As far as I know, Thomas Newman is a clasically-trained composer, not a keyboard player, in fact one of the most highly-trained of all film composers. (It shows in his more orchestral scores where his orchestration technique is highly-accomplished, especially Meet Joe Black and The Shawshank Redemption.)

I like Newman's scores and certainly disagree with Christian's opinions about them (American Beauty has two stellar themes, both of which have been ripped off more times than I care to remember).

I do look forward to hearing Shearmur's music but my gut instinct would tell me that if it is as good as American Beauty then it will be a minor miracle.