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Thematic Compositions

I composed several thematic reflections to underscore the spirituality of VOICES (currently in pre-production) & evoke the sense of romance inherent everywhere in the South. These sequences are meant to mirror the emotional waters of Tanner, Katie & Savannah's souls.

Interlude -- Tybee Island Romance - Falling in love

"Interlude" is from happy times at the beginning of the film, when every moment in Tanner and Katie's world was as perfect as love can be. Deliberately light-hearted it is meant to establish the uninterrupted music in their young hearts.

Dueling Pianos -- Home in Texas' Wide Open Spaces

While Katie is a Savannah girl at heart, she is willing to follow Tanner to the end of the earth. So shortly after their marriage, she gladly moves with him to his Texas home town. As children of the South, their differing state roots never become a bone of contention. Quite the contrary, their genuine love and affection for one another is so soulful nothing in creation can separate them. Even when Tanner takes to riding the rails to catch a story and "feel more a part of the land", Katie's spirit interminably envelopes him. In a few words, their individual distinctions only bring them closer to one another with every breath.

"Dueling Pianos" attempts to convey Tanner's love of motion and the guiding spirit, left unspoken, that moves him to find his center when on the road -- Katie.

Savannah Bound -- Compelled to Love and Listen

Tanner used every excuse possible to catch a Texas train. Whether to chase a story or simply find solace in motion, he was most at home experiencing the sense of freedom and adventure that came from riding the rails. After Katie dies in his arms, he is prompted by his innate love of roaming to aimlessly wander onto the Heartland Flyer. In a trance of disbelief and loss, he gets off at a remote station and follows the noise of a small town summer fair. Attempting to lose himself in the crowd, Tanner aches to the point of breaking to find in space what he never imagined he would lose in time.

Elements of the summoning nature of "Savannah Bound" appear later in the film. But here, at this unbearably painful moment in time, besides the ambience of carnival rides and simple people having fun, Tanner hears Katie calling, "Tanner, go home. Go home to Savannah." Of course, it will be a long while before he figures out what this means. But then, Tanner's gut-wrenching journey is what makes VOICES so compelling. His painful transition from losing "once-in-a-lifetime" love is universal.

Voices -- Tanner's Inward Flight to Savannah Lane

I originally composed "Voices" as a background melody. When Tanner finally returns to Savannah, he instinctively proceeds to the Tybee Island cottage he and Katie loved so well during their college days. Seaside, the accompanying bird cries and marine sounds cause a rush of beautiful memories. If this sequence evokes a feel for the genteel heartbeat and romantic pulse of the South, Tanner's unquenchable longing for Katie and yearning to understand what he hears, as well as the tides of his life ebbing and flowing through, with, in and around him, we may use it in the film. Otherwise, it may remain as an emotional signpost for a more talented composer.

STAR HARBOR ANIMATION produces STAR ISLAND adventure series

Star Harbor Animation is developing a line of children's clothing, comic books, graphics novels, music and storybook CD's, a series of video games and a 13-episode television pilot of its STAR ISLAND adventure series.