Jade
James Horner
" Why bother? "Written by Thomas Glorieux - Review of the limited release
Jade of composer James Horner was never one of his most requested scores, even though it was composed in the fabulous year 1995. And the reason why it wasn't that requested was or is because of Jade's unsuccessful effect on the listener. I'm not saying unsuccessful effect on the viewer, because I can see this working in context. But trying to stay awake while seduction and murder are delivered so musically uninteresting is not my idea to listen to a little bit of filmmusic. It is a shame James Horner's name is attached to that.
Then again, if you consider that very same man composed some of the best scores of the last 20 years in that very same year, you can forgive him for Jade. And truthfully, it's something unique and daring (another thing James Horner isn't known for), even giving the director exactly what he wanted. "Music should enhance the mood without overpowering it". So, that pretty much sums it up. Expect nothing that overpowers anything. This is mood, ethereal and occasionally suspenseful ?music? that does one thing well, keep it low and subtle. Even the crashing piano that occasionally returns is quite formal, and more softer than what we've come to expect of Horner.
Add to add an occasional percussion here and there, an ethnic taste of flute, violin and shakuhachi and lots of electronic mood and ethereal vocals and you basically receive a score that has no effect on CD. Sure, in the movie it will do something, but will it be noticed? That's another question. It's probably one of the many many reasons Jade became the stinker it's remembered for today. The bonus tracks, including the classical piece Friedkin wanted to use so badly (very effective in the opening credits because it's so damn loud, get it Friedkin?) and the absolutely stunning song by Loreena McKennitt (which Jade is musically remembered by) overpower James Horner's effort easily, which completely disproves Friedkin's statement. Yes William, music does need to overpower its source, if not you're left with Jade. This! A themeless effort that has zero business on CD. For those who are about to listen to it, I snooze you.
Score: *1/2
Bonus Tracks: ***1/2
Track Listing
1. Main Title / The Murder Scene / Drive to the Airport (3.59)
2. Walk to the Governor's Office / Katrina Gets Matt's Flowers * (2.07)
3. Flight to Pacifica / Walk Into Chinatown / Chinese Opera Chase (2.38)
4. Car Flip / Second Trip to Pacifica (2.50)
5. Matt Gets Turned On * (4.45)
6. Stalking Patrice * (3.59)
7. Pier Pressure / Governor's Boy Visits (1.40)
8. Home Video 2 (2.57)
9. Piece of the Puzzle / Katrina in Park House * (1.58)
10. Hargrove Dies / Final Surveillance ** (2.10)
Bonus Tracks
11. Chinese Parade Sequence (Traditional Version) (4.37)
12. Purple Bamboo (Traditional Version) (3.36)
13. Step By Step Up (Traditional Version) (2.47)
14. Le Sacre du Printemps + (3.35)
15. The Mystic's Dream: Loreena McKennitt (7.43) Excellent track
* = different versions contained in film
** = not contained in film
+ composed by Igor Stravinsky & performed by The London Philharmonic Orchestra
Total Length: 51.21
Then again, if you consider that very same man composed some of the best scores of the last 20 years in that very same year, you can forgive him for Jade. And truthfully, it's something unique and daring (another thing James Horner isn't known for), even giving the director exactly what he wanted. "Music should enhance the mood without overpowering it". So, that pretty much sums it up. Expect nothing that overpowers anything. This is mood, ethereal and occasionally suspenseful ?music? that does one thing well, keep it low and subtle. Even the crashing piano that occasionally returns is quite formal, and more softer than what we've come to expect of Horner.
Add to add an occasional percussion here and there, an ethnic taste of flute, violin and shakuhachi and lots of electronic mood and ethereal vocals and you basically receive a score that has no effect on CD. Sure, in the movie it will do something, but will it be noticed? That's another question. It's probably one of the many many reasons Jade became the stinker it's remembered for today. The bonus tracks, including the classical piece Friedkin wanted to use so badly (very effective in the opening credits because it's so damn loud, get it Friedkin?) and the absolutely stunning song by Loreena McKennitt (which Jade is musically remembered by) overpower James Horner's effort easily, which completely disproves Friedkin's statement. Yes William, music does need to overpower its source, if not you're left with Jade. This! A themeless effort that has zero business on CD. For those who are about to listen to it, I snooze you.
Score: *1/2
Bonus Tracks: ***1/2
Track Listing
1. Main Title / The Murder Scene / Drive to the Airport (3.59)
2. Walk to the Governor's Office / Katrina Gets Matt's Flowers * (2.07)
3. Flight to Pacifica / Walk Into Chinatown / Chinese Opera Chase (2.38)
4. Car Flip / Second Trip to Pacifica (2.50)
5. Matt Gets Turned On * (4.45)
6. Stalking Patrice * (3.59)
7. Pier Pressure / Governor's Boy Visits (1.40)
8. Home Video 2 (2.57)
9. Piece of the Puzzle / Katrina in Park House * (1.58)
10. Hargrove Dies / Final Surveillance ** (2.10)
Bonus Tracks
11. Chinese Parade Sequence (Traditional Version) (4.37)
12. Purple Bamboo (Traditional Version) (3.36)
13. Step By Step Up (Traditional Version) (2.47)
14. Le Sacre du Printemps + (3.35)
15. The Mystic's Dream: Loreena McKennitt (7.43) Excellent track
* = different versions contained in film
** = not contained in film
+ composed by Igor Stravinsky & performed by The London Philharmonic Orchestra
Total Length: 51.21