Various Artists: The Visit

By

JIM SANTELLA,

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor - Since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

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Published: July 1, 2001

Starring Billy Dee Williams and Hill Harper, The Visit centers on spiritual awakening and personal redemption. Hence, the soundtrack ranges from uplifting gospel to moody jazz and soulful ballads. Director Jordan Walker-Pearlman selected music appropriate to what he envisioned for the film. He also arranged for five composers to write original music specific to particular themes. Thus, we find in the soundtrack, new music by Stefán Dickerson, Michael Bearden, Stanley A. Smith, Ramsey Lewis, and Wallace Roney.

Trumpeter Roney performs moody melodies that recall Miles Davis. They're appropriate for the director's aim, and add a solemn touch to the theme. Noted vocal sessions lend an enjoyable air. When Joe Williams sings "Thou Swell" with the Count Basie Orchestra, it puts everyone at ease. Nnenna Freelon's stirring arrangement of "Fly Me to the Moon" and Karrin Allyson's deeply spiritual "Deliver Me" make a significant impact. A comical number with Joe Tex and his blues band adds a light touch, while Lalah Hathaway's "For All We Know" oozes with heartfelt emotion. Assembling a film soundtrack can be difficult. Will the audience feel the same way about the scene as those who created it? Director Walker-Pearlman has taken steps to ensure that each piece fits appropriately. The Visit soundtrack convinces.

Track Listing: Thou Swell; For All We Know; You Said a Bad Word; (Sometimes I Feel Like A) Motherless Chil'; Fly Me To the Moon (In Other Words); Deliver Me; Prelude; Mother Father; Hands; Seasons; The Tissue; Big Brother; This Time; The Rescue; Little Prince; His Eye is On the Sparrow; Deliver Me.

Personnel: Wallace Roney- trumpet; Niki Harris, Nnenna Freelon, Joe Tex, Karrin Allyson, Lalah Hathaway- vocals; Joe Sample, Ramsey Lewis, Stef

Record Label: Concord Music Group | Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream