McKenzie's Musical Ministry
Review by Christopher Coleman

Composed and Produced by Mark McKenzie
Executive Producer: Douglass Fake
Performed by Northwest Sinfonia
Released by Intrada Records  December 2000

Composer Mark McKenzie has been mesmerizing me, along with quite a few other film music fans, for sometime now.  His surprising score to the Hallmark television special, Durango, in 1999, took me completely by surprise and since I've been able to attain a solid majority of McKenzie's work.  Without fail, Mark McKenzie is able to consistently deliver some of the most beautiful music to grace film or a soundtrack label.  Thankfully, director Karen Arthur and Intrada Records have recognized McKenzie's talents, once again, and given film music fans another opportunity to be ministered to by his music.

McKenzie's wonderful tradition of subtle, yet high quality composition continues with his latest effort entitled, The Lost Child.  This latest project is a made-for-television-film adapted from a novel by Yvette Melanson entitled, Looking for Lost Bird.  It is a simple story of identity, family, and heritage and one whose premise just begs for a McKenzie-type score to multiply the emotional content.  While it is difficult to call The Lost Child a unique, ground-breaking score, to say that The Lost Child is formulaic would be a serious misjudgment as well.  McKenzie certainly does utilize many of the elements that have made his scores so enticing, but with each successive effort he is able to develop a wonderful melody or two that sets the score apart from all the previous.

Despite a clear Native American tie, there are only subtle hints of Native American musical influence surface in tracks such as Aunt Mary's Wisdom (5), and in Weaving Vision (7) where the wood flute is employed to make the ancient connection.  Aside from these instances the score has more in common with the McKenzie's other dramatic scores.

Following the emotional storyline of the film, McKenzie's score is soft and unassuming, yet in only the way he seems to be able to accomplish, is striking in its wonder. There is but one cue that steps away from the more subtle, track 13, The Horse, which features a typical dose of spirited music.  Still, this bit of excitement only lasts for a minute or so and eases back once again before it concludes.

If you already have some of McKenzie's scores you'll see that once again, Intrada features this score in a familiar fashion.  The disc launches with a pleasing suite and then the main titles.  Both Durango and The Disappearance of Garcia Lorca, both Intrada releases, are produced in this manner and it works well to bring the listener an attention keeping presentation. The recording is good for the most part. Unfortunately, about two-thirds through the opening suite there are a few annoying "pops"  that mar the experience. The included liner notes are adequate with short blurbs from both the film's director and composer (see below).  

For those who are in love with the more subtle and beautiful side of film music, The Lost Child is one soundtrack to add to the collection and in short order.  Fans of Mark McKenzie will certainly not be disappointed by his latest effort.

A Note from the Composer

THE LOST CHILD is a true story of a Native American woman who discovers unconditional love, a nurturing spiritual heritage, and a father's affirmation.  The story powerfully conveys the strength that comes from a loving, emotionally and spiritually connected family.  My goal was to compose melodic, pastoral, emotional and beautiful music to support the drama of THE LOST CHILD.  There are numerous solos with harp, cello, piano, classical guitar, flute, oboe, and clarinet; often with underlying muted strings.  The Indian ethnic music is subtle, yet present in the wood flute playing the mother's weaving theme (track 7). 

-- Mark McKenzie

 

Track Listing and Ratings

	Track	Title	Time	Rating
	1	The Lost Child Orchestral Suite	4:27	****
	2	Adopted into a New Family (Main Titles)	2:52	****
	3	Kinaalda Celebration	2:08	****
	4	A Lost Bird is Found	1:37	****
	5	Aunt Mary's Wisdom	3:48	****
	6	Rejection	3:24	***
	7	Weaving Vision	1:32	*****
	8	Yazzi's Embrace	1:18	****
	9	The Land Reminds Us to Praise Our God	1:35	***
	10	A Hug and a New Home	1:11	****
	11	Please Don't Get a Divorce	3:13	***
	12	Mom's Funeral	3:33	****
	13	The Horse	2:09	****
	14	You're the Love of My Life	1:25	***
	15	Birthday Wish	1:11	***
	16	Beck's Finds Strength of Purpose	2:20	****
	17	Dancing Transformation	2:34	****
	18	Early Morning Prayer/ End Credits	1:31	****
		Total Running Time	43:05

* dialogue |     Real Audio Clip

Referenced Reviews:  
Durango | The Disappearance of Garcia Lorca | Dragonheart: A New Beginning