BSG Orchestra HOB Concerts – Highlights
“What you’re going to hear tonight are the musicians that have literally given us some of the finest music the world’s ever heard.”
- Edward James Olmos
I’m back from a whirlwind week in San Diego for Comic Con, and have lived to tell the tale! I’ve collected here just a few of the memorable highlights from our Battlestar Galactica Orchestra concerts…
First of all, the interview above is among my most vivid memories of Comic Con ’09. Edward James Olmos was being interviewed by NBCSanDiego.com and literally pulled the mic out of the host’s hands. He immediately took over the production, interviewing me and the two vocalists in my band, Raya Yarbrough and Brendan McCreary. This would be just one of countless surprises I experienced during these shows.
(This picture pretty much says it all: CLICK TO EMBIGGEN)
The Battlestar Galactica Orchestra concerts at the House of Blues during Comic Con were a smashing success. Cast, crew, writers, musicians and fans of this beloved series had the chance to gather and experience the score in live performances. I was able to live a bit of the rock star life, signing autographs and taking pictures with fans everywhere I went. With the amount of time I spend in the studio writing music all day, this was a welcome change of pace! And the shows themselves… words can not describe how incredible the rush is being on that stage, hearing the crowd out there and feeling them connect with the music as we make it. I wish I could do this everyday!
The concerts began with Admiral Adama himself, Edward James Olmos, speaking to the crowd. Like many BSG fans, he was familiar with the score but had never seen the orchestra in performance before. Right from the beginning, the opening act, BrEndAn’s Band, blew him away. Having heard them on Thursday, he gave them an extra special introduction on Friday night: “You guys are in for one of the most extraordinary evenings of music that I’ve experienced. My first time was yesterday, when I saw them live. And I have to tell you that I was given a mind-blowing experience by what happened before the orchestra came out. What you’re about to experience right now is something I’m very proud to say blew me away: an originality, and a real strong performer. This group is fantastic. And it happens to be family members, ok? This is a family affair.”
My brother then marched onstage wearing a military flight suit and white sunglasses he found at writer / producer David Weddle’s 4th of July party (they probably belong to someone who works on the show, actually!). His band, and his original songs, totally kicked ass. Raya sang backing vocals, and Steve Bartek played lead guitar, making them the three musicians who literally never got a break for 3.5 hours each night. They opened with “Ain’t We Famous,” from Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, and wrapped up with “When Will the Work Be Done,” from Daybreak.
Brendan and Raya have each put up their song from Battlestar Galactica as a free download on their MySpace pages. Click on the links below to download them, and complete your BSG music collection:
“When Will the Work Be Done” by BrEndAn’s Band
From the Episode Daybreak
“Lords Knows I Would” by Raya Yarbrough
From the Episodes Takin’ a Break From All Your Worries and Escape Velocity
BrEndAn’s Band were the perfect opening group because, by the time they finished, the audience was going crazy. And then, the BSG Orchestra took the stage to play for over two hours. The following pictures (unless noted, taken by Andrew Craig) are just a few of the highlights of these concerts that will linger in my memory forever. There are links to the complete photo sets at the bottom of the entry, if you want to see more. If you were there, you can remember how intense this was, and if you weren’t, well… you can get a tiny taste of what you missed.
I’ve found I have trouble explaining to people who weren’t there what, exactly, I do at these concerts. Is it conducting? Playing? … Dancing? I’m not quite sure. Maybe a bit of everything. :)
Fans who came to opening night were treated to a surprise appearance by Katee Sackhoff, who joined me on stage to play “Kara Remembers,” the introduction to “Heeding the Call” and “All Along the Watchtower.” She and I had played this together before, at the California Plaza concert in June. Katee is so sweet and radiant in person, it is always a joy to share the stage with her.
Because of the chaos of Comic Con, she and I didn’t have any time to rehearse this time around. She actually flubbed a few notes, and giggled with the audience. However, I thought this really heightened the experience. After all, we were recreating a scene where Kara struggled to remember how to play the song; that’s exactly what Katee did on stage. I actually preferred her natural performance here to the one at California Plaza where we had rehearsed it. Once Katee got the tune under her fingers again, she was rockin’ out with the rest of the band.
Another magical moment I’ll never forget was playing “Kara Remembers” on Friday and Saturday night when I didn’t have Katee to help me. I played the solo piano intro myself, but teased the audience as I pretended to struggle with the Final Four Theme. I played a few notes, then stopped. Played a few more, then stopped. This continued for a couple minutes and then, I played the Final Four theme in it’s entire 12-note phrase, slowly and deliberately. The audience erupted into cheers when they heard it!
That’s when it really hit me how well you guys know my music. This simple 12-note melody played with one finger on a piano was enough to elicit the orgiastic screams usually reserved for shredding guitar solos. I felt right at home in that hall with all of you, and of course, once the band kicked into “Heeding the Call,” the energy only became more intense.
Brendan McCreary’s lead vocals on “Watchtower” always bring down the house, but his performances of the Gaelic lyrics to “Wander My Friends” were especially poignant in these concerts.
He also sang the lead vocals on a very special tribute song we performed on the Saturday night show: Earth Song, by Michael Jackson. That night was the one month anniversary of Jackson’s death. My announcement that we would acknowledge Jackson was met with some surprised laughter in the back, probably because it was such a departure from audience expectation that people must have assumed I was kidding. But, I’d never joke about the death of a brilliant musician and we set them straight pretty quick, launching into a powerful cover of one of Jackson’s most epic compositions. Brendan knocked it out of the park, backed by the strings, taiko drums and rock band.
Here’s a bootleg of “Earth Song” from Novika69. The audio / video quality leaves a lot to be desired, but it gives you a basic idea of what we were up to. And this can tide you over until we get our bad-ass DVD footage and live album together! :)
After the song, I explained to the crowd that I had selected “Earth Song” not only because it was so musically satisfying, but because it related lyrically to Battlestar Galactica. It could have been featured in the show, and been totally appropriate. I also explained that Michael was a huge influence on me musically (the closing minute of “The Temple of Five” contains a shameless quote of the percussion from “They Don’t Really Care About Us,” check it out!). I was absolutely devastated by Michael’s passing, as I am with all musicians who leave us before sharing everything in their potential. However, I was thankful we had the chance to acknowledge the milestone of our first month in a world without Michael Jackson.
As in previous concerts, Raya Yarbrough sang lead vocals on “A Distant Sadness” and “Lords of Kobol.” However, she also provided haunting performances on two new pieces: “The Cult of Baltar” and “Apocalypse” (The Theme from “The Plan”), as well as backing vocals on several other tunes.
