[Monday Notes no. 71] Much of Dorival Caymmi’s music is dedicated to his homeland, Bahia, and to the sea in particular. The singer-songwriter in 1959 recorded Caymmi e Seu Violão, a record made entirely by accompanying himself with only the guitar, from which we hear the song O Mar.Continue readingO Mar, Dorival Caymmi the poet who writes of the sea
[Monday Notes no. 70] Cab Calloway was an extraordinary singer, dancer and showman. After early successes at the Cotton Club where he filled in for none other than Duke Ellington’s orchestra, he continued to perform throughout his life until he was over eighty years of age.Continue readingSt. Louis Blues, Cab Calloway is always center stage.
[Monday Notes No. 69] As with most children of the arts, it must not have been easy for Nancy Sinatra to take on the singing profession. However, in 1967, Nancy performed a lovely duet with her father Frank Sinatra entitled Somethin’ Stupid, which was an immediate and lasting success. Let us analyze this beautiful song.Continue readingNancy Sinatra, Somethin’ Stupid. A duet between father and daughter
[Monday Notes no. 68] Although the most famous song from the musical film The Wizard of Oz is Somewhere Over the Rainbow, the most important song for the unfolding of the story is undoubtedly If I Only Had a Heart. The song is performed in turn by Dorothy’s three companions: the tin man, the scarecrow…Continue readingJack Haley, If I Only Had a Heart. A fable about artificial intelligence
[Monday Notes no. 67] Although it is natural to associate bossanova with the guitar, the piano has been very important in the development of this music. The most important founders of bossanova include pianists Johnny Alf, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Sergio Mendes, Ivan Lins and Milton Nascimento. Let us analyse a nice piece entitled A Ra…Continue readingJoao Donato, A Ra. The Piano and Brazilian Popular Music
[Monday Notes no.66] Billy Strayhorn wrote many songs and arrangements for Duke Elllington’s orchestra, always remaining in the shadows as he had a reserved and shy character. Lotus Blossom is one of his most beautiful songs, here performed by Duke Ellington who did not even know it was being recorded.Continue readingBilly Strayhorn and Duke Ellington, Lotus Blossom. 30 years of music side by side
[Monday Notes no. 65] Sonny Red is the stage name of Sylvester Kyner, a saxophonist who has had rather limited recognition despite having played with great musicians such as Barry Harris, Donald Byrd, Curtis Fuller, Bobby Timmons. Jelly Roll is one of his pieces that celebrates the great Jelly Roll Morton.Continue readingSonny Red, Jelly Roll. A blues for Jelly Roll Morton
[Monday Notes no. 64] Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers have been one of the longest-running ensembles in jazz history. The drummer featured dozens of talented young men in his band, contributing to their growth. However, Art Blakey always maintained the leadership of his band, as we see in this recording where the Jazz Messengers play Like…Continue readingArt Blakey, Like Someone In Love. An inspiring teacher for young jazz musicians.
[Monday Notes no. 63] Jaco Pastorius revolutionized the electric bass, popularizing the the fretless bass (i.e., no frets on the neck). In addition to playing fantastic bass lines, Jaco was also capable of playing chords and harmonic sounds, turning the bass into a solo instrument. Herbie Hancock also participated in his first album, let’s analyze…Continue readingJaco Pastorius, Kuru / Speak Like a Child. The electric bass is the star attraction
[Monday Notes no. 62] Olê, Olá is part of Chico Buarque de Hollanda’s first album, released in 1966. The Brazilian musician was just 22 years old, yet in his first record are already present the typical elements of his music, rooted in Brazilian popular music but often very elaborate from a harmonic point of view.Continue readingChico Buarque de Hollanda, Olê Olá. A smile that hides sadness.