I Love You Too Much The Book of Life (2014) is a visually stunning tribute to Mexican culture and the traditions of Día de los Muertos. Produced by Guillermo del Toro, the film uses a striking “wooden doll” animation style, giving the characters the charm […]

Embers I originally wrote this piece for a foreign language film titled Broken Noons, directed by Guillermo Vasquez and shot in Spain. I’ve always been proud of the work I did for that project, so I’ve recently been re-recording and releasing those tracks. “Embers” is […]

Your hand, a map of oceans This piece is about the uncertain, sometimes turbulent path of a new beginning. We often forget that personal progress is fueled by the very growth that only change can deliver. Sometimes, that means stepping out of your comfort zone […]

Hermano, by Tom Farrell “Hermano,” is a beautiful and lesser-known Spanish guitar piece featured in the 2012 Will Ferrell comedy, Casa de mi Padre. It’s a fantastic fingerstyle piece that sounds complex but is surprisingly accessible for intermediate guitarists. The original composition was performed by […]

ALIEN EARTH Alien Earth is an incredible series on FX. I didn’t have high hopes — given all the misses with the franchise. However, Noah Hawley (Fargo) has the created a masterpiece. [No spoilers] Episode 1 is a little wonky, but every episode afterward is […]

Zambita Zambita is pretty little tune by Gustavo Santaolalla from the critically acclaimed film, The Motorcycle Diaries (2004). This instrumental track perfectly encapsulates the spirit of youthful adventure, self-discovery, and the vast, breathtaking landscapes of South America. Santaolalla, a two-time Academy Award winner for Best […]

Chichina Directed by Walter Salles, The Motorcycle Diaries 2004 is a biographical drama that chronicles the transformative road trip taken by a young Ernesto Guevara and his friend Alberto, across South America in 1952. The iconic soundtrack is from Gustavo Santaolalla. His song “Chichina” serves […]

Lima Lima is one of my favorite tracks from Gustavo Santaolalla’s The Motorcycle Diaries soundtrack. Rather than his usual minimalist approach, Lima really displays Santaolalla’s guitar prowess. I had an opportunity to see Gustavo Santaolalla play live in Pittsburgh (in 2013) with his band Bajofondo. Rather […]

Mathilde I wrote this piece well over a decade ago. I had already been a guitar player (and teacher) since my early teenage years — but only began experimenting with fingerstyle composition in my mid-30’s. It’s is actually the first “fingerstyle song” I ever wrote. […]

The Last of Us Part II Gustavo Santaolalla’s score for “The Last of Us Part II” deepens the game’s harrowing, emotional landscape. The title theme is played on some type of guitar-banjo (played as an actual 6 string guitar). We can also see elements of […]

Lait Alejandro González Iñárritu’s “Biutiful” is a searing exploration of the human condition, and mortality. Starring Javier Bardem (in an incredible performance) the film delves into the complexities of a man struggling to reconcile his personal demons — with the immense challenges of living on […]

Beyond Desolation Gustavo Santaolalla’s haunting and evocative score for The Last of Us Part II — exemplifies his mastery of cinematic sound. His melodies accompany Ellie’s journey, with a signature blend of traditional Latin American instruments and modern electronic sounds. The music perfectly captures the […]