Friday night was especially powerful because it became an impromptu memorial tribute to producer Harvey Frand, who passed away the day before. Many members of the cast and crew gathered on stage and shared their thoughts and feelings about him. It was an emotional moment, because we had all just found out about his death. So, what should have been an intimate, private conversation between old friends was suddenly on stage, shared with everyone in the audience. It was a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, where the cast, crew, musicians and fans truly bonded like a family. The Thursday and Saturday shows were equally solid performances from the orchestra, but Friday night was magical. (Thanks to Marcin Wichary for this shot taken from the VIP section.)
Michael Hogan (“Col. Saul Tigh”) reminisced that one of his favorite lines in the show was “Does anyone else hear that FRAKKIN’ MUSIC?!” to thunderous applause. Hearing him say that in person, on stage, in front of all my musicians and our instruments… was a geeky thrill!
The audience started out the night as fans of the series, but by the end, they were fans of everyone in the band. Perhaps no musician was subject to more cheers, applause and targeted underwear throwing (ok, that hasn’t happened yet) than violinist Paul Cartwright. By the third night, fans were chanting his name before the show even started! He was so fantastic as the featured soloist in ”Baltar’s Dream” that we had to wait for the audience to cheer for him a second time before moving on to the next song. Yeah, Paulie!
There were many guests that hopped up on stage each night, several of whom were a surprise even to me! I was backstage watching as Eddie introduced them and practically fell out of my chair when he introduced Michelle Forbes (“Admiral Helena Cain”). I had no idea she was even there! I had never met her before, and regrettably didn’t have a chance to introduce myself at the concert. Michelle, if you’re reading… email me! :)
Michael Trucco (“Sam Anders”) and director Michael Nankin shared their memories of Harvey Frand and their enthusiasm for the band. Executive producer David Eick read Harvey’s official obituary notice minutes after it hit the trades.
One of the other rockstars of the concerts was woodwind maestro Chris Bleth. Chris is a soft-spoken and relatively low-key personality. He’s probably not used to gigantic crowds cheering in ecstasy as he plays melodies on the duduk, bansuri or membrane flute. Nevertheless, he played all these unusual instruments with passion, and really ignited the crowd.
Watching the audience respond to him, made me realize an unintended result of these live concerts. I’m hopeful that once fans have seen this orchestra play together, once they have witnessed Chris Bleth’s duduk, Paul Cartwright’s blistering violin solos, Steve Bartek’s shredding guitar, MB Gordy smashing taiko sticks into splinters, that they will have a new appreciation for them when they revisit the series on DVD.
The next time you guys hear a bansuri solo in any episode of BSG, you can now picture in your imagination the man who is actually playing it. I can’t think of another film or TV score where all the musicians were so unique and irreplaceable, and I’m thrilled that you guys now have the ability to place a name and a face to an instrumental or vocal performance.
SET LIST:
PRECIPICE
WAYWARD SOLDIER
CULT OF BALTAR
PEGASUS
PASSACAGLIA
ROSLIN AND ADAMA
WANDER MY FRIENDS
THE DANCE
FIGHT NIGHT
DREILIDE THRACE SONATA NO.1
STORMING NEW CAPRICA
APOCALYPSE
BALTARS DREAM
SOMETHING DARK IS COMING
ELEGY
CAPRICA
GAETA’S LAMENT
GINA ESCAPES
DIRTY HANDS
LORDS OF KOBOL
PRELUDE TO WAR
KARA REMEMBERS / HEEDING THE CALL
ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER
ENCORE:
COLONIAL ANTHEM
BLACK MARKET
When I wasn’t at soundcheck or in preparation for the concerts, I spent my days at Comic Con. Thursday, I was part of Richard Hatch’s Battlestar Retrospective, with Luciana Carro (“Kat”), writer / producer Michael Taylor, Richard Hatch (“Tom Zarek”), science consultant Kevin Grazier and producer Tom DeSanto who’s ill-fated reboot of “Galactica” was abandoned by its studio weeks before production was to begin in the fall of 2001. I’ve been on Richard’s panels in the past, but this one was the most fun. It was entirely open to questions from the audience and people’s answers were frank, honest and quite funny. (Thanks to Popcultref for the pic!)
Mixing engineer Dennis Moody snapped this picture out front. This was about 8am on the day of opening night, and it’s the first picture I have standing before a marquee with my name on it. I didn’t take a picture like this at The Mint in 2006 because they misspelled “Galactica.” Then, at the Roxy last year… they misspelled my name. Well, third time’s the charm, apparently.
Richard Hatch (“Tom Zarek” / “Apollo” on Classic BSG) was the host of my very first concert in 2006 at The Mint. Grace Park (“Sharon Valerii”) was our official MC this year for Friday and Saturday. James Callis (“Gaius Baltar”) hosted last year at The Roxy Theater. It was a thrill to have them all together this time.
Cellist Tina Guo brought the frakkin’ shred for her solo on “Apocalypse.” She is an incredibly unique performer, and the audience loved her. I’m telling you guys who weren’t there… this song killed. When you hear the studio version of it over the end credits of “The Plan,” you are in for a real treat.
Luciana Carro (“Kat”), Nicki Clyne (“Cally”), Grace Park (“Sharon Valerii”) and Tahmoh Penikett (“Helo”). It was so cool seeing Helo and Athena together again!
As soon as I picked this bad boy up, the audience basically exploded. Rarely in life does one play an accordion to such applause. :) Contrary to my initial hesitations about including it, “The Dance” might have been the most fun piece of the night. The audience clapped through the whole song, and some of them were even dancing! This piece was fun on the album, but in concert it was truly spectacular. I can’t believe I had ever considered not playing it.
Our incredible percussion section (L-R): Jonathan Ortega, M.B. Gordy and Bruce Carver. By the end of the three nights, the back row was littered with splintered drum sticks.
Oingo Boingo alum Johnny “Vatos” Hernandez on drum kit. On the last night, Johnny gave us his decimated drum heads and the entire band autographed them. During the last song, Brendan picked these collector’s items up and threw them into the crowd. The drum heads sailed like frisbees! He almost nailed Dennis Moody in the head behind the mixing board! I saw one fan at the autograph signing who had one. I don’t know who got the other two, but they’re out there somewhere. :)
The guitarists (L-R): Ira Ingber stole the show during his bad-ass solo in “Dirty Hands,” while Mike Valerio held down the bass lines.
