On this radio program I chatted recently with composer Bill Marx. Bill shares sentimental stories about his father, Harpo Marx, as well as Groucho. We discuss Bill's schooling and early jazz music, and his film scores including cult horror movies from the 1970s for American International; Count Yorga Vampire, Deathmaster, Scream Blacula Scream, and Act of Vengeance. We also hear his later solo piano music which is quite lovely.
We watched "Scream Blacula Scream" this past Halloween, and I looked up Bill Marx. I had never heard of him, and did not know that Harpo had a son who scored films.
Thanks for the reply! No, sadly, none of it has been released on CD. Twilight Time's Count Yorga blu-ray featured an isolated score. We play some rare tracks from his archive on this show. Hope you enjoy.
Thanks for the reply! No, sadly, none of it has been released on CD. Twilight Time's Count Yorga blu-ray featured an isolated score. We play some rare tracks from his archive on this show. Hope you enjoy.
Tim
That was an excellent interview, and I really enjoyed the music. I loved his re-harmonization of "Pennies from Heaven."
So did the AIP and other film tracks you played come from his personal collection? Has there been any attempt to release this stuff, or are there rights issues? I for one would love the "Scream Blacula Scream" soundtrack, or even a compilation of highlights from those AIP films.
That was a delightfully well produced interview. The Yorgas and Scream Blacula Scream scared the beejuzus out of me as a kid, and undoubtedly Mr. Marx played no small part in that.
Thanks for the reply! No, sadly, none of it has been released on CD. Twilight Time's Count Yorga blu-ray featured an isolated score. We play some rare tracks from his archive on this show. Hope you enjoy.
Tim
That was an excellent interview, and I really enjoyed the music. I loved his re-harmonization of "Pennies from Heaven."
So did the AIP and other film tracks you played come from his personal collection? Has there been any attempt to release this stuff, or are there rights issues? I for one would love the "Scream Blacula Scream" soundtrack, or even a compilation of highlights from those AIP films.
Thank you! I loved "Pennies from Heaven" how the piano rained down from above at the start and he is talking about Harpo up there, then how it tinkles away up again at the end, seemed like a fine 'note' to end things on.
That was a delightfully well produced interview. The Yorgas and Scream Blacula Scream scared the beejuzus out of me as a kid, and undoubtedly Mr. Marx played no small part in that.
Thanks so much! It was quite a story to tell, from an old Victrola recording at 2 yrs old to the horror themes and beyond.
All Bill has of Scream Blacula Scream was in the program. In fact it appears much of his music was replaced by other music in the final film, but not sure which music was by who.
I always loved Yorga as being different from most horror movie music, more 'modern' in tone and it intrigued me as a young film music fan. To get to this point with my inquiry and to get to know the sweet man behind the music was a real treasure for me.
