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180 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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How Clyde Stubblefield Evolved Funk Drumming
29 december 2023 · 22 min
Recorded in August 2022 as an addendum to the main feed episode "Strong Grooves, Volume 1," special guest Russ Kleiner takes Kirk through the evolution of James Brown drummer Clyde Stubblefield's playing from 1967 to 1970. Lees meer
FEATURED/DISCUSSED:
"Cold Sweat" (1967), "I Got The Feelin'" (1968), "Mother Popcorn" (1969), "Funky Drummer" (1970), all feat. Clyde Stubblefield on drums.
SPECIAL GUEST: Russ Kleiner
Russ is one of Kirk's oldest friends, a drummer and percussionist who currently lives, teaches, and performs in Connecticut. He has frequently offered drum insights to Kirk for various episodes of Strong Songs, and has been overdue for an actual appearance on the show.
Additional thanks to Nick D'Errico for his help recording and overseeing the drum session for this episode - find Nick online at https://www.nddrums.com.
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DRUM GROOVE QUIZ ANSWERS:
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1. Mother Popcorn
2. I Got The Feelin'
3. Cold Sweat
4. Mother Popcorn
5. Funky Drummer
6. Cold Sweat
7. I Got The Feelin'
8. Mother Popcorn
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The Band: The Last Waltz
15 december 2023 · 1 uur 6 min
For the Season Five finale, Kirk takes a look at The Band and Martin Scorsese's beloved 1978 concert film The Last Waltz - "The beginning of the beginning of the end of the beginning." Lees meer
Featuring music by The Band: Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Levon Helm, Richard Manuel, and Garth Hudson
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Album: The Last Waltz (1978)
Listen/Buy via Songwhip
ALSO DISCUSSED/REFERENCED:
"The Weight" by Robbie Robertson as covered by The Staple Singers and Aretha Franklin
Studio versions of several songs from the show, featured on The Band (1969) and Northern Lights - Southern Cross, 1975
A 2014 New Yorker interview with Mavis Staples
"Rockin' in Rhythm" by Duke Ellington, first recorded 1931
"The Next Waltz," a concert event held every November in Portland, OR
The Jeremy Wilson Foundation, helping support local musicians in need
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DECEMBER 2023 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSBrian Templet – Cesar – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Dan Austin – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Andre Bremer – Dave Florey
DECEMBER 2023 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
James McMurry – Ethan Laser – Brian Johan Peter – Chris Remo – Matt Schoenthal – Aaron Wilson – Dent Earl – Carlos Lerner – Misty Haisfield – Abraham Benrubi – Christopher Bruno – Chris Kotarba – Callum Webb – Lynda MacNeil – Dick Morgan – Ben Stein – Susan Green – Sean Murphy – Jake Yumatilla – Alan Brough – Randal Vegter – Go Birds! – Whit Sidener – Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Nick Galloway – Heather Johnson – John Halpin – Peter Harding – David – Meghan O’Leary – John Bauman – Martín Salías – Stu Baker – Steve Martino – Carolina – Gary Pierce – Matt Baxter – Luigi Boccia – E. Margaret Warton – Charles McGee – Catherine…
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Phish, Evanescence, and a Taylor Swift Dispute
1 december 2023 · 59 min
It's time for another mailbag episode, as Kirk takes on questions about Evanescence piano, Kelis bells, and counting in songs by Phish, Vessels, Ten Years After, and Kishi Bashi. All that, and a friendly dispute about a Taylor Swift song. Lees meer
"Milkshake" by Neptunes/Kelis from Tasty, 2003
"Going Under" by Evanescence from Fallen, 2003
Joe Lovono plays the Aulochrome
Pat Metheney plays the Pikasso 42-string Guitar
Matt Glassmeyer and Jano Rix demonstrate the Shuitar
Future Man plays Synth Axe Drumitar live with the Flecktones
"What About Me?" by Snarky Puppy from We Like It Here, 2014
"Shimmer Intend Spark Groove Defend" feat. Nels Cline from What Is To Be Done, 2019
"Angst In My Pants" by Sparks from Angst in my Pants, 1982
"The Sky Was Pink" by Nathan Fake, covered by Vessels, 2012
"Hahaha, Pt. 2" by Kishi Bashi from Lighght, 2014
"Mound" by Phish from Rift, 1993
"I'd Love to Change the World" by Ten Years After from A Space in Time, 1971
"Bad Blood" (Taylor's Version) by Taylor Swift feat. Kendrick Lamar, 2015/2023
Elton John plays "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" at Dodger Stadium, 2022
The NIOSH Sound Level Meter App
OUTRO SOLOIST: BJ Cord
This episode's outro soloist is BJ Cord, a fantastic trumpet player based in Portland. BJ works at Monette trumpets making some of the most beautiful horns in the world, and is a regular presence on their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monettetrumpets
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NOVEMBER 2023 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Cesar – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Dan Austin – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Andre Bremer – Dave Florey
NOVEMBER 2023 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Ethan Laser – Brian John Peter – Chris Remo – Matt Schoenthal – Aaron Wilson …
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Strong Solos, Vol. 2: Electric Guitar-aloo
17 november 2023 · 1 uur 4 min
The electric guitar is a beautiful, maddening instrument, and man does it sound good in the right hands. On this episode, Kirk takes a deep dive into solos by guitar legends Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery, Jimi Hendrix, and Larry Carlton. Lees meer
FEATURED/DISCUSSED:
"Seven Come Eleven" by Charlie Christian and Benny Goodman, recorded by the Benny Goodman Sextet in 1939
"Fried Pies" by Wes Montgomery from Boss Guitar, 1963
"Hey Joe" by Billy Roberts recorded by the Jimi Hendrix Experience on Are You Experienced?, 1967
Larry Carlton's solo on "Kid Charlemagne" by Donald Fagen and Walter Becker (AKA Steely Dan) from The Royal Scam, 1976
OUTRO SOLOIST: Kirk Hamilton
Kirk returns for another outro guitar solo, this time with a few new licks under his belt.