Oingo Boingo alum and BSG guitar virtuouso Steve Bartek played solos that night that blew us all away. While he was soloing in “Gina Escapes,” Brendan actually looked over at me and mouthed “Holy F&@k!” We couldn’t believe what we were hearing. In this picture, Steve is playing the iconic Electric Sitar on “Heeding the Call,” that you’ve always heard in “Watchtower” and the Final Four scenes throughout Season 4.
Eric Rigler was a special guest for “Wander My Friends” during our 2008 shows, but this year he was a full-fledged band member, playing not only that song, but “The Dance,” “Colonial Anthem” and the barn-burner “Storming New Caprica” that was the highlight of the entire concert for me. The big climactic sections of “Storming New Caprica” were so energetic and bombastic, it felt like the Galactica was about to drop right in on us!
Our technical artists and artistic technicians, Charlie Unkeless (L) ran lights and Dennis Moody (R) did the live house mix, with some helpful suggestions from Eddie Olmos.
After three intense days, Raya, Brendan and I finally had Sunday off to explore Comic Con. In the first five minutes wandering around the convention floor, we stumbled upon the booth where the BSG gang were signing autographs. Eddie immediately brought us back behind the table so we could all catch up. I apologize to all the fans who were left waiting in line while Eddie, Hogan and James hung out with us… but when the Admiral requests, you don’t disappoint. :) (Thanks to Chris Holoka for these great pictures!)
One of the most surreal parts of Comic Con was being recognized so frequently by people. In previous years, this happened a couple times. But, this time, I basically couldn’t take 10 steps without someone stopping for an autograph or to say how much BSG means to them. And one of the funniest things I observed, was that people who didn’t know me began staring when fans stopped for autographs and pictures. I could see their minds racing: “Who the hell is this guy and why are all these people talking to him? Is he famous or something? Should I be asking for his autograph too?” It was pretty funny.
… and Tina Guo on cello, who did things to that instrument that are probably illegal in Utah.
The first day of soundcheck had a little downtime, so I goofed around a bit. I didn’t actually do this in the concert, but it would’ve been cool, wouldn’t it? BTW, that music on the piano in the background is “Dreilide Thrace Sonata No. 1.” I had to print it on 11×17 paper so I could avoid page turns. Even though I wrote it and played it myself, I don’t have it memorized yet. :)
For the encore in previous years, we’ve played “Black Market,” which always worked well. But this time, I wanted to give fans a little more. This time, the encore began with the 4 drummers on stage alone, pounding out an intense beat. Then, Eric Rigler marched out with his Great Highland Pipes. It was frakkin’ badass. I wanted to see him on horseback with the Braveheart facepaint on (maybe next time).
Then, the orchestra returned to the stage and we burst into a full, triumphant rock version of “Colonial Anthem!” I always knew I wanted to feature Stu Phillips’ classic theme in the concert somewhere, and this was the perfect moment to do it. This marked what I can only assume is the first time the iconic, original BSG theme song has ever been performed by bagpipes, strings, taiko drums, ethnic soloists and rock band!
The arrangement began with the opening chords of “Colonial Anthem,” and built up from there, teasing the audience with small quotations of the melody before the big, full statement. One of the most exciting parts of the show was hearing the audience slowly pick up on these clues, and the huge cheer we got when we finally burst into Stu Phillip’s theme.
As soon as we hit the last note, Bartek kicked into the intense opening riff of “Black Market,” and we transitioned directly into that powerhouse rock tune to close out the night. The drums and band were so loud and powerful, I thought we were going to shake the venue apart. In fact, one of the greatest compliments I heard from a fan all weekend was a girl who told me that she might never again be able to attend a punk concert because it would sound so weak in comparison to the BSG Orchestra. It doesn’t get any better than that.
* * *
On the day of our last show, I signed copies of the Season 4 album at the “La La Land Records / Screen Archives Entertainment / Film Score Monthly” booth. The booth was actually so small that you wouldn’t be able to fit those three company names on it without running off the edge of the table. :) But, it was a perfect chance to meet fans and sign autographs in a more relaxed atmosphere. (It should be telling how insanely intense our concerts were that I would describe the convention floor at Comic Con as “more relaxed!”)
I glanced across the walkway, and whom do I see signing autographs there, but Nicki Clyne! The night before, Nicki had been at my concert, on stage with the rest of the cast. However, she and Michelle Forbes were the two cast members I’d never met yet, so I ran over and threw my arms around her before she’d have a chance to disappear into the crowd.
Like the rest of the BSG cast, she is absolutely lovely in person and was beaming from our concert the night before. (And thanks to Beth Krakower for snapping this picture of us with her Blackberry.)
A few days later, Nicki sent a lovely note to me and the members of the orchestra. It was so eloquent, and summarized our experiences so perfectly, that I asked her if I could share it with all of you on the blog here:
“With my limited musical background, I had no idea how to even hypothesize what it might take to create a score as riveting and beautiful as Battlestar’s. All I knew is that it consistently pushed me over the edge during moments of emotional conflict, bridging the gap between discomfort and catharsis. In my ignorance, I was more likely to imagine a sweaty nerd surrounded by computers and musical gadgets (sorry Bear, I hadn’t met you yet), than the incredible amalgamation of humanity, joy, passion, and dedication I had the privilege of witnessing Friday night. I wanted to share my experience of the performance because I found it so deeply moving and would like to thank all of you who participated. Never have I seen a group of musicians who expressed so joyfully and with such conviction, even through the harshest moments of darkness and despair; all with an apparent understanding of how each part related to the whole. I had a sense that no one would rather be anywhere other than where they were, which inspired in me a sense of freedom and release, allowing a deeper connection to the music, and myself. Ultimately, it was a celebration of the human experience, in all its emotional diversity, and a recognition of what is possible when we connect with each other on a level that leads to something greater than ourselves. I want you to know how much I appreciate your commitment, authenticity and expression of joy in bringing Bear’s vision and the world of Battlestar Galactica to life. I regret not being able to share this in person, but please know your music touches all of us and allows your unique expression to live on.
With love and admiration,
Nicki Clyne”
Thank you, Nicki. You said it better than I ever could.
* * *
That basically summarizes my week, although there were countless more experiences I wish I had time and energy to write about. Thankfully, there are many pictures and other records of the strange journey that we took.
If you are enjoying these photos by Andrew Craig, then check out the complete sets at the following links. Thanks for the incredible work, Andrew!
During our many shows this summer, we’ve managed to collect more than just great pictures. We captured outstanding audio and video as well. Keep an eye out at BSGOrchestra.com for details on an upcoming LIVE ALBUM and CONCERT DVD. We’ll also release exclusive videos and recordings there as well. And, if you want us to come to your home town / state / country / continent, log in to the forums there and let your voice be heard. The band is gathering momentum here and we want to take this show on the road!
