So one of my guilty pleasures is American Idol. You always hear the judges talking about wanting to see who the contestants are as an artist. They say they want to hear songs that are current, or at least sung in a current way. They want to hear the music from the contestant that could end up being a hit on their solo record. So many things come to mind as this relates to the context of music. I'll just pick one, and try to go with it.
There was one night when the contestants were asked to pick an Elvis song. THE KING. I mean, how can you go wrong. Each picked a song that they wanted to sing, and did the best rendition of it that they could. Many of them were criticized because the judges felt that they did an outdated version of the song, that it wasn't current. My immediate answer to that is, they should have had them pick songs from a current artist if they wanted it to be current. But I get it. Take the song and make it your own. Give it a current feel. Make it relevant to the times.
So lets take it back to the original popularity of the song. What was it about the song that made it so popular when it first came out. Obviously, it wasn't the song itself, because if the song was just so amazing, then it would transcend the time, and it would work on American Idol. I think it is a number of factors. One is that it was a new kind of music. Well, at least new to the popular culture. They had been played by other artists in black clubs for years. Elvis just made them crossover hits. The young white audience now had a style of music to call their own, and Elvis was the face of it. Another factor could be that Elvis was a new, provocative artist who pushed the boundaries of what was being done in music. So anything that Elvis sang would be a hit, just as long as he was shaking his hips, smirking at the camera and singing provocative lyrics. Im sure that there are many other factors that played into why Elvis's songs were so popular, and someone who was alive and paying attention at the time could probably better speculate these reasons.
On a side note, I never really got the blues. I never understood why such simple songs were so damn popular. That is until I moved to Texas. I went to a little blues shack called TC's. The band was made up of some Texas blues musicians. Some young, some old. They rocked the house. I figured that this was as close to hearing the blues in the 50's as I was ever going to get. If I could go back to that blues shack every night of my life, it still wouldn't be enough. So once I heard the music in context, I got it.
Back to American Idol. If it isn't the song itself that makes it great, and it is more the context that surrounds the song, then how do you then take an outdated song and make it current? American Idol obviously isn't a hot sweaty blues bar deep in the heart of Texas (clap clap clap clap), it is a TV show in the 21st century that is trying to push modern music. Or in this case, push classic music in a modern way. So you have to find some sort of relevant context for the music. This could include different feels for the song, such as different beats and rhythms. There are ways that you could make more modern arrangements of the song. You could sing the song in the style of a modern singer like Alicia Keys or John Legend. You could search within yourself to find strengths that you have musically and base the song around that, like if you have an amazing range, you could start it low and build it up to a climactic high note. At the same time, I bet that if you completely changed the song from the original, the judges would criticize that.
I dont have the definitive answer on how it please the judges on American Idol. I just thought it was interesting that they picked songs because they are thought of as good songs, but then the contestants were criticized for singing it the way that Elvis popularized them.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Mr. Rogers Neighborhood...
When you hear music for the first time,the context that you hear it in dictates the amount of attention you pay to listening to it, and the consideration that you give to it. The example that I will use today is jazz.
Lets say you are at a jazz concert and the MC speaks about the music that you are going to hear. The MC is most likely going to be very passionate about the music and the artist you are about to hear, and they are going to set you up for a positive musical experience. At the concert, you are probably surrounded by jazz enthusiasts who have come anticipating a spectacular concert. You have probably even come to hear that particular musician. So before the musicians come on stage, the stage has been set for a positive musical experience. No matter what the band plays, or how they play it, everyone is going to be listening intently, picking up all the minute details of the music, and drwaing great pleasure and satisfaction from the music.
On the other hand, I want to introduce you to another musical experience that I guarantee everyone has experienced but never taken notice of, all because of the context that this music is found.
Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, as we all know, is a childrens television show that was on the air for several decades, and is still being shown in syndication. Mr Rogers is a very musical person, having written most of the songs that you hear on his show. When he created his show, he sought out the best musician he could find, that being Johnny Costa. Mr. Rogers taped his shows with Johnny playing along. It wasn't a background record that was added in later, he was right there improvising to every little thing that Mr Rogers did. When he fed the fish, Johnny would play a little twinkle melody that was the sound of the fish food being sprinkled. When Mr Rogers had to walk to another part of the set, Johnny would play some transition music that made the show run more smoothly. At the end of the show, the musical magic happened. Mr. Rogers would sing the song, "Its Such a Good Feeling". He would say goodbye to the audience, and open the door and leave. Im sure that you all can picture the camera panning back over the little model of Mr Rogers Neighborhood. The song continues as the credits roll, and Johnny plays a jazz solo over the form of "Its such a Good Feeling". It only lasts for about 30 seconds. There is even a bass player and drummer who chime in. Im not sure who they are, but it seems that their gig consists of playing for the last 30 seconds of the show. It is consistently the most amazing piano solo that I feel I have ever heard. Johnny uses every bit of that 30 seconds to display his phenomenal ability to play the jazz piano. He slides up and down the keyboard with the greatest of ease, and just as quickly as he took it to such a great height, he brings it back down to end the show. I watch Mr Rogers whenever I get the chance just to hear the solo at the end of the show. It puts me in the best mood. The best part is that it is a different improvised solo every day.
Now I bet that every one has experienced watching this, but never really taken notice. The reason for this is that the context does not lend itself to setting people up to open their musical minds. It is a part of a childrens show, not a part of a music show, and it is really just an afterthought. It has nobody to set it up, and the people who are watching the show do not have the intent of listening to music. This does not make the music any less astonishing, it is just a musical gem hidden in a kids show.
If Johnny were to play the solo at a jazz concert, he would blow most musicians off the stage. However, the context that you hear his music in dictates how much attention, if any, is payed to the music.
My point in writing this is to be the one to set you up for a new satisfying musical experience. Maybe you will find yourself flipping through the channels and you see Mr Rogers Neighborhood. Watch it until the end. I promise you that you will not be disappointed, and it will brighten your day. Thank you Johnny Costa and Fred Rogers.
Lets say you are at a jazz concert and the MC speaks about the music that you are going to hear. The MC is most likely going to be very passionate about the music and the artist you are about to hear, and they are going to set you up for a positive musical experience. At the concert, you are probably surrounded by jazz enthusiasts who have come anticipating a spectacular concert. You have probably even come to hear that particular musician. So before the musicians come on stage, the stage has been set for a positive musical experience. No matter what the band plays, or how they play it, everyone is going to be listening intently, picking up all the minute details of the music, and drwaing great pleasure and satisfaction from the music.
On the other hand, I want to introduce you to another musical experience that I guarantee everyone has experienced but never taken notice of, all because of the context that this music is found.
Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, as we all know, is a childrens television show that was on the air for several decades, and is still being shown in syndication. Mr Rogers is a very musical person, having written most of the songs that you hear on his show. When he created his show, he sought out the best musician he could find, that being Johnny Costa. Mr. Rogers taped his shows with Johnny playing along. It wasn't a background record that was added in later, he was right there improvising to every little thing that Mr Rogers did. When he fed the fish, Johnny would play a little twinkle melody that was the sound of the fish food being sprinkled. When Mr Rogers had to walk to another part of the set, Johnny would play some transition music that made the show run more smoothly. At the end of the show, the musical magic happened. Mr. Rogers would sing the song, "Its Such a Good Feeling". He would say goodbye to the audience, and open the door and leave. Im sure that you all can picture the camera panning back over the little model of Mr Rogers Neighborhood. The song continues as the credits roll, and Johnny plays a jazz solo over the form of "Its such a Good Feeling". It only lasts for about 30 seconds. There is even a bass player and drummer who chime in. Im not sure who they are, but it seems that their gig consists of playing for the last 30 seconds of the show. It is consistently the most amazing piano solo that I feel I have ever heard. Johnny uses every bit of that 30 seconds to display his phenomenal ability to play the jazz piano. He slides up and down the keyboard with the greatest of ease, and just as quickly as he took it to such a great height, he brings it back down to end the show. I watch Mr Rogers whenever I get the chance just to hear the solo at the end of the show. It puts me in the best mood. The best part is that it is a different improvised solo every day.
