Sonic superlative

Heaven and hell. Good and evil. These are the themes guitarist-composer Joe LoDuca used to create the dramatic underscore for the “Fallen Angel” episode of “Xena: Warrior Princess,” one of the top-rated television series in the world. They are also the themes that garnered LoDuca an Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Composition. The piece is written for “full orchestra, adult choir and children’s voices,” says LoDuca. “It’s about heaven and hell, pretty much a Christian heaven and hell at that.” Wait, you thought the Emmy Awards weren’t going to be presented until Sunday, Sept. 10? Well, LoDuca got his Aug. 26 at the creative arts night, an early precursor to the higher-profile award program this weekend. Though he’s been nominated several times, this is the first time he took home the award for a prime-time national show. LoDuca’s work can also be heard underscoring such shows as “Cleopatra 2525,” “Jack of All Trades” and “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.” Not to mention such films as Evil Dead and Army of Darkness. Local jazz fans might remember the guitarist from his days jamming at clubs around town during the 1980s. He doesn’t do that much anymore, although he did recently sit in with the Graystone Orchestra for a Blue Monday set at Hart Plaza.

Larry Gabriel is a writer, musician and former Metro Times editor. Send comments to [email protected]