So Say We All!
-Bear
PS: Thanks to everyone from whom I borrowed pictures and video, especially Marcin Wichary who got the great shot of the HOB marquee at the top of the page! Also, I’ve seen some great reviews and recaps of the concerts online, but this one at Io9 is my favorite so far.
UPDATE 8-6-09: The Season 4 album charted #195 on Billboard’s TOP 200! (#14 in soundtracks) That’s the first time any record of mine has cracked into Billboard’s rankings!
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99 Responses to “BSG Orchestra HOB Concerts – Highlights”
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Finished my third listen-though to the season 4 soundtrack. GREAT! Everything just fits together so well, it makes me want to hear things in person because I can’t imagine any other way it could be better. So when are you and the band coming to the east coast? There’s a HOB in Myrtle Beach, so I gotta recommend it if you’re sticking with the HOB venues. I *will* drive the four hours, take off work, whatever, to be there if you do. These concerts sound like an absolutely fan-frakkin’-tastic idea and I’d love to see one in person!
[...] smile or shake my head in disbelief. I try to focus on the memories that make the most sense, and I play them over and over again. Which is just [...]
Bear said:
“I’m not sure if we shot it in HiDef or not, but we’ll definitely do a sweet 5.1 audio mix.”
If my cursory glance was correct they were using the same camera I use, and it can shoot HD, so I would assume they did shoot the concert in HD. The problem is that licensing for Bluray is expensive, so while I’ve got my fingers crossed, I wouldn’t expect it to happen, except maybe as an iTunes download, or included in some special edition release of The Plan (that would be cool)
Since I’m already posting (again), I might as well tell you that my mumbles of appreciation to you, Raya and Brendan didn’t adequately describe how blown away I was by the concert. I still can’t think of a word to adequately describe it. That, and Paul left after signing the stuff for the guy in front of me, so I had no chance to take part in the whole underwear throwing thing that people keep mentioning. Though, admittedly he might have been put off by some dude throwing his boxers at him. But on a brighter, albeit potentially trivial, note, the fact that you recognized me at the concert signing as having gone to the signing at the booth at Comic-Con is one of my fondest memories of the Con. Can’t wait to relive the concert and hear more music from The Plan.
Logan
Bear,
Bravo on a fantastic 4th Season Soundtrack – I can’t stop listening to it, it’s so amazing and emotional. Truly amazing – I can’t get enough of it.
Was wondering – do you think you’ll be releasing a book of BSG sheet music? I would love to play around with some of the melodies on my flute.
Also, any plans on touring with BSG orchestral concerts? I’m on the East coast and would absolutely love to hear you and your music in concert!! Come to Philly! ;)
Thanks!
Jonny Boy… “I mentioned it in the previous concert thread, too. I was pretty surprised during the performance, and I thought it was a really awesome way to bring the whole BSG story full circle.”
I missed that, then. You get a banana sticker too!!
Skating_Lientje… “(maybe you remember me, I was the one who handed you the chocolats in Hagen)”
Elin, those chocolates were AWESOME. :) Please keep the info for the filmfestival in Ghent handy, as we’ll start thinking about future dates very soon. I may ask you for the contact info in a few weeks. Thanks for doing some research for us!
NeoFall… “1. I love Caprica, but when you said a more traditional approach I was hoping it would have more of a romantic side to it, instead of the more, cold perhaps cerbral sound you gave us.”
Caprica sounds “cold and cerebral”? To each their own.
“I love the score, but at the same time, full blooded romanticism has been missing from scores for the past few years. Why is this, do you think? Too old fashioned, just the way things swing, commercial concerns? Personally there’s nothing more I love in scoring than a Herrmanesque surge, or a love theme. Could you see yourself in the future doing a score more on the romantic side of the table?”
Ironically, the project I’ve scored where I really got to do what you’re describing is a video game called “Dark Void.” It’s sweeping and epic in an old school way, and really conjures up the romantic Herrmann orchestral writing you’re talking about. It comes out next year, and a soundtrack album is in the works. :)
“2. In a recnt interview you said Elmer Bernstein thought you that you don’t need to wreck your personal life for your that they can live side by side. How much weight would you put in the thought that composer’s personal life’s affect their work. You know, like the way they say Beethoven wrote some of his greatest works after great tragedies, or that Herrmann’s personality was reflected in his music, moody with just a bit of insanity thrown in their for good measure :) Have any of your pieces been directly affected by your life, or do you feel like you get your greatest inspiration through moments of great stress or depression, or the other way round when things are great?”
An artist must use all of his or her life experiences for inspiration, yes. The more you live, the more you have to write about. And when I write, it’s a bit like method acting… I have to feel the emotions. So, when I’m writing heavy pieces like “So Much Life” or “Diaspora Oratorio” or “The Ruins” I’m a complete wreck, often not capable of even talking to another person for days.
With that said, I like the keep the drama in my life to a minimum. Writing music is dramatic enough, and I like to have everything else be simple. I don’t need a chaotic life to be able to write intense music. :)
-Bear
SeskaLien… “I was curious though, why did you choose to go with an electric cello for “Apocalypse?” As I recall that was the only time she used it.”
“Apocalypse” was pretty metal and we needed the extra “oomph!”
“You’re from Seattle? How cool! I live in So Cal now but I’m from Ballard. :) Uff da!”
I grew up in Bellingham.
GungaDin… “I would love to see some Eureka music in concert. It’d just be so weird and… awesome… And weird.”
I’ve been thinking about it, and it would work pretty damn well actually. The band would kill it. The only question would be: where could it possibly fit in the set without killing the vibe? Maybe after “The Dance.”
Logan… “If my cursory glance was correct they were using the same camera I use, and it can shoot HD, so I would assume they did shoot the concert in HD.”
Cool, well then I’m sure we got it in HD.
“The problem is that licensing for Bluray is expensive, so while I’ve got my fingers crossed, I wouldn’t expect it to happen…”
Don’t be so sure. If there’s enough fan demand online to justify the cost, I’d LOVE to make a BluRay!
“… except maybe as an iTunes download…”
Another possibility.
“… or included in some special edition release of The Plan (that would be cool)”
That won’t happen. The discs for “The Plan” are already being manufactured.
OceanStorme… “Was wondering – do you think you’ll be releasing a book of BSG sheet music? I would love to play around with some of the melodies on my flute.”
Yes, I will be releasing some stuff. I think in the short term, I’ll be putting together a book of piano arrangements of some various pieces from the show. Keep an eye out on the blog here in the coming months.
