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Lucky Number Slevin (Slevin is a man’s name) stars Josh Hartnett (“Wicker Park”) and Bruce Willis (“16 Blocks”) in a murder mystery. Willis is Slevin, whose luck seems to be running out. He comes to New York City to visit a friend, only to find the friend is missing and a gangster mistakes Slevin for the friend. Lucy Liu is there to help Hartnett out of a jam, while two crime bosses (Ben Kingsley and Morgan Freeman) are planning mayhem.

Composer J. Ralph has put together an easy-listening soundtrack that is reminiscent of a film noir soundtrack/Henry Mancini’s Pink Panther theme/and Isaac Hayes and Shaft. The second track, “It All Starts With A Horse” sets the mood with percussion and a taste of 1950’s film music. “Bad Things In Threes,” track six, uses marimba to great effect (think Lionel Hampton) and guitar with the fun of the Pink Panther lurking in the background. Track 19, “Kansas City Shuffle,” is played by the composer and combines hip-hop with the flavor of Shaft, using muted trumpet and guitar. 

Lucky Number Slevin’s” soundtrack begins with flute interlude that was too short. I could have listened to more. The soundtrack was conducted using an orchestra and recorded at St. Thomas Chapel in Seattle, WA. Mix is good. 

Track eight, “Slevin Arrives,” sets the tone for this character. “Meet The Rabbi,” track nine, on the other hand is performed by solo piano in a classical vein and hesitant style almost like a music box. Track ten, “Chess Match” uses high-pitched bells, keyboard and double bass. The style of this selection reminds one of “The Third Man Theme” from the old Joseph Cotton film. Track eleven, on the other hand (and one of the longer selections on the CD) “Restaurant Date,” uses organ (Hammond, I believe) and bass to produce a mellow piano bar-type music, highly listen able. “After Laughter Comes Tears”, track 13, has vocals by Wendy Rene. This is a blues piece with lyrics of  “…after your laughter, a little biddy tear will come into your eye.”

Lucky Number Slevin is an engaging soundtrack, highlighting the talents of composer J. Ralph. Though there is an orchestra here, the composer utilizes keyboard, guitar and strings. There is a refreshing sound to this music that runs the gamut from a touch of classical (“Meet The Rabbi”) to film noir to New Age (“In Dreams, Perhaps” by O Yuki Conjugate) to the appealing “Kansas City Shuffle.”  J. Ralph has found a musical niche.

Copyright 2006 Marie Asner
Submitted 3/21/06