Now I bet that every one has experienced watching this, but never really taken notice. The reason for this is that the context does not lend itself to setting people up to open their musical minds. It is a part of a childrens show, not a part of a music show, and it is really just an afterthought. It has nobody to set it up, and the people who are watching the show do not have the intent of listening to music. This does not make the music any less astonishing, it is just a musical gem hidden in a kids show.
If Johnny were to play the solo at a jazz concert, he would blow most musicians off the stage. However, the context that you hear his music in dictates how much attention, if any, is payed to the music.
My point in writing this is to be the one to set you up for a new satisfying musical experience. Maybe you will find yourself flipping through the channels and you see Mr Rogers Neighborhood. Watch it until the end. I promise you that you will not be disappointed, and it will brighten your day. Thank you Johnny Costa and Fred Rogers.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Jim Morrison said...
..."Write universal lyrics. Things that will be understood 100 years from now."
Right on Jim
Right on Jim
Girl we couldn't get much higher...
I was watching a Classic Albums on the Doors. The reason that they gave for the Doors "making it" was due to the song "Light my fire". Originally, it was a 6 minute song, and they didn't really play it on the radio because of it's length. A radio jockey suggested that they cut it down to 3 minutes, because he was getting so many requests for it. Relunctantly, they did this, and it was an instant success. They appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. This was a show that families watched on Sunday nights. As soon as the Doors came on stage, the younger members of the family were taken with Jim Morrison, "The Lizard King". They were beside themselves with excitement about the visual and the music. When the parents saw what was on the screen, and how their children were reacting, they said, "Oh no!". As soon as the parent said, "Oh, we can't have this" the younger generation was hooked. This is similar to the success of music labeled with the Parental Advisory label in the 1990's. Once Morrison sang the taboo lyric, "Girl we couldn't get much higher", the fate of the music was sealed. It was here to stay.
When it's good, it's good...
2 people are standing next to each other at a concert at a music festival. They both are into the band, but for different reasons. They have an impression of who/what that band is based on their knowledge of the band and what context they heard the music in. They both have established a relationship with the band, and enjoy the music. Their reasons for enjoying the band are different because they were introduced to the music in different ways. They prefer different songs by the band, and maybe even dislike certain songs that the other person loves. There are many factors that go into why a person likes or dislikes a band, and that relationship is unique to the individual. However, one thing is common. They both enjoy the band.
Lets say one the first person, who is older, hears the band for the first time. The band has just come out with their debut album. Their music is part of an emerging underground scene, and they are like a breath of fresh air to the youth of America who has been yearning for something different, something to call their own. This person was the second to get the bands t-shirt at their high school. They followed the bands success through their first four albums. Each album that they came out with was a new experience, adding to the persons view, perception, idea, impression of the band. They had a couple of mainstream songs that made it on the radio. With the 5th and 6th album, they started to have more and more time between albums, and, according to the long time fan, the quality of the music had begun to diminish. "They just don't sound like they used to". This person see's the entire body of work in chronological order. When they hear a song, they immediately think of what album the song came from, and when the song came out.
Now the second person, younger, hears the music 20 years after the song came out. They first heard of the band in a movie soundtrack. There was also a day when the person heard another of the bands songs on the radio and asked, "who is this?". Their friend told them who it was, and the person said, "Oh, I didn't realize this was that band". They didn't see the band as the greatest band in the world, but when they were flipping through the radio stations and a song by the band was on, they would leave it on the station. A couple of years later, the person got a $50 itunes gift card, and they purchased a few select songs from their greatest hits album. When this person hears the band, the context that they put this music in relates to its value in the historical musical fabric of the time. Their body of work is seen as just that, a whole, a single body. It has lost it's chronological progression.
