California-based composer, producer, and musician Chuck Johnson approaches his work with an ear towards finding faults and instabilities that might reveal latent beauty, with a focus on pedal steel guitar, experimental electronics, alternate tuning systems, and composing for film and television. Recordings of his work have been published by VDSQ, Thrill Jockey, Temporary Residence, Kompakt, Ghostly, and Three Lobed, among others. Johnson’s credits as a film composer include scores for the HBO film Private Violence and the popular television series Somewhere South and A Chef’s Life.
Burden of Proof (Opening Titles/Interrogation)
Burden Of Proof (HBO) follows the disappearance of Jennifer Pandos and the almost forty year search for answers that follows. Directed by Cynthia Hill for HBO and soundtracked by Johnson’s curious mixture of mournful, hopeful, and adventurous arrangements. Electrified organ arpeggios jitter across the main theme, making way for sorrowful strings speaking of trepidation and revelations.
Music from the Burden of Proof
The subject matter of Chuck Johnson’s latest record is a heavy one; the music found within is suspenseful yet shimmering. Burden Of Proof follows the disappearance of Jennifer Pandos and the almost forty year search for answers that follows, directed by Cynthia Hill for HBO and soundtracked by Johnson’s curious mixture of mournful, hopeful, and adventurous arrangements.
Shadows on the Green
“The initial ‘Music From Burden of Proof’ album was conceived and set into motion before a broadcast date for the HBO series had been finalized. And, consistent with the way the series evolved over the years, there were last minute changes to the story and to the final edit of the show that resulted in some new music being added. The most notable example of this is the “Closing” cue.”