John Paesano scores Almost Christmas

Earlier this summer, composer John Paesano recorded his score to the ensemble holiday comedy Almost Christmas, directed by David E. Talbert and starring Danny Glover, Gabrielle Union, Omar Epps, Jessie T. Usher, and Mo’Nique, among others. The music was recorded at the Streisand Scoring Stage at Sony Pictures, and we’re delighted to share our exclusive photos from the scoring sessions with our readers!

Conductor Nolan Livesay records with the Hollywood Studio Symphony on Almost Christmas

Conducted by Nolan Livesay and Jason Livesay, who would switch-off conducting and booth-reading, the music was largely comprised of a 46-piece ensemble of the Hollywood Studio Symphony: strings, woodwinds and piano on the stage, supplemented with pre-recorded guitars and percussion.

The strings perform pizzicato on a cue

The woodwinds

The cellos and basses

Pianist Randy Kerber

In the booth, composer John Paesano was joined by scoring mixer Alan Meyerson, music editor Angie Rubin, and director David E. Talbert who was very engaged with the scoring process. In the back row, score assistant Hayley Rosenthal, technical score advisor Anthony Loomis, and ProTools recordist Kevin Globerman were also on hand to give feedback.

Conductor Nolan Livesay (seated), composer John Paesano talks, director David Talbert, and scoring mixer Alan Meyerson

Composer John Paesano reviews a cue with conductor Jason Livesay

Scoring mixer Alan Meyerson

Score assistant Hayley Rosenthal, technical score advisor Anthony Loomis, and ProTools recordist Kevin Globerman

The booth watches conductor Nolan Livesay record composer John Paesano's (standing, right) score to Almost Christmas with the orchestra

Almost Christmas opens in theaters today, November 11th, and a soundtrack album is available from Back Lot Music.