How D’Angelo Uses Funky Dominant Sevenths in “Sugah Daddy”
In this short analysis, we break down the source of D’Angelo’s funky sound, his impeccable use of dominant sevenths in spread voicings.
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President Obama’s Hit Playlist and Using Music to Cope with the Madness of Politics
For the last three months I’ve been doing something I rarely do: watching the news. Not only have I watched the news, but I’ve watched on a semi-regular basis. This is a huge step for someone who admittedly keeps abreast of world events through his Facebook timeline. However, after a self-imposed exile from mainstream television…
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The Art of the “Escalating Dance” in Music Videos
Tons of things can make a great music video. Epic drama, quirky graphics and animation, innovative camera techniques and coloring, elements of humor and even horror; these have all produced some memorable videos. But I’d like to talk about the most innately human, natural thing music makes us do — dance. However, watching people just dance,…
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Uncovering the Jazz Influence in Pop, Rock, and Hip-Hop Classics
+ Bridge the worlds of theory, improvisation, and jazzy hip-hop, and improve your piano chops with Grammy-winner Kiefer in his course, Kiefer: Keys, Chords, & Beats. Jazz music is daunting to wrap one’s ears around. It is safe to say most Americans have a complicated relationship with one of our oldest art forms. Jazz is chronically…
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Rappa Turned Sanga
I was scared I would lose credibility as a rapper if I started trying to get my Bilal on. Then a friend taught me to embrace my imperfections.
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What Is Jazz Worth, Anymore?
I love jazz. I love playing jazz, listening to jazz, shedding jazz, and talking with other people who love jazz, about jazz. I recently released, with my group the PLS.trio, a new modern jazz record in the style of greats such as Pat Metheny and Esbjorn Svensson. According to a review by All About Jazz, our music takes…
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Off Notes: For Lovers and Haters Alike
Happy Friday! This weekend has something for everyone! For the lovers out there, Happy Valentines Day! To the not-so-in-love, Happy Presidents’ Day! To the bitter and twisted, Happy Friday the 13th! And welcome to another Off Notes weekly round-up of the best the musical internet has to offer. I’ve decided to dedicate this week’s post to the lovers…
