UNDER FIRE

Label: FSMCD Vol.11 No.4
Date: 1983
Tracks: 12
Time = 44:40

Original soundtrack from Roger Spottiswoode film about revolution in Nicaragua, starring Nick Nolte, Gene Hackman, Joanna Cassidy. Must-own score by Jerry Goldsmith anchors with "march" for Sandanista rebels, then surrounds with ideas that all grow in one way or another from it. Harmonic material blends, rhythms overlap, melodic motifs emerge in one of composer's finest musical structures. Use of both ethnic sound of pan flutes plus guitar artistry of Pat Metheny is striking but synthesizers, strings, percussion share stage with equal billing. Brass have moments, especially French horn but vivid solo work from guitar & pan flutes plus keyboard colors are reason for being. Of particular interest: Goldsmith doesn't just use pan flutes as melody makers but lets them function in supportive, accompaniment roles as well. Brilliant! Original Warner Bros. LP was perfect re-working of film tracks with additional material to enhance 1983 listening experience. FSM CD offers identical album, adds significant liner notes by Jeff Bond & Alexander Kaplan with quotes from composer, expert engineer Bruce Botnick. While WEA label CD made rounds in Japan, Germany, this is premiere release in U.S. It's about time! Jerry Goldsmith conducts, delivers a certified bullseye!

1. Bajo Fuego (5:34) 2. Sniper (3:25) 3. House of Hammocks (3:12) 4. Betrayal (4:17) 5. 19 de Julio (3:28) 6. Rafael (2:35) 7. A New Love (3:43) 8. Sandino (3:36) 9. Alex’s Theme (3:38) 10. Fall of Managua (2:27) 11. Rafael’s Theme (4:10) 12. Nicaragua (4:14)