Back to the concert. The first person came to the music festival specifically to hear the band. They cheer the most for the more obscure songs, saying, "I can't believe they are playing this song". The second person checked out their set at the music festival because they saw they were in the line up, and nothing better was playing at the time. They cheered for the most popular songs because they recognized them. They both really enjoy the music and leave having had a fulfilling musical experience.
Here is the beautiful thing about music. When it's good, it's good, and it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.
Lets say one the first person, who is older, hears the band for the first time. The band has just come out with their debut album. Their music is part of an emerging underground scene, and they are like a breath of fresh air to the youth of America who has been yearning for something different, something to call their own. This person was the second to get the bands t-shirt at their high school. They followed the bands success through their first four albums. Each album that they came out with was a new experience, adding to the persons view, perception, idea, impression of the band. They had a couple of mainstream songs that made it on the radio. With the 5th and 6th album, they started to have more and more time between albums, and, according to the long time fan, the quality of the music had begun to diminish. "They just don't sound like they used to". This person see's the entire body of work in chronological order. When they hear a song, they immediately think of what album the song came from, and when the song came out.
Now the second person, younger, hears the music 20 years after the song came out. They first heard of the band in a movie soundtrack. There was also a day when the person heard another of the bands songs on the radio and asked, "who is this?". Their friend told them who it was, and the person said, "Oh, I didn't realize this was that band". They didn't see the band as the greatest band in the world, but when they were flipping through the radio stations and a song by the band was on, they would leave it on the station. A couple of years later, the person got a $50 itunes gift card, and they purchased a few select songs from their greatest hits album. When this person hears the band, the context that they put this music in relates to its value in the historical musical fabric of the time. Their body of work is seen as just that, a whole, a single body. It has lost it's chronological progression.
Back to the concert. The first person came to the music festival specifically to hear the band. They cheer the most for the more obscure songs, saying, "I can't believe they are playing this song". The second person checked out their set at the music festival because they saw they were in the line up, and nothing better was playing at the time. They cheered for the most popular songs because they recognized them. They both really enjoy the music and leave having had a fulfilling musical experience.
Here is the beautiful thing about music. When it's good, it's good, and it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Young Lust
So I was watching VH1 storytellers with John Mayer last night. I Love/Hate John Mayer. He was singing Your Body is a Wonderland, so I quickly changed the channel when he started singing. That is the John Mayer music that I hate, but thats a discussion for a whole other time. He was talking about how he wrote the song, and he compared the process to his first love. He said that when he was writing this song, he tried to compare it to nothing. He wanted the song to stand alone as a piece of art, rather than come at it from a familiar angle. He played the riff over and over for hours so that there was only the riff. It had shed all context except it's inception. It existed only in that creative moment, and held no relationship to any other music. He wrote the song about his first girlfriend, and he also approached the song like he approached that initial relationship. He had no other relationship to compare it to since it was his first, so there was only what they had together.
Now, I don't think that he had really purely shed all musical context, but I really like the idea, and hearing him describe the creative process adds to that part of John Mayer that I love.
Now, I don't think that he had really purely shed all musical context, but I really like the idea, and hearing him describe the creative process adds to that part of John Mayer that I love.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Live Music
How can you change how a person hears a song that you are playing live? If you play a song by counting it off and playing it exactly the way that it is on the recording, then the person who is hearing it is still retaining their original perception of that song. When they hear it, they are relating it to all the other times that they heard the song in the past. This can be comfortable and familiar to the listener. It can also be boring and predictable at the same time. Different listeners are going to have different relationships with the same song.
