Black & White Bites
piano, vaudeville, silent film, Ragtime (3ING-077)
The production music industry is deeply connected to film and television. And though the history of film goes back further than that of the pioneers of library music, the music associated with the Silent Film Era was arguably more essential to storytelling than modern productions. Pre-dating the synchronization of audio and visuals or music supervisors, silent movies relied heavily on piano accompaniment to propel the narrative without the aid of dialogue. The historical sounds of these piano compositions are instantly recognizable with jangly pianos and jaunty melodies, holding as much weight as their onscreen or on stage partners. So let’s bring the past into the present and see what shenanigans ensue.
On Black & White Bites (3ING-077) we’re bringing back the melodramatic, plucky fun, and energy of the early silver screen. From the sounds of Ragtime to Western saloons, composers Sam Ecoff and Philippe Bronchtein each contributed memorable piano tracks that faithfully replicate the styles found in early 20th century entertainment. Going a step beyond (as we often do), most of the tracks on this album are presented with multiple options. The tracks labeled “vintage” are sonically treated to sound aged and era-authentic, easily dropping into historical drama scenes or documentary films. There are “clean jangle” mixes that de-age the recording, making them sound like old pianos were recorded with modern techniques. And then the “modern” piano sounds that serve as a clean option for multiple uses or custom treatments of your own.
Take a trip back in time with “Dastardly Deeds.” The dark and ominous piano rumblings conjure images of villains with capes and curlique moustaches, tying up innocent bystanders and leaving them on train tracks. In stark contrast we have the bright, vibrant “Glad Rags Charles L Harding,” a public domain song courtesy of the composer Charles L Harding. With the blessing of the composer's heir and host of the Switched-On Pop podcast Charlie Harding, we’ve recreated this gem and brought new life to the extremely catchy and playful tune.
While we strived for authenticity on this record, the applications of Black & White Bites go far beyond vaudeville acts and silent films. The slapstick and overly dramatic nature of the music lends itself to cartoons and quirky commercials or ads for baby/toddler products. Many of the tracks also work for scenes in circus or amusement parks, haunted or otherwise. There’s no denying the lasting influence that actors like Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, or the Marx Brothers have had on cinema. And the musical styles that accompanied their antics and artistry are no less impactful today as they were 100 years ago.
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