“Theme from Star Trek” (1985) – Judy Roberts * Written by Alexander Courage and Gene Roddenberry * Produced and Arranged by Judy Roberts * Label: Pausa Records
The composer Alexander Courage did plenty of work for movies and TV, but his humdinger was the Star Trek theme, that helix of sound that lodged itself into hearers’ brainwaves upon first hearing, but whose sophistication defied them from banging it out right away on their instrument of choice.
Gene Roddenberry wrote lyrics that appeared on the sheet music but were never intended to be sung anywhere in the series. This qualified him for 50% of its earnings, which reportedly annoyed Courage, and might annoy you, but think again how the entire project was Roddenberry’s.
I do wonder about the tensions between music and lyrics in famous partnerships. In his autobiography, Burt Bacharach recalled once wanting more of a percentage, due to the arduous arranging and rehearsing he’d do, rather than splitting it fifty-fifty with lyricist Hal David. David couldn’t abide, and you can sense that Bacharach knew that his own argument didn’t play well. (Also, the project in question was Lost Horizon, the taxing film he sensed might bomb, and did.)
Back to Star Trek: In 1985 the Chicago jazz vocalist and keyboardist Judy Roberts, who still performs live, did what may as well be the last word, so to speak, in renditions of the theme with lyrics. Nichelle Nichols (“Lt. Uhura”) camped up a version in 1986 and various tongue-in-cheekers have arisen since then, but this one manages a perfect balance of sincerity, musicality, and yes, smoothness. Roberts’ vocals are appropriately airy, and her playing is tasteful and clever. And what a band, which includes Akio Sasajima on guitar, Jim Cox on bass, and David Derge on percussion.