ONCE UPON A TIME IN MEXICO

Label: Milan 36038
Date: 2003
Tracks: 18
Time = 51:42

Original soundtrack from third chapter of Robert Rodriguez "EL Mariachi" story. This time director Rodriguez explains need to expand role of music and "go orchestral". Results provide album mingling variety of hot Latin-influenced songs, Spanish guitar, lively rhythms and solid orchestral music. Rodriguez has sole credit as composer on packaging but gives nod in liner notes to contributions from stars Antonio Banderas, Johnny Depp, Ruben Blades. Eclectic selection of music has surprisingly coherent feel, largely due to plethora of Spanish rhythms, guitar riffs. Highlight of orchestral portion is exciting "Coup De Etat". No conductor credit is given though frequent conductor Pete Anthony is listed as an orchestrator. A few brief dialog snippets pepper the album but Spanish music gets the spotlight. Wearing many hats, director/writer/composer Rodriguez hits lots of right notes!