In the aftermath of this year’s Emmy nominations, Variety asked me to look at the selection process and why it seems to be more fair than in years past. The story was great fun to write.
Monthly Archives: July 2014
John Leach, cimbalom player, dies
This amazing player of unusual percussion instruments — especially in film scores like The Ipcress File, The Quiller Memorandum, The Man Who Would Be King and others — died recently in London. I had interviewed him in 2008 about his work with John Barry, especially the unusual sound of the theme for TV’s The Persuaders!, and wrote this appreciation of the man.
Giacchino scores new APES film
Attending Michael Giacchino’s recording sessions for Dawn of the Planet of the Apes was probably the most fun I’ve had in months. Giacchino is not just a fine composer, he also maximizes the “joy” factor in everything he does, including the scoring sessions (which can often, in today’s studio environment, be pressure-filled and stressful). I wrote about them, including interviews with the composer, director Matt Reeves, and veteran percussionist Emil Richards, here. Michael’s sister Maria supplied the fabulous photos.
Dave Porter and the music of BREAKING BAD
Breaking Bad has been acclaimed as one of the great dramatic series of our time. One of the least talked-about aspects of the show has been its music by Dave Porter. He is one of the few key creative contributors to the series who has never been Emmy-nominated. Here’s an interview with the composer and a look back at his evocative music for the series.