Finding Fusion

Ah yes, Miles Davis and Sean Connery, together for the first time. The soundtrack album for Finding Forrester, a new Sean Connery flick, draws heavily upon the work of Miles Davis’ second great quintet and his electrified funk ensemble of the early seventies. The album opens with the almost nineteen-minute-long “Recollections” (from The Complete Bitches Brew Sessions) and also includes a remix of “In a Silent Way” (from Bill Laswell’s tribute to Miles, Panthalassa). The album also features tracks from Ornette Coleman’s brief Columbia Records period in the early seventies and pieces from the film’s score by Bill Frisell.

Directed by Gus Van Sant, the man who brought you Drugstore Cowboy and Good Will Hunting, Finding Forrester tells the story of a young black youth in the inner city whose dreams of becoming a serious writer are at odds with his dreams of becoming a basketball star. Connery plays the eccentric recluse writer who takes on the youth as a protege.

The soundtrack album will be available in stores December 26th. The movie is set to open on 150-200 screens on Christmas Day.

Originally Published December 22, 2000