The Jayhawkers

Treat for Jerome Moross fans! World premiere of complete soundtrack to Melvin Frank western with Fess Parker, Jeff Chandler, Henry Silva. Known for his western film music, Moross scored just three such pictures of importance: The Big Country, The Jayhawkers, The Proud Rebel. The famous first score is a robust Americana classic, the lesser-known third score is a brooding, psychological effort.

The Jayhawkers combines the composer's finest outdoor Americana vernacular with an abundance of rhythmic action, then adds a degree of intensity, making it more than just a "Little Brother" to his famed signature score. While the story of a violent takeover attempt of Kansas is dark, the music interestingly remains profuse with major key fanfares, exciting French horn melodies, and lively rhythms.

The CD is presented with vibrant sound from original 3-channel stereo masters vaulted in a reasonably good condition at Paramount Pictures, albeit a couple of brief cues were available only in mono. Many cues standout but the rousing "Seal and Main Title" sure earns a spotlight! Far too little music from this sensational composer is available, much less in stereo. This exciting CD helps to fill that void! Frank DeWald offers insights to this intense picture and its music. Joe Sikoryak creates a great 50's-style package. Jerome Moross conducts.