Weekly Overview
Listening Examples
Take the ‘A’ Train by Duke Ellington – Listen here
What to Listen For:
Focus on the saxophone melody, which is catchy and easily recognizable. Notice how the melody is repeated and varied throughout the piece, creating a sense of familiarity and anticipation. The way the melody weaves through the different instruments, particularly in the solos, showcases the improvisational aspect of jazz.
Strange Fruit by Billie Holiday – Listen here
What to Listen For:
Listen to Billie Holiday’s haunting vocal melody, which carries the weight of the song’s powerful and somber lyrics. The melody is simple yet deeply emotional, with subtle shifts in pitch and tone that enhance the song’s chilling message. Notice how the sparse instrumental arrangement allows the melody to stand out prominently.
My Girl by The Temptations – Listen here
What to Listen For:
The bass line introduces the melody, which is then picked up by the vocals. The melody is smooth and joyful, with a clear and catchy progression that makes the song instantly memorable. Listen for the way the melody is complemented by the harmonized background vocals, adding depth to the overall sound.
Funky Drummer by James Brown – Listen here
What to Listen For:
Pay close attention to the iconic drum break, which is one of the most sampled rhythms in music history. The syncopated, funky rhythm played by the drummer, Clyde Stubblefield, drives the entire track, creating a groove that is both complex and irresistible. Notice how the rhythm section holds the groove steady while the other instruments and vocals play off it.
So What by Miles Davis – Listen here
What to Listen For:
Listen to the interplay between the bass and the drums, which set up a cool, laid-back rhythm that defines the piece. The rhythm in this modal jazz classic is subtle and relaxed, providing a perfect backdrop for the improvisational solos. Notice how the rhythm section creates a steady pulse, while the soloists play with the timing and syncopation.
Superstition by Stevie Wonder – Listen here
What to Listen For:
The rhythmic groove in this song is driven by the iconic clavinet riff, which is tightly syncopated and incredibly funky. Listen to how the rhythm is reinforced by the bass and drums, creating a tight, danceable beat that propels the song forward. The interplay of syncopation and rhythm in Stevie Wonder’s vocals adds another layer of complexity to the track.
Texture
A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke – Listen here
What to Listen For:
The texture in this song is rich and orchestral, with layers of strings, brass, and vocals creating a lush sound. Listen to how Sam Cooke’s soulful voice sits on top of the instrumental arrangement, which builds in intensity as the song progresses. The use of different instruments adds depth and emotion to the song, enhancing its powerful message.
Summertime by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong – Listen here
What to Listen For:
Notice the contrast between Ella Fitzgerald’s smooth, airy vocal line and Louis Armstrong’s gravelly trumpet playing. The texture here is sparse but effective, with the two lead instruments (voice and trumpet) weaving in and out of each other. The minimalist accompaniment by the piano and bass creates an intimate, yet complex texture that draws the listener in.
Respect by Aretha Franklin – Listen here
What to Listen For:
This song features a dynamic texture, with Aretha Franklin’s powerful vocals at the forefront, supported by backing vocals, horns, and a tight rhythm section. Listen for the way different musical elements come together, creating a dense, energetic sound. The call-and-response between Aretha and the background singers adds another layer to the texture, making the song feel vibrant and alive.
I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston – Listen here
What to Listen For:
Notice the dramatic shifts in dynamics throughout the song, starting with soft, tender verses and building to powerful, belted choruses. The use of dynamics here enhances the emotional impact of the song, with Whitney Houston’s voice ranging from gentle whispers to soaring, full-bodied notes. Pay attention to how the dynamics change the mood and intensity as the song progresses.
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – Listen here
What to Listen For:
This song features dynamic contrasts between the verses and the chorus, with the music swelling in intensity during the chorus to match the uplifting message of the lyrics. Listen for how the dynamics create a sense of movement and build excitement throughout the song. The interplay between Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s vocals also contributes to the dynamic range.