-Bear
Bear,
I only meant cold and cerebral compared to a more sweeping romantic sound, it holds back, where other scores might burst out in feeling. Having said that, I really hear a lot of empathy in it. So I might say Caprica is warm and emphatic compared to a piece like “The Ruins”.
“Dark Void”, will definitely have to go into my list of scores I’m really looking forward to if that’s the approach your taking. I’ve been listening a lot to the Bernstein conducts Hermann CD lately and some of the passion in the pieces is overwhelming at times.
Never mind what I’m looking forward to. About you, you must be excited about the next James Cameron, James Horner collaberation?
Pieces like “Prelude to War” and “Passacalagia” are to me pieces of music that feel like they always have existed, I don’t want to imagine a time when they didn’t exist. It’s like, could you imagine a time when the “Psycho” cue didn’t exist or the “Star Wars” theme was just an idea John Williams’ was playing around in his head. It’s kind of like that with your music. I’m kind of in disbelief there was a time “Prelude to War” didn’t exist, shudder!!!
I know it’d be kind of annoying if every fan brought your attention to some of their favourite soundtracks, but with your interest in Jazz, I can’t resist. There’s this hidden gem of a score written by Elliot Goldenthal called “In Dreams”, which I just discovered (I’ haven’t seen the film yet). Listened to tracks on youtube, blew me away, after “Alien 3″ it’s perhaps his best. Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJdwr8P4Xw0 to check out Claire’s Nocturne, I keep seeing Cylon bayships flying around whenever I listen to it, and also go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mVWmYU-nEU&feature=related to hear Rubber Room Stomp to hear the most fantastic use of a Jazz instrument in with an orchestra I have ever heard. It’s used, more aggresively, in other parts of the score as well, as well as a dissonant electric guitar. Damn, I sound like an add, but it’s really a fantastic, unique score, something I feel could be of inspiration to you, it’s kind of personal and epic at the same time, and somewhere along the lines of “Alien 3″ but more experimental. Plus, “The Ruins”, is the best “Alien 3″ track that didn’t appear in “Alien 3″ :)
Hi Bear,
If you do make it to Belgium (or Europe) in the near future, more chocolates await you (and Raya).
Seeing as you might contact me in a couple of weeks about the film festival, I’ve set my sights on something else. On the website the public get to vote for their favorite soundtrack. They use all releases as given by IMDB, but they are not including TV (or in other words, I couldn’t find Caprica or BSG or you) to cast my vote.
That just seems wrong, as they link to another website (filmmusicsite.com) and they do have your releases on their website. Well, they had Caprica, but not yet season 4. That was remedied by a friendly mail to the editor-in-chief by yours truly and now BSG Season 4 is the first one on the page.
So I’m planning to try to contact the organisation and ask them about changing their policy and adding TV soundtracks. It is called World Soundtrack Awards, and not World Movie Soundtrack Awards so I don’t see why my arguements wouldn’t hold…
Anyhow, they might not go for it this year, but as the voting started beginning of July, BSG Season 4 might be eligable next year’s competition? If all your enthousiastic fans go and vote, you might end up with a very nice score, and who knows a prize?
So, I’ll keep you posted on my progress there, and it might be good to create some waves at the filmfestival prior to you contacting them.
Elin
Bellingham, Washington!?!?!
I’m a Michigan native myself, but my sister’s husband is from Seattle and we regularly visit Bellingham because their family owns some property on Lake Samish. A BEAUTIFUL place… probably going to end up living their one day.
I vote for a Seattle/Bellingham “Reunion” concert… a perfect excuse to visit my family and finally see a fraking awesome BSG Orchestra concert! Whoo!
Bear, I am quite excited that Apocalypse has great cello in it… I personally love the sound of the cello. It has such a versatile range of use, and its range is wonderful… such deep singing low notes but still works well up high. Of all the string instruments I really feel a lot of the time it is the most singing and lyrical.
BTW, is Tina a relatively new member of your ensemble? I don’t recall ever seeing any references to her during your blog entries in the series run. Although, admittedly you never prominently featured cello until now.
Hello, Bear!
Could you, please, answer some questions? (Hope you do!) Thanks a lot!
1)I know that ELEGY and DREILIDE THRACE’S SONATA Nº1 are different songs, but it’s not difficult to notice that they are melodically similar (once they were composed for the same episode, nearly together). Could we say that DREILIDE… is a, not better, but more developed version of ELEGY? I love both of them and I know that each of them has its own musical identity, but I can’t help thinking that ELEGY is kind of DREILIDE’s outline. What do you think about that? (once again, please, don’t take these comments as if I were criticizing ELEGY, I love it, love it, love it!)
2)You once said that Debussy and Ravel inspired the composition of BATTLESTAR SONATICA, but I do find that this particular song is not so similar to their work, although I love it to pieces! DREILIDE THRACE’S SONATA Nº1, though, keeps reminding me of Debussy, specially REVERIE, which I think you know, and also of Liszt. DREILIDE… is, to me, more modern than SONATICA, which I find more classical. What do you think about that?
3)Which composers would you say that influenced more the orchestral and symphonic pieces of BSG’s score? When I say orchestral and symphonic, I mean pieces like PASSACAGLIA, WORTHY OF SURVIVAL, REFUGEES RETURN and DIASPORA ORATORIO, you know, more classic. I ask that because, not only for remembering of Debussy while listening to DREILIDE…, I remember of Samuel Barber while listening to REFUGEES RETURN (I believe I’ve already pointed this out here in the blog) and it seems that THE DINNER PARTY and BATLESTAR OPERATICA weren’t even composed in this century.
Well, I think that’s it. Sorry for disturbing you. If it’s not a problem, in case you don’t answer my question in this post, I’ll ask them again later, ok, because it’s not all the great composers that answer their admirers’ questions and I’ll not miss this chance…
Dear Bear & Orchestra,
How was the concert? It was so great that words will fail to fully express how moved I was by the experience. I went on Friday night and wish I had gone every night. What an amazing amazing evening. I guess the thing that impressed me to most, aside from the soul-stirring performances and the technical prowess, was the absolute joy and enthusiasm that all the musicians displayed on that stage. Such prefect performances coupled with such soul and absolute humility! I was moved to tears at several points and got goose-bumps at other points. The setting was prefect and intimate and I felt deeply honored to be in your presence as well as the presence of the BSF cast. I loved how some of the cast — EJO and Michael Hogan, Michael Trucco — hung out downstairs with us non-VIP’s.
