A block from Piccadily Circus, in the pulsating heart of central London, lies the Pepsi Trocadero and its' seven storey IMAX cinema. For eight quid you can escape the chaotic city and spend fourty-three mesmerizing minutes at the foot of Chomolungma, engulfed by swirling snow and hospitable melodies.
While nothing can match the visual experience of the IMAX film, the haunting soundtrack is, nonetheless, a soothing and deserving companion. George doesn't actually perform on this CD, however his music is everywhere, threading it's way through the 12 tracks, like so much climbers rope.
The opening track, The Journey Begins, is my favourite. A drifting solo vocal, performed by a member of the Chaksam-pa Tibetan Dance and Opera Company, gives way to chanting Gaden-Shartse monks and a flute rendition of All Things Must Pass. The familiar sound of Uilleann Pipes, (Gaelic bagpipes heard in Titanic), is but one of many unique instruments making an appearance on this soundtrack. The second half of the opening track features an inspired version of This is Love, and accompanies a fantastic bike-riding sequence in the IMAX film.
The Himalaya, the second track, incorporates portions of George's 1981 hit What is Life, and is performed by the Northwest Sinfonia in Seattle.
The third, fourth, sixth and seventh tracks, Chorten Monuments, Khumba Icefall, The Blizzard, The Spirit Returns, were written by Steve Wood and Daniel May. These are the only tracks not to feature George's music, they do however include wonderful sequences of Uilleann Pipes, chanting monks and drifting solo vocals.
The Trek, the fifth number weaves Life Itself, Give Me Love, and All Things Must Pass. However it is this latter track which, more than any other, provides the underlying theme for the entire soundtrack. All Things Must Pass forms the musical anchor, to which Wood and May pin their compositions. Rememberance and The Final Climb, the eighth and ninth tracks, are two more examples.
Chomolungma, is the Tibetan name for Mt. Everest (meaning Mother Goddess of the Earth) and is also the title of the tenth number. A reprise of Life Itself and a teaser for the finale: Here Comes the Sun.
Sagamartha (Nepalese for Mt. Everest) claimed the lives of eight climbers on May 10, 1996. The film crew was caught in the middle of the diaster and played a vital role in the rescue of one climber. The aftermath of the experience was captured on film and their subsequent summit of Everest, on May 23, was made all the more poignant.
A crisp, acoustic rendition of Here Comes the Sun brightens the mood and is a highlight of the soundtrack. The song is performed in the film, with a vocal by George, but not, I'm sorry to say, on the CD. Nevertheless it a great version and it features a mandolin as well, although the credits don't appear to mention it. The final track, Jamling's Mountain Dream, is very brief and completes our journey by returning us to the beginning. The circle is complete.
The film combines some of my favourite music with what I consider to be the most special place on earth. I highly recommend both the IMAX experience and the soundtrack.
Review Summary
Title: Everest
Artist: Steve Wood and Daniel May
Catalogue Number: Ark 21 10026