Composer Jeff Martin‘s original score is showcased throughout ART & COPY the new documentary directed by Doug Pray (Hype!, Surfwise) which makes its world premiere this week as one of the 16 selected films in the U.S. Documentary Competition at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.
“Awhile ago, I had the opportunity to use a track that Jeff Martin wrote for a short film project I was directing. It was so evocative and beautiful in the way that it worked with the imagery I was editing, that I knew I wanted to work with him again in the future. It took three very different films and five years for us to finally reconnect, but the instant my editor and I began testing the images of ‘ART & COPY’ against Jeff’s compositions, it clicked, and I knew he was the right choice for this project. Not for just a few tracks here and there — for the whole movie. Other than the fact that his music is gorgeous, very human (even the electronic tracks feel acoustic), and can’t be pinned down to any particular genre, it’s difficult to explain why it works so well. I just know that it has the immediate effect of putting the viewers mind exactly where I want them to be. A state of thoughtfulness that takes my subject’s quotes to a deeper level, but with original rhythms that continually move you forward. Some of it is ethereal, some is very driving, but all of it works for me in the context of ‘ART & COPY.’ Jeff is a brilliant writer and he’s given this film an incredibly distinctive signature sound. I’m grateful for his contributions.” – Doug Pray, January 2009
Jeff Martin has been releasing music for more than 15 years now with indie rock band Idaho and for all intents and purposes, Idaho is Jeff Martin. A lot has happened since Idaho formed in a Los Angeles garage in 1992. They have both shaped and survived the Slo-Core movement, and toured the world too many times to remember. They have endured three Presidential administrations, three record labels, and countless lineup changes. Idaho has won critical acclaim everywhere from Melody Maker (‘Astonishing and timeless’) to CMJ (‘Awe-inspiring’) to France’s prestigious Liberation newspaper (which named the band’s 2000 release Hearts of Palm one of its Top Five records of the year).
Between stints as show composer for THE DAYS (ABC) and INCONCEIVABLE (NBC) Jeff was able to put the finishing touches on Idaho‘s most recent studio release, The Lone Gunman.
As describing The Lone Gunman, music critics have spoken:
• “…here he advances an advanced, almost Eno-esque esoterica that would lend itself brilliantly to a movie score.” – Jack Rabid, The Big Takeover
• “Always intriguing and absorbing, Idaho continues to entertain and mesmerize.” Highly recommended. (Rating: 5+++) – Babysue
• “…preludes of Chopin and the mythical Kid A by Radiohead.” – L’Optimum, Paris
Art & Copy is produced by Art & Industry and The One Club.
Jeff Martin is represented by Halfpipe Entertainment.
