Soundtrack Of The American Soldier
The United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus/Col. Jim R. Keene
Rec. 2018, Skywalker Sound studios in Marin County, USA
NAVONA RECORDS NV6297 CD/BD-A [69:21]
The United States Army Field Band is a 52-member military band based at Ft. Meade, Maryland, and led by Col. Jim R. Keene. The band was formed in 1946, and today is known as “The Musical Ambassadors of the Army”. The group has become one of the most popular military bands in the world, and currently tours about 100 days a year, performing many styles of music. This album features music selected from military-related films, television shows and video games.
Max Stein (1888-1971) was a prolific composer who scored over 300 films. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score for the 1941 film Sergeant York. The band performs the Overture from the film, a sparkling medley of five tunes, including the spiritual Give Me That Old Time Religion. Other traditional-style melodies in the mix alternate tempos and keys to complete a well-rounded helping of old-fashioned Americana.
Three fine choral numbers feature the Soldier’s Chorus, a 20-member mixed vocal ensemble.
In the early hours of September 13, 1814, Francis Scott Key watched as British cannons began bombarding Ft. McHenry at the mouth of Baltimore Harbor, continuing the assault through the night. The following morning Francis saw that most of the shots had missed the fort, and the original flag was still flying. Inspired by the sight, Francis wrote the poem that eventually became the Star-Spangled Banner and the National Anthem of the United States. Master Sergeant Adrian Hernandez has arranged a marvelous version of the tune, sung by the chorus. George M. Cohan (1878-1942) was a famous Broadway producer and entertainer who wrote a number of popular songs, including the WWI tune Over There. The patriotic song is performed by the chorus and features bright and refreshing solos by tenor voice Sgt. First Class Daniel Erbe and altoist Sgt. First Class Elizabeth Garcia. Another outstanding choral number is Irving Berlin’s God Bless America, sung by the full chorus with rich expression and intonation and with sensitive, well-balanced band accompaniment. The tune was arranged by Glenn Osser and transcribed for the band by Paul Lavender.
My favorite number on this disc is The Great WWII Medley, arranged by Tim Simonec, which combines music from two war films. Jerry Goldsmith (1929-2004) contributes his theme from Patton, one of his 18 Academy Award nominations, and leads off with his famous “call to battle” echoing triplets. Elmer Bernstein (1922-2004) adds his rousing theme from the prisoner-of war thriller The Great Escape, and Tim creates a tightly-arranged medley featuring highlights from both scores.
The album comes with two discs; a regular stereo CD and a Blu-ray disc. A 12-page booklet with notes and photos is also included. The sound quality is excellent.
Bruce McCollum
Contents
Brass Ceiling: The Journey of General Ann Dunwoody Laura Karpman [6:18]
Overture To “Sergeant York” Max Steiner [6:03]
Medal Of Honor Suite Michael Giacchino [7:43]
Over There George M. Cohan [2:35]
A Portrait of Honor Joshua Moshier [5:08]
American Sniper Suite Joseph Debeasi [6:42]
The March From “1941” John Williams [4:11]
The Long Road Home: Suite From The Mini-Series Jeff Beal [8:41]
The Great WWII Medley Jerry Goldsmith, Elmer Bernstein [4:17]
God Bless America Irving Berlin [4:02]
The Star-Spangled Banner Francis Scott Key [1:57]
Army Strong Mark Isham [2:40]
The Jedi Steps and Finale (From “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”) John Williams [9:04]
