I bought this LP (MCA Records) during my 80's Lee Holdridge LP binge, after I'd discovered how great he was. I've never seen the film, but the whole thing is up on YouTube, in not terrible viewing standard either. It's a bit of a weepie, if the comments are to be believed. Within the first 5 minutes, you will hear a moving African choral Prologue and a playful, delightful Main Title, typical of Holdridge during the 70s. I remember the LP crediting lots of African hymns and songs that LH incorporated into his score. I'd love a CD re-issue of the old MCA album, or an expanded edition, if that was possible. You can never get too much Lee Holdridge, if you ask me.
I got that LP too, Kev, way back. Can't recall much of it, but yeah, some traditional African music weaves in and out (do I remember a kind of chant around the word "Maluting"? Isn't there a medley track as well, with a bit that segues into a kind of Barney Miller street funk?
Yes, yes and yes. You remember it well. All those things you mentioned happen during this LP, my Spanish vineyard tending friend. From the Maluteng (or some such) refrain to the Medley track which veers from soothing to street harsh in the groove of a needle. I think you love Lee Holdridge just as much as me, Mr Graham. I'm going to make you an honorary member of the We Love Lee Holdridge Fan Club and send you a poster and badge and sticker book and newsletter and membership card. It's the least you deserve.
You're too generous, Kev. Can I accept the badge, the colouring book etc and still admit that - nowadays, not then - I find quite a lot of Mr Holdridge's work suitable for elderly spinsters with blue rinses, beige slacks and a wardrobe full of Robertson's Rainwear?
Just watched the film. It's quite a bizarre time capsule of mid-70s film making. Bad film making. Clumsily shot and edited. Poorly written and acted (most of the cast appear to be first timers or amateurs/extras). There are many scenes that are cringe inducing, when viewed today. The USA nurse/aid worker handing out contraception pills to the locals and trying to tell them to stop shagging so much is one such scene. One arl fella starts crushing the pill and snorting it up his nose!! The music is sweet, but even some of that (some comedy japery sequences) is a bit clunky at times. Most of the silly comedy music is absent from the LP. Also missing is a Stravinsky/Jaws-like piece that underscores some tribal African dude who lives in a cave and appears a few times, spouting voodoo and wisdom. It's another one of those 70s MCA albums that sounds different, at times, to the score heard in the film. Like a much different performance or mix. Oh, and that Bernadette Peters song is nowhere to be heard in the film. I always thought it would be the End Credits piece.
[ Also missing is a Stravinsky/Jaws-like piece that underscores some tribal African dude who lives in a cave and appears a few times, spouting voodoo and wisdom.
