Eric Hester

Just got back from seeing the film. My first thought is that I'm torn. More call-backs to original themes than I had expected, which was good I suppose. Disappointed with the new themes ... I literally cannot recall one of them. As a kid I left the theater humming the Imperial March, and all the other themes.

I'll be there!

At 6:55 in this following clip, Chris Thile and his group play their section of the Yo-Yo Ma / "Here Comes the Sun" tribute. Sure sounds like a Williams arrangement to me. Especially the ending passage at 7:06 with the bass figure, I'm almost sure of it ... extremely clever, this is why JW is so awesome:

Standing outside the artists entrance will likely get you nothing. If you can still access the back of the bowl, through the lattice - I would suggest that. Otherwise, I don't really know. I took some photos, but using a video camera is likely not acceptable.

Besides the obvious classics (Star Wars, Indy, Superman). He may play "Air and Simple Gifts" - but who will solo? Bing Wang ??? Perhaps a selection from "Home Alone" in tribute to John Hughes? What is Lynn Redgrave's role? Narration or to sing a tune?

The configuration may have changed in more recent years - but here's my suggestion: Stage right is where the artist entrance is. However, JW does not enter nor exit here. Instead he takes the elevator / stairs to the underground parking where he is whisked away by his driver. You used to be able to stand behind the bowl and try to get to him through the lattice. I met him once this way - but as stated, I think the configuration has changed since then. I'll be there tomorrow ... looking forward to it.

Hmmm... I disagree. I feel that "The Unfinished Journey" was a very fine piece on it's own and that it was obviously going to get a release at some point. This new piece is quite short and disjointed. JW would have to arrange concert piece if it were to see an official release of any kind. Of course, I'd be pleasantly surprised should it be released on it's own.

Got it on Tivo. It's always great to have some new Williams music regardless of the political nature of this piece. In my opinion, it was an average Williams effort reminiscent of his political/military style (JFK, BOT4OJ, etc.) Still very, very good by any standard, and yes, a treat for us JW nerds. There is no way that this piece will receive a release on it's own, it's not strong enough... that is unless JW arranges a concert piece.

I think I ask this every year... What day is the rehearsal and what time does it start? One year I went on Friday and the HBO was rehearsing for another concert. My 3 year old daughter is too young to take to the concert, but the rehearsal would be perfect. She's been raised on JW music and knows who he is... it would be exciting to pop in and let her see and hear the maestro. Does anyone know what day, and what time this open rehearsal takes place? Thanks!

I would love to hear Williams do a Pixar movie.

Yes, it will be available on iTunes within several weeks. Yes, my score was a replacement score. I was up to score this film originally and had some already developed themes, so coming up with a new approach was not really an issue in this case. I was really surprised to be contacted to do the score after not getting the gig the first time around. I have actually been replaced myself, so I definitely felt for the previous composer. However, things worked out well - they liked the score enough to release my score.

Greetings, Just wanted to share some news about the release of one of my scores. The film is called "The Utopian Society" and it was released today on Warner Bros. Home Video. They have also released my entire score on CD bundled along with the DVD (the compilation includes songs from the film.) I won't go as far as to post links, but it's available at the usual online retailers, various video on demand, etc., etc. Sound clips can be heard at various outlets as well. With a quick Google search, you'll find it if you desire. Those who know me, know that I'm a huge JW nut, so I hope you guys don't mind this self-promoting post. Thanks for letting me share, Eric Hester

Thank you VERY MUCH for posting this! The section, "At the twilights last gleaming" is why I am such a tremendous JW fan... this passage is amazing and so clever and distinctly JW. This man never ceases to amaze.

For those of you that missed it, the arrangement was absolutely incredible. The Star Spangled Banner has received many treatments over the years, but this one was awesomely John Williams... some very interesting and clever chords and internal movements... this is the most different and clever arrangement of TSB I've ever heard. PLEASE, someone post a MP3 and/or video, if you've got it.

Whoa... I haven't posted here in a long, long time. I'll be going, of course. I'll be with a big group, but it might be fun to have a beer with other JWfan peeps. Anyone interested? Someone here was asking about getting an autograph. Years ago, I actually did get JWs autograph at the Bowl. It was my one and only encounter with him. I made a big, long post about my experience on this site... not sure if it's archived. Bottom line is that he won't want to stop and his handlers will do everything to prevent it. Go BEHIND the artists entrance/exit... basically, directly behind the actual bowl. Everyone else will be waiting at the artist entrance on stage left. They'll shuttle him to his car in the underground parking lot, but he'll have to take the elevator/stairs. So, you can at least see him... I yelled to him through the lattice, he wasn't going to stop but I said, "I'm a big fan of yours"... for some reason he stopped and signed my ET soundtrack CD cover throught the lattice. I was the only one standing at that location. His driver was completely poo-pooing me, but JW stopped on his own. It was great.