Star Trek: The Next Generation is a classic show. Rated by many to be one of the greatest TV shows of all time, The Next Generation represents one of the high points for a decades old franchise that has captured the imagination of millions. The fine folks of at La La Land Records have taken it upon themselves to do this series justice by releasing a three disc collection of some of the best and under represented music from the show.
The set focuses on the work of Dennis McCarthy and Jay Chattaway, each getting their own disc showcasing some of the best music they wrote for the show. The third disc, then, takes us through some of the better guest composers during the show’s run, with episodes scored by Fred Steiner, Don Davis and John Debney.
Most of what appears on this disc has never before been released, and honestly it is about time McCarthy and Chattaway got their due. Chattaway has been a Trek TV staple, writing music for some of the best episodes of The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. In fact, Chattaway is responsible for writing what may be the most poignant music ever to appear in a Trek TV series. Often referred to as the episode with Picard an a flute, The Inner Light was a high water mark for intelligent, though-provoking and emotionally moving sci-fi story telling, and the emotional core of the episode was Chattaway’s score. The music for this episode is one of the pleasures of this set, almost brining me to tears during the lullaby track, very moving stuff.
