John Du Prez

Last updated

John Du Prez
Birth nameTrevor Jones
Born (1946-12-14) 14 December 1946 (age 77)
Sheffield, England
Genres Film, classical, pop, salsa
Occupation(s)Composer, musician, conductor
Instrument(s) Trumpet

John Du Prez (born Trevor Jones; 14 December 1946) is a British musician, conductor and composer. He was a member of the 1980s salsa-driven pop band Modern Romance and has since written several film scores including Oxford Blues (1984), Once Bitten , [1] Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990), and the final Carry On film, Carry On Columbus (1992). He contributed to The Wild (2006) soundtrack. [2] [3]

Contents

He is also known for his extensive collaborations with Monty Python, having worked on several films and shows by members of the troupe, including composing, conducting, and arranging for Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979), Time Bandits (1981), Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (both 1982), Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983), A Private Function (1984), A Fish Called Wanda (1988), The Wind in the Willows (1996), Spamalot (2004), Not the Messiah (He's a Very Naughty Boy) (2010), and Monty Python Live (Mostly) (2014). For his work on Spamalot, which ran 1,575 performances on Broadway, he was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Original Score.

Early life and education

Du Prez was born in Sheffield, England. He received his MA (Oxon), B.Mus., ARCM, and was a Trevelyan Scholar at Christ Church, Oxford. In 1976 he joined the staff of the University of London's music department before becoming a full-time composer. He would then begin a 30-year working relationship with Eric Idle. [4]

Career

Du Prez has often worked with Eric Idle for the music for Monty Python, most notably the score for Monty Python's The Meaning of Life as well as with John Cleese on A Fish Called Wanda . He acted as music arranger on the Terry Jones film Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979) and on the Terry Gilliam film Time Bandits (1981), and he also co-wrote the music for the stage musical Spamalot , as well as the music and the intro theme of the British series Captain Star . In 1986, Du Prez contributed songs to the soundtrack of the Madonna and Sean Penn movie Shanghai Surprise : "The Hottest Gong in Town" and "Zig-Zag" (both sung by the film's executive producer George Harrison). [5] [6]

The adoption of the name John Du Prez was to avoid confusion with the South African film composer Trevor Jones. [7] He is probably best known as the trumpet and horn player in the 1980s Pop group Modern Romance, who had a string of Top 40 hits from 1981 to 1983, and made many guest appearances on TV shows such as the BBC programme Top of the Pops . [3]

John Du Prez has also scored various films including the Rob Lowe vehicle Oxford Blues (1984), the Comedy film A Private Function (1984), the Jim Carrey horror comedy Once Bitten (1985), and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies; his piece of music – or Suite – Shredder's Suite is taken from the soundtrack to the first of the three films, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990). [8] He recently contributed to the soundtrack of the animated film The Wild (2006). [3]

Modern Romance (1981–83)

Du Prez joined Modern Romance during the early 1980s and remained with them throughout their most successful years. He appeared on their debut album Adventures in Clubland (1981) and on two further albums: Trick of the Light (1983) and Party Tonight (1983). He is probably best remembered as playing the trumpet solo on the Modern Romance cover version of "Cherry Pink (and Apple Blossom White)" which made the UK top twenty in 1982. The B-side to "Cherry Pink ..." was dedicated to Du Prez, a (nearly) instrumental track titled "Who Is John Du Prez?". Modern Romance scored seven further Top Forty hits before disbanding in 1985, including "Best Years of Our Lives" which reached number four on the UK Singles Chart and later featured in the movie Shrek . The other members of Modern Romance included Geoff Deane (lead vocalist), Paul Gendler (guitarist), David Jaymes (bass player, vocals), Robbie Jaymes (keyboard player), Andy Kriacou (drummer), and Michael J. Mullins (lead vocalist). [9] [10]

Modern Romance toured extensively throughout the early 1980s – including the UK, Europe, the Far East, and Venezuela – and were awarded several Gold Discs for their efforts. Their album, Adventures in Clubland, hit the number one spot – and went Gold – in South America, and produced three UK hits ("Everybody Salsa" number 12, "Ay Ay Ay Ay Moosey" number 10, and "Queen of the Rapping Scene (Nothing Ever Goes the Way You Plan') number 37. The single "Can You Move" also peaked at number two on the US Dance chart. Following a change in lead vocalist – from Geoff Deane to Michael J. Mullins – Modern Romance enjoyed what would be their watershed year, 1983. They made a significant dent in the UK chart with the following singles: "Best Years of Our Lives", "High Life", "Don't Stop That Crazy Rhythm", "Walking in the Rain", and "Good Friday". Two albums – a studio album and a Christmas compilation – also made the UK Albums Chart that year: Trick of the Light and Party Tonight. Du Prez's trumpets and horns featured on nearly every track, from the party songs "Best Years of Our Lives" and "High Life" to the salsa tunes "Everybody Salsa" and "Ay Ay Ay Ay Moosey" to the band's bluesy and soulful ballads such as "Walking in the Rain". He also played on the band's cover version of "Band of Gold" (1983). Du Prez left Modern Romance before they called it quits in 1985, but his trumpets sounds could be heard on their farewell single, "Best Mix of Our Lives" (1985), their last chart entry. [11] [12] [13]

