She Hate Me
In 2001, noted contemporary jazz composer-instrumentalist Terence Blanchard paid personal tribute to film scoring legend Elmer Bernstein's seminal jazz-influenced soundtracks at the Motion Picture Academy's celebration of the since passed away legend's 50th anniversary as a professional film composer. Released just after Bernstein's death, Blanchard's surprising score for Spike Lee's offbeat lesbian-impregnating comedy effectively offers up an even warmer tribute to his fallen hero: a fusion of cool urban jazz and occasionally Coplandesque modern classicism that's as intimate and engaging as it is flawlessly crafted. Distracted by only one pop-r&b; affectation (Raul Midon's Caribbean-rhythmed ballad "Adam 'n Eve 'n Eve"), Blanchard's work here is also smartly informed by the evocative use of the DeFalla/Russ Latin classical standout "Will O' The Wisp," the perfect musical aperitif for the composer's own bracing cocktail of jazz-bluesy melancholy and sprightly elegant contemporary classical influences. Elmer would be proud, indeed.-- Jerry McCulley