Showing posts with label Pat Metheny Group. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pat Metheny Group. Show all posts

Friday, January 22, 2016

5 on Friday -- Set 301




Spinning Friday tunes since 2010...

...and sending out a Big Time Birthday Hug to my musical partner in crime, Mike Golch -- the other remaining 5 on Friday blogger!




Photo by Jean-Luc Ourlin


To mark the passing of David Bowie on January 10th at age 69, A Piece of My Mind salutes a musical giant with this week's set.  


1 - Ziggy Stardust - 1972

I'm going to go out on a limb -- considering his extensive musical catalogue -- but the opening chords of Ziggy Stardust can be considered to be Bowie's musical signature.








2 - Moonage Daydream - 1972

Like many people, I adored the inclusion of Moonage Daydream on the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack. Although I loved the whole soundtrack playlist, I always found myself starting with David Bowie's track and then hitting replay over and over. 









3 - Golden Years - 1975

Once again, this track was used in a film soundtrack in the anachronistic A Knight's Tale, where Heath Ledger and the rest of the medival court danced to the strains of David Bowie in their 15th century costumes. A perfect Bowie-esque touch.








4 - Blue Jean - 1984

David Bowie showcases his considerable vocal range in this track. He was easily able to scale between nearly four octaves -- one octave containing eight notes (remember The Sound of Music and Do Re Me Fa So La Ti Do) -- and was in the same pop-music range as Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant and Muse's Matt Bellamy. Strangely enough, two more of my favorites.   









5 - This is Not America - Pat Metheny featuring David Bowie - 1985


Okay, maybe he does more vocal gymnastics on this track. Considering he's performing alongside jazz fusion heavyweight Pat Metheny -- another favorite of mine! -- I'm sure he welcomed stretching his musical chops.  






If you'd like to join in, simply choose five pieces of music and post them for other bloggers to enjoy. Then check out the set posted by the other 5 on Friday blogger -- you can sign in over at Golch Central's Rambling Stuff.

Friday, January 2, 2015

5 on Friday -- Set 254




Spinning Friday tunes since 2010...

For anyone who wants to join in, simply choose five pieces of music and post them for other bloggers to enjoy. Then check out the set posted by the other 5 on Friday blogger -- you can sign in over at Golch Central's Rambling Stuff.

January dawns and I'm launching a brand new feature this year, now that I've wrapped up 2014's The Hit Makers.

This year I'll be taking a once-a-month look at specific instruments and showcasing five songs or tunes which place that instrument front and center.

My new feature is called Spotlight On...

...and for our first instrument, I'm looking at that most primal of instruments: the hand. Here are five songs which shine a spotlight on handclapping


1 - The First Circle - Pat Metheny Group - 1984









2 - Cecilia - Simon and Garfunkel - 1970







3 - Eight Days a Week - The Beatle - 1964








4 - Stuck in the Middle With You - Stealers Wheel - 1972








5 - Car Wash - Rose Royce - 1976




Friday, August 30, 2013

5 on Friday - Set 186


Travis at Trav's Thoughts invites everyone to lay down a short set of music that takes their fancies for his 5 on Friday meme.

This week's set was also prompted by Promises, Promises.

Last week I focused on the subject matter of the song. This week I'm revelling in the joy of complex time signatures. Promises, Promises gets a second play, as it's the launch pad once again.    

1 - Promises, Promises - Dionne Warwick  

This song alternates between 3/8 and 4/8. 





2 - Good Morning, Good Morning - The Beatles


This song uses 5/4 and 4/4, with 3/4 to transition between the two!





3 - Solsbury Hill Peter Gabriel

This song uses 7/4 while moving into 4/4 at the end of each chorus.




4 - Seven Days - Sting

This song alternates between 3/4 and 2/4.






5 - First Circle Pat Metheny Group

Hoo boy, do I love this one.

Here's a bit of conversation about it in the user comments on You Tube:

"Someone who has experience as a percussionist told me the time signature was 22/8." -- Mark

"It is. It's easier if you break it down into 12/8 and 10/8 though. Count 3+2+3+2+2 and 3+3+2+2." -- Alex