Well it seems last week I ended up on a tangent about the Brill Building, Marilyn Monroe and Gwen Stefani. So, I will do my best to stay on track this week.
And yeah it might seem that this trip to Broadway might be a digression from the whole Theory thing. Yet, being that my mission statement (how funny that just said I even had one?) is about helping musicians excel! I think understanding history (& herstory) might just be on point....
So, often we think Ugh! Broadway is too Vanilla and Virgin. Once again, I'm waaaaay tooo cool for that! Let me introduce you to one of my favorite playboys, Cole Porter BIO Now it's not shock value I'm after (although that's always fun) It's the rhyme, the story, the melodic rhythm and the use of words... check this out from his musical, "Anything Goes." Let's also take a moment to notice the timeless themes of rebellion and sarcasm. For me a big part of this magic is that he presents with such ease and humor
In olden days a glimpse of stocking
Was looked on as something shocking,
But now, God knows,
Anything Goes (big deal we see more than that in commercials) NOW
If driving fast cars you like,
If low bars you like,
If old hymns you like,
If bare limbs you like,
If Mae West you like
Or me undressed you like,
Why, nobody will oppose!
When every night,
The set that's smart
Is intruding in nudist parties in studios,
Anything Goes.
more here
Undressing? Nudist parties? Yeah, you get the point.
Need I say more about the brilliance of rhyme, humor and story? Well, just for fun, I will.
Fast Cars , Low Bars - Old Hymns, Bare Limbs - Mae West, Me Undressed -
Some pretty witty internal rhyme there Mr, Porter. And there's some divine time in your melodic rhythm. This is one of so many examples & I could wax on... but let's move on and be romantic instead.
Ah.... "All the Things You Are" written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein (1939!) from the musical "Very Warm for May"
Covered by Many People Including the Late Michael Jackson!!
Analyze it and Learn more Here
"All The Things You Are"
Time and again I’ve longed for adventure,
Something to make my heart beat the faster.
What did I long for? I never really knew.
Finding your love I’ve found my adventure,
Touching your hand, my heart beats the faster,
All that I want in all of this world is you.
(chorus)
You are the promised kiss of springtime
That makes the lonely winter seem long.
You are the breathless hush of evening
That trembles on the brink of a lovely song.
You are the angel glow that lights a star,
The dearest things I know are what you are.
Some day my happy arms will hold you,
And some day I’ll know that moment divine,
When all the things you are, are mine
Charlie Parker said these were his favorite lyrics of all time. This one is also a classic (even as an instrumental) in Jazz Standard literature
Imagery wow! "Angel glow that lights a star"
Nice use of simile! " you are the Breathless hush of evening"
Now, check this out - excerpted from a fairly recent pop tune recorded by many people including Rascal Flatts and become a top 5 hit for the Christian artist, Selah.
(written by Marcus Hummon, Jeff Hanna & Bobby Boyd)
"Bless the Broken Road"
Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
But now I'm just rolling home into my lover's arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
more lyrics here
hmmmmm..... do we see the similarity of themes as well as similar expression, I could see this one in a musical. Not actually so different! Because they share vivid imagery, strong story, great use of simile.
Both Brilliant heart warming songs expressing the journey to finding love.
Like I said, you can learn a little from these Broadway Cats...
Take a look at these other favs and TELL ME what you think!
"Some Enchanted Evening" (South Pacific - Rodgers & Hammerstein)
lyrics
"If I Loved You" (Carousel - Rodgers & Hammerstein)
Lyrics
"Unexpected Song" (Song & Dance - A.L. Webber & Don Black, lyrics)
lyrics
"In a Very Unusual Way" (Nine -Maury Yeston)
This is one of my favorite musicals and What a Unique (even unusual?) way to express the theme of love! Breath-Taking
lyrics
"As Long as You're Mine" (Wicked -Stephen Schwartz)
Lyrics
"Til there Was You" Covered by none other than THE BEATLES!
