If you have never heard of the title of this new film / music score, then you know nothing about your own American history, of that be very self-aware, my friend.

On July 18th, 1969, Sen. Ted Kennedy drove his car off of a bridge on Massachusetts' Chappaquiddick Island. The accident results in the death of passenger Mary Jo Kopechne, a 28-year-old campaign strategist who worked for Kennedy.

The ongoing investigation into the mysterious and scandalous events forever alters his political legacy -- and ultimately changes the course of presidential history.

Chappaquiddick is the new docu-drama based on Ted Kennedy's life and political career as it becomes derailed in the aftermath of this fatal car accident.

The film stars Jason Clarke, Kate Mara, Jim Gaffigan, Ed Helms and Bruce Dern and the16 tracks of music that accompany it have been created and composed by Brooklyn based composer and double bassist, Garth Stevenson.

1. 'In His Shadow' (2:30)
2. 'Chappaquiddick' (2:24)
3. 'Written Statement' (2:06)
4. 'Drown' (4:27)
5. 'Whitewash' (3:13)
6. 'Senator' (9:27)
7. 'Apollo' (4:10)
8. 'Alibi' (3:39)
9. 'Crash' (2:02)
10. 'You Will Never Be Great' (2:51)
11. 'She’s Already Dead'(2:54)
12. 'Media Storm' (:54)
13. 'Hearse' (2:16)
14. 'Hyannisport' (1:05)
15. 'Mary Jo' (1:56)
16. 'Bridge' (:57)

The soundtrack, which was released digitally and physically on April 6th via Varese Sarabande, showcases the kind of work Stevenson can do when he puts his mind to it.

Perhaps overly propelled here by the historical depth of the subject matter, I've not been able to relate too much to Stevenson's work before this, but here on Chappaquiddick I can honestly say that I'm on the same music page as him.

Stevenson, a virtuoso double bass player and key figure in New York's experimental and improvisational music scene, has specialized in a cinematic style that both represents and interacts with the natural world.

Which here is explored, showcased, and fed to us in small doses - save for the 9 minute long 'Senator' cut - and in which we can either choose to enjoy and herald them, or nod gracefully at them, but show no real emotion for his craft. Luckily, for us all, it is definitely a case of the former here with Stevenson. Bravo, my friend. Bravo.

Official CD Purchase Link