A review by JAMES SOUTHALL

She may not be a household name, but director Martha Coolidge has made several fine movies, having the good sense to work with composer Elmer Bernstein on three occasions - Rambling Rose, Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (a rare excursion into television for the composer) and, in between, Lost in Yonkers, based on Neil Simon's play about a 1940s New York father who sends his two sons to live with their grandmother while he goes about trying to find some work, and their dealings with their extended family (including an uncle, played by Richard Dreyfuss, who happens to be a gangster).  Not particularly successful but very highly-regarded by those who saw it, it inspired a slightly eclectic but very impressive score from the veteran composer.

He deftly blends the comedic and dramatic elements of the story, somehow coming up with a surprisingly cohesive whole.  The album opens with "Beginnings", a delightfully catchy piece of laid back big band music which is difficult to get out of your head after you've heard it.  The theme does return from time to time, but generally in a more traditionally orchestral guise; the jazz comes back in another incredibly catchy piece, "Street Walk".  Elsewhere, Bernstein does a grand job with the more dramatic moments, with "Bad Day" being one of his trademark beautiful pieces, and "Bella Speaks" features those wonderful shimmering strings full of such beautiful clarity that the sound could break any heart.  "Communications" takes it even further, a track full of anguish and tragedy.

Bernstein takes the listener on a clearly-defined musical journey from the broad comedy strokes of the opening to the more dramatic second half of the album, finally returning to where it all began with the lovely "Endings".  This is a superior score - Bernstein's deftness of touch and uncanny knack of writing heartwarming music is present throughout.  Barely anyone seems to have heard it, but the Varese Sarabande album is still available for those who hunt it down, and this is highly recommended.  (On a personal note, I must report that I was once present in Yonkers myself - remarkably, I didn't get lost.)

Tracks

1. Beginnings (3:19)
2. The Candy Store (1:25)
3. Street Walk (1:18)
4. Meeting Grandma (1:20)
5. Train (1:36)
6. Harry (2:00)
7. The Boys (3:04)
8. Campfire (1:07)
9. Bad Day (2:05)
10. Bella Speaks (2:53)
11. Communications (4:16)
12. Leaving Yonkers (1:43)
13. Endings (5:57)