There was a recent thread about that at jwfan.net (General Discussion); probably on page 2 or 3.

tharpdevenport, November 14, 2007; 3:34 PM

If you're lucky, you get them directly from the composer. Others, like those from Michael Lewis
are officially available in specialised scores.
Besides these "composer promos", there are "normal" promos which get distributed by the
record labels.
Try to search on eBay for promos and you'll be surprised what happens to turn up.

coma, November 14, 2007; 3:51 PM

So if the record label promos are the normal release does that mean the composer promos are abnormal?

victoravalentine, November 14, 2007; 4:04 PM

Interesting question.
I always thought promo scores were meant to distribute among industry people, as one composer told me. Also, most labels state: for promotion only, not for sale.

If this is the case, howcome those promo's occasionally turn up for sale in legit stores (for example BuySoundtrax)? Are those still promo's or very limited editions distributed by the composer himself? :s

rinse_dream, November 14, 2007; 4:10 PM

@ knives: Joker!

@ rinse_dream:

You're completely right. Some composer promos, like those from Michael Lewis are legally
available in stores like Chris' Soundtrackcorner and elsewhere. I bought some rare promos
from BSX and SAE myself - Don Davis' "Bound" just recently.

These are rather "limited editions" and it's interesting to see, that some of them are
produced by the composer himself, others are produced and distributed by a record label -
Intrada did a number of these for Christopher Young, Prometheus has a Ken Thorne promo
on their list and Tsunami did three or four for rather unknown german composers.

I'm not exactly sure how this legally works, but I suppose this is a special case that is related
to the direct involvement of the composer.

coma, November 14, 2007; 4:24 PM

Thanks for your answer, Coma!
Maybe there is an industry lawyer present who can expand on the legalities of the matter ;)

rinse_dream, November 14, 2007; 4:44 PM

An answer to your queries...

http://tinyurl.com/2r6kxy

???

serifiot, November 14, 2007; 6:05 PM

Only composers who have had bad dealing with fans who made copies or sold, or are worried about legal troubles will tell you that. Others don't give a damn about sharing.

tharpdevenport, November 14, 2007; 6:42 PM

I have some weird old vinyl recordings that say "Presented By Firestone Tires" of TV soundtracks of musical specials with Duke Ellington and another of Harry James. I'm guessing these were give away with the purchase of a new set of tires back in the late 50's. I've often wondered if the recording I bought were leftover stash from an old tire salesmans glory days.

I once found a recording called "Music For Cooking With Gas. It's Rare And Well Done!" with arrangements by J Mandel. This thing was probably given away with the purchase of a new gas appliance back in the space age.

And then there's the fairly easy to find "Music From Marlboro Country" Elmer Bernstein. That one was given away with a carton of smokes. The Bernstein music from "The Magificent 7" was used in the Marlboro cigarette commercials featuring the ever so rugged and stone faced Marlboro man. He died from lung cancer about 20 years ago.

victoravalentine, November 14, 2007; 7:46 PM