SWITCHBACK (REISSUE)

Exciting original soundtrack by Basil Poledouris for 1997 Jeb Stuart outdoor action thriller with Dennis Quaid, Danny Glover, Jared Leto. New edition is straight CD reissue of debut Intrada Special Collection release from 2000 with identical contents, albeit new-ish packaging in standard MAF series. (Owners of earlier release need not apply.) Poledouris is inspired by multiple angles of dramatic approach: depth of characters, cat-and-mouse pursuit, spectacular Rocky Mountain settings, finally the powerful "218" locomotive itself. To tackle diversity, Poledouris anchors with tiny three-note motif on flute at outset. From this point, score expands in multiple directions with flexible motif involved in each. Rich majesty of locale heard in orchestra, intense suspense heard via layers of electronics, super-charged train material courtesy propulsive, dynamic orchestral action music. While all shades of score offer reward, spotlight definitely goes to aggressive, rhythmic figure accompanying train sequences, subsequent action surrounding it. Trumpets, horns lead above, percussion, low brass hammer below. Dynamite excitement! Basil Poledouris conducts.