in nature. For instance, this cute little theme I wrote for a UNLV television series, which combines African percussion, 60’s-esque bass and organ, and a retro-synth melody line.

(That’s not to say you can’t do this sort of thing with live musicians. I once combined balalaika, tuba, and bagpipes in music for a friend’s wedding… but be thankful that the results will never grace this blog.)

(Click on the play button to stream, or the cue title to download.)

	World Groove

This week’s music selection features brooding strings, flowing piano, and a fabulously dark solo cello performance.

Also, check out my new Facebook artist page!

(Click on the play button to stream, or the cue title to download.)

	Vermilion (main title)

Another sneak preview from the forthcoming Home Room soundtrack album. This cue accompanies one of the film’s final emotional peaks, when a dark secret is unraveled layer by layer. (I realize that’s a vague description, but I don’t want to spoil anything for those who haven’t seen the film.) Musically, this cue takes the score’s central theme and recasts it as a slow crescendo, the orchestration thickening by degrees as the scene reaches its climax.

On a side note: those of you on Facebook are invited to check out my new artist page. More music excerpts, notes on current and forthcoming projects, and a few special event invitations. Shortcut link: http://facebook.mikemusic.com

(Click on the play button to stream, or the cue title to download.)

	Secrets Revealed

I’m happy to announce that pre-production is (finally!) underway on the Home Room soundtrack album. To whet your appetite, here’s the extended version of the theme from the film’s end titles.

No major surprises here – the cue is a full statement of the film’s moody musical main theme. For the recording I was fortunate enough to have Alan Steinberger on piano, John Acosta on cello, and Chris Bleth on alto flute. Considering that all the tracks were all individually overdubbed, it’s impressive how in sync with one another the players are, both technically and emotionally. (A reminder that great musicians don’t only play well, but listen well.)

(Click on the play button to stream, or the cue title to download.)

	Home Room

To commemorate the great Les Paul, here’s a cue featuring some classic-style blues guitar. (Somewhat strangely intermixed with 70s funk.)

(Click on the play button to stream, or the cue title to download.)

	Birthday Blues

This hybridized orchestral/contemporary cue features an enigmatic strings and piano texture, acoustic rhythm guitar, and a light garnish of hand percussion.

If you listen to the left stereo channel you’ll just hear a cool African hand drum called an Udu. (It’s a bit low in the mix, unfortunately, so you’ll have to scrunch up your face and concentrate in order to hear it.)

(Click on the play button to stream, or the cue title to download.)

	Building the Bat

This week’s selection is from Cleve Nettles’ slightly-supernatural romantic comedy, Genie and the Shark, which begins its festival run this fall. The cue is an impish tango with a a touch of Mideastern instrumental flavoring.

Pizzicato strings have a sort of intrinsic light charm that’s made them almost obligatory elements of comedy scoring. They propel the bassline in this cue, and I make generous use of them elsewhere in the score. (Stay tuned for more excerpts!)

(Click on the play button to stream, or the cue title to download.)

	The Close