Jazz songwriter Steven Taetz returns to talk about creating new “Jazz Standards”. Listen to the show: Stuff we talked about: Steven’s first appearance StevenTaetz.com @steventaetz on Instagram , Facebook, Twitter Steven on YouTube The Great American Songbook (Wikipedia) More shows about Jazz Jazz Safaris Get your suggestions in for The First Song Talk Radio Gift …
conventions
Making the most of a three-chord song
On this program Bruce, Neel, and Phil, (and Linda) each brought a three-chord song to share. We looked at what each song needed to do (if anything) to compensate for the lack of chord diversity. We talked about: Now You’re Leaving by Bruce Harrott The Joker by The Steve Miller Band BBC by Ming Tea Street Spirit …
Julian Taylor – dual roots and great songs
Julian Taylor is a Canadian singer-songwriter formerly with the band Staggered Crossing. His songs have appeared in television series including Degrassi: The Next Generation. He now fronts the Julian Taylor Band. Julian dropped by the studio with his daughter Ella. We talked about: Skookum Music Festival, Vancouver Basic core band members together for 24 years! Music …
Dokter Nomi – writing the pop song
What a pleasure to have Dokter Nomi back in the studio to share his hooky pop tunes. This time, one of them was produced by our very own Neel Modi. During the show we talked about: the songwriting process (melodies first) starting with stories and poetry music scene in Kamloops, BC Louie, Louie how to …
All about hip hop with iLLvibe
Toronto-based hip hop recording artist iLLvibe dropped by to share his music and his thoughts. Runner up to Drake for Toronto Rapper of the Year in 2016 and winner on “Canada’s Smartest Person” it was indeed an entertaining and informative hour! We talked about: vocal delivery style Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliot, Q-Tip, Grand Master Flash flows, patterns, and rhythms …
All About Key Modulations with Frank Horvat
Good friend, manic composer, and musically big brained Frank Horvat joined us to talk all about key modulations, with three example songs. We talked about: the difference between borrowing chords and modulation chromatic alteration, where a single semi-tone difference can change the contour of your chord progression referring to the circle of fifths to see …
Rhyme-a-rama with Blair Packham!
We figured it was time to talk about rhyme; a cornerstone of songwriting. So we invited one of our favourite singer/songwriters – Blair Packham – to take a closer listen to songs with a plethora of rhymes and one with virtually none! We talked about: The songwriter’s personal approach to rhyme Does rhyme distract from …
Randy Newman’s “Cowboy” & “Somewhere” from West Side Story dissected with Patrick Ballantyne
Patrick Ballantyne stopped by to pull apart two of his fave songs. The open and emotive “Cowboy” by Randy Newman, and “Somewhere” from West Side Story by Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein. Stuff we talked about: Patrick Ballantyne’s website Randy Newman “Cowboy” Lyrics Somewhere Lyrics Northwood Records West Side Story Randy Newman Leonard Bernstein Somewhere …