Du Prez can be found – with the other band members – on the cover of the Trick of the Light , which was featured in the Taschen Book 1000 Record Covers. [14] The book presents a selection of the best vinyl cover art from the 1960s to the 1990s, and from a cross section of music genres. From a recording and production standpoint, the bulk of Modern Romance's music was produced by Tony Visconti; they were signed by the record labels WEA and Ronco. [15] Du Prez and Modern Romance performed their hit single, "High Life", on the Russell Harty Television Show in 1983, with Cleo Rocos as backing vocalist. [12]

In 2006, Du Prez featured on the Warner CD Modern Romance: The Platinum Collection, a compilation featuring the best of Modern Romance. [16]

Selected filmography (composer)

Monty Python's The Meaning of Life (1983)

A long-time friend of Eric Idle, Du Prez composed the score for Monty Python's The Meaning of Life in 1983, while still a member of Modern Romance. The film stars John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Graham Chapman, Idle, and Michael Palin. It is directed by – and also features – Terry Jones. Du Prez also contributed as composer. [17] [18]

Oxford Blues (1984)

Du Prez composed the score for this 1980s remake of A Yank at Oxford (1938). Oxford Blues (1984) was an early project for Rob Lowe, a teen drama which also featured Cary Elwes, Michael Gough, Chad Lowe, Amanda Pays, Julian Sands and Ally Sheedy. [19]

A Private Function (1984)

A Private Function (1984) marks another team-up with Michael Palin. This comedy – the score composed by Du Prez – also stars Alan Bennett, Denholm Elliott, Pete Postlethwaite and Maggie Smith. Du Prez also contributes as conductor. [20]

Once Bitten (1985)

The film was an early vehicle for Jim Carrey, Karen Kopins and Lauren Hutton. Once Bitten (1985) is a mixture of the horror film and the comedy. It also features Cleavon Little. Du Prez is score composer. [20]

A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

Featuring some of the Monty Python cast, A Fish Called Wanda (1988) included John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline and Michael Palin. This is a British comedy for which Du Prez wrote the score. [21] [22]

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1 – 3 (1990–93)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) is an action, adventure and comedy – based on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic book. Du Prez composed the score for the movie, whilst Corey Feldman, Judith Hoag, Elias Koteas, David Warner and other actors provided the voices or played live-action roles. Du Prez also provided the score for the sequels, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III , and his song – That's Your Consciousness – can be found on the second film's soundtrack. [21] [23]

Carry On Columbus (1992)

Carry On Columbus (1992) is a landmark in film, in that it is the final chapter in the Carry On films. Du Prez composed the score for this comedy which stars Julian Clary, Bernard Cribbins, Jim Dale, Maureen Lipman, Rik Mayall, Leslie Phillips, Nigel Planer, Alexei Sayle, and June Whitfield. [20] [24]

Fascination (2004)

Fascination (2004) is an American mystery thriller starring Jacqueline Bisset, Adam Garcia, and James Naughton. Du Prez composed the score for the film and would work once more with Modern Romance member, David Jaymes, who acted as music supervisor, having since ventured into the management side of the business. [25] [26] [27]

Discography

Albums (with Modern Romance)

Singles (with Modern Romance)

Singles (as solo artist)

Composer (scores)

Writer (soundtracks)

Conductor

Music producer

Music arranger

Actor

Screenwriter

Self

Awards and accolades

Related Research Articles

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, commonly abbreviated as TMNT, is a media franchise created by the comic book artists Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. It follows Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo, four anthropomorphic turtle brothers trained in ninjutsu who fight evil in New York City. Supporting characters include the turtles' sensei, a rat called Splinter, their human friends April O'Neil and Casey Jones, and enemies such as Baxter Stockman, Krang, and their archenemy, the Shredder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eric Idle</span> British comedian, actor and writer (born 1943)

