“Video Killed the Radio Star”
Written by: Trevor Horn, Geoff Downes and Bruce Woolley
1978
Style: New Wave, Pop
Achievements: First Music Video to be shown on MTV in the U.S. #1 in several countries. Included on several lists of important songs of the century.
Some songs can make profound statements musically, but on occasion there’s a rare gem that comes along with a perfect blend of lyrics, melody and arrangement that goes beyond listening enjoyment, but provides meaningful commentary. Musically it was significant in its own right. A new-wave pop song that actually ushered in a bold new sound. Melodically it was a bit on the sarcastic side with its commercial “jingle” quality, and lyrically it would take on even more meaning years after its release, with a prophetic quality that would become an anthem of an MTV generation. “Video Killed the Radio Star” doesn’t stand as a groundbreaking song that revolutionized music, nor is it necessarily a “work of art”. It is however an important song in music history. Not only did it lead the way in “New Wave”, but with its bold statement on what was happening and what was yet to come within the music industry, it would become an anthem of a generation seeking to find its voice and place within the ever competing sounds of a new multi-media world of entertainment.
Sometimes truly great songs are destined for remakes. While in this case, no other version could ever have the same kind of impact as significant as the original, it’s always cool to hear other people’s interpretations. The band Presidents of the United States of America also did a successful remake which was on the soundtrack to the movie, “The Wedding Singer.” There’s also a version from the a cappella group The Pentatonix. I thought I’d share this cool rendition from the band Pomplamoose. I always appreciate it when a song becomes something more than just a remake, but says something a little bit different. The did a great job of making the song fresh while still giving respect to the original. Enjoy!
Dick Hyman
1928-Present
Style: Jazz, Swing, Bebop, Psychedelic, Experimental, Early Electronic, Film, Piano, Moog
Achievements: Jazz Hall of Fame of Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies, 7 time recipient of the Most valuable Player Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
Music appreciation is all about understanding where we’ve come from musically, learning and finding value in different styles, discovering unique sounds and beauty in other cultures. Ultimately, music appreciation is about understanding our significant place in relationship to one another, through the diverse and unending creativity of what is commonly called the “Universal Language.” Today I had the pleasure of just stumbling upon this unusual track called, “Bye, Bye Blues” and it led me down a strange, eccentric and wonderful path.
Here’s the full album, I highly encourage you to give it a listen. I could probably do a full post just on this album alone.
Recorded in 1962, the album contains hints of a “beatnik” or experimental jazz feel that was present in the underground music scene, but overall it’s clearly way ahead of its time. You can’t help but get the feeling that this guy is in some way the father of trance and techno, which becomes even more evident in “Minotaur”. The first charting single to contain the sounds of a Moog Synthesizer.
The next album I happened upon was the “Electric Eclectics of Dick Hyman”, which was recorded in 1969. It’s clear that Dick was a true musical pioneer who brilliantly ushered in the age of the synthesizer through his mastery of the Moog. His music had a genius about it that catered somewhat to the musical sensibilities of it’s time but boldly pressed into the future. With an almost prophetic sensibility, he seemed to foreshadow the electronic and digital music that would explode into mainstream nearly 30 years later.
Before flowing into a more avant guard sound, Hyman was already an accomplished piano player who’d jammed with some of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. Here he is accompanying and soloing along side of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, in this rare and unique moment in jazz history. (Music begins at :48, Piano Solo from Hyman at 2.:50)
Dick has experienced a long-lasting career, breaking open new barriers of sonic exploration, while still remaining true and faithful to the music and his roots. Here’s a great piece that shows off his amazing artistry and is educational at the same time.
Not only is he an accomplished musician who has mastery of the piano and keyboard, a groundbreaking songwriter, but he is also a film composer who has written and conducted for several Woody Allen films as well as others such as Moonstruck. Most impressively however, he is an amazing teacher. His video’s contain more information than most students get over the course of a semester of piano study. You can view a portion of his teaching video here.
