Kyle Eastwood, along with his quintet and the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, directed by Gast Waltzing, present a unique musical journey in their latest album ‘Eastwood Symphonic’, a tribute to the cinematic legacy of Kyle’s father, Clint Eastwood.
Embracing the Eastwood Legacy
For some musicians, having a famous parent like Clint Eastwood might lead them to change their name to avoid accusations of nepotism. However, Kyle Eastwood has always embraced his father’s influence on his career, using it as a source of inspiration. With nine albums under his belt, it’s evident that Kyle’s talent and hard work have propelled him to where he is today.
In ‘Eastwood Symphonic’, Kyle takes music from his father’s vast cinematic repertoire, both as an actor and director, and infuses it with a jazz twist, celebrating his family’s legacy in the process.
The Album Lineup
Joining Kyle Eastwood’s quintet on this album are Andrew McCormack (keyboard), Brandon Allen (saxophone), Quentin Collins (trumpet), and Chris Higginbottom (drums). The Czech National Symphony Orchestra, led by Gast Waltzing, provides an expansive tonal palette to reinterpret twelve well-known tunes.
Refreshing the Classics
While some bands and musicians might ‘go orchestral’ as a gimmick, in ‘Eastwood Symphonic’ it feels like a natural progression of Kyle’s composing skills, which have been showcased in his contributions to Clint Eastwood’s films such as ‘Gran Torino’ and ‘Letters from Iwo Jima’. The combination of a quintet and an orchestra gives Kyle the opportunity to be expansive while staying true to his jazz roots.
Album Highlights and Impressions
From the opening track ‘Overture’, which sets the cinematic tone, to the reimagining of Lalo Schifrin’s ‘Magnum Force’, the album offers a mix of styles and moods. The reinterpretation of Ennio Morricone’s themes from ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’ adds a fresh layer of jazz improvisation while respecting the original composition.
Arguably, the standout track is the ‘Dirty Harry’ theme, which features Kyle’s groovy electric bass and the horns pumping out the iconic anti-hero’s theme. Overall, ‘Eastwood Symphonic’ is an enjoyable album, showcasing the quintet’s talents and paying homage to Clint Eastwood’s illustrious career.
Release Details
‘Eastwood Symphonic’ will be released on September 1, 2023, available on CD, double vinyl album, and all major streaming and download services, including Dolby Atmos. A special 40-page book and 10-inch vinyl disc featuring a bonus track and a conversation between Clint and Kyle about the impact of music on filmmaking will also be released, along with a documentary film produced by ARTE.
