In this post I’m going to discuss some types of cadences and turnarounds. Cadences are a topic that comes up for my first year foundation Understanding Music Theory students (as well as for many others), and this will acts as a resource to demonstrate the four types of cadence they need to know. Continue reading...
This article was originally published in 2014 and has been updated for 2022.
This is a brief guide to the altered scale – how you can figure it out and some basic harmonies derived from it. Continue reading...
An incredible track from Erykah’s 1997 Baduizm album. Otherside of the Game was written by Badu, Questlove, James Poyser and Richard Nichols. Wikipedia describes it as “effectively showcases Badu’s debt to jazz as well as soul”, which I can’t disagree with. Continue reading...
It’s been called the most important six second drum loop, it’s virtually spawned an entire genre, it’s subject to much debate in all corners of the internet from the legal ins-and-outs to how best to chop it up. Continue reading...
Ondine is the first movement from Ravel’s fabled 1908 composition Gaspard de la nuit. The piece is regarded by many as one of the most demanding piano works. Continue reading...
Pedal tones and inverse pedal tones are two ways of adding interest to a harmonic part by use of a static tone or tones, and in some cases repeated ostinato. Continue reading...
This was originally published in December 2017. I am giving the graphics and writing an update.
I was walking along the canal a while back with my good pal discussing saxophone and how his work rota had allowed him more time at home during the day, meaning he can practise the (often) unwelcoming sound of overtones. Continue reading...
This article was originally published back in 2014. As with other well-read posts on this site, I’m trying to revisit some to tidy up some of the writing and audio and generally make them a little more professional. Continue reading...
This article was originally published back in 2015. As with other well-read posts on this site, I’m trying to revisit some to tidy up some of the writing and audio and generally make them a little more professional. Continue reading...
Get Down Saturday Night was a 1983 hit for Oliver Cheatham written by himself and Kevin McCord and released on MCA Records, peaking at #38 in the UK singles chart that year. Continue reading...