(The Music Man - Meredith Wilson)
Lyrics
"Who can explain it? Who can tell you why? Fools give you reasons, Wise men never try"
(Some Enchanted Evening)
Well, Next Week I'll get to "Defying Gravity" and perhaps even, "Send in the Clowns"
Til then keep an open heart and a bawdy humor...
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
I'm too cool for Broadway
School has finally started again! But we’re gonna start slow as we still need lotsa energy to stay warm from the winter winds. Last week I prattled about Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and ended with the question…. Why does anybody care about Broadway anyway? Or I’m too cool, Isn’t Broadway music for geeks? Actually the answer is no. Obviously certain types of music don’t appeal to everyone and it’s totally fine if show tunes are not your bag. But, if you are a Songwriter? You can learn a lot from these composer cats; Singers and Musicians? You can definitely be inspired by these voices, orchestrations, and musicianship.
How is that possible? And why should you care? If you're gonna make music it helps to know the basics and there are a lot of artists we admire today who are using these songs,as well as crossing the line into The Great White Way (slang term for Broadway :)
Since it's always hip at a cocktail party to appear smart, Let's start with a BRIEF scan of Pop Music History.
Publishing 101. It all started in what they called Tin Pan Alley which was located in what we now call the Flatiron District (west 28th st btwn 5th & 6th ave - Hey New Yorkers, look for the plaque that is there now!) This was the original location of the first publishing companies where they hired people to write popular music. Rumor is that it was called Tin Pan Alley because of the clackity-clack from all the cheap pianos playing! So fast forward.... In the early 1900's what was the pop music (aka popular music) of the day? Broadway!!!
So there's some nerd history. read more here.... And the point here is that Tin Pan sowed the seeds and this music center eventually moved to the Brill Building (49th st & Broadway). The Brill Building then became home to some the best writers of the 60's
including people like Liebert & Stoller, Carole King & Jerry Goffin. It was THE center for publishers, studios, writers and music business, as well as the modern music sound, often referred to as "the Brill Building" sound More?
History lesson over about how B'way developed into Pop
Now Let's Talk about how B'way music is still hip today...
Who is still singing this stuff?
++ Gwen Stefani, "Rich Girl" (yes this was an adaptation) Originally "If I Were a Rich Man" from the musical "Fiddler on the Roof" This entire record went multi-platinum and also resulted in multiple Grammy nominations and the song hit the top 10
++ Everyone from Billie Holiday to Rod Stewart, including hip peeps like Maroon 5, Dexys Midnight Runners & most recently Michael Buble, have covered "The Way You Look Tonight" (Swing Time)
++ Poe - "I Can't Say No" (Oklahoma)
++ Junior Vasquez?!?! "Climb Every Mountain" (The Sound of Music)
++ Ms. Madonna made quite a hit from "Evita" (Platinum with 2 hit singles!)
And her "Material World" routine? Adapted directly from the scene in the musical "Gentleman Prefer Blondes" song "Diamonds Are a Girl's Friend" performed by Marilyn Monroe. (Marilyn was actually a pretty good singer!)
Madonna
Marilyn
And some songs we sing everyday...
The most covered song of all time! "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (Arlen & Harburg)
And in Winter? "Let It Snow" (Jules Styne)
And at Christmas?
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (Martin & Blane)
"White Christmas" (Irving Berlin)
We can also mention the Pop People who have crossed the line into Broadway?
Abba, Elton John, and GREEN DAY ?!? Wrote a musical based on their concept album, "American Idiot" Still running on Broadway And in Feb 2011 Melissa Etheridge will be joining the cast!
Let's also look at our beloved Jazz Standards. A lot of our faves had their debut as songs in musicals! Ex: "All the Things You Are," "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" (Jerome Kern) "Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered" (Rodgers & Hart), "Witchcraft" (Cy Coleman) and many, many more...
Oh and one more FAVORITE:
"Favorite Things" (Rodgers & Hammerstein) And if this one ain't too lame for Coltrane - It ain't too cheesy for me. YouTube
Meantime, You get the point there are some pretty cool and successful people still playing these songs Today! Why?