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NOVEMBER 2023 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Cesar – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Dan Austin – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Andre Bremer – Dave Florey
NOVEMBER 2023 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Ethan Laser – Brian John Peter – Chris Remo – Matt Schoenthal – Aaron Wilson – Dent Earl – Carlos Lerner – Misty Haisfield – Abraham Benrubi – Christopher Bruno – Chris Kotarba – Callum Webb – Lynda MacNeil – Dick Morgan – Ben Stein – Susan Green – Sean Murphy – Jake Yumatilla – Alan Brough – Randal Vegter – Go Birds! – Whit Sidener – Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Nick Galloway – Heather Johnson – John Halpin – Peter Harding – David – Meghan O’Leary – John Bauman – Dax and Dane Huddleston – Martín Salías – Stu Baker – Steve Martino – Dr. Arthur A. Gray – Carolina – Gary Pierce – Matt Baxter – Luigi Boccia – E. Margaret Warton – Charles McGee – Catherine Clause – Ethan Bauman – KenIsWearingAHat – Jordan Block – Aaron Wade – Jeff Ulm …
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The Music of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
3 november 2023 · 1 uur 3 min
Kirk wasn't expecting to make a full-length episode about the music of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, but then he played the game. And here we are. Lees meer
Picking up on 2022's deep-dive in the music of the Zelda series, this episode takes a deep dive into the score of the new game, covering the many ways it builds on the past and charts a new musical future.
SPOILERS: The first 40 minutes of the episode feature some discussion of the events of Tears of the Kingdom, but no major story spoilers. At around the 40-minute mark (there's an in-episode warning), Kirk gets into specifics of the story with full spoilers, including the game's ending.
Tears of the Kingdom score composed by: Manaka Kataoka, Maasa Miyoshi, Masato Ohashi, and Tsukasa Usui
Original Zelda themes composed by: Koji KondoALSO DISCUSSED/FEATURED
Twenty Thousand Hertz's excellent episodes on the sound and music of Zelda (Part 1, Part 2)
"Careless Whisper" by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley from Make it Big, 1984
Excerpts from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Ocarina of Time, The Wind Waker, Skyward Sword, and Link's Awakening
Super Mario Bros. Theme by Koji Kondo from Super Mario Bros. Odyssey, 2017
OUTRO SOLOIST: Rob Rideout
Rob Rideout is a guitar teacher from Yorkshire who plays and writes for the Progressive Metal band Memnor. Memnor stream their time in the studio on fridays evenings at 20:00 GMT on Twitch. (From Rob: If you wanna hear what quintuplets in 21/16 sound like, then drop in.)
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OCTOBER 2023 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Dan Austin – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Andre Bremer – Dave Florey
OCTOBER 2023 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Dent Earl …
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A Little Extra Zelda
27 oktober 2023 · 25 min
On this bonus episode, originally recorded as a Patreon bonus in 2022, Kirk goes through a few great Legend of Zelda pieces that he didn't manage to get into on last year's Zelda-focused Strong Songs episode. Lees meer
If you want to hear next week's new episode on Tears of the Kingdom early, go become a patron now!
