Stephen Arnold Music has crafted a fresh music package for Gray Media's broadcasts of New Orleans Pelicans NBA games, enhancing the broadcaster's overall sonic identity within its sports programming. This three-minute theme was recorded live in New Orleans, featuring talented local session musicians.
The composition masterfully incorporates distinct elements of the city's rich musical heritage, including funk-style drums, bass, and guitar, alongside a Hammond B3 organ with Leslie speaker, upright piano, and meticulously arranged horn sections. The score's modular design allows for seamless adaptation across various segments, spanning programming and marketing initiatives.
This project builds upon earlier successful collaborations between Stephen Arnold Music and Gray Media, notably the music created for their Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball coverage. Although the new score shares thematic connections with the Braves package, the Pelicans theme is notably distinguished by its unique regional character. “It was a unique opportunity to do something special and regional with the music treatment,” said Chad Cook, president and creative director at Stephen Arnold Music.
“New Orleans musicians bring unique technique and musicality that’s instantly recognizable and impossible to fake.” Gray Media holds the local broadcast rights to all non-nationally televised Pelicans games. The games are freely available over the air to over 4.1 million households across Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Coverage extends via the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network in key markets, including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Jackson, Biloxi, Mobile and Birmingham. The music package further solidifies Stephen Arnold Music's involvement in the New Orleans music scene.
The company has previously worked with renowned artists such as The Neville Brothers, Trombone Shorty, Tab Benoit and Big Sam’s Funky Nation. “Working in New Orleans always inspires us,” Cook said. “There’s no substitute for that feel, that swing, that deep pocket the city’s musicians bring to a session.”