Over the course of this past month I’ve had the joy of learning a lot more about artists I’m familiar with, as well as uncovering new ones. Many of these new discoveries don’t make it onto this appreciation list for various reasons. Today’s post is extremely special to me, it’s at the very heart of why I’m doing this. We limit ourselves on so many levels when sticking to only one narrow genre, or artists we’re comfortably familiar with. Dick Hyman is one of those rare and delightful gems, a man who kept playing, continued innovating and left enough of a mark on music that his artistry and works still connects and resonates today. I know that I have found a new favorite who’s musicianship and creativity I totally and completely appreciate.
Coleman Hawkins
1904-1969
Style – Jazz, Bebop, Swing
Achievements: Grammy Hall of Fame for “Body and Soul”. Considered the “Father of the Tenor Saxophone”.
“A young tenor player was complaining to me that Coleman Hawkins made him nervous. Man, I told him Hawkins was supposed to make him nervous! Hawkins has been making other sax players nervous for forty years!” – Cannonball Adderley
He was like a rock star. It was Jazz at the Philharmonic: The Coleman Hawkins Set 1957, and when the “Hawk” took off, you could hear the crowd going crazy. A wellspring of emotion and excitement built up inside of me and with a big stupid grin on my face I couldn’t help but give into the raw sounds that poured out of the tenor saxophone. I was jamming to the music as if I were actually there, watching him play live. As a Tenor player myself, Coleman Hawkins was a hero and an inspiration in my passion for music.
Coleman Hawkins was not only known as the best Tenor Sax player of his time, but he was a revolutionary who helped create and launch a new style of music, Bebop. His bold and creative improvisation moved in and out and all around the barriers of traditional swing, and in 1939 he’d record a song that would change music overnight. When “Body and Soul” was released, the very next day it was all musicians and music fans could talk about. He brilliantly danced around the melody just enough to let the listener know what song it was, before taking the listener upon an artistic journey that opened the door for new creative expressions and redefined the way solo’s would be played.
“It’s the first and only record I ever heard of, that all the squares dig as well as the jazz people… I wasn’t making a melody for the squares. I played it like I play everything else, and yet they went for it.” – Coleman Hawkins (Downbeat 1955)
Although he played a huge role in bringing forth the “Bebop” style, like most musicians Coleman never wanted to be pigeonholed into one category. He had a deep regard for all music, and like many jazz greats he had a devotion to classical music. He loved Bach and would often play classical music at home on the piano and enjoyed Opera as well. Coleman Hawkins was a definitive “musicians, Musician.” He inspired many well known artists and fellow players such as Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane. He could rock out, play swing, hard jazz or the smoothest ballads.
“When I heard Hawk, I learned to play ballads” – Miles Davis
He played with nearly all of the greats, and left many of them dazzled and enamored. Coleman Hawkins’ importance in music history in unquestionable, he was a virtuoso who revolutionized music on many levels. An icon and a legend, he enjoyed a long and successful career, leaving a lasting impact on music as whole. There will never be another like him.
Grease – Musical/Movie
1971-Present
Written By: Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Style: Musical
Achievements: 1979 Peoples Choice Awards, nominated for several Oscar and Tony Awards. Listed on several of AFI’s top 100 lists. Original Broadway musical was the longest running show up to that time.
In 1971, a musical came along that would capture the hearts and minds of a generation and go on to become a film that was a huge box office success. “Grease” was the word that set people singing all over the world. Inspired by 50’s and 60’s rock with a timeless musical quality, the songs of Grease were as much a part of the success of both the musical and the movie as the actors, story, and production quality that made them such a hit.
Very few musicals have the kind of success that Grease has experienced. The most profound thing about it was how it inspired and influenced so many people to sing. Not many musicals have had their songs climb the Billboard charts and get played on the radio as much as Grease. In 1978, the year the movie and its #1 charting soundtrack were released, 6 songs would go on to become hits with “Grease,” sung by Frankie Valli, and “You’re the One that I Want,” sung by John Travolta and Olivia Newton John, both hitting #1 in the U.S.