There can, however, be simple and subtle ways to introduce the song in a way that make the song your own without changing the original song too much. One example of this is to use an introduction for the song that leads into the beginning of the song. This uses something that is unfamiliar, yet pleasing, to the listener, to set up a familiar song. If you do it correctly, it can make the listener hear the song in a new way because you added an intro that complimented the song. When the original song drops in or blends in, and the listener recognizes the song, it can create a moment in the listeners musical mind that is exciting. Another subtle way to change a song to make it more interesting is to try not to sing it exactly like the original singer on the recording. Use your own singing voice, and your own genuine emotion to present the song. This can backfire if the listener does not like your interpretation, but it can also make a listener take notice of a song that they may not of taken notice of before. Then, maybe the next time they hear the song on the radio, they will appreciate it more because they relate it to the experience of hearing you do it.
There are also ways to rework a song that are not subtle, but drastic, that can also make the listener take notice. There are lots of examples of this in reggae music. Lots of times, a reggae band will take a song that is rock, doowop, soul, etc... and change the feel of it to a reggae feel. This can be very effective in making the listener hear the song in a different way. Another example would be to blend two song together, or "mashup" two songs. This would be when you find two songs that have similar feels, melodies, or grooves, and essentially playing them at the same time. Maybe singing the verse of one song while playing the groove of another song. There are plenty of ways to do this. Wikipedia gives the following definitions for mashup. "A mashup, bootleg or blend[1] (also mash up and mash-up) is a song or composition created by blending two or more songs, usually by overlaying the vocal track of one song seamlessly over the music track of another.[2] To the extent that such works are 'transformative' of original content, they may find protection from copyright claims under the "fair use" doctrine of copyright law.[3]". There is even a video game called "DJ Hero" where you create your own mashup. In doing this, you can present the song in a whole new way, that creates a new context for the song. This can also be exciting for the listener, but it can also, in some listeners musical minds, not be effective at all. It is all subjective.
The most effective way to increase a listeners enjoyment is to have fun, try to make the other musicians have a good time, and make the audience have a good time.
There can, however, be simple and subtle ways to introduce the song in a way that make the song your own without changing the original song too much. One example of this is to use an introduction for the song that leads into the beginning of the song. This uses something that is unfamiliar, yet pleasing, to the listener, to set up a familiar song. If you do it correctly, it can make the listener hear the song in a new way because you added an intro that complimented the song. When the original song drops in or blends in, and the listener recognizes the song, it can create a moment in the listeners musical mind that is exciting. Another subtle way to change a song to make it more interesting is to try not to sing it exactly like the original singer on the recording. Use your own singing voice, and your own genuine emotion to present the song. This can backfire if the listener does not like your interpretation, but it can also make a listener take notice of a song that they may not of taken notice of before. Then, maybe the next time they hear the song on the radio, they will appreciate it more because they relate it to the experience of hearing you do it.
There are also ways to rework a song that are not subtle, but drastic, that can also make the listener take notice. There are lots of examples of this in reggae music. Lots of times, a reggae band will take a song that is rock, doowop, soul, etc... and change the feel of it to a reggae feel. This can be very effective in making the listener hear the song in a different way. Another example would be to blend two song together, or "mashup" two songs. This would be when you find two songs that have similar feels, melodies, or grooves, and essentially playing them at the same time. Maybe singing the verse of one song while playing the groove of another song. There are plenty of ways to do this. Wikipedia gives the following definitions for mashup. "A mashup, bootleg or blend[1] (also mash up and mash-up) is a song or composition created by blending two or more songs, usually by overlaying the vocal track of one song seamlessly over the music track of another.[2] To the extent that such works are 'transformative' of original content, they may find protection from copyright claims under the "fair use" doctrine of copyright law.[3]". There is even a video game called "DJ Hero" where you create your own mashup. In doing this, you can present the song in a whole new way, that creates a new context for the song. This can also be exciting for the listener, but it can also, in some listeners musical minds, not be effective at all. It is all subjective.
The most effective way to increase a listeners enjoyment is to have fun, try to make the other musicians have a good time, and make the audience have a good time.
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