Jazz Composer Terence Blanchard Took Cues From The Cast For His Oscar-Nominated 'Da 5 Bloods' Score

 

"Jazz composer Terence Blanchard’s work on Spike Lee's Da 5 Bloods is nominated for Best Original Score at the Oscars. The film follows four Black Vietnam War veterans returning to the country to chase old ghosts and a stashed cache of gold. Otis, Melvin, Paul, Eddy and Paul's son, David, are all named after the five members of The Temptations. Blanchard’s score accompanies the vets into the jungle with snare drums, trumpets and the dignity of a “Masterpiece Theater” special on war. The Grammy-winning composer has either played on or scored Lee’s films for decades. Blanchard says he wanted to show gratitude and pay homage to the sacrifice Black soldiers made during the war."--Here & Now