Programme Notes

The craftsmanship of  a TV theme or other light music isoften overlooked and the composers often little known by name, remembered only by their brilliant tunes that continue to be popular long after the film, show  or commercial has faded away.TV Cop theme tunes from the 1970’s were typically dramatic. In these new arrangements the tuba opens with harpsichord, and drives the bass lines in both Streets and Kojak to keep things moving.  Solo tuba lines substitute the multiple horn parts in ‘Streets’ and high horn lines with strings in Kojack adding rich harmonies and colour.

Teen Town was  originally is bass guitar solo by Jaco Pastorious, best known for his astonishing bass playing with the band Weather  Report before his tragic and untimely death .This version skilfully fuses  jazz funk with new and unusual instrumental colours

The Green Hornet theme is best known today by its recent appearance in the film Kill Bill. Originally written by Legendry band leader Billy May and played by trumpeter Al Hairt, this stylish surf tune is clearly tong  n’ cheek, with its references to the flight of the bumble bee, mad double tonguing and  just a hint of The Munster’s for good measure.