While the original theatrical musical version was extremely successful, the transfer to a big budget film version required some slight changes and additions that would help it translate to the big screen and resonate with a larger audience. To assist with this, Barry Gibbs of the popular group The Bee Gees was brought on to write the hit title theme song. Unlike most of the original musical songs, “Grease” had a distinct ’70s sound that was indicative of the times.
When Olivia Newton John was cast for the role of Sandy in the movie production, she was already a successful singer. One of the provisions in her contract was to have a feature song written for her that would be an addition to the already robust musical lineup. That addition would prove to be highly successful and further elevate the success of the movie and its soundtrack. “Hopelessly Devoted to You” would receive an Oscar nomination and climb up to #3 in the U.S. and #1 and #2 respectively on various other lists throughout the globe. It would become such a significant part of the movie that later Broadway productions would include it.
I think Grease was the first musical I’d ever seen. If not, it was the first that I fell in love with. Like many others, I quickly memorized all the words, danced all of the dance scenes and started up a crazy love affair with Olivia Newton John. Sure, I was only 6, but I was going to sing my way straight into her heart. Countless hours would go by with me swinging on my swing set in the backyard belting out, “You’re the One that I Want” at the top of my lungs. If I’d known that the neighbors would often come out to listen to my little concert, I’m not so sure I would have sung as loud as I did. Grease was more than just a fun movie, as I got older I’d discover the majority of my fellow choir geeks and artistic weirdo friends all grew up with the same delusions of our high school experience being filled with fantastic musical numbers, overly dramatic love-affairs, car races and minor delinquent activities. Okay, so maybe it wasn’t as much of a delusion as it was a bit more disjointed reality chaotically mimicking fantasy. At any rate, the music and the stories that it tells have been an inspiration to many artists. As for me personally, it taught me that life really is just one big musical.
Time and again, Grease has been voted by both fans and critics alike as one of the greatest movies and musicals of all time. It’s had a cultural and musical impact that has ignited the “Broadway” dreams of both young and old alike. They’re songs that if you’re not familiar with, you definitely should be. Songs that deserve to be appreciated and enjoyed.
Bobby Vee 1943-Present (Retired in 2010, diagnosed with Alzheimers)
Style – Rock and Roll, Pop
Achievements: Theodore Roosevelt “Rough Rider” Award, Rockabilly Hall of Fame, Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame.
Sometimes in life opportunity can be born out of tragedy. That’s exactly what happened on the eventful evening of February 3, 1959 when a plane carrying legendary Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper went down in a fatal crash. Looking for a band to fill the spot that had been slated for Buddy Holly, a young 15-year-old boy named Robert Velline and his band “The Shadows” was awarded the opportunity to sing in his place. Shortly afterwards Bobby Vee would write and record his first hit, “Suzie Baby”, a nod to Buddy Holly’s “Peggy Sue”.
Original 1959 Version
“I’ve played all over the world, with all kinds of people…everybody from Mick Jagger to Madonna… everybody in there in between. I’ve been on the stage with most of those people. But the most meaningful person I’ve ever been on the stage with, was a man who is here tonight, who used to sing a song called “Suzie Baby”… Bobby Vee”
– Bob Dylan
Bobby Vee would go on to become a teen heartthrob and an international success. Landing 38 songs on the Hot 100 list, 10 of which would hit onto the top 10. In the vast catalogue of hundreds of music pioneers and innovators, it might seem a little strange to include Bobby Vee on a Music Appreciation list. However, he’s exactly one of the reasons why I felt it was so important to do this. His voice and talent were so outstanding that while many teen idols would quickly fade away, Bobby Vee remained a vibrant fixture on the charts for nearly a decade and continued to have a life-long career even after his numerous hits were pushed aside by 70’s rock.
Bobby was also a pioneer in the art form of music videos. He appeared in several musical films and was involved in the Scopitone series of video jukebox recordings. Throughout his career he was known to be humble, positive, charming, true and loyal to his friends and a strong family man. He is the quintessential Rock and Roll feel good story.