Eric Idle is an English actor, comedian, songwriter, musician, screenwriter and playwright. He was a member of the British comedy group Monty Python and the parody rock band the Rutles. Idle studied at Pembroke College, Cambridge, and joined Cambridge University Footlights. He reached stardom when he co-created and acted in the sketch series Monty Python's Flying Circus (1969–1974) and the films Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Life of Brian (1979) and The Meaning of Life (1983) with John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Graham Chapman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">April O'Neil</span> Fictional character in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe

April O'Neil is a fictional character from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics. She is the first human ally of the Ninja Turtles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Modern Romance (band)</span> British pop band

Modern Romance is a British pop music band that found popularity in the early 1980s. Formed in 1980 by previous members of an earlier group, the Leyton Buzzards, the band achieved a string of UK chart hits before the original group broke up in 1985. Andy Kyriacou reformed the band in 1999 who continue to perform the group's music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ay Ay Ay Ay Moosey</span> 1981 single by Modern Romance

"Ay Ay Ay Ay Moosey" is a single by UK band Modern Romance. It was their second UK chart entry in 1981, reaching No. 10. It was released as a 7-inch single and 12-inch single by WEA. It was also released in Germany, Japan and the Netherlands and was produced by David Jaymes Geoff Deane, and Norman Mighell.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a superhero team created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, have appeared in seven theatrical feature-length films since their debut. The first film was released in 1990, at the height of the franchise's popularity. Despite mixed reviews from critics, it was a commercial success that garnered two direct sequels, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze in 1991 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III in 1993, both of which were modest successes.

<i>Trick of the Light</i> (album) 1983 studio album by Modern Romance

Trick of the Light is the second album by English band Modern Romance. It was released in 1983 on LP and Cassette tape by WEA. A Japanese reissue on CD was released, but is long out of print. There was a European re-release in 2018 as a 24 bit remastered, expanded edition with 4 extra tracks.

<i>Party Tonight</i> 1983 compilation album by Modern Romance

Party Tonight is the third album by English band Modern Romance. It is a compilation album released in 1983 on LP and Cassette tape by Ronco. A Japanese reissue on LP was released, titled Juanita, but is long out of print.

Michael J. Mullins is an English lead vocalist, backing singer and songwriter, best known as the lead singer of salsa band Modern Romance (1982–85). Modern Romance achieved eight top 40 singles and two hit albums. After the band called it quits in 1985, Mullins continued working within the music industry, most notably as a backing singer for Cliff Richard. He can be seen singing with Cliff Richard live on Top of the Pops and on the Christmas number one single "Mistletoe and Wine" (1988). Mullins has since performed with Alan Parsons as part of The Alan Parsons Project.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Best Years of Our Lives (song)</span> 1982 single by Modern Romance

"Best Years of Our Lives" is a song recorded by English band Modern Romance. It was released in October 1982 as a 7-inch single and 12-inch single by WEA. A Japanese and German edition was also released.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">High Life (song)</span> 1983 single by Modern Romance

"High Life" is a Top 10 single from UK band Modern Romance. It was released in 1983 by WEA as a 7-inch picture disc and a 12-inch single. A Japanese and German edition was also released.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Stop That Crazy Rhythm</span> 1983 single by Modern Romance

"Don't Stop That Crazy Rhythm" is a Top 20 single from UK band Modern Romance. It was released in 1983 as a 7-inch single, 7-inch picture disc, and 12-inch single by WEA. German and Spanish versions were also released.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Walking in the Rain (Modern Romance song)</span> 1983 single by Modern Romance

"Walking in the Rain" is a Top 10 single and an uncharacteristic ballad from UK salsa music band Modern Romance. It was released in 1983 as a 7-inch single and 12-inch single by WEA. A Japanese version was also released.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Good Friday (song)</span> 1983 single by Modern Romance

"Good Friday" is a 1983 song by Modern Romance. It was taken from their album Party Tonight.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Best Mix of Our Lives</span> 1985 single by Modern Romance

"Best Mix of Our Lives" is a song by English band Modern Romance. It was released in 1985 as a 7-inch and 12-inch single by WEA. The track is a mix of their biggest hits, and was the last single before the band split. It reached No. 81 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Everybody Salsa</span> 1981 single by Modern Romance

"Everybody Salsa" is a song by British band Modern Romance, released as a 7-inch and 12-inch single by WEA in 1981. It was also released in the United States, Benelux, Germany, France, Italy and Mexico. The song was produced by David Jaymes, Geoff Deane and Norman Mighell. It was their first entry into the charts, reaching No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 19 on the Irish Singles Chart.

David Jaymes is an English musician and songwriter best known as the founder member of the Leyton Buzzards (1976–1980) and the multi-hit salsa band Modern Romance (1980–1985). He now works in Music Management and Consultancy.

