Uncorked
(At Sachem Farm)

Although Mychael Danna seems to be the better known and more highly regarded composer, I must admit that brother Jeff has had more impact for me. Despite starring the late Sir Nigel Hawthorne, Minnie Driver (you'd think she could afford something better really) and Rufus Sewell, Uncorked passed by almost unnoticed, but fortunately the score has been rescued from total obscurity by La-La Land Records in this limited edition. That may sound daft, but 3,000 is probably as many as it would sell as a regular release, although given the brevity of the album and the small number of performers, I can't imagine a regular release would have been that expensive.
The story, according to the brief notes by the composer and director, is something of a whimsical tale of friends, family, eccentrics, hopes and dreams. I must admit that the score doesn't strike me as especially whimsical, although the opening, The Arboretum has a folksy lilt as it introduces the main theme. The small, folk ensemble is pretty much retained throughout, save for some strings and a number of synthetic effects. An early highlight is the acoustic guitar solo of Ross' Concert which is a quite lovely presentation of the main theme, a great use of a solo instrument to support the story musically. Some of the central tracks are quite dark in tone, The Crane and The Murder Pillar being especially intense. Danna gets a little carried away with synthetic enhancements at times, but it is effective none the less.

Love of Heaven (co-composed with Mychael) is a gentle song performed by Sara Clancy, although it never really gets going - perhaps a touch too gentle. The End Title is an energetic recapitulation of the main theme and neatly bookends the album. Another album that makes a nice change from the symphony orchestra, but still backed by a decent dramatic sensibility and a strong main theme. As with most of this type of score, it isn't great art, but it is enjoyable and well wrought and as such, recommended.