You showed so clearly that BSG was not just a gig, but truly a family-affair and a labor of love.
What a fantastic night!!!
I still cannot frakkin’ get over standing at the bar near EJO and Michael Hogan and watching them get shit-faced just as Adama and Tigh did together so many times. I had to contain myself from not spontaneously combusting from the sheer geek fever-dream coolness of it! HOLY MOTHER OF GOD AM I HERE SEEING THIS?
Thank you Bear. Thank you Orchestra.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
At my journey’s end, I am sure I’ll reflect on this night as one of my life’s peak moments. I am so very fortunate to have been there.
(I’ll end my review here before I weep from gratitude.)
K. Marcus Hartsfield
San Francisco
Vinicius-
I personally think (and Bear feel free to correct me) that Dreilide Thrace Sonata is intended to be a Debussy style piece…. and Battlestar Sonatica was more of a Beethoven Moonlight Sonata style piece.
I personally find Elegy to be massively different stylistically… but I find it very enjoyable to listen to!
You guys were awesome, I said it in the last thread, but you guys blew me away. If I would have know I would cry that much on Friday, I would have brought a box of tissue. There really aren’t words for it.
Still gonna get the tattoo (when I get money), I’ll email you the photo.
~Laney
Dear Bear,
I just wanted to thank you for staying in contact with your fanboys and -girls.
I really appreciate that you try to maintain our “composer-fanbase relationship” by giving us previews, personal impressions and lotta information, speaking especially of this long and very informative HOB entry.
And still you take the time to read through all the comments of your loyal worshipers and even reply to them – something which I dont take for granted in today’s times (I dont think that you’re famous enough yet to engage a ghost writer ;-)).
This is especially something outstanding when having in mind that you’re a busy busy composer who’s time schedule is probably more than full (well at least I hope for you that it is ;-)).
Best regards and thanks for the great music and blog,
Frive
Man, I so wish I cuold have been there! Sounds like you all had a fantastic night! I would LOVE to have it on BlueRay ;).
The interview was really cool, thanks Eddi!
I have a little off-topic question. The concert at the California Plaza in LA –wasn’t that the very location where the guys in the movie Fight Club destroy the corporate work of art (a huge metal ball)?
’cause that would be so cool! Considering the symbolism and the involvement of 2 musicians, Meat Loaf and Jared Leto, in the action, maybe it’s not too off-topic. ;)
Fabulous show, great pictures and interviews. I believe an all ages BSG concert would do well in the San Francisco bay area (at the Fillmore, Great American Music Hall or Warfield etc.)
I posted this in the entry too, but wanted to make sure you guys saw it:
UPDATE 8-6-09: The Season 4 album charted #195 on Billboard’s TOP 200! (#14 in soundtracks) That’s the first time any record of mine has cracked into Billboard’s rankings!
musicpaladin2007… “BTW, is Tina a relatively new member of your ensemble? I don’t recall ever seeing any references to her during your blog entries in the series run.”
Yes, the first time Tina and I ever worked together was at the California Plaza show in June. But, we got a long great and I think she’s a wonderful addition to the orchestra. I’m lucky to know so many outstanding cellists, because it’s such a beautiful instrument.
keytars_forever… “I have a little off-topic question. The concert at the California Plaza in LA –wasn’t that the very location where the guys in the movie Fight Club destroy the corporate work of art (a huge metal ball)?”
I’m trying to remember. It might actually be. If not, I know that plaza is right near there. Didn’t think about it until you mentioned it.
-Bear
Vinicius…
“1)I know that ELEGY and DREILIDE THRACE’S SONATA Nº1 are different songs, but it’s not difficult to notice that they are melodically similar (once they were composed for the same episode, nearly together). Could we say that DREILIDE… is a, not better, but more developed version of ELEGY? I love both of them and I know that each of them has its own musical identity, but I can’t help thinking that ELEGY is kind of DREILIDE’s outline. What do you think about that? (once again, please, don’t take these comments as if I were criticizing ELEGY, I love it, love it, love it!)”
They are absolutely related. In fact, the main theme is the same 6 note motive in both pieces, although it is harmonized in completely different contexts each time. Because “Elegy” was the beginning of the episode, I wanted it to sound like a sketch that would eventually lead Slick to writing the “Sonata.”
“2)You once said that Debussy and Ravel inspired the composition of BATTLESTAR SONATICA, but I do find that this particular song is not so similar to their work, although I love it to pieces! DREILIDE THRACE’S SONATA Nº1, though, keeps reminding me of Debussy, specially REVERIE, which I think you know, and also of Liszt. DREILIDE… is, to me, more modern than SONATICA, which I find more classical. What do you think about that?”
“Sonatica” has classical inspired movements in the beginning and the end. The middle section is much more modern, and that’s where I drew the Ravel inspiration. “Sonatica” is a bit of mish-mash actually, since the development section and the main theme are hardly related at all musically. It’s a nice piece, but “Dreilide” is far superior from a compositional standpoint. I’m not really familiar with Liszt’s music, but I’m sure the similarity is there.
“3)Which composers would you say that influenced more the orchestral and symphonic pieces of BSG’s score? When I say orchestral and symphonic, I mean pieces like PASSACAGLIA, WORTHY OF SURVIVAL, REFUGEES RETURN and DIASPORA ORATORIO, you know, more classic. I ask that because, not only for remembering of Debussy while listening to DREILIDE…, I remember of Samuel Barber while listening to REFUGEES RETURN (I believe I’ve already pointed this out here in the blog) and it seems that THE DINNER PARTY and BATLESTAR OPERATICA weren’t even composed in this century.”
Honestly, the composers who had the most direct influence were film composers: Ennio Morricone, Elmer Bernstein, Jerry Goldmisth, Bernard Herrmann. Debussy and Ravel are definitely big influences as well. It’s hard to narrow down your influences, because as an artist, you’re drawing from every piece of music you’ve ever heard in your life and hopefully adding some of yourself into the mix to create something new.
-Bear
Thanks a lot for answering, Bear. Sorry for taking your time. And thank you as well, “musicpaladin2007″. Now I know there are more qualified people to answer my questions. =)
You say that SONATICA is a bit of mish-mash and DREILIDE… is superior and I agree with you, but never forget it is a gorgeous song and it’s always a delight to hear it (melancholic, dark, sad…).
I really hope “Caprica”, once it’s a less action-packed series, to have more piano themes and songs. Your piano compositions are spectacular!
