I have always had a soft spot for George Martin’s «Live And Let Die» score. He was the first composer to replace John Barry for a movie and he brought some fresh ideas and new elements to the table – while still being faithful to the legacy and the sound Barry had created. I especially enjoy the more funky and groovy elements combined with the bold symphonic orchestra. The sound is very raw and dry and much less lyrical and romantic than what Barry used to come up with. It works very well with the movie’s themes and a new Bond in Roger Moore.
I picked «Bond Meets Solitaire» for this project. The main melody can be heard several times trough out the movie and works almost like a leading motif for the film. I tried to keep the funky and groovy feel of the original, but produced in a more contemporary style. This track had to be very minimalistic and laid back. The basic orchestration is Håkon Rasmussen on bass guitar, Mattias Krohn Nielsen on guitars, Petter Lien on trumpet and my self on drums, percussion and keyboards – mainly an old Fender Rhodes from the era of the film. There were no doubts in my mind about who should play bass: Håkon Rasmussen is the funkiest player I know. He has so many ideas and is a real joy and great fun to work with – he’s presents literary lightens up the room while playing. He took the challenge head on and delivered the grooviest bass and a great solo. Petter Lien had done horn section work for me on the last Pymlico-album, but this was the first time working with him as a lead player. He was very professional and quick and was open to all my input. Mattias and I used to be in a band together years ago. I am a big fan of his playing. He is such a musical player, always doing what is right for the song without any ego and always coming up with great stuff very quickly.