Bridge of Spies - Thomas newman

10/23/15

Hmmm.. Tom Hanks is in it.... should I go see... YES!!!

What You Will Hear:  All of Newman’s usual tricks: fanfare brass, rich strings, quirky piano, ethereal spookiness, and inventive percussion effects.  Extras include: 007-ish drums and Russian choir.

Standout Tracks: Hall of Trade Unions, Moscow, Sunlit Silence, Ejection Protocol, Standing Man, Rain, The Article, Private Citizen, Glienicke Bridge, Homecoming, Bridge of Spies (End Title)

Will You Be Humming Along? Though it is not easy to find, there is a nice theme.  Check out the piano on “Homecoming.”

The score this makes me want to dust off:  A mix of Wall-E and Cinderella Man – Thomas Newman
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Will I come back to it?  Yes, but only because I am an established Thomas Newman fan.  This album is like walking through a museum.  You’ll get a little taste of everything he can do, but it’s only really interesting if you are already into the Newman sound.  If you’re new to his music (where have you been?!?!), there are far better scores in his catalogue.  So for the experienced fans, what can you expect?  There are countless moments of beautiful darkness in the strings.  The percussion writing is a blast and beyond creative.  The piano is playful and keeps things light.  The Russian choir is perfect.  The only reason I can’t call this a Gold Star score is the brass writing.  At times, it sounds synthetic and it often pulled me out of the warm blanket and/or peculiar soundscape.  As Thomas Newman has expanded his filmography into new genres like the 007 series, it was wonderful to hear him show off everything he is known for.  Even with some odd brass parts, Bridge of Spies is a real treat for Newman fans.

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