“Puss in Boots,” Music from the Motion Picture (Sony Classical)
“Long before he even met Shrek,” as the liner notes explain, “the notorious fighter, lover and outlaw Puss in Boots becomes a hero when he sets off on an adventure with the tough and street smart Kitty Softpaws and the mastermind Humpty Dumpty to save his town. This is the true story of The Cat, The Myth, The Legend… The Boots.”
Henry Jackman’s score for this feline feature intermittently evokes the flair and swashbuckling air of the Spanish Golden Age, and yes fur flies in “Chasing Tail” and “The Wagon Chase.” But the tunes really emblazoned with the mark of Zorro – “Diablo Rojo” and “Hanuman” – were composed and performed by Rodrigo y Gabriela. They dazzle with breezy guitarwork, the infectious sound of feet going through the floorboards, and the lively pulse of a marching band. It’s a good thing they’re here, along with “The Puss Suite” and its Olé’s! because they’ve turned a possible catnap into catnip.
