Like so many contemporary official soundtrack releases,
Evening brings together the film's original score with a batch of familiar period pop hits -- unlike most soundtracks, the two disparate halves prove surprisingly complementary, each capturing the film's romantic intimacy without sentimentality or mawkishness. Composer
Jan A.P. Kaczmarek's score returns to his signature piano and strings, but he exhibits an uncommon restraint and subtlety here that allows his lovely melodies room to breathe. This is music that arrives by its sophistication naturally, favoring nuance over Sturm und Drang. No less compelling are contributions like
Peggy Lee's "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You" and
Sarah Vaughan's "Stairway to the Stars," which further underscore the maturity and elegance of the cumulative listening experience. ~ Jason Ankeny