Composer Mark Isham's growing shelf of soundtracks shows a range from orchestral tone poems to ambient soundscapes and shrewd combinations of score and source music cues. But the trumpeter and synthesizer sculptor remains ... more »an ardent Miles Davis fan, his penchant for serene horn lines and cool backdrops consistent since his days with the '70s acoustic fusion band Rubisa Patrol and in Van Morrison's band. Isham's long relationship with director Alan Rudolph provides a plum opportunity in the bittersweet context of this romantic feature, and Isham responds with this suave program of cool jazz originals abetted by a stellar band. Charles Lloyd's ripe tenor, Gary Burton's shimmering vibes, Geri Allen's delicate piano, and Sid Page's violin trade spare lines across the drums and bass of Billy Higgins and Jeff Littleton respectively, for a set that stands on its own as atmospheric, intelligent jazz. --Sam Sutherland« less
Composer Mark Isham's growing shelf of soundtracks shows a range from orchestral tone poems to ambient soundscapes and shrewd combinations of score and source music cues. But the trumpeter and synthesizer sculptor remains an ardent Miles Davis fan, his penchant for serene horn lines and cool backdrops consistent since his days with the '70s acoustic fusion band Rubisa Patrol and in Van Morrison's band. Isham's long relationship with director Alan Rudolph provides a plum opportunity in the bittersweet context of this romantic feature, and Isham responds with this suave program of cool jazz originals abetted by a stellar band. Charles Lloyd's ripe tenor, Gary Burton's shimmering vibes, Geri Allen's delicate piano, and Sid Page's violin trade spare lines across the drums and bass of Billy Higgins and Jeff Littleton respectively, for a set that stands on its own as atmospheric, intelligent jazz. --Sam Sutherland
"Deeply felt, impeccably played, at times heartrendingly lovely--Mark Isham has produced what may be his best soundtrack. This may be something of an homage to Miles Davis; if so, it is beautifully done. However, on a more immediate level, this is music for love, for losing, for hoping. The saxaphone and vibes are perfect. Isham's trumpet is cool, blue. The piano is neither overbearing nor invisible. each player has something to add conversationally to the overall scheme. It is a shame to me that this album is likely to be forgotton as the movie was not a large success; the soundtrack can stand on its own, and deserves to be heard by a wide audience, as it is accessable to non jazz fans yet truly appreciable by the jazz afficianado. Play on."
Best CD for a Rainy Day
Storylover | 05/06/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've had this CD for 5 years, and it's still my favorite rainy day disc. I can sorta understand why consumers hoping to get ALL the music from the movie might feel gypped. But those people obviously aren't jazz fans. What you get instead with this remarkable CD are all the sessions featuring the great Charles Lloyd - some that wound up in the movie, a lot that didn't. Gary Burton's vibes rule. Without question, Mark Isham's best movie score."
Afterglow Review
Margaret A. Alves | Santa Rosa, CA United States | 04/01/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I, too, am a bit disappointed in the songs included in the CD. I rarely look for music, but totally enjoyed one of the songs in the movie. Very deep husky voice and wanted to find that title on the CD - No luck and quite disappointed. Can you help me find the complete Afterglow CD???Thanks."
The album's afterglow will burn far longer than the film's
Margaret A. Alves | 01/04/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Lush, elegant and wistful is this soundtrack featuring the sax of Charles Lloyd, Geri Allen's piano, Gary Burton on vibes and Sid Page -- remember Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks? - on violin. Long after the film has faded from memory these sounds demand repeated play, on sunless days and times when you need to curl up and disappear into something."
Excellent album with very relaxing songs
Ryan Hargraves (discotom16@aol.com) | Rome, Italy | 01/02/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Afterglow soundtrack captures the spirit of mellow jazz as nothing has since the birth of be-bop. I highly recommend it to any jazz fanatic."