Michael J. McEvoy - Terra Cognita

Terra Cognita is a tribute to nature – a reflective journey through sound


Film composer, Michael J McEvoy, releases his Terra Cognita album on 24th January 2011 in UK.

Terra Cognita has its roots in world music, neo-classicism and cool jazz reflecting Michael’s eclectic background as a film, r n’b and jazz composer. A multi-instrumentalist, Michael not only wrote all the compositions, but also plays piano, guitars, bass and viola on the album.

Also bringing his talent to the table is legendary Brazilian percussionist, Airto Moreira. McEvoy had long been an admirer of his work with Fourth World and had jammed with Airto a few years before when working with Traffic/Steve Winwood.

Tracks were laid down live in the studio with a small ensemble of musicians including percussionists, Miles Bould (Sting, Incognito) and Dan Gresson (Icebreaker, Brian Eno), ethnic flautist Jan Hendrickse (Ornette Coleman, Nitin Sawhney) and cellist, Jane Fenton (principal cellist, Guildhall Strings).

Following a successful career as a session musician, Michael has carved out a niche as a film and tv composer. His score for Richard Linklater’s movie ‘Me and Orson Welles’ (Zac Efron, Clare Danes), plus his work with DJ, Paul Oakenfold, co-scoring Japanese anime feature ‘Vexille’ and US top ten hit ‘Nothing Like the Holidays’, are beginning to bring Michael’s music to a wider audience.  

Other recent credits include ‘Forget Me Not’ (Best Picture 2010 London Independent Film Festival) and soon to be released ‘Just Ines’ starring French film actress, Caroline Ducey.

The Terra Cognita CD is accompanied by a booklet of images from the natural world taken by Royal Geographic Society photographer, Carole Rawlinson and Michael’s brother, Mark McEvoy.

Michael says: “Spending most of my time in front of computers, and the constant noise of the city drove me to write this music as a kind of sonic chill pill.”

Composer/arranger, Michael Gibbs, describes the music as “alluring, gently evocative, peaceful”.

Terra Cognita is available on the C.A.R.E Music Group label and distributed by Proper Note in the UK. Catalogue Number: 0198884GLA.