‘Where life had no value, and death sometimes had its price. That is why bounty hunters appeared.’
For decades, the Italian, or Spaghetti Western, has entertained and thrilled cinema audiences all over the world. Its distinct style, as well as its inventive musical scores, has influenced and inspired actors, filmmakers, and composers. It is a genre that is still enjoyed today by many. This unusual but entertaining ensemble of films influenced not just the western film as we knew it, but also had a lasting effect on many other movies. Some of which were produced long after Italian westerns had ridden off into the proverbial sunset of cinema history.
On today’s episode, join Jason Drury and special guest Italian Western music expert John Mansell as they uncover the musical delights of this quirky but important collection of sagebrush sagas. The unique musical sounds crafted by the composers you will hear go largely unnoticed and underappreciated today.
Enjoy!
John Mansell’s book, ITALIAN WESTERN: VIOLENT IMAGE, SAVAGE SOUNDTRACK – THE MUSIC OF SPAGHETTI WESTERNS is available now on Amazon. To obtain a copy, press HERE!
Enjoy!
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Wonderful episode by Jason Drury and author Jon Mansel on the Spaghetti Westerns. I was just reminded of the term “Spaghetti Westerns,” a term coined by, as Christopher Fraying puts it, “a pejorative term coined by American critics”, more or less saying they are contemptible, and the term stuck. Well for me, they were never contemptible or disapproving and yes, I do like to eat spaghetti. They brought new life into a genre that was dying in Hollywood. Alfred Newman, although a fine composer, could never have written a score like Once Upon A Time In the West like Ennio Morricone did, IMO. Great episode, thank you, gentlemen. James Alexander. PLEASE, SIR CAN WE HAVE SOME MORE?