Composer Rick Reeve's score for the LDS film "Day of Defense" is an interesting listen, even for those unfamiliar with the film. The film follows the fictional case of LDS missionaries defending their right to proselytize in a community with strict laws against such activity. This is Reeve's first significant effort in composing a film score. The CD has eight vocal selections and a large number of selected score movements, numbering 20 tracks in all.

The eight vocal songs are a mix of uptempo rockers and slower ballads, and all have good production values. Sam Cardon even lent his hand on one of them. The singers are all decent, and the musicianship is pretty good. A few highlights:

"Keep On Movin'" is a fun piece that is highly suggestive of a piece one would expect from Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband. Small wonder, as Shupe provides the fiddle in the soundtrack.
The Golden Voices Baptist Choir sings two tracks, and both are good examples of traditional black gospel, which typically feature a soloist with a harmonious and often loud choir "holy-rolling" in the background. They perform "This Little Light of Mine" and "Amazing Grace" just fine.

"Leave a Light On" is a ballad that essentially asks to leave the light on, even though one is working late, alluding to the late hours of the attorneys involved in the movie's fictional case.

All twelve of the score tracks are interesting, with good titles that help explain the action one should associate with the movement. Without seeing the film, it appears that Reeve successfully communicated through his music what he was trying to convey.

For example, "Mrs. Bryant's Rage" is a piece that starts out as if something might come close to blowing up, but ends on a softer note, as if she somehow came to a more forgiving stance.
The guitar version of "Amazing Grace" done for the score is noteworthy for its musicianship. Very well done. The liner notes don't note which of the album's three guitarists performed it, but my money is on Rich Dixon, who has a superb track record as a studio musician.

"Kim's Strut" is a hilarious camp and must have provided for some of the film's comic relief. It was obvious the character this movement accompanied had to have dressed up in some slightly inappropriate way that called a little too much attention to herself.

It's a shame the film didn't do better in the theatres, nor did it receive a lot of favorable reviews. I don't feel the music should have been blamed, as it was in one unflattering review. I suspect there were enough other elements wrong with the film that overshadowed the good work Reeve did accomplish. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying this is the most spectacular work I've ever heard. However, it would be cruel to say that Reeve can't compose. He can and did. Here's hoping his next project enjoys more success all the way around.

Should you buy the album? Sure. It would be best, though, if you're the kind who enjoys soundtracks to begin with.

------------------------
Dacia A. Blodgett-Williams

1. Keep on Movin' - Performed by Ty Perry
2. This Little Light of Mine - Performed by Golden Voices Baptist Choir
3. Stand for Something - Performed by Justin Utley
4. Running - Performed by April Meservy
5. Leave a Light On - Performed by Kimberly Summers
6. Amazing Grace - Performed by Golden Voices Baptist Choir
7. A Little More - Performed by Justin Utley
8. Day of Defense - Performed by Randy Porter

Selections from the score
9. First Move
10. Burke's Vision
11. Trouble in Sweetwater County
12. Trial of Friendship
13. Mrs. Bryant's Rage
14. Church in Marysville
15. Kim's Strut
16. The Prosecution Rests
17. Amazing Grace
18. Davis Speaks Up
19. Missionaries Testify
20. Closing Statements / Case Closed