I grew up with Bobby Vee in my ears. My mom played him a lot, and of course when the oldies station came out on the radio he became a permanent resident, with what seemed like nearly every one of hits being played at some point. He might not be listed on any Top 100 Artists of all time, he’s not featured on many “History of Rock and Roll” specials, but the truth is Bobby Vee has inspired and influenced more musicians and singers than the world will probably ever realize. His smooth singing style and stage presence, as well as his amazing interpretation and delivery of songs is what helped contribute to his vibrant career. Paul McCartney was one of the greats who admired and would become friends with Bobby Vee, even stating in an interview that the Beatles song, “She Loves You” started off as a response to Vee’s, “Run to Him.”
I personally think it’s a disgrace that Bobby Vee has yet to be inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His influence, music and career are amazing, especially the way he was able to side-step so many pitfalls that often plague teen superstars. His voice is that of a bygone era, smooth, charming, melodies that are fun and simplistic while at the same time worm their way into your heart. My favorite song of his was “Come Back When You Grow Up.” I consider it to be the catalyst song that made me want to be a songwriter. It can be easy to overlook or minimize Bobby’s contributions to music, but he stood as strong as a marble statue in the midst of an explosive and ever changing scene of music artists and styles coming going. While others point to the stars, Bobby Vee stood there unassuming like the moon, taken for granted and yet still a marvelous sight to behold for those who chose to take a moment and appreciate the simplistic wonder.
RUN–D.M.C.
1981-2002
Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniels and Jam Master Jay.
Style – Rap, Hip Hop, Rap-Rock
Achievements: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 1st Hip-hop group to earn a Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum Records, and to be nominated for a Grammy Award.
“More than any other hip-hop group, Run–D.M.C. are responsible for the sound and style of the [hip-hop] music.” – Stephen Thomas Erlewine, editor of AllMusic
They’ve been recognized time and again as the greatest Hip Hop group of all time, and are ranked by Rolling Stone Magazine as #48 in the top 100 most influential artists of all time. Run–D.M.C. took a relatively new style of music, redefined it and rocked it to a whole other level.
Breaking away from the disco era influence that was present in the rap culture of the day, Run–D.M.C. set a new standard both in fashion and music. Ditching the flash and glam look of other rap groups, they adopted a more casual street style. Complete with their hats, leather jackets and unlaced Addidas shoes, they would establish a cultural fashion statement that would remain a hallmark of hip hop trends. As artists, the group would also become the cornerstone of the explosion of Hip Hop with their highlighting of the important role of the DJ, the staging of two turntables and microphones and their daring blend of rock and other musical elements.
RUN–D.M.C., is perhaps the most influential and impacting rap/hip hop groups of all time. They’ve inspired countless of artist both in rap and rock. They set the standard for nearly everything that followed; including fashion, collaborative efforts, sampling, mixing of styles and elements of sound. When I was ten, I remember seeing the video “Tricky” on MTV. I was immediately hooked. I had already heard of RUN–D.M.C., and been exposed to rap music, but something about “Tricky” made me want even more. I went straight up to my room and started writing lyrics and became instantly obnoxious to my family with my unending rapping around the house. In the midst of criticism that rap shouldn’t be considered a musical style, they proved that it was in fact very much a part of rock and roll and music as a whole. The sense of timing, lyrical phrasing and incorporation of important musical motifs firmly established fact that hip hop and rap was here to stay.
“Run–D.M.C. took hardcore hip-hop from an underground street sensation to a pop-culture phenomenon…the trio helped change the course of popular music, paving the way for rap’s second generation”
– Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock and Roll.
Perhaps their most famous song ever would also go on to be the first hip hop song reach the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. It would set the stage for other groups to explore sampling and collaboration with other artists, and rock and pop groups to incorporate elements of rap. A true blending of two very different worlds, it’s often credited as the number one song that made hip hop mainstream, and would also become the catalyst for the resurrection of rock group Aerosmith’s popularity as a band. “Walk This Way” is easily one of the greatest moments in both rock and hip hop music history. Their inclusion in the Rock and Roll hall of fame is definitely deserving, and their music and contributions are worthy of appreciation.
