Trumpeteer

I am very excited about the newest episode in my podcast, because it features a discussion of the best score ever written: "The Empire Strikes Back". I am joined on this episode by Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra trombonist Jim Nova, who helps me understand why Vader's theme is so sinister. We also talk about that stellar music during the asteroid field chase, the big lightsaber battle in the bowels of Cloud City and whether or not the score would translate into a great musical. Learn much in this episode, you will! "The Empire Strikes Back"

I didn't know it either, until a year ago! I'm glad there is some new information in the episode for you!

Let's get back on topic … though there is a Jerry Goldsmith connection. The 50th episode of "The Baton" is here! And the score discussed in this episode is a "super" one. I'm joined by co-host Doug Grieve as we discuss the music to "Superman." I'm sure everyone reading this knows that John Williams was not the original composer for "Superman," and we discuss that a bit while theorizing about the relationship between John Williams and Jerry Goldsmith. But, this episode is really about analyzing this great score, from the record-setting opening titles to the wonderfully orchestrated theme for the villains. Enjoy! "Superman" episode on "The Baton: A John Williams Musical Journey"

I am open to anyone joining me as guest host … provided they have something interesting to contribute about a particular score and/or that time period in John Williams' life.

Played fine for me on the Spotify app. Try other platforms (including YouTube) if you keep running into problems.

Thanks for the insight on "The Fury." I should have gone in more detail about having "Gillian's Power" on the CD, but it really is nowhere near as good as the film version and the there in is part of the reason. I played the "Jaws" episode on Podbean and it was fine. If you are playing it on another platform, let me know. That is my goal!!! But I don't think I am there ... yet.

The solo episodes have a quick turnaround and I try to have them completed at least two weeks before they go live. It takes a week to produce a show, starting with watching the film then doing research and creating the script. Recording and editing are usually done in one day. Shows with guest co-hosts take twice as long. I try to stay at least two weeks ahead so I am not rushing to get each episode done. Sometimes I am working on two episodes in the same week, if I have the time to do so.

Yes, I am gaining so many followers each week and it's amazing! But, really, I am so busy producing each episode that I sometimes forget to let the JWFan folks know about each new episode. A new one is released EVERY Wednesday!

The "Star Wars" episode of my podcast has arrived, and it's a big one! I had the privilege of talking with Sir Clive Gillinson, who played cello on the score with the London Symphony Orchestra in 1977. He looks back on his memories of working with John Williams and seeing the film with music for the first time. I also take time to discuss the main theme and other music in the film. Chris Hatt returns to join me in that discussion. Another former guest co-host, Brian Martell, relives his memory of seeing Star Wars in the theater and being captivated by the music. It's an episode I have been excited to bring you since this podcast started, and I hope you enjoy it! Star Wars on "The Baton: A John Williams Musical Journey"

October has been a busy month, and very fun! Family Plot was a better score than I expected. And the movie was OK, too.

Everyone is entitled to their opinions, and I understand why you think "The Missouri Breaks" stands up as a good film. I enjoyed hearing the score for the first time, but I was not enjoying whatever Brando was doing. As opposed to those other films that Thor referenced, I had such high expectations for the film, based on the involvement of Brando, Nicholson and Penn. I received a few emails from listeners who also had major issues with the film. As you will hear in the episode, I do praise some parts of the score. I am glad you're enjoying it! I regret to inform you that the "Star Wars" episode will not be two hours long. It might be the longest to date, but barely. As of now, I have a 65-minute show planned, which is longer than I want but necessary given the special guest who will be on the show.

It only took 40 films and about 15 years!!! Very few become successful in a shorter time.

You should go back and learn about the scores you don't know. In this journey, it has helped me understand the evolution as a composer and how JW worked to find his voice. To be honest, I might have done the same thing you are doing if someone else was doing this podcast, but I would have obeyed the host and started at the beginning!

Hi, everyone! I know many of you have been awaiting the arrival of the "Golden Age" of my podcast, and that moment has finally arrived! The "Jaws" episode (Episode 41) premiered earlier today. Listen to the episode here. I'm joined by music teacher Jeff Owens, who provided some very wonderful insight into why the main theme is so scary and intense. Though we don't go through every minute of the score, we do talk about some highlights that make this a masterclass in film scoring. I have a bigger appreciation for this score, which I did not think was possible. Enjoy!

Thanks for recommending Yavar for the Images episode. He had a lot of wonderful insights! About 80 more to go!