My first real introduction to jazz was probably listening to theme shows in the early 1970s. One of my favorites was the theme from The Bob Newhart Show called, “Home to Emily.” It was nominally written by the series co-creator Lorenzo Music. It’s a pretty enough tune. But it is actually what film composer Patrick Williams did with it in terms of arranging and producing the song. I just love the sound of it.
When I was in college, I really wanted to start a band that could play like this. But even if I had those kind of organizational skills, I would have had no business playing in it.
For years I’ve been trying to find out what kind of jazz that Bob Newhart would listen to. I love “Home to Emily” but want more like that. Any ideas?
thanks!
Ha! I was just watching a couple of episodes from the last season and they changed the arrangement and it was really… meh. So I really think it’s that arrangement that does it. One person worth checking out is Mike Post. He wrote the theme for Hill Street Blues and a lot more. I like his stuff a lot. Another composer I like a lot, but who is different, is Howard Shore. As far as I’m concerned, he’s the best movie composer of the last several decades. Few film composers write things I will listen to apart from the films.
My recommendation is to check back here every year and maybe someone better than me will respond!