Oscar Peterson
1925-2007
Style – Jazz, Bebop, Blues, Piano
Achievements: 8 Grammy Awards, 16 Honorary Degrees, Downbeat Hall of Fame, Canadian Music Hall of Fame, BBC-Radio Lifetime Achievement Award
He played the piano with dynamic expression and a depth of emotion found in classical artists, and moved the keys with infinitely creative patterns of rhythmic, melodic and harmonic spontaneity typically reserved for the
genius of jazz musicians. He’s been called the “Maharaja” of the piano by
the Duke himself, his career spanning 60 years and producing over 200 recordings, Oscar Peterson was a composer, an educator, singer, artist and an icon. He is also the greatest jazz pianist of all time.
I found the tape cassette in a discount bin at the local record store. I only had a few bucks on me, and thought I’d take a shot. There were really only three different ways of discovering new artists when I was a kid. Either you heard them on the radio, somebody told you about someone, or you just stumbled upon it yourself. I didn’t exactly have discussions about artists with any of my family members, just vast record collections. So occasionally I’d come across something and if I had the money I’d spring for it. I can’t tell you exactly what drew me to it, maybe it was the fact it was so cheap. Perhaps I’d heard his name somewhere at some point, but when I put “Oscar Peterson Live at the Blue Note” into my Midnight Blue ’89 Pontiac Grand Am SE, I didn’t ever want to stop the car. Of course, later that week I’d discover a few of his albums in my Grandpa’s collection, which must have settled somewhere in my subconscious. Regardless, while other friends of mine were driving around blasting Top 40 songs, I was blaring the mesmerizing sounds of Oscar Peterson. I couldn’t get enough of it. I was so addicted that I remember trying to fall asleep to it. That didn’t work so well, as soon as I got relaxed, he’d take off on the piano and I’d find myself getting more and more excited. His playing would sometimes work me into a frenzy until I had to go to the piano and figure out what he was doing.
Oscar Peterson is also a great example of expressing Justice through the Arts, his song “Hymn for Freedom” was inspired by the U.S. Civil rights movement. Like many other non-white artists, Oscar Peterson faced some difficulty with the segregationist South, but was able to overcome many difficulties through his tenacity, impeccable class, musical artistry and help from influential friends.
As an educator, Oscar Peterson was dedicated to inspiring others to pursue music by teaching piano and improvisation and eventually establishing the Advanced School of Contemporary Music in Toronto. The school lasted for five years but closed due to his obligations of extensive touring and limited funding. Later he’d go on to become a mentor at the York University jazz program, eventually becoming the university Chancellor in the 1990’s. The heavy influence of classical music and artists such as Rachmaninoff, Debussy and even Bach is evident in his playing style and Peterson would pass that on to his students requiring them to learn and play several classical pieces. Peterson would also compose his own jazz piano etudes for practice, creating a rich environment of musical craftsmanship.
Some have attempted to criticize or minimize Oscar’s lack of innovation or owning a niche within jazz. I passionately disagree with that sentiment. If anything, Oscar’s genius was his ability to master the piano and own several styles, integrating them seamlessly into his music. His innovation came in the ability to so perfectly communicate his thoughts and emotions through the music in a meaningful, thought provoking and accessible way. Ever the brilliant educator, he could tap into the sometimes esoteric sounds of high jazz and create on-ramps of self-discovery that allowed anyone the ability to not only understand the music, but to enjoy and be impacted by it. Oscar Peterson is a shining beacon of what being a musician is all about. While I personally believe that in some ways he was a little ahead of his time in the way he musically communicated with people, and doesn’t get enough credit for the impact he’s had on the way jazz is played. Yet Oscar still reminds us that you don’t have to create a new sound or do something radically different to make a major impact on music. You simply have to be dedicated, work hard on your craft and be willing to pour your heart, mind, body and soul into the music and communicate excellence and passion. That in and of itself is groundbreaking and why Oscar Peterson, while maybe not “God” (as Art Tatum has been called), he is certainly the very embodiment of the spirit of what Jazz Piano is all about, and has created the highest level of purity in achievement when it comes to making music. No matter who came before him, or who comes after, Oscar Peterson will forever stand as the very icon of a true Jazz Pianist.