Could be because? They are simply great songs. We'll get a bit more in about that next week
One last thing, our friend Andrew Lloyd Weber (see previous post), well he's gone Platinum in the UK and in the US selling over 2 million copies with The Phantom of the Opera. And the original cast recording was the first in British musical history to enter the charts at number one....
Someones' Listening to it! Til Next Time .....
How is that possible? And why should you care? If you're gonna make music it helps to know the basics and there are a lot of artists we admire today who are using these songs,as well as crossing the line into The Great White Way (slang term for Broadway :)
Since it's always hip at a cocktail party to appear smart, Let's start with a BRIEF scan of Pop Music History.
Publishing 101. It all started in what they called Tin Pan Alley which was located in what we now call the Flatiron District (west 28th st btwn 5th & 6th ave - Hey New Yorkers, look for the plaque that is there now!) This was the original location of the first publishing companies where they hired people to write popular music. Rumor is that it was called Tin Pan Alley because of the clackity-clack from all the cheap pianos playing! So fast forward.... In the early 1900's what was the pop music (aka popular music) of the day? Broadway!!!
So there's some nerd history. read more here.... And the point here is that Tin Pan sowed the seeds and this music center eventually moved to the Brill Building (49th st & Broadway). The Brill Building then became home to some the best writers of the 60's
including people like Liebert & Stoller, Carole King & Jerry Goffin. It was THE center for publishers, studios, writers and music business, as well as the modern music sound, often referred to as "the Brill Building" sound More?
History lesson over about how B'way developed into Pop
Now Let's Talk about how B'way music is still hip today...
Who is still singing this stuff?
++ Gwen Stefani, "Rich Girl" (yes this was an adaptation) Originally "If I Were a Rich Man" from the musical "Fiddler on the Roof" This entire record went multi-platinum and also resulted in multiple Grammy nominations and the song hit the top 10
++ Everyone from Billie Holiday to Rod Stewart, including hip peeps like Maroon 5, Dexys Midnight Runners & most recently Michael Buble, have covered "The Way You Look Tonight" (Swing Time)
++ Poe - "I Can't Say No" (Oklahoma)
++ Junior Vasquez?!?! "Climb Every Mountain" (The Sound of Music)
++ Ms. Madonna made quite a hit from "Evita" (Platinum with 2 hit singles!)
And her "Material World" routine? Adapted directly from the scene in the musical "Gentleman Prefer Blondes" song "Diamonds Are a Girl's Friend" performed by Marilyn Monroe. (Marilyn was actually a pretty good singer!)
Madonna
Marilyn
And some songs we sing everyday...
The most covered song of all time! "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (Arlen & Harburg)
And in Winter? "Let It Snow" (Jules Styne)
And at Christmas?
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (Martin & Blane)
"White Christmas" (Irving Berlin)
We can also mention the Pop People who have crossed the line into Broadway?
Abba, Elton John, and GREEN DAY ?!? Wrote a musical based on their concept album, "American Idiot" Still running on Broadway And in Feb 2011 Melissa Etheridge will be joining the cast!
Let's also look at our beloved Jazz Standards. A lot of our faves had their debut as songs in musicals! Ex: "All the Things You Are," "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" (Jerome Kern) "Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered" (Rodgers & Hart), "Witchcraft" (Cy Coleman) and many, many more...
Oh and one more FAVORITE:
"Favorite Things" (Rodgers & Hammerstein) And if this one ain't too lame for Coltrane - It ain't too cheesy for me. YouTube
Meantime, You get the point there are some pretty cool and successful people still playing these songs Today! Why?
Could be because? They are simply great songs. We'll get a bit more in about that next week
One last thing, our friend Andrew Lloyd Weber (see previous post), well he's gone Platinum in the UK and in the US selling over 2 million copies with The Phantom of the Opera. And the original cast recording was the first in British musical history to enter the charts at number one....
Someones' Listening to it! Til Next Time .....
Thursday, January 13, 2011
A Great Joke
HI Everybody!