<i>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</i> (2014 film) 2014 superhero film directed by Jonathan Liebesman

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a 2014 American superhero film based on the characters of the same name created by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman. Directed by Jonathan Liebesman and written by Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, and Evan Daugherty, it is a reboot of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film series. The film stars Megan Fox, Will Arnett, William Fichtner, Danny Woodburn, Abby Elliott, Noel Fisher, Jeremy Howard, Pete Ploszek, and Alan Ritchson, with the voices of Johnny Knoxville and Tony Shalhoub. In the film, four mutated reptilian warriors rise from the sewers to join forces with fearless reporter April O'Neil to save New York City from the Shredder and his evil minions.

<i>The Fairly Incomplete & Rather Badly Illustrated Monty Python Song Book</i>

The Fairly Incomplete & Rather Badly Illustrated Monty Python Song Book is a compendium of songs by Monty Python, released in 1994 on the occasion of their 25th anniversary. The book contains the lyrics and musical scores for songs from the group's Flying Circus TV series, albums and films. Also included are "The Ferret Song" and "Rhubarb Tart Song", which originate from I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again before appearing on At Last The 1948 Show. The musical scores were edited by regular Python collaborator, John Du Prez.

References

  1. ↑ Maslin, Janet (15 November 1985). "Once Bitten (1985) FILM: 'ONCE BITTEN,' VAMPIRE HUMOR".
  2. ↑ Du Prez, John, Discogs.com., Discography [accessed] 24 April 2011.
  3. 1 2 3 Du Prez, John, Internet Movie Database Filmography, [accessed] 24 April 2011.
  4. ↑ John Du Prez, The Conductor, Hollywood Bowl, [accessed] 26 April 2011.
  5. ↑ Du Prez, John, Internet Movie Database, Filmography, [accessed] 24 April 2011.
  6. ↑ Lee-Williams, Matt: Du Rez, John, Biography, Internet Movie Database, Filmography, [accessed] 25 April 2011.
  7. ↑ Palin, Michael. Michael Palin: Halfway to Hollywood Diaries 1980-1988. 2009. p.2.
  8. ↑ Du Prez, Shredder's Suite, Last FM Website, [accessed] 27 April 2011.
  9. ↑ Modern Romance.com., Band History, [accessed] 24 April 2011.
  10. ↑ Modern Romance, Where Are They Now, BBC Top of the Pops 2, Artists, [accessed] 24 April 2011.
  11. ↑ Modern Romance Official Website, [accessed] 25 April 2011.
  12. 1 2 Lee-Williams, Matt: Jaymes, David, Internet Movie Database Biography, [accessed] 25 April 2011.
  13. ↑ Modern Romance, Discography, Discogs.com., Website, [accessed] 25 April 2011.
  14. ↑ Ochs, Michael, 1000 Record Covers, Taschen, 25th Edition, 2005, pp. 700.
  15. ↑ Modern Romance, Discogs.com., Discography, [accessed] 25 April 2011.
  16. ↑ Warner Records, Modern Romance, Modern Romance: The Platinum Collection, 2006.
  17. ↑ Du Prez, Internet Movie Database, Filmography, [accessed] 25 April 2011.
  18. ↑ Lee-Williams, Matt: Du Prez, John, Biography, Internet Movie Database, Filmography, [accessed] 25 April 2011.
  19. ↑ DuPrez, John, Internet Movie Database, Filmography, [accessed] 25 April 2011.
  20. 1 2 3 Du Prez, John, Composer, Internet Movie Database, Filmography, [accessed] 25 April 2011.
  21. 1 2 Du Prez, John, Filmography, Internet Movie Database, Filmography, [accessed] 25 April 2011.
  22. ↑ A Fish Called Wanda, Cast and Crew, Internet Movie Database, Filmography, [accessed] 25 April 2011.
  23. ↑ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Cast and Crew, Internet Movie Database, Filmography, [accessed] 25 April 2011.
  24. ↑ Carry On Columbus, Cast and Crew, Internet Movie Database, Filmography, [accessed] 25 April 2011.
  25. ↑ Lee-Williams, Matt: Du Prez, John, Internet Movie Database, Filmography, [accessed] 25 April 2011.
  26. ↑ Jaymes, David, Filmography, Internet Movie Database, Filmography, [accessed] 25 April 2011.
  27. ↑ Lee-Williams, Matt: Jaymes, David, Biography, Internet Movie Database, Filmography, [accessed] 25 April 2011.
  28. ↑ The Official Grammy Website, Past Winners, [accessed] 26 April 2011.
  29. ↑ Tony Awards Official Website, [accessed] 26 April 2011.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.