Bridge Over Troubled Water by Aretha Franklin – Listen here
What to Listen For:
Aretha Franklin’s rendition of this classic song showcases a wide range of dynamics, from soft, introspective moments to powerful, soaring crescendos. Listen for the way the dynamics enhance the emotional depth of the song, with the arrangement building in intensity as it reaches its climax. The dynamic shifts add drama and impact to the overall performan
What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye – Listen here
What to Listen For:
The lyrics in this song are deeply reflective and socially conscious, addressing issues of war, inequality, and the need for compassion. Listen for the way Marvin Gaye’s smooth, soulful delivery adds weight to the lyrics, making them resonate with the listener. The repetition of the question “What’s going on?” throughout the song reinforces the theme of seeking understanding in a troubled world.
Strange Fruit by Billie Holiday – Listen here
What to Listen For:
The lyrics of Strange Fruit are stark and haunting, depicting the horror of lynching in the American South. Billie Holiday’s delivery of these lyrics is chilling, with a slow, deliberate phrasing that emphasizes the gravity of the subject matter. Listen to how the lyrics create powerful, disturbing imagery, and how the sparse arrangement allows the words to take center stage.
Lift Every Voice and Sing by Various Artists – Listen here
What to Listen For:
Known as the Black National Anthem, the lyrics of this song are a call for unity, hope, and resilience. Listen to the powerful, uplifting message conveyed through the words, which speak to the struggles and triumphs of African-Americans. The harmonized vocals enhance the sense of community and collective strength that the lyrics inspire.
12-Bar Blues (B.B. King’s The Thrill is Gone) – Listen here
What to Listen For:
This song follows the classic 12-bar blues form, which is a staple of blues music. Listen for the repeated chord progression and the way the lyrics and melody fit within this structure. The form gives the song a sense of predictability and stability, while B.B. King’s expressive guitar playing adds variation and emotion to each cycle.
AABA Song Form in Autumn Leaves by Nat King Cole – Listen here
What to Listen For:
Autumn Leaves is a great example of the AABA song form, a common structure in jazz and pop music. Listen to how the melody is presented in the A sections and then contrasted with the B section, which provides a different musical idea before returning to the original theme. This form creates a pleasing sense of balance and resolution.
Verse-Chorus Form in Respect by Aretha Franklin – Listen here
What to Listen For:
This song uses the verse-chorus form, which alternates between the narrative verses and the repeated, catchy chorus. Listen to how the chorus acts as the emotional and musical high point of the song, with the verses providing context and buildup. The repetition of the chorus makes it memorable and reinforces the song’s empowering message.
This Little Light of Mine (Traditional Spiritual) – Listen here
What to Listen For:
This spiritual song showcases the influence of African musical traditions, particularly in its use of repetitive, call-and-response patterns. Listen to how the simple, uplifting lyrics are repeated, creating a communal and participatory atmosphere. The melody and rhythm are accessible, encouraging everyone to join in, reflecting the song’s roots in African-American religious and cultural practices.
St. Louis Blues by Bessie Smith – Listen here
What to Listen For:
This song is a classic example of the blues genre, which draws heavily on African-American work songs, spirituals, and folk music. Listen for the distinctive 12-bar blues form, the use of blue notes (slightly bent or flattened notes), and the lamenting lyrics that express the hardships and emotions of life. Bessie Smith’s powerful vocal delivery exemplifies the emotional depth and storytelling tradition in blues music.
The Message by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five – Listen here
What to Listen For:
This pioneering hip-hop track reflects the genre’s roots in African-American street culture, as well as influences from funk, soul, and spoken word traditions. Listen to the rhythmic delivery of the lyrics, which convey a vivid picture of urban life and social issues. The use of a repetitive, catchy beat underscores the message, making it both memorable and impactful, and highlighting the song’s influence on the development of socially conscious rap.
So What by Miles Davis – Listen here
What to Listen For:
This track is a quintessential example of modal jazz, a genre that emphasizes improvisation over a fixed harmonic structure. Listen to the laid-back rhythm and the minimalist melody, which allows the soloists to explore a wide range of expression within a simple framework. The call-and-response between the bass and the piano sets up the main theme, which is then expanded upon in the solos.
