Press Release from BSX:
BSX Records presents PHAR LAP, featuring music composed by Bruce Rowland from the 1983 film written by David Williamson and directed by Simon Wincer (THE LIGHTHORSEMEN, LONESOME DOVE, QUIGLEY DOWN UNDER, FREE WILLY), starring Tom Burlinson, Judy Morris, Martin Vaughan, Celia De Burgh, Ron Leibman, Vincent Ball, John Stanton, Peter Whitford, Robert Grubb, Richard Morgan and Gia Carides.
Released in 1983, PHAR LAP tells the true story of a New Zealand racehorse that became a champion during the Great Depression. The film begins at the end of the story, then flashes back to the day that Phar Lap, despite his lack of pedigree, is purchased on impulse by trainer Harry Telford (Vaughan). Phar Lap loses his first races, but Telford's faith in the animal is unshakable then, suddenly the horse becomes a winner, thanks in part to the care of stableboy Tommy Woodcock (Burlinson). Promoter Dave Davis (Leibman) arranges for Phar Lap to be entered in several top races, where his long shot status results in heavy losses for the professional gamblers. After an attempt on Phar Lap’s life, Tommy takes the horse and goes into hiding but, shortly after winning an important race in Mexico, Phar Lap collapses and dies. Phar Lap is as well-known today for his mysterious death as for his fabulous accomplishments in life.
Australian composer Bruce Rowland’s fascination with music began as a child. He grew up in a musical household in Melbourne, and as a teenager studied piano and played with various pop bands. He worked with pop group The Strangers during the 1960s, and toured with international artists including Roy Orbison and The Beach Boys. Bruce developed much of his early skill as a composer on the popular teenage television series THE GO SHOW, where he was responsible for playing keyboard and writing arrangements for guest artists including Olivia Newton-John and Billy Thorpe. Later, he worked for five years as the composer for children’s television programs MAGIC CIRCLE CLUB and ADVENTURE ISLAND. His career spans a multitude of motion pictures, cable movies, mini-series, television series, animations and special live events. His filmography includes projects such as THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER, PHAR LAP, RETURN TO SNOWY RIVER, ANDRE and THE CUP and noted television projects such as ALL THE RIVERS RUN, THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISNEY, PONDEROSA and NOW AND FOREVER.
Bruce is the proud recipient of multiple awards, including a 2006 APRA International Achievement Award for his services to film. In 2000, Bruce wrote and conducted the music for the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games, which included a special rendition of Bruce’s score for THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER.
BSX RECORDS presents PHAR LAP, with music composed, arranged and conducted by Bruce Rowland. Previously released on compact disc, PHAR LAP returns to the marketplace newly remastered, featuring liner notes written by author Randall D. Larson, mastered by James Nelson at Digital Outland.
