The Composer Chris 'Cast

2025 marked the 50th Anniversary of the American classic film Jaws. The Anniversary was marked by a re-release in theaters, with minor adjustments to the audio (perhaps restoration of the film prints as well?). I share my thoughts on the re-release, and also why this movie has been my favorite for so long and how it has improved in my mind over the years. 

(The music clips used are not mine, and used for educational and informational purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the copyright act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All rights go to the respective owners.)

As someone who quite literally grew up with Star Wars, I was delighted to learn that Episode III Revenge of the Sith would be making a 20 year anniversary return to the big screen. Of course, I've seen it many times on television/DVD/streaming during those 20 years, and I was surprised at the experience I had seeing it in the theater once again. 

This episode is my reflection on seeing the film again, how it contributes to the greater story arc of Star Wars, and simply being a fanboy for a few minutes! 

(The music clips used are not mine, and used for educational and informational purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the copyright act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All rights go to the respective owners.)

It was after hearing the John Williams score for the Spielberg film HOOK that I decided to try composing. Even though it's not my favorite film score (or even my favorite Williams score) it will always have a special place in my heart. Here to discuss this often forgotten musical gem with me is Russell Powell, fellow composer and former composition student of mine that shares a similar affection for the score. 

Russell's Website: https://www.powellmusictulsa.com
Russell's Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/russell-powell

Click to order HOOK - THE ULTIMATE EDITION from La-La Land Records

(The music clips used are not mine, and used for educational and informational purposes only. Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the copyright act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All rights go to the respective owners.)

This episode is very different from recent episodes! Guest Ryan Lennon joins me to talk about religious “deconstruction,” a term that has been bouncing around recently in evangelical circles. What is deconstruction? Is it a good thing? Why is it a scary term to some? We also briefly discuss the Amazon Prime docuseries “Shiny Happy People.” 

Ryan Lennon grew up in Evangelicalism and obtained Master’s Degrees from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in New Testament Studies and Old Testament Studies. He currently works in sales selling cybersecurity software to businesses, and he and his wife Jenny live in Cary, NC with their two year old daughter, Cami, and their six year old Golden Retriever, Barney. They have been attending a local Episcopalian church for the past several months, and this is the faith tradition they feel most at home in. Follow him on Twitter @ryanjslennon.

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I'm back after a hiatus! In this first episode back I wanted to share a bit about my favorite film score, and why it is my favorite. But before that, I need to unveil my “Mt. Rushmore” of film composers! Thank you for listening! 

(The music clips used are not mine, and used for educational and informational purposes only.)

Philosopher and author Dr. Travis Dickinson joins me to talk about his new book Logic and the Way of Jesus. Are faith and reason complementary? What does it mean to think critically? Is it dangerous to doubt your faith? We discuss these and more.

Dr. Dickinson serves as Professor of Philosophy at Dallas Baptist University, and is active as a speaker for conferences, camps and church events.Travis and I previously taught together for several years, and I am proud to call him a friend!

Visit Dr. Dickinson's Website 

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In this episode I talk to my old friend Chris O'Hara about the news of John Williams stepping away from film music. Chris and I went to junior high and high school together, and we've always shared a mutual admiration of Williams and his music. In fact, we both pursued careers in music largely because of his influence on our younger selves. 

Chris O'Hara is a professional trumpet player, music educator and doctoral student at the University of Illinois (Urbana/Champaign); you can learn more about him and hear recordings on his website. 

This episode I am joined by PhD philosophy of religion student Nathan Montgomery. Nathan and I met several years ago in Texas, and have enjoyed talking about various subjects over the years. We have a mutual interest in the intersection of art and faith, and Nathan will be sharing some of his thoughts on how literature and stories work in the formation of virtue. 

Nathan has studied philosophy with Dr. Paul Gould (Palm Beach Atlantic University) and Dr. Ross Inman (Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary). His dissertation will further explore the relationship of literature and virtue.

You can find some of Nathan's writings on film and television at Art and the Kingdom. 

In this episode, I talk about one of my newest works for concert band, Hope and a New Dawn (Grade 3/3.5). I discuss the long road it took to writing this piece, and share some thoughts in my decision-making when it came to writing the melodic material. 

Be sure to listen until the end, as there is a performance recording of Hope and a New Dawn, with myself conducting the Arlington Heights Community Concert Band (Arlington Heights, IL)! 

For more info on this piece, including ordering info, click here. 

Thank you for listening! 

In this third episode, I have my first guest! Dr. Mark Janzen joins me to talk about archaeology and christianity. Dr. Janzen is a published author, professor, and archaeologist (but, as he has reminded me several times, no fedora or whip). Mark discusses some of his work in the field, his writings, and shares some insights into how archaeological research and discoveries have supported the historicity of the Bible. 

You can find Dr. Janzen's latest book, Five Views on the Exodus, by clicking here. 

We also give a shoutout to Dr. Travis Dickinson of Dallas Baptist University, and his new book Logic and the Way of Jesus, which you can find by clicking here.