FEATURED:
"Tears of the Kingdom Theme" from The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, comp. Manaka Kataoka, Maasa Miyoshi, Masato Ohashi, Tsukasa Usui
"Song of Storms," "Dark World/Lorule Theme," "Gerudo Valley," and "The Great Fairy's Fountain" by Koji Kondo
Various themes from Crypt of the Necrodancer: Cadence of Hyrule, composed by Danny Baranowski feat Jules Conroy on guitar
Dr. Pez's Ocarina of Time prog album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDH3g6rRjM8
Fantasie-impromptu in C-Sharp" by Frédéric Chopin, 1815, performed by Arthur Rubinstein
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OCTOBER 2023 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Dan Austin – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Andre Bremer – Dave Florey
OCTOBER 2023 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Dent Earl – Carlos Lerner – Misty Haisfield – Abraham Benrubi – Christopher Bruno – Chris Kotarba – Callum Webb – Lynda MacNeil – Dick Morgan – Ben Stein – Susan Green – Sean Murphy – Jake Yumatilla – Alan Brough – Randal Vegter – Go Birds! – Whit Sidener – Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Nick Galloway – Heather Johnson – John Halpin – Peter Harding – David – Meghan O’Leary – John Bauman – Dax and Dane Huddleston – Martín Salías – Stu Baker – Steve Martino – Dr. Arthur A. Gray – Carolina – Gary Pierce – Matt Baxter – GiantPredatoryMollusk – Luigi Boccia – E. Margaret Warton – Charles McGee – Catherine Clause – Ethan Bauman – KenIsWearingAHat …
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Belle & Sebastian's Very Good Chord Progression
20 oktober 2023 · 22 min
Kirk takes a tour through the cycling, modulating chord sequence in Belle & Sebastian's buoyant 2017 song "The Girl Doesn't Get It." Lees meer
Variation 1: | C | Dm7 | Bb | Gm F
Variation 2: | C | D | Bm | Esus E
Variation 3: | A | Bm | A/C# | Esus EFEATURED/DISCUSSED:
"The Girl Doesn't Get It" by Belle & Sebastian from How To Solve Our Human Problems, Vol. 1, 2017
"I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton performed by Whitney Houston on The Bodyguard soundtrack, 1992--------------------
OCTOBER 2023 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Dan Austin – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Andre Bremer – Dave Florey
OCTOBER 2023 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Dent Earl – Carlos Lerner – Misty Haisfield – Abraham Benrubi – Christopher Bruno – Chris Kotarba – Callum Webb – Lynda MacNeil – Dick Morgan – Ben Stein – Susan Green – Sean Murphy – Jake Yumatilla – Alan Brough – Randal Vegter – Go Birds! – Whit Sidener – Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Nick Galloway – Heather Johnson – John Halpin – Peter Harding – David – Meghan O’Leary – John Bauman – Dax and Dane Huddleston – Martín Salías – Stu Baker – Steve Martino – Dr. Arthur A. Gray – Carolina – Gary Pierce – Matt Baxter – GiantPredatoryMollusk – Luigi Boccia – E. Margaret Warton – Charles McGee – Catherine Clause – Ethan Bauman – KenIsWearingAHat – Jordan Block – Aaron Wade – Jeff Ulm – Jamie – Deebs – Portland Eye Care – Carrie Schneider – Richard Sneddon – Julian Roleff – Doreen Carlson – David McDarby – Wendy Gilchrist – Elliot Rosen – Lisa Turner – Paul Wayper – Bruno Gaeta – Kenneth Jung – Adam Stofsky – Zak Remer – Rishi Sahay – Jason Reitman – Ailie Fraser – Rob Tsuk – Natalie Mistilis – Josh Singer – Phino DeLeon – Amy Lynn Thornsen …
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The Four Electric Guitars
6 oktober 2023 · 35 min
There are so many electric guitars. Truly, there is a guitar for every mood, every season, and every feeling. But there are four types of electric guitar that are a bit more widely used than other ones. Lees meer
On this formely-bonus-now-main-feed episode, Kirk discusses those four guitars—the Fender Stratocaster, the Telecaster, the Gibson Les Paul, and the 335—and goes through some of the Strong Songs that have featured them.
