Lalo Schifrin turns 75, and scores Rush Hour 3

Last month, veteran film composer Lalo Schifrin not only celebrated his 75th birthday, but he also took up the baton and recorded the score to his latest feature film, Rush Hour 3. Directed by Brett Ratner, the film reunites Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker as they take on a Chinese Triad in the heart of Paris.

Lalo Schifrin conducts the Hollywood Studio Symphony

Schifrin conducted the 90-piece orchestra at the Sony Scoring Stage, and the new music blends the themes he established for the previous films as well as some exciting new orchestral material. The percussion session was given quite a workout, with plenty of exotic ethnic drums and instruments utilized.

Lalo Schifrin conducts on Rush Hour 3

Alan Estes performs exotic percussion on Rush Hour 3

Abraham Laboriel and George Doering play guitar on Rush Hour 3

Score consultant Ryan Schifrin talks with Lalo on the stage

Rush Hour 3 uses two pianos, performed by Mike Lang and Tom Ranier

In the booth, Gustavo Borner was recording and mixing the score, and orchestrators Ira Hirshen and Ruy Folguera would give feedback on the performances. The film was still in the midst of post-production, and music editor Chuck Martin and film editors Don Zimmerman and Mark Helfrich were present, to make sure that the cues were synched up. Director Brett Ratner would give suggestions to Schifrin, who would make any necessary adjustments on the fly.

Orchestrator Ira Hirschen and scoring mixer Gustavo Borner

Music contractor Frank Capp, music editor Chuck Martin, score consultant Ryan Schifrin, editor Mark Helfrich, composer Lalo Schifrin and director Brett Ratner

New Line Music executives Paul Broucek and Robert Bowen

Lalo Schifrin and orchestrator Ruy Folguera with film editor Don Zimmerman (rear)

Lalo Schifrin dictates changes to the orchestra

Rush Hour 3 will be released by New Line Cinema, and drives into theaters on August 10, 2007. A soundtrack album will be released by Varese Sarabande on July 31, 2007.