Intrada Soundtrack Forum

I've had a chance to listen to the upcoming CD of THE ENFORCER and had to say a few words about this great release. First, a hearty thank you to Lalo Schifrin, who was clearly under no obligation to release this on his Aleph label. That label is really for his own music, so it was generous of him to release this.

This score seemed the odd man out, as it was the only Dirty Harry score not composed by Schifrin, but Fielding's 70s jazz (most notably heard in "Rooftop Chase") fits perfectly into the Dirty Harry sound Schifrin created. The "Main Title" will please fans of Fielding's SCORPIO score, and the rhythmic "Harry's World," with its bass and low piano is just plain addicting. There's also plenty of Fielding's trademark, edgy, dissonant, gritty 70s sound as well, and the score wraps up with the rather powerful "Elegy for Inspector Moore."

The score in the film is sparse, which is reflected in the relatively short running time of the disc. But one is not left wanting more when this is over -- it plays as an excellent listening experience. To top if off, the recording is crisp and vibrant, allowing the listener to hear every detail.

Bravo all around!

Roger

Thanks for the early review, Roger... I've been waiting for quite a while with great anticipation for this one. "The Enforcer" has always been my personal favorite of the Dirty Harry scores (though the original and "Magnum Force" are certainly superb), and I can't even begin to count the number of times I've watched the "Rooftop Chase" scene in the film just to hear that awesome cue. Can't wait to finally hear the score in all it's glory!

Back at ya later

Wow, that is cool news. I had not even noticed that Aleph has released this before you mentioned it here.

It's pretty cool to think we're in a period where we can not only enjoy soundtracks once totally ignored by bigger labels but find composers supporting them as well - even when they're written by someone else!
--Doug

In the ScoreReviews.com thread of hte composer, I posted a link to sound clips that are alreayd up at ScreenArchives.com

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Oh, I want this release. Reading this review was sheer torture.

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I think the tie in between Schifrin and Fielding was the work that both of them did with Eastwood, who seemed comfortable with the talents of both composers. Fielding also did The Outlaw Jose Wales, The Gauntlet, and Escape from Alcatraz. While not a great film in the series (IMHO) the style of Fielding fit the 1970's Callahan movie well. Great solo performers in their own right such as Pepper, both Lang's, and Shank as well as arranging by Niehaus make this a good one to have in the collection. Track #8 Tiffany's Number Eleven is a good cue and one that I would put on a compilation of jazz numbers done in films.
Tom

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Where did you find this?

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WE HAVE COME TO VISIT YOU IN PEACE AND WITH GOOD WILL.

Not officially out until June 23rd I believe, but I was able to pick it up at a used CD shop a couple weeks ago as well. I have not listened to ths whole score just yet (catching up on other purchases first, LOL) but I from what I have heard thus far I am enjoying the score.

Yeah, I hate to admit it, but it was in my local used bin as well - I haven't been following things too closely, but saw it and thought, well hey I'll take that! Don't see Fielding in stores too much these days. An early shipment must have gotten out or something? I think Roger summed up this one pretty well - short, sweet, to the point (and I must add nice to see the players listed as well).