When Dolemite Is My Name came out last year, it blew everyone away. And how could it not? It had Eddie Murphy in the lead role, the story was charming, heart-warming and hilarious, it featured amazing costume design from Ruth Carter (she won an Oscar for Black Panther), and the grooviest soundtrack you could ask for.
Having grown up in the ’70s, Memphis-based musician Scott Bomar knows this sound well. With a combination of horns, mean guitar riffs, a well-placed harmonica, and one funky clavinet, he weaves a magical tapestry of soul over Craig Brewer’s film. As fans of the film and the score, we were thrilled to speak to this talented musician for 90 minutes. Like Dolemite, Bomar’s bad, he’s out of sight, and one tough son of a gun.
During out chat, we talked all about his early days, the bands he formed, the legendary musicians he’s worked with (like Al Green and Cyndi Lauper), his first project with Craig Brewer and a few magician’s secrets as to how he achieved certain sounds on the score. Bomar also gives credit to some great recording studios in Memphis, and offers some advice to young artists which applies to self-starters as well as those affected by the quarantine.
We again joined our good friend Bryan Kluger (of BoomStickComics) on his podcast to discuss everything that went into this funky album. Now please enjoy our interview with Scott Bomar including some pictures from the scoring session (and Bomar and Brewer on Black Snake Moan at the end) below. Thanks to Scott for sending those to share.
Before we finish up, we’d like to refer you to our review of the Mondo vinyl release of the score. It’s stunning. Check it out and get your hands on one before they sell out.
And don’t forget to visit iTunes , Stitcher , I Heart Radio, and Spotify to subscribe to our podcast.