Here he is playing one of my top 10 favorite songs of all time, Autumn Leaves.
Better than any words I could ever hope to write, the music of Oscar Peterson speaks for itself. If you take time to learn and be blessed by the music of any jazz artist, let it be the music of Oscar Peterson. He is everything that’s good about music.
Thelonious Monk
1917-1982 Style – Jazz, Bebop, Piano
Achievements: Grammy Hall of Fame, Pulizter Prize, Guggenheim Fellowship for Creative Arts, Featured on the Cover of Life (1 of only 5 Jazz artists ever featured)
There’s been none before and there will never be another quite like him. His music was brilliant, groundbreaking and instrumental in one of the most amazing evolutionary moments in music history. Thelonious Monk is the iconic picture of a true Jazz Artist. Known for his hip style of suits, hats and sunglasses, he not only looked the part but set a whole new standard of style when it came to playing.
Monk’s style of playing is extremely unique. While there are hints of other influences such as Duke Ellington and surprisingly Nat King Cole, who would often use subtle dissonance in his somewhat percussive yet flowing piano playing, there’s really no good comparison to the amazing skill and touch of Monk. His playing would float through the extremes, from strong percussive attacks, to dramatic rests and breaks, his melodic form and improvisation would take unsuspecting turns in structure that draw you along a meandering journey into the amazing. When talking about his piano playing most people immediately point to his harmonic dissonance. He was able to take notes that shouldn’t be played together simultaneously and not only make it work, but make it sound good.
As a composer, Thelonious Monk is one of the greatest geniuses of the piano the world has ever seen. While the majority of Jazz music is all about spontaneous expression and “improvisation,” a term used for when the musician plays live compositions of melodies and musical riffs that are structured around the chord changes, Monk was not only able to create amazing “on the spot” sounds, but he composed masterpieces that would go on to be permanent fixtures of Jazz. His songs are so impacting that he’s become one of the most recorded jazz composers of all time. Having written nearly 70 songs, he is second only to Duke Ellington who wrote over 1,000. In fact, Thelonious Monk is the composer of one of my favorite songs of all time, ‘Round Midnight.
Thelonious Monk never quite hit the same level of fame or accolade that his fellow peers such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie or Charlie Parker did, but he was a King among giants who has forever impacted and shaped music. He is the very epitome of genius at the piano, a composer who could turn melodies upside down and craft songs with dynamic chord progressions that to this day stand apart from nearly everything else that’s come before or after. He broke the rules and created new ones, reminding us of the infinite possibilities that are present within only 12 notes.
I’ll never forget the first time I heard Monk. It was a black and white album cover with this cool looking guy sitting at the piano. Like many of the other albums in my Grandpa’s collection, I could almost feel the electricity emanating from the record when I picked it out. I felt like Indiana Jones as I picked up what I thought just had to be a rare treasure. I honestly knew nothing at all about who this Monk dude was. In fact, I remember thinking, “he doesn’t look like a monk.” Nevertheless, it was a profoundly religious experience. When I heard him play I felt like everything I ever knew about music was just thrown out the window. To be honest, I almost felt like I could never play the piano at all. This guy was doing things I didn’t even know were possible. I listened to that album over and over that day and begged to take it home with me. I remember shortly afterwards, I hunted through every record store in town, taking the bus, walking, picking up the phone and calling around trying desperately to find a poster of him that I could put up on the wall. Thelonious Monk was an icon who set the standard for what it truly means to be a musical artist. Thelonious Monk is easily one of the greatest Piano players and jazz composers of all time.
