Jeff Russo Scoring FX’s ‘Fargo’

Posted: December 23, 2013 by filmmusicreporter in TV Scoring Assignments
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jeff-russoJeff Russo has been tapped to score the upcoming FX limited series Fargo. The 10-episode series inspired by the Coen Brothers’ Academy Award-nominated 1996 film features an all-new “true crime” story, following a new case and new characters. The show written by Noah Hawley (The Unusuals) stars Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Freeman, Colin Hanks, Oliver Platt, Bon Odenkirk, Kate Walsh, Glenn Howerton & Joey King and will follows a rootless, manipulative man who meets and forever changes the life of small town insurance salesman. Joel and Ethan Coen (No Country for Old Men) are executive producing the FX Productions and MGM Television production with Hawley, Warren Littlefield (My Generation) and Geyer Kosinski (Magic City, School for Scoundrels, Bad News Bears). Adam Bernstein (Breaking Bad, Californication) has directed pilot episode. Fargo is set to premiere in the spring of 2014 on FX.

Russo has recently co-scored the CBS drama Hostages starring Dylan McDermott and Toni Collette and also has the indie drama  Free Ride starring Anna Paquin coming up. The movie premiered at the Hamptons International Film Festival in October and is expected to be released next year by Phase 4 Films.

  1. Steve says:

    Interesting drum track on episode “The Rooster Prince”, April 22nd. Can you provide some details?

    • Jeff says:

      I started as a drummer so this was a pretty great piece to have to do. I did a mock up of the part but felt it would be really served well if played by my good friend and awesome drummer Ryan Macmillan. Recorded live in my studio. Added an 808 sample and Moog to the kick drum for lows and effect. All run through Chandler TG2 limiter (for the “Glue”)… The kit is a mish mash of different kits put together. but most important is the 60’s Ludwig Black Beauty snare.

      • Ryan says:

        Thanks for commenting here, Jeff! I loved the scores for the first two episodes, so refreshing to hear a full orchestral score in a cable show, really elevates it to whole different level.

  2. How can I get a copy of the great drum solo in Fargo’s rooster prince? thank you

  3. Rich Lester says:

    Is there anywhere online that I can listen to that great drum solo in Fargo’s rooster prince? thank you !

  4. Jasper says:

    Wow great drum solo love this track and the series. Hope the music will be available soon online! Compliments Jeff!

  5. Lauren Gallaspy says:

    Jeff: were you inspired at all by early 60’s Sandy Nelson Birth of the Beat or Let There Be Drums? Love your score, especially the drums on the episode mentioned above. Hope it will be available for purchase.

  6. Jeff says:

    Thanks! We are working on putting a score soundtrack together for Fargo and I’ll try to make sure that that cue is on it!

    • Radzin says:

      Awesome! It’s not often I hear something that grabs me like that drum piece did. great writing/creating and great playing!

  7. Clive Brazendale says:

    Absolutely loved the drum solo, could listen to a lot more of that style. I do hope that you can make it available… Well done!

    • Tex says:

      Desperate to get hold of that drum piece and play it over and over real loud.

  8. Dave says:

    Another vote for the drum solo – but an extended 20 minute version please !

  9. Rebecca says:

    Yet another vote for the drum track – it was amazing! Please please please put it on the soundtrack!! Thanks for all your great work, Jeff.

  10. Jeff says:

    The soundtrack is happening and I’ll make sure to put an extended version of that piece on there along with the rest of the score. Thanks!

    • Jon says:

      Holy balls, I want an hour of the Wrench and Numbers drum track, just to groove to throughout my day. It’s so hypnotic, it might be able to replace Novocain at the dentist. Awesome job.

  11. Tim says:

    That drum track is SICK. It is cool like Miles Davis. Many compliments.

    • Warmblood says:

      Love that drum solo, wish I had the music to listen so I can dupe on my kit or better yet, the drum solo actual written drum music to play off of – fabulous!

  12. Richard Penna says:

    Re-watched the first episode, and loved the cue near the end with the mournful statement of the main theme (ending on the ‘Duluth’ title card) – any chance of getting that on the soundtrack? Great work 🙂

  13. The instrumental solo drumming on Fargo is more Bonham than Bonham.

  14. SaltyCDogg says:

    Another fan of the drum solo and all the music in general, great work!

  15. Jason Merrell says:

    I’ve watched the action scene from last night about 10 times just to hear the drums.

    I should’ve known when I Googled “fargo fx drums” that Lord Internet would provide.

  16. Dana says:

    More drums on Buridan’s Ass. Awesome! Thank you.

  17. Ewan Knight says:

    Can’t wait for the soundtrack to come out, if only to hear the drums!

  18. Taksa94 says:

    Hi, just wondering where could i possibly find the piano arrangement for the Brahms piece found in the 2nd episode of series. Thanks in advance!

  19. Mary D says:

    Hi there,
    I’ve come late to the Fargo game and am just discovering it. The soundtrack is totally standout; not just the scored pieces, but the choices of additional songs. Perfectly put together – LOVING it 🙂
    Thanks!