So, it's been snowy and slowy in TN - So I have declared a snow day and decided to have a fun day of theorizing!
I am going to use this opportunity to tell a bad joke - yes up above I said it was Great because it is a great intro to some of the nonsense that I will be spouting about next week
Then we are continuing our journey into the land of sharps and flats via the Circle of 5ths
I am using this joke courtesy of the Grand Rand Bishop from his book, “The Essentials to Songwriting Success” This is a great book written by an amazing songwriter. What more can I say? See for yourself!!!!!
Check out his website: RandBishop.com
“A pair of Manhattanites, Vern and Frank, are walking down Amsterdam Avenue. “Oh my God!” Vern cries out, pointing up ahead. Following Vern’s pointer finger, Frank sees a man falling from a 10th story window. Miraculously, what surely looks to be a fatal fall is slowed, as the fortunate fellow bounces off of an awning protruding from the 5th floor. He then resumes his fall only to trampoline off of another awning at the 2nd floor level, and finally to land softly in a dumpster conveniently filled with packing peanuts. He climbs out of the dumpster, evidently unhurt, and begins gingerly brushing himself off. “Wow!” exclaims Frank. “That guy has got to be the luckiest man in New York City.”
“Second Luckiest,” Vern corrects him
“What do you mean?” Frank wonders out loud
“Andrew Lloyd Webber,” Vern explains. “He’s the luckiest man in New York City.”
Haaaaa!!!!!!! I am still laughing. And if you know of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, you probably are too. And if you haven’t heard of Andrew Lloyd Webber? Well, you’ve probably heard of these musicals? Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera - He’s the composer and he’s written over a dozen more that you know. Get your google on here ….
More about Sir Andrew
Most importantly – Why should you care? Musicals are for Geeks, right?
Maybe, but stick around songwriters & I promise you can learn something from those show writers as well as from the history of Musical Theater.
( In addition to being a Theory nerd, I think I also just admitted to being a Geek)
Til Next Time, perhaps watch an Old Musical and instead of focusing on the costumes and choreographed routines, listen to the music, hear the lyrics, notice the orchestration - you might be pleasantly surprised by this element of the craft of songwriting :)
So, it's been snowy and slowy in TN - So I have declared a snow day and decided to have a fun day of theorizing!
I am going to use this opportunity to tell a bad joke - yes up above I said it was Great because it is a great intro to some of the nonsense that I will be spouting about next week
Then we are continuing our journey into the land of sharps and flats via the Circle of 5ths
I am using this joke courtesy of the Grand Rand Bishop from his book, “The Essentials to Songwriting Success” This is a great book written by an amazing songwriter. What more can I say? See for yourself!!!!!
Check out his website: RandBishop.com
“A pair of Manhattanites, Vern and Frank, are walking down Amsterdam Avenue. “Oh my God!” Vern cries out, pointing up ahead. Following Vern’s pointer finger, Frank sees a man falling from a 10th story window. Miraculously, what surely looks to be a fatal fall is slowed, as the fortunate fellow bounces off of an awning protruding from the 5th floor. He then resumes his fall only to trampoline off of another awning at the 2nd floor level, and finally to land softly in a dumpster conveniently filled with packing peanuts. He climbs out of the dumpster, evidently unhurt, and begins gingerly brushing himself off. “Wow!” exclaims Frank. “That guy has got to be the luckiest man in New York City.”
“Second Luckiest,” Vern corrects him
“What do you mean?” Frank wonders out loud
“Andrew Lloyd Webber,” Vern explains. “He’s the luckiest man in New York City.”
Haaaaa!!!!!!! I am still laughing. And if you know of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, you probably are too. And if you haven’t heard of Andrew Lloyd Webber? Well, you’ve probably heard of these musicals? Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera - He’s the composer and he’s written over a dozen more that you know. Get your google on here ….
More about Sir Andrew
Most importantly – Why should you care? Musicals are for Geeks, right?
Maybe, but stick around songwriters & I promise you can learn something from those show writers as well as from the history of Musical Theater.
