Harry Betts

The Profile

American jazz trombonist and film composer known for combining jazz sensibilities with cinematic writing; author of the 1969 surf documentary score The Fantastic Plastic Machine.

American jazz trombonist and film composer; performed with Stan Kenton; composed scores including The Fantastic Plastic Machine, Black Mama White Mama, and The Monkey Hustle.

A single review covers Harry Betts’s 1969 soundtrack The Fantastic Plastic Machine. The music blends sunny surf cues with touches of funk, jazz, soul, and psychedelia. Highlights include “Green-O,” “McTavish,” “Day Groovin’,” and “Green Grotto,” with a nod to David Axelrod. Verdict: pleasant but not essential; rated 3/5.