Mark McKenzie - Durango [Original Score] (CD)

All Music Guide

After so many recent soundtracks that shamelessly ape Celtic traditions and sensibilities (this means you, James Horner), one has every right to be wary approaching the similarly Irishinfluenced Durango, but Mark McKenzie's score travels far beyond the average Riverdancetype pastiche to capture the true beauty and mysticism of the Emerald Isle. McKenzie seems to channel the authentic spirit of Irish musicno dilettante, he weaves a series of memorable, richly appointed themes that seem ideally matched to the whistles, pan pipes and drums that lend the melodies such a ring of authenticity, and unlike Horner, these Irish instruments never seem draped across the music like cheap costume jewelry. McKenzie also proves adept in a number of stylistic veins, composing bold orchestral themes and light, intimate jigs with equal aplomb. Dismissing Durango as little more than a runofthemill telefilm score is a mistake.

- Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide