MWSA Music Review

In the Shadow of the Blade

Various artists

Arrowhead Film and Video

Website: www.intheshadowoftheblade.com

Reviewer: Bill McDonald – President of the MWSA

SOUNDTRACK MUSIC CD FROM “In The Shadow Of The Blade”

You will not hear a better selection of music that sets a tone of both healing and celebration all on one CD. Patrick Fries (Film maker) put together a great collection of both original and traditional music from his award winning film. Not only did he select great songs and musical pieces but he also added edited voice introductions from the movie to each song so that the CD is more than just a musical experience but complete emotional adventure.

“In The Shadow Of The Blade” movie soundtrack covers almost every music genre from rock and roll, blues, country, folk, Native American, to even old gospel. The best song on the CD, if one must choose just one as the best—is the theme song written and performed by Rodney C. Riley. His word really capture the spirit of this movie and his music will stay with you long after you have listened to it.

The old Irish ballad “I’ll Take You Home Again, Kathleen” will move you to tears as it is interlaced with voice over edits of the those involved in the story.

The selection “Medicine Man” has a very well placed poetic introduction followed by some very strong upbeat music. This is just one of the many brilliant editing jobs that Fries has used to create a moving journey of the heart and the mind throughout this CD.

This is by the best music CD soundtrack since “The Sound of Music”. I actually think it is better! This CD captures the Vietnam experience better than anyone has ever done before with film or music or though written words.

This CD receives the MWSA highest rating of 5 STARS.