Fifty years ago, Randy Edelman released his third record. Leading off this special album is the song Bluebird. “Prime Cuts” has many standout tracks – a mix of joyous, playful, down tempo and lovelorn tunes – but that one in particular exemplifies how he can pen something that seems simple yet comes across as wildly creative, poignant and timeless. He’s got the tools, he’s got the talent, and a very lovely voice; that’s what you call a triple threat.
Randy has seen almost every aspect of the music business and while song writing and composing for films are two completely different animals, he can float back and forth between the two pretty seamlessly. He’s also been doing this long enough to have his songs covered (several times), his music sampled (several times), and while fans have always loved his scores, it’s comforting when a studio finally gets around to officially releasing his film work. Well, better late than never.
On today’s show I’m joined by musician friend Steve (aka Opus Science Collective) who was the co-host last time we talked with Randy about his career. Edelman’s work speaks to both of us on a level that is unique from other composers we’re fond of. Maybe it’s Randy’s knack for melody, finding the heart of the film, or just his prolific output. Whatever it is, something rings honest about his work underscoring characters like John Kimble and Peter Venkman which is different from what others have done for the likes of Peter Pan, Marty McFly or Thomas Anderson.
Steve and I can easily cite our favorite Edelman works – Ghostbusters II, Shanghai Noon, Kindergarten Cop, Dragonheart – but ask Randy what he’s most proud of, and the answer doesn’t come so freely. Why? His response has the history of the project and the efforts putting the music together – some good, some bad, all with their own stories. So much of it probably runs so close together especially given the quick turnarounds required.
As consumers and fans, we enjoy the finished product: the signature dish Randy cooked up in a limited number of weeks (amid a flurry of other things) and he probably couldn’t stop to smell the roses. Well, all these years later, he’s got a garden full of roses and more to walk through any time he chooses. The trick is to get him to stop. Even today, he’s busy as ever keeping several plates in the air.
So enjoy this session with the distinguished gentleman, the downtown downbeat man who has a PhD in 88 keys, and enjoys avocado and cold white wine!
Check out Randy’s official website to learn more about his work, and keep up with his schedule by checking his Facebook page. He has two albums dropping this year – one with his live recordings (March 15), and the other is all new songs (later this year) – as well as live shows in New York and London (see below). See him if you can, and tell him we said hi!!
March 16, 2024@ 9:30 PM- Composer Randy Edelman: “Second Annual St. Patrick’s Day Massacre” @ Chelsea Table & Stage in NYC
May 31, 2024 @ 9:15 PM- Composer Randy Edelman: Uptown Boy Returns @ The Crazy Coqs in London England
NEW MUSIC:
March 15, 2024- Composer Randy Edelman:
“Around the World in 80 Minutes LIVE” via Tribeca Records –
A 20 track album containing live performances of Randy’s catalog of songs and excerpts from his movie scores taken from his LIVE shows of the past 2 years. This album is to be truly cherished.
