Music from the Movies
by Andrew Keech

LION OF THE AMERICAS is a beautifully filmed, made-for-television film about the lovable, but highly dangerous big cats.  The score for this production comes from Alan Williams who has previously produced some stunning score for nature films in the IMAX format, such as ISLAND OF THE SHARKS and AMAZON.  Alan Williams' score for this television production is beguiling and captivating.  A big cat's life is ninety-eight percent thoughtful contemplation and relaxation and two percent action, and so it is with Alan Williams' music.  He has composed some wonderful, wistful and gentle music built around outstanding themes for wind instruments (recorder, alto flute and oboe).  These themes, coupled with the native style percussion, give not only a vague ethnic feel, but also an overwhelming sense of mystery and majesty.  The raw power of the lion surfaces in "Cat Attacks," "Wolves" and "On the Move", but most of the cues are wonderful melancholy portrayals of a wild creature living with and against the elements, with atmospheric drums and moody woodwind.  Both the "Main Title" and closing cue are superb tracks with the flute giving a slight Gaelic flavor to the insistent drums.  LION OF THE AMERICAS is great example of Alan Williams' music and demonstrates the care and depth with which approaches every project.  For those that enjoyed AMAZON and his previous scores this will give another facet to a growing and enjoyable collection of scores.  Certainly recommended.