The Rainmaker (1997 Film)
In his score for theThe Rainmaker, soundtrack legend Elmer Bernstein didn't attempt to recreate the music of the deep South. Quite the opposite, actually--he went urban. Heavy on the Hammond B-3 organ, Bernstein's score combines big band orchestrations with smoky jazz to good effect. At times, this score sounds a bit like another Bernstein's attempt at jazz... Leonard Bernstein'sWest Side Story. Still, there's a lot here to keep soundtrack buffs interested. "Sharks" is a catchy, noir-inspired theme. There are cute, plaintive-sounding cues ("Kelly," "The Trial Ends"), playful melodies ("Shenanigans"), and dark, angry numbers ("The Fight"). In short, it's another solid soundtrack from Bernstein.--Jason Verlinde