Billy Joel (William Martin “Billy” Joel
1949-Present
Style: Rock and Roll, Pop, Piano, Classical
Achievements: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame, 2 American Music Awards (5 other nominations), Billboard Music Award, Emmy Nomination, 6 Grammy Awards (plus 18 Nominations) 1 Tony Award.
(Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)
He’s Mr. Piano man himself, a Rock and Roll legend who’s quite possibly the most played artist in piano bars throughout the world. More than just being proficient at the piano, he’s a master craftsman of songs who can rock the guitar and sing in his uniquely percussive vocal style and sound that is uniquely Billy Joel.
His music spans across decades, during which time he’s produced many hit songs ranging from jamming ‘rock out’ tunes like, “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” and “Big Shot”, to ballads such as “Just the Way You Are” and musical rock anthems like “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant”, Billy Joel captures the essence of contemporary Americana by telling brilliant stories both lyrically and musically.
A true lover of music, one of the brilliant aspects of Billy Joel is his ability to incorporate different elements and styles into his music and still make it contemporary. One of my favorite songs when I was a kid was the “doo-wop” inspired “Uptown Girl.” Throughout many of his songs, Billy Joel often reminds us that music is also meant to be fun.
Two of my favorite songs that land on my personal top 25 are written by Billy Joel. Both of them manage to convey that piano ballad feel, with lyrics that have depth and meaning, yet still maintain a lightheartedness that likens to a laid back folk song. His ability to incorporate subtle nuances of style and clear influences from other artists, yet still make it distinctly his own is what sets Billy Joel apart from the vast majority of other artists, and is one of the reasons why he’s been awarded so many honorary Doctorates from Colleges such as Berklee College of Music and Mannheim School of Music.
When I was young boy, I remember playing my mother’s Billy Joel albums over and over again. Which is funny, because she was never that big of a fan of his, but I was certainly grateful for having his inclusion in her vast collection. As a piano player myself, you’d think I’d want to learn all of his songs and mimic him. But Billy was always more of an inspiration, someone who I just wanted to listen to and be inspired by. While his music is phenomenal in and of itself, his lyrics are equally masterful. The depth of life and experience, the rich storytelling seems to be something of a bygone era. In my opinion, he is one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th Century.
In recent years he’s been drawn back to his roots of musical expression. Raised on classical music by his father who himself was a classical pianist, Billy Joel has been composing classical pieces performed by pianists such as Richard Joo. This video includes a great question and answer session with Mr. Joel as he introduces his “Fantasies and Delusions”. [Music begins at 3:45]
Whatever your personal opinion is of Billy Joel, he clearly stands out as a contemporary master of music. A man whose artistry and contributions have impacted not only mainstream culture, but on the music world as whole. He will always be remembered as an incredible songwriter and the quintessential Piano Man himself. Like Beethoven and Mozart, as long as there is a piano, there will always be Billy Joel.
Hammock
2004-Present
Style: Ambient, Post-rock
Sometimes it’s all about the music. No agenda’s, not trying to prove anything, just simply laying back and letting the music speak for itself. Hammock is a collaboration between Marc Byrd and Andrew Thompson that began as nothing more than a couple of guys jamming out in the recording studio and turned into an endless stream of enchanting and ethereal music that calms the mind, spirit and soul.
The relaxing and seemingly simplistic music is filled with subtle nuances of motion and intuitive sense of timing and space. The music manages to keep you interested as it gently pulls you into a deeper experience of sound that envelopes you like a gentle sustained breeze.
What makes their music so impressive to me is how natural the music is expressed. It doesn’t feel forced, manufactured or like they’re trying to create a specific sound. The music simply speaks for itself as it carries you away on a gentle bed of sounds.
Hammock is a rare and beautiful gem who communicates music intelligently and stands several grades above what you might hear at the spa, yet accomplishes the same relaxing effects. If you have time do yourself a favor and immerse yourself in the beautiful sounds of Hammock.
“Video Killed the Radio Star”
Justice Academy of Worship Arts 