FEATURED/DISCUSSED:
“Spanish Castle Magic" and "Little Wing" by Jimi Hendrix from Axis: Bold as Love, 1967
“Like a Prayer” by Madonna from Like a Prayer, 1989
“Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd from Second Helping, 1973
“Home” by Cory Wong from Motivational Music for the Syncopated Soul, 2019
"Time" by Pink Floyd from The Dark Side of the Moon, 1973
"Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears from Songs From The Big Chair, 1985
“Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash, 1955
"Make a Mistake With Me" by Brad Paisley from Mud on the Tires, 2003
“Paranoid Android” by Radiohead from OK Computer, 1997
“Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin from Led Zeppelin IV, 1971
“Kiss” by Prince from Parade, 1986
“Last Goodbye” by Jeff Buckley from Grace, 1994
“Blood and Thunder” by Mastodon from Leviathan, 2004
“Immigrant Song” from Led Zeppelin III, 1970
“Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra from Out of the Blue, 1978
“Wuthering Heights” by Kate Bush from The Kick Inside, 1978
“Starman” by David Bowie from The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, 1972
“November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses from Use Your Illusion, 1991
"Sister Sadie" by Horace Silver, 1959
“Help Me” by Joni Mitchell from Court & Spark, 1974
“Kid Charlemagne” by Steely Dan from The Royal Scam, 1976
“September” by Earth, Wind & Fire, 1978
“No One Knows” by Queens of the Stone Age from Songs for the Deaf, 2004
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SEPTEMBER 2023 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Ben Barron - Catherine Warner - Damon White - Kaya Woodall - Dan Austin - Jay Swartz…
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John Williams' Star Wars Legacy, with Dan Golding
22 september 2023 · 2 uur 26 min
Composer John Williams is the defining sound of Hollywood and, arguably, the most widely listened to composer in the world. Kirk decided he needed some help tackling Williams' towering musical legacy, so he enlisted Australian author and musician Dan Golding as his tour guide through Williams' musical world, with a special focus on his groundbreaking score for 1980's Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Lees meer
REFERENCED ON THIS EPISODE:
Dan's book Star Wars After Lucas, his ABC radio show Screen Sounds and his podcast Art of the Score
"Liberdade" by Dili Allstars
"Celebration" from Push Me Pull You by Dan Golding, 2016
The Adventures of Robin Hood score by Erich Wolfgang Korngold, 1938
Excerpts from Untitled Goose Game as assembled by Dan Golding
"Right Time" by Mighty Diamonds/Sly & Robbie, 1976
"Peter Gunn" by Henry Mancini, 1959
"1. Mars, the Bringer of War" by Gustov Holst from The Planets, Op. 32 as performed by the London Symphony Orchestra
Excerpts from Star Wars: A New Hope, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, all by John Williams
The "Star Wars Music Minute" podcast episode 22 feat. Dan Golding
"Medley: Star Wars" by Meco, 1977
Bill Murray singing the Star Wars theme on Saturday Night Live, 1978
Excerpts from Jurassic Park by John Williams
Excerpts from Merry Melodies/Looney Tunes by Carl Stalling
"Flash Gordon" by Queen from Flash Gordon, 1980
"The Mandalorian" by Ludwig Göransson from The Mandalorian, 2019
"If I Fight, You Fight" from Creed by Ludwig Göransson, 2015
Excerpts from the Solo: A Star Wars Story score by John Powell, 2018
"Moanin," "Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting," "Open Letter to Duke," "Eh's Flat Ah's Flat Too" from Mingus Ah Um and Blues & Roots, by Charles Mingus, 1959
"II B.S." by Charles Mingus from Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, 1964
"Work Song" by Duke Ellington from Black Brown & Beige as recorded by Jazz at Lincoln Center in 2020
"The Fablemans" by John Williams from The …
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Counterpoint, Chaka Kahn, & Peter Gabriel
8 september 2023 · 55 min
Kirk answers your questions on 60s pop counterpoint, Chaka Kahn syncopation, Taylor Swift's re-recording project, good practice habits, Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer," and more. Lees meer
FEATURED/DISCUSSED:
"You've Got Your Troubles" by Roger Greenaway and Roger Cool, recorded by The Fortunes
Contrapunctus 1 by J.S. Bach recorded by the Emerson String Quartet on Bach: The Art of Fugue, 2003
T.I.B.W.F. by The Budos Band, from The Budos Band, 2005
"Dying to Get To Europe" by Ketil Bjornstad from Seafarer's Song, 2004
"The Place Where He Inserted the Blade" by Black Country, New Road from Ants From Up There, 2022
"Tell Me Somethin' Good" by Stevie Wonder, recorded by Rufus feat. Chaka Kahn, 1974
"Colors" by Beck from Colors, 2017
"Digital Love" by Daft Punk from Discovery, 2001
"Goose" by Polyphia from Most Hated, 2017
"Sparks Fly" (Taylor's Version) from Speak Now (Taylor's Version), 2023
"Sledgehammer" by Peter Gabriel from So, 1986
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AUGUST 2023 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Catherine Warner - Damon White - Kaya Woodall - Dan Austin - Jay Swartz - Miriam Joy - SEAN D WINNIE - Rush - Daniel Hannon-Barry - Ashley Hoag - Christopher Miller - Jamie White - Christopher McