By Patrick Luce Sep 12, 2006, 21:26 GMT
Academy Award-nominated composer John Debney scores the animated film ‘Everyone's Hero,’ opening September 15 from 20th Century Fox. The soundtrack album is now available on Columbia/Sony.
Along with Debney's original score, the soundtrack features a song performed by American Idol finalist Paris Bennett. Originally entitled "Yankee Irving," the project had been under the direction of Christopher Reeve but was completed by director Colin Brady upon Reeve's passing. The story of a young boy on a 1000-mile journey to help the New York Yankees win the World Series, "Everyone's Hero" features an all-star cast including the voices of Whoopi Goldberg, Brian Dennehy and William H. Macy, as well as the voice of Reeve's late wife, Dana.
"It is a poignant story, both on and off-screen," says Debney, "And it was my honor to be part of Christopher Reeve's vision."
Debney's ever-expanding repertoire speaks loudly for his talent as a composer. This year alone, his contributions include elaborate full orchestral scores for ‘Chicken Little’ ‘The Ant Bully’ and ‘Barnyard,’ and a jazzy, ragtime inspired score for OutKast's musical ‘Idlewild,’ featuring world famous trumpeter Arturo Sandoval. Another recent collaboration, with superstar violinist Joshua Bell, produced an elegant and heartfelt score for ‘Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story.’ His upcoming projects include ‘Evan Almighty,’ starring Steve Carell and Morgan Freeman, and ‘Sin City 2.’
In addition to scoring films, Debney launched "The Passion Symphony," based on his Oscar-nominated score from ‘The Passion of the Christ.’ The concert, with over 200 musicians, premiered in Rome where it received critical acclaim. Subsequent U.S. dates have included a Los Angeles concert to benefit The American Red Cross' Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
This summer, Debney performed in Spain for the Ubeda International Film Music Conference. Last year, Debney, although only in his 40s, was honored with ASCAP's Henry Mancini Lifetime Achievement Award.
‘Everyone’s Hero’ soundtrack includes:John Ondrasik - "The Best" Brooks & Dunn - "Keep On Swinging" Tyrone Wells - "Dream Like New York" Chris Botti featuring Lyle Lovett - "Chicago (That Toddling Town)" Jon Randall and Jessi Alexander - "The Best Day Of My Life" Raven-Symone - "Keep Your Eye On The Ball" Wyclef Jean featuring Kontrast - "What You Do" Brooks & Dunn - "Swing It" Lonestar - "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" Mary Chapin-Carpenter - "The Bug" John Debney featuring Paris Bennett - "The Tigers" John Debney - "Yankee At Bat"
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