The soundtrack, written and performed by Chris Michie, to the remarkable movie that is the true story of a Bohemian St. Francis and his remarkable relationship with a flock of wild red-and-green parrots. Mark Bittner, a d... more »harma bum, former street musician in San Francisco, falls in with the flock as he searches for meaning in his life, unaware that the wild parrots will bring him everything he needs. "I watched them for several years with tremendous curiosity. What were wild parrots doing in San Francisco? Then one day a few of them flew to my fire escape, and my whole life changed." From Mark Bittner?s memoir "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill" Published in January, 2004 by Harmony Books.« less
The soundtrack, written and performed by Chris Michie, to the remarkable movie that is the true story of a Bohemian St. Francis and his remarkable relationship with a flock of wild red-and-green parrots. Mark Bittner, a dharma bum, former street musician in San Francisco, falls in with the flock as he searches for meaning in his life, unaware that the wild parrots will bring him everything he needs. "I watched them for several years with tremendous curiosity. What were wild parrots doing in San Francisco? Then one day a few of them flew to my fire escape, and my whole life changed." From Mark Bittner?s memoir "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill" Published in January, 2004 by Harmony Books.
CD Reviews
The music is GOOD
Mark Bittner | 02/23/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm Mark Bittner, the human subject of "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill." I want to make clear the reason that Judy Irving (with some input from me) chose Chris Michie's music for the film: We LIKED it--a lot. Giving it just one star and calling it cheesy and campy is ludicrous. No matter what he thinks of the music, one star demonstrates "attitude," which makes Miller-loran's review untrustworthy. I especially love the opening track "Cherry Blossoms." Fluid playing, good melody, integrated parts, interesting harmonies. It's great stuff, sincere stuff. I've played professionally, and I've listened to everything from Buell Kazee to Ornette Coleman, and I know that the only thing that really matters in music (or any other art) is sincerity. I avoid like the devil both commercialism and hipness, equally useless qualities. I'm guessing that Max has a hipness problem."
Great Music
Richard S. Blake | Apex, NC USA | 01/31/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Unless you have heard the soundtrack and agree with the previous reviewer don't pay any attention to it. Chris Michie was a great talent as anyone who is framiliar with his music and bio would know.
This is a great soundtrack."
Thumbs Down For Max
All You Need Is Sushi | California | 03/17/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Max - what does "realistic dialogue (corrected your spelling)" mean, in a documentary? Are you mixing your metaphors? ALL dialogue in a documentary is realistic, or it is not a documentary. Get your terms straight before you start slagging something. And HOW, pray tell, did the editing ruin the movie? There is no meat in your argument, let alone brain tissue! Try to make your thoughts cogent, and worth the time to read. Did you have a different kind of composer's music in mind, and who and what. Etc. ad nauseam.
If you have not heard the album, and need a "similar" tag, my wife says Chris Michie's music is akin to a wilder form of Craig Chaquico, who I thought had been the guitar player for the opening sequence of film.
The film was dedicated to Chris Michie, who died after making this wonderful music. If the filmmaker and the subject of the film are satisfied with Michie's product, pay more attention to that. Mark was too kind."
Chris Michie's Music Is A Beautiful Partner To The Film
Wavey Davey | Southern CA, USA | 04/16/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This sound track is a beautiful, sensitive, lovely dance partner to Judy Irving's film, "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill." From "Cherry Blossoms", to "Connor's Theme" and "Sophie and Connor", each melody transcends and compliments the film maker's art, one blending into the other perfectly. That Judy and Mark dedicated the film to Chris Michie and his music says so much about the quality, the personification, and the magic the music brought into focus. Contrary to the negative review, I can't think of a more appropriate kind of music than this moving, serene yet evocative guitar playing that blends so well with the key elements of the film: a parrot flock in flight; human interaction with nature; and preservation of the natural order. In a life filled with music, this sound track has to be considered Chris Michie's most significant work. When you listen to the music, you feel the musical interpretation of the events captured in the film-the highest compliment to give. Five stars for this one!"
Inspirational Music Touches the Heart
Eric Putt | San Diego, California USA | 07/20/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The subject of the movie in the trailer drew me in first and motivated me to see it right away - Awesome work, Judy! Well investigated, well documented, and well shared. And thank you, Mark! You are an inspiration! I must say though, the music motivated me to take the next step: I want the soundtrack! It fit the movie so well and created a remarkable atmosphere. I want Chris' music in my home!
Was I surprised by Max's comments! So much so I went to check him and his taste out. Sorry, what a waste of time! Max likes to hear himself write. Too bad he stopped by..."
Track Listings (21) - Disc #1