Medicine Man

Medicine Man represents the creative zenith of Jerry Goldsmith's often erratic efforts to fuse electronics and symphonics -- buoyed by its exotic percussion and Caribbean-inspired rhythms, the music also boosts a sweeping romanticism courtesy of the National Philharmonic Orchestra's lush performance. Goldsmith employs his electronics to vivid cinematic effect, capturing the mystery and elemental power of the film's tropical rain forest milieu via precipitation-like tones that evoke everything from light drizzle to torrential downpours. No less effective are Medicine Man's human elements, in particular its lively evocation of the romance between the film's leads. The end result is one of Goldsmith's most purely entertaining efforts, and a wonderful listen even when removed from its proper cinematic context. ~ Jason Ankeny