( In addition to being a Theory nerd, I think I also just admitted to being a Geek)
Til Next Time, perhaps watch an Old Musical and instead of focusing on the costumes and choreographed routines, listen to the music, hear the lyrics, notice the orchestration - you might be pleasantly surprised by this element of the craft of songwriting :)
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Why do I need this Stuff Anyway?
I’ve spoken with a lot of musicians who have said something to the effect of “Well, if I learn to read music, it will hinder my creativity,” “If I learn music theory, my music will become boring and too academic.” Ok, I hear that, we all fear the result of what may happen if we bring an unknown quantity into our lives, especially something as sacred to us, as our music. Take a moment and look further…..
The famous composer, Igor Stravinsky, is considered the pioneer of 20th century music. Let’s take for granted, he could read, compose, orchestrate, etc, et al. One of his most famous works, “The Rite of Spring” debuted in 1913. On the evening of the premier, the audience went nuts (ummm, but not with cheers and applause), there was actually a riot in the theater, people threw things, chairs were toppled over and Stravinksky himself had to sneak out the back door for his safety (that’s pretty rock star-esque) WHY? The music was so innovative and unlike anything people had heard before, they violently rejected it. Then, nearly 10 years later the piece was played again and suddenly? People heard the brilliance of this unique work and it has become part of the foundation for modern composition.
(Lesson #1 Never stop walking on the path where your creativity leads you! Even if everyone else is a few steps behind!)
more here
Why am I telling you this? Aside from the fact that I am a nerd and like to talk about music, The point is that knowledge of music enabled someone to make his mark in the history of music, it did not prevent him from being brilliant. The opposite is true, his knowledge of composition enabled his ability to break barriers and to create unique music.
As we often see, the new ideas that people react harshly to today often becomes the leading trend of tomorrow. Take the hoopla that the Beatles created or Elvis’s hips – no one can deny the mark they made on music history. How? They had the ability to do something different!!! Confidence gives us this courage. How do we become confident? By being the very best we can be at our craft!! Simply put, when we can understand how music works, it makes us a better musician & writer.
AND Knowledge can enable us to break rules!!! Take another case. The 20th century composer John Cage is very famous for some pieces he wrote for what we call prepared piano. How in heck does one prepare a piano? Usually they call a tuner. BUT in Cage’s case…. It involves actually placing objects (aka preparations) inside of the piano strings, dampers or pedals (you can also do this to a guitar!) which changes it’s natural sound, overtones, and how it is played. Cool! Innovative! Although some people think this is way toooo crazy (maybe that’s why it makes me smile) No one can argue that it’s a unique approach to making music! Videos
OK, maybe you’re thinking….. the prepared piano is hip, but I’m a pop, country, blues, R&B, radio friendly artist/writer. So are….
Ben Folds who wedges an Altoid tin in the strings and plays his piano through a rat distortion to attain the unique sound for the song, “Free Coffee.” In Concert He demonstrates the preparation and performance of the piano
First, that’s a pretty nifty performance moment! & a cool way to make this song happen.
Although he is not a trained musician himself, Ben IS a strong proponent of music education, a generous supporter of both VH1 Save the Music Foundation & of The Nashville Symphony
His album A Cappella (May 2008) features college performers from acapella ensembles. In his own words regarding Acapella voice ensembles…. more here
“They (meaning acapella singers) have to have a fairly thorough understanding of western theory, harmony, arranging, voice leading and so on, just to get through a few measures. We pro's are rarely put through those kinds of paces, at least those of us in rock music, including the ones with the 'street cred'……”
We can always learn a lot from successful predecessors and no one can deny Ben Folds success (and talent!) as both a writer and a musician. So, perhaps it’s worth our while to be a part of his mission and to take the time to learn a little bit more about music…..
P.S.
Some Other Modern/Pop piano preparations…..
The Noah and the Whale song "Our Window" makes use of a piano prepared with "screws, ping pong palls and tooth picks."
"All Tomorrow's Parties" from The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967), John Cale prepared his piano with a chain of paper clips.
