Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Composer John Barry: November 3, 1933 – January 30, 2011

One of cinema's greatest composers, John Barry, passed this weekend. His film compositions include an incredible range of subjects from Giant Apes (King Kong) to the American plains (Dances With Wolves) to Sci-Fi opera (Starcrash) and to British Secret Agents (11 James Bond soundtracks). He has won 5 Acadamy Awards but for me he defined the swank and sophistication of the 1960 spy thrillers with his unforgettable James Bond soundtracks. His influences can be heard in much of the Trip-hop music from the 90's including Portishead and The Sneaker Pimps.

Being a huge James Bond (Connery) fan his soundtracks have left a everlasting impression on me and define that era.











His sound and vision of film will indeed be missed.

2 comments:

  1. I'm listened to his 'best of' today - The Ipcress File and Seance on a Wet Sunday Afternoon are still amazing.

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  2. Hadn't heard of his passing. Always loved the Bond themes. Thanks for the videos. Glad to see Portishead's "Roads"- I was only familiar with the My Dying Bride cover version.

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