I know this post is about the HOB concerts and my questions had nothing to do with it, but that’s because I couldn’t be there, I’m from Brazil… Anyway, I like you even more now that I know you play accordion (my favourite instruments are the piano, which I play and the accordion, which I don’t =[ )
Wow, you and Brendan look so much alike! It’s like you’re twins… (You are not, are you?) Let him know that I love THE CYLON PRISONER, his vocal performance is outstanding, better than WATCHTOWER in my opinion.
I hope you guys may come to Brazil one day, it would be amazing (Brazilian audiences are THE BEST!). I believe BSG band is probably the only band that could perform in India, Africa, Ireland, Southern USA, Mid-East, Japan, China, Europe and not sound foreign at all.
Best regards to all the band!
If only I had known about the concerts before I signed up for weekend summer classes (it’s b-school, so missing a day is like throwing $800 into the fireplace). Whenever you next play SoCal or make it up to SF, I will do whatever it takes to attend.
In the meantime I will have to be satisfied with repeatedly listening to the amazing season 4 soundtrack. Thanks for six years of unmatched musical memories.
Somewhat off topic, but I had a kicking idea for an official Bear McCreary Blog bumper sticker…Bear, would you care if I designed it and made it available on Cafepress or something? Don’t want to infringe at all, hence why I am asking first. Take a look and let me know if it’s cool. Would also love feedback from others…funny, not so funny…would you buy one etc?
http://www.cafepress.com/cp/customize/product.aspx?clear=true&number=%20401242058
No big deal if the answer is negative. :)
Raz
Razgriz1138 – i *love* the bumper sticker and would totally buy one
I too love that bumper sticker… but minor nitpick haha… isn’t the Final Four theme in Db (or C#) Phrygian?
Everytime I come back to this site, A wave of emotion comes back to me, remembering friday night. Thanks Bear, thanks BSGO. Thanks cast and Crew of BS.
Can’t wait until next year !!
Going to get my fix of Taiko drums this weekend at Taiko Jam, in Little Tokyo, LA.
Looking forward to that DVD. is there a date announced ?
razgriz1138, love the bumper sticker!
Vinicius… “I hope you guys may come to Brazil one day,”
Yeah, us too! That would be AWESOME! I think the audiences there would love us. Is BSG big in Brazil?
razgriz1138… “Somewhat off topic, but I had a kicking idea for an official Bear McCreary Blog bumper sticker…Bear, would you care if I designed it and made it available on Cafepress or something?”
Hang tight actually. We’re really close to doing something very similar, since we’re about to get the MERCH section on the BSGO website going. You’re a mind reader, dude.
MusicPaladin2007… “I too love that bumper sticker… but minor nitpick haha… isn’t the Final Four theme in Db (or C#) Phrygian?”
Yeah, its most of the time in C#m, but I used in G sometimes too. :) Good catch.
JonnyHilly… “Going to get my fix of Taiko drums this weekend at Taiko Jam, in Little Tokyo, LA.”
What the hell is Taiko Jam? Sounds freakin’ AWESOME. I wanna go!
-Bear
“What the hell is Taiko Jam? Sounds freakin’ AWESOME. I wanna go! ”
Its a Taiko concert, as part of Taiko conference this week in LA. 4 groups from around the states are playing.
last concert is sunday aug 9th afternoon 3pm. google “taiko jam” and you’ll find the details :)
Went today, it was fun, good energy, But BSO has it beat !!
By the way… Bear… haha… just to clarify in case you were curious, my name on here (and other places too) is actually not a gamer Paladin from WoW or other games haha… it’s a name I came up with a couple years ago when I was still in undergrad getting my music degree… the Paladin is Furman University’s (in Greenville, SC) mascot… and my grad year is 2007 :-)
Which speaking of South Carolina but I was hopping around the ‘net and I was very surprised to find out that if I am not mistaken, your violinist Robbie Anderson is from here.
jonnyhilly… “Went today, it was fun, good energy, But BSO has it beat !!”
Well, I couldn’t make it out today. Bummer. Do they do it every year? I’ll definitely have to see it sometime soon. I wonder if the BSG Orchestra should PLAY at something like that?? That could be awesome!
Musicpaladin2007… “By the way… Bear… haha… just to clarify in case you were curious, my name on here (and other places too) is actually not a gamer Paladin from WoW or other games haha…”
I was starting to get curious about where your name came from. Thanks for filling us in. And yes, Robbie went to school there. Cool!
-Bear
“Well, I couldn’t make it out today. Bummer. Do they do it every year? I’ll definitely have to see it sometime soon. I wonder if the BSG Orchestra should PLAY at something like that?? That could be awesome!”
Its the first time we went but I think its bi-annual.
The music is more on the traditional side, taiko mixed with japanese instruments, and some other percussion also. All 4 groups had japanese flutes, and 2 others had various other percussion and Koto, one violin. None had Shamisen though. Many songs were drum only. ‘Roslin Escapes’ was similar to some of the performances. :)
They were selling some really nice hand made japanese flutes.
Hi Bear,
I’m not sure if this is the right place to leave a question, but perhaps someone else might be able to help me if you are too busy. By the way, it goes without saying (but I’ll say it anyway) that your music is extraordinary and has a high rotation in my daily listening activities (“Wayward Soldier” from BSG Season 3 is a particular favourite). I was just wondering if there was any possibility of a soundtrack release for “Razor” on the horizon? With all the hype surrounding the Season 4 release (which I can’t wait to get in the mail), it seems as though “Razor” has gotten buried. But there are some cool motifs in there that I’d like to have (Kendra Shaw’s theme, for example). Is there any information about this little gem?
In closing, I’ll just say that I know it would be a massive ask to get the BSG Orchestra over to Australia, but boy would that rock!! I don’t know who I’d have to frak to make that happen, but I’d do it! LOL.
Cheers,
James.
so i was watching tv this past friday night and eureka was on on syfy. i hadn’t watched it in the past, although i had heard good reviews…not to mention i knew you did the music for it, so i was moderately interested and sat down and watched an episode.
i forget what episode it was, something about a green blob attacking eureka, but i heard the faintest taiko drum beat during a moment of suspense. it made me happy to hear that familiar sound.
kudos.
and as for the actual show. pretty good…i plan to keep watching.
Bear,
I wish I wish I could have seen this show, you’ve got to post a video if you can of “Storming New Caprica” one of my favorites, how did you guys pull that off? It’s some of the most intense Percussion I have ever heard. Also can you tell us what page we can log into the BSG Orchestra site so we can get you guys to come to Colorado? I was on the site today but not sure if there is a complete section where we can chime in.
Hi James aka number7lives,
Bear has said on this blog that he’s planning release of the music for ‘Razor’, in combination with the music from the upcoming BSG film ‘The Plan’. So just hang in there a little while longer.