P.S.S.
if you don’t believe me about Stravinsky? Check out the movie “Coco & Igor” I think it’s a great flick overall (rated R not for the kids!). But all you need to do is watch the first 20 minutes to see the chaos that “The Rite of Spring” created. Amazing how art that’s innovative can have a such a grand impact …..
The famous composer, Igor Stravinsky, is considered the pioneer of 20th century music. Let’s take for granted, he could read, compose, orchestrate, etc, et al. One of his most famous works, “The Rite of Spring” debuted in 1913. On the evening of the premier, the audience went nuts (ummm, but not with cheers and applause), there was actually a riot in the theater, people threw things, chairs were toppled over and Stravinksky himself had to sneak out the back door for his safety (that’s pretty rock star-esque) WHY? The music was so innovative and unlike anything people had heard before, they violently rejected it. Then, nearly 10 years later the piece was played again and suddenly? People heard the brilliance of this unique work and it has become part of the foundation for modern composition.
(Lesson #1 Never stop walking on the path where your creativity leads you! Even if everyone else is a few steps behind!)
more here
Why am I telling you this? Aside from the fact that I am a nerd and like to talk about music, The point is that knowledge of music enabled someone to make his mark in the history of music, it did not prevent him from being brilliant. The opposite is true, his knowledge of composition enabled his ability to break barriers and to create unique music.
As we often see, the new ideas that people react harshly to today often becomes the leading trend of tomorrow. Take the hoopla that the Beatles created or Elvis’s hips – no one can deny the mark they made on music history. How? They had the ability to do something different!!! Confidence gives us this courage. How do we become confident? By being the very best we can be at our craft!! Simply put, when we can understand how music works, it makes us a better musician & writer.
AND Knowledge can enable us to break rules!!! Take another case. The 20th century composer John Cage is very famous for some pieces he wrote for what we call prepared piano. How in heck does one prepare a piano? Usually they call a tuner. BUT in Cage’s case…. It involves actually placing objects (aka preparations) inside of the piano strings, dampers or pedals (you can also do this to a guitar!) which changes it’s natural sound, overtones, and how it is played. Cool! Innovative! Although some people think this is way toooo crazy (maybe that’s why it makes me smile) No one can argue that it’s a unique approach to making music! Videos
OK, maybe you’re thinking….. the prepared piano is hip, but I’m a pop, country, blues, R&B, radio friendly artist/writer. So are….
Ben Folds who wedges an Altoid tin in the strings and plays his piano through a rat distortion to attain the unique sound for the song, “Free Coffee.” In Concert He demonstrates the preparation and performance of the piano
First, that’s a pretty nifty performance moment! & a cool way to make this song happen.
Although he is not a trained musician himself, Ben IS a strong proponent of music education, a generous supporter of both VH1 Save the Music Foundation & of The Nashville Symphony
His album A Cappella (May 2008) features college performers from acapella ensembles. In his own words regarding Acapella voice ensembles…. more here
“They (meaning acapella singers) have to have a fairly thorough understanding of western theory, harmony, arranging, voice leading and so on, just to get through a few measures. We pro's are rarely put through those kinds of paces, at least those of us in rock music, including the ones with the 'street cred'……”
We can always learn a lot from successful predecessors and no one can deny Ben Folds success (and talent!) as both a writer and a musician. So, perhaps it’s worth our while to be a part of his mission and to take the time to learn a little bit more about music…..
P.S.
Some Other Modern/Pop piano preparations…..
The Noah and the Whale song "Our Window" makes use of a piano prepared with "screws, ping pong palls and tooth picks."
"All Tomorrow's Parties" from The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967), John Cale prepared his piano with a chain of paper clips.
P.S.S.
if you don’t believe me about Stravinsky? Check out the movie “Coco & Igor” I think it’s a great flick overall (rated R not for the kids!). But all you need to do is watch the first 20 minutes to see the chaos that “The Rite of Spring” created. Amazing how art that’s innovative can have a such a grand impact …..
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