Blues: The Thrill Is Gone by B.B. King – Listen here
What to Listen For: This song exemplifies the electric blues genre, characterized by its slow tempo, emotional intensity, and use of amplified instruments. Listen for B.B. King’s expressive guitar playing, which utilizes vibrato and bending techniques to convey deep emotion. The lyrics express feelings of loss and resignation, a common theme in blues music, and are delivered with a sense of weary resolve.
Hip-Hop: Fight the Power by Public Enemy – Listen here
What to Listen For:
Fight the Power is a seminal track in the hip-hop genre, known for its political message and powerful, driving beat. Listen to the aggressive, rhythmic delivery of the lyrics, which challenge authority and call for social change. The use of sampling, scratching, and layered rhythms creates a dense, energetic sound that underscores the urgency of the message.
Call and response is a musical technique where a phrase is sung or played, followed by a response that comments on or answers it. It’s a foundational part of vocal and rhythmic communication and can be used in many parts of a song, including verses, bridges, and choruses.
Shout by The Isley Brothers – Listen here
What to Listen For:
This song is a lively example of call-and-response in R&B, with the lead vocalist delivering a line (the call) and the backing vocals or audience responding. Listen to how the call-and-response interaction builds energy and excitement, encouraging audience participation. The dynamic shifts between the call and response sections add to the celebratory feel of the song, making it a popular choice for parties and live performances.
Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ by Michael Jackson – Listen Here
What to Listen For:
“Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” by Michael Jackson features a vibrant example of call and response, particularly in the famous “Mama-say mama-sa mama-coo-sa” section. Listen as Michael Jackson delivers the call with the phrase, and the background vocals or instruments respond, creating a rhythmic and energetic interaction. Throughout the song, this pattern drives the energy forward, encouraging audience participation and creating a sense of communal experience. The call-and-response structure is not just limited to this section; it can also be heard in the exchanges between Jackson’s lead vocals and the background singers throughout the song, adding layers of excitement and dynamism. This technique, rooted in African musical traditions, is skillfully adapted into a pop context, showcasing how call and response can be used to enhance the rhythm and engagement of a song.
I Got You (I Feel Good) by James Brown – Listen here
What to Listen For:
This song is a prime example of call-and-response in funk music. Listen to how James Brown’s energetic shouts (the call) are immediately answered by the horns and rhythm section (the response). This interaction creates a dynamic and rhythmic groove that drives the song forward. The call-and-response pattern is also echoed in the interplay between Brown’s vocals and the backing band, creating a tight, cohesive sound.
People Get Ready by The Impressions – Listen here
What to Listen For:
This song features rich vocal harmonies that are characteristic of gospel and soul music. Listen to how the different vocal parts (soprano, alto, tenor) blend together to create a warm, uplifting sound. The harmonies add depth and emotional resonance to the lyrics, enhancing the song’s message of hope and unity. The smooth, seamless transitions between harmonies also demonstrate the group’s vocal precision and artistry.
Moanin’ by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers – Listen here
What to Listen For:
In this jazz classic, the harmony is primarily provided by the piano and horns, creating a rich, layered sound. Listen to how the harmony supports the melody while also adding complexity and color to the piece. The bluesy, gospel-inspired harmonies in the main theme contrast with the more adventurous, improvisational lines in the solos, showcasing the versatility and depth of jazz harmony.
A Quiet Place by Take 6 – Listen here
What to Listen For:
“A Quiet Place” by Take 6 is an extraordinary example of vocal harmony. Listen closely to how the six vocalists blend their voices to create rich, complex harmonies that are both intricate and soothing. The song features tight, jazz-influenced harmonies, where each singer’s part is carefully woven together, creating chords that are lush and full. Notice how the group uses dynamic control and precise intonation to maintain the purity of their harmonies, even in the most complex sections. The a cappella arrangement allows the harmonies to shine without any instrumental accompaniment, showcasing the group’s exceptional vocal abilities. Pay attention to the way they use harmonies not just to support the melody but to create a textured, layered sound that adds depth and emotional impact to the song.