Hope this helped,
Skating_Lientje
Time for me to put in my 2 cubits. Please come to Phoenix!
Hi Skating_Lientje,
Awesome! Thanks for letting me know. I am new to this blog so I’m still making my way through all the topics and entries. After you mentioned that, though, I went and had a good look and, indeed, they are releasing a “Razor/The Plan” soundtrack later this year. Can’t wait. Thanks again for your help :)
Dear Mr. McCreary,
I just got your signed copy in the mail and I’m ripping it to my itunes as we speak. Can’t wait to listen to it in the gym tomorrow. Hopefully those beats will keep me apace and those gorgeous melodies will distract me from the pain and exhaustion!
By the way, thanks so much for scoring those extended and far superior versions. Mr. Moore’s “A Disquiet Follows My Soul” and Mr. Olmos’ “Islanded in a Stream of Stars” are so much better, as I saw them this last week.
I was hoping you could give we the fans anticipating “The Plan” some indication of what’s going on. Mr. Olmos promised us an extended version that is 2 hours and 6 minutes in addition to the aired version that shall be 88 minutes. However, I’m very worried since Universal’s recent press releases on the October 27th DVD make no mention of an extended version, which wouldn’t be able to fit on a single DVD anyway, in addition to the TV cut and special features.
Do you know what’s going on? Did you score the 2 hours and 6 minute version? Do you know when that will be released?
I can’t wait for the DVD and CD, I’m SO incredibly happy that I’ll be able to see these concerts, as despite my best efforts I just couldn’t make the trip. They look astounding, I hope that I’ll be able to attend a future concert.
If you come to Texas, Oklahoma, or any of the surrounding states, I will be at that concert. That is a FACT, as real as the fact that the sun shines.
lmao I love Edward James Olmos. They way he took over that interview was just so funny. What a legend.
Bear, you have epic conducting/playing/dancing hair! :D
OMG Live DVD/CD. I can’t wait :D
number7lives… “I was just wondering if there was any possibility of a soundtrack release for “Razor” on the horizon?”
I think someone already got to this for you, but yes, a “Razor” / “The Plan” album is in the works. We’re hoping January 2010. Oh, and we’d LOVE to come to Australia!
Quincy… “i forget what episode it was, something about a green blob attacking eureka, but i heard the faintest taiko drum beat during a moment of suspense. it made me happy to hear that familiar sound.”
Yeah, that was a fun episode! Last season (or last summer anyway) there was an episode about a mummy and ancient Egyptian bugs… and the score was basically a total parody of my BSG score: Chris Bleth on Duduk, MB Gordy on Dumbek, etc. Funny stuff.
Muldfeld… “By the way, thanks so much for scoring those extended and far superior versions. Mr. Moore’s “A Disquiet Follows My Soul” and Mr. Olmos’ “Islanded in a Stream of Stars” are so much better, as I saw them this last week.”
Those were interesting experiences. It was a lot of work, scoring the extra material and changed sequences, but I’m glad I took the time, because fans are really enjoying them. I must confess that I think the extended “Islanded” is superior in every way except one: ending the episode with Tigh and Adama sitting on the couch was a KNOCKOUT. While it was cool getting to see everyone making preparations and leaving the ship, it somehow wasn’t as powerful as watching these two old friends make the decision to leave. The rest was implied anyway. That’s my $.02 anyway.
Neowardog… “Bear, you have epic conducting/playing/dancing hair! :D”
Thanks!
-Bear
Yeah “I landed in a stream of stars” (I saw it that way once, and that’s how I always see it) suddenly has a flow and is a great episode in the extended version!
As for the concerts, I think it would break my heart if the BSG Orchestra came to Euroland, but too far away or at the wrong time for me to come. It’s almost one of my personal nightmares. It seems in the forums that everyone wants London, but Helsinki-Stockholm-Copenhagen-Tallinn would be more realistic options for us in Nordicland.
If not that many people turn up, you can always setup in my apartment. It’s small, but the living room is huge, and piss off Drunky McDrinkstoomuch who lives above us, and treats us to 4am raves (it’s a quiet family neighborhood so he’s out of place). The guy nextdoor plays blues guitar, and I’ve heard opera wafting in the stairway, so I think you’d have an audience just right here in this building..
But don’t let that offer sway you in any way. ;)
Hey Bear! Sorry, but I didn’t know where else to ask this.. I couldn’t find contact information easily for Chris or Eric through their sites.. and I was wondering which one of them played the whistle (it IS a whistle, right?) for the Adama theme most of the time. I thought it was Eric?
I’ve been dying to get my hands on a good one so I can play it on my own. I am just very curious if it was Chris or Eric who played it most of the time, and what type of whistle it was? Low D? I know very little about them, and feel very ignorant asking this question.. but i’m in love with that theme so much that it is pathetic.. and i just HAVE to be able to play it on my own. It’s like a life goal now. :)
Any help you can give me would make me eternally happy! Thanks! ~Michael
Husker75… “I was wondering which one of them played the whistle (it IS a whistle, right?) for the Adama theme most of the time. I thought it was Eric?”
Sorry I didn’t answer this sooner, this thread got buried. My bad.
It’s Eric that plays it most of the time, although Chris Bleth has played it as well. As for the type of whistle, we basically used every one he’s got at one point or another.
-Bear
[...] production began so they could play it back on set. I was in the final week of rehearsals for the Battlestar Galactica Orchestra concerts in San Diego, so the timing wasn’t exactly convenient. But, I could not resist the opportunity to compose an [...]
Hi Bear
What can I say, life for you must be extraordinary, to have something you created loved by so many must fill your every waking moment with joy.
I used to be a drummer, only mediocre, however Apocalypse from “The Plan” has inspired me to take up that other instrument I’ve long desired to learn, the Bass Guitar….. :)
so uhm…..where can I find the Tab for Apocalypse?
what’s the best bass for this piece Fretted or fretless?
cheers
Inspired
Daybreak… “so uhm…..where can I find the Tab for Apocalypse?”
Glad to be of some inspiration! Apocalypse is so easy on the bass that even I could play it. So, I don’t think you’ll have any problems. It’s literally two notes… the catch is that they are the D and C below the lowest note on a regular bass. So, you need to de-tune to DROP C or get a 5 string bass. But, fretted for sure. Enjoy rocking out!
-Bear
Hey .. when a tour in Europe? I reviewed yesterday Daybreak and BSG is a classic time can, working with the gang but also with the cessation of major sagas such as Lost, in short, you miss the geek ..