M. Ward

M. Ward

M. Ward’s rise to international renown has been something of a slow burn. Initially a well-kept secret of his peers in the Portland folk scene, his star continued to rise with each record’s release, and he is now one of the most acclaimed American musicians of the decade. In addition to his solo work, M. Ward is a member of She & Him with actress Zooey Deschanel. M. Ward acted as producer, guitarist, and arranger on She & Him's internationally successful debut, Volume One, providing the perfect setting in which Deschanel’s fledgling songs could shine.  M. Ward's latest release, Hold Time, was released in February 2009. With his brilliant guitar playing and innate sense of melody, Ward is one of those rare and special talents who defy comparisons and compartmentalization. Like a true American treasure, M. Ward cuts his own groove while music fans continue to fall under his whispered spell.

M. WARD'S FIVE FAVORITE MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS

Ennio Morricone

1. | 

Ennio Morricone

The Mission, A Fistful of Dollars, For A Few Dollars More, Once Upon A Time in the West
I like Sergio Leone's films, but only half as much as I love the music. Morricone created – he invented his own atmosphere and even when it gets weird it works to draw you in and it really drives me crazy how incredible he is. "Goodbye Colonel," "Paying Off Scores," etc, etc.... His work is revolutionary and I stand in awe.

Ry Cooder

2. | 

Ry Cooder

Paris, Texas
This is the first soundtrack I heard where I realized the breadth and versatility of the guitar has the ability to carry a soundtrack from beginning to end – it’s all mood and atmosphere and never gets in the way of the images.

Stanley Kubrick

3. | 

Stanley Kubrick

2001: A Space Odyssey, Barry Lyndon, The Shining
I love all the music he picked for his films – it’s a little similar to some of Werner Herzog's scores (Aguirre: Wrath of God especially): he found some really disturbing sounds and melodies to offset or compliment what was happening onscreen – sometimes just a single instrument.

Vince Guaraldi

4. | 

Vince Guaraldi

Charlie Brown Christmas
I listen to this record every year – and it never fails. It’s perfect music. I’m speechless.

Jim Jarmusch

5. | 

Jim Jarmusch

Dead Man, Broken Flowers
Very disturbing but very good. The scenes I remember the clearest are the moments when the music and the images are married perfectly – it is hard to go wrong with Ethiopiques and Neil Young.