Disney pays tribute to New Orleans Jazz and Randy Newman pro
Steven I. Ramm | Phila, PA USA | 03/20/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Music has always been a part of Walt Disney cartoons, going way back to Steamboat Mickey in 1928! But Disney never seemed to acknowledge jazz until now. The studio's newest feature film, The Princess and the Frog, has New Orleans jazz all over it! From the jazz based score by Randy Newman, and a jazz-talking alligator named Louis (who has the unmistakable voice of that cat named Satchmo) who plays "Dippermouth Blues" and a tribute to Sidney Bechet, this is one truly delightful film. The story takes place in the 1920s French Quarter and features the high quality hand drawn animation Disney is famous for. For the zydeco and cajun music fan there's a bit of that too, courtesy of Terrance Simien. Dr. John also gets a song and he's on the soundtrack CD too! Okay, there's the pop vocal love song by Ne-Yo to attract the teens, but there's plenty of other great music and a fun story line for adults. This may be my favorite Disney movie soundtrack in years. They are also releasing more music "inspired by the film" with new songs featuring the Keith David (as Dr. Facilier), Jim Cummings ( as Ray) and Michael Leon Wooley as Louis!
Steve Ramm
Anything Phonographic
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