Sweet and scary, spunky and tender - the varied emotions, personalities and life experiences in Mark Twain’s classic, “Tom Sawyer,” are vividly captured in an enchanting new soundtrack from MCA.

Tom Sawyer, the CD, released in conjunction with MGM’s animated video of the same title, features such award-winning country artists such as Marty Stuart, Bryan White, Mark Wills and Charlie Daniels. Country artists not only provide the music for the soundtrack but also star in the film as the voices of the animated characters.

The album features 10 songs, opening with an orchestral number (provided by the London Philharmonic) “Suite From Tom Sawyer.” Country music producer Mark Wright, along with Wayne Tester, composed the second tune, “Leave Your Light On.” Marty Stuart (as “The Reverend”) shines on this lively, rousing, rockin’ and rollin’ gospel number.

There are three magical duet pairings on this CD, the first of which is “Never, Ever and Forever” by Lee Ann Womack and Mark Wills. Their honey-sweet vocals meld perfectly in this tender, “I’ll always love you” acclamation of love and devotion. The following number, by far the most colorful tune on the album, is “Injurin’ Joe,” written and performed by Ray Stevens. A heavy base intro and and rhythmic drum beat underscore Stevens’ recitation about a man “mean as a snake and twice as low.”

“One Dream,” featuring Lee Ann Womack and Alecia Elliott, pairs two of the best female voices in country music. The artists play off each other exquisitely and this song just cries to be released as a single!

“Hook, Line and Sinker” is a pulsating, pounding, upbeat number full of swinging and sawing fiddles. Vocals are by co-writer Mark Nessler. The album slows down during the second duet, “Light at the End of the Tunnel,” a song both uplifting and inspirational, and wonderfully sung by the gifted Bryan White and Rebecca Lynn Howard.

“Friends for Life,” the third duet, follows. Mark Wills and Rhett Akins (who play Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer in the movie) are delightful in this banjo- and fiddle-driven “buddy” song.

Charlie Daniels, in a song he co-wrote, adds a feistiness reminiscent of his early music in “Can’t Keep a Country Boy Down.” The song clips along eventually leading into a short fiddle breakdown (similar to “Orange Blossom Special”), and an orchestral interlude before swinging back to its opening style.
The album concludes with a reprise of “Light at the End of the Tunnel.”

This soundtrack is fun and entertaining. It features well-known artists in new ways, displaying talents perhaps not glimpsed before. This album should please young and old alike.

Mountain West Music 2002