Jeff DANNA and Mychael DANNA
The Green Dragon
OST
Brothers Jeff and Mychael collaborate on this drama concerning the lives of Vietnamese refugees arriving in America in the aftermath of the Vietnam war.
The ‘Main Title’ has traditional Vietnamese instruments is a low-key rhythmic, rather sombre piece that develops toward a dramatically satisfying conclusion and this is actually the best piece on the CD. From here on there is a good deal of emotion and agonising which the music depicts in a somewhat repetitive, obvious way, although the score is never anything less than agreeable. There is also a passable folk song included entitled ‘Mother’s Arms’ written and performed by Barry Taylor.
After Jeff Dana’s wonderful work on ‘O’, I was hoping for great things from this score, although to be fair here he is in collaboration and this may be part of the reason why the music has a slightly watered down quality about it. The truth is it just never really amounts to very much. The biggest problem is the lack of variety, the tone of sentimental angst becoming a little cloying after a while. Even so, not too bad, but I think the brothers should stick to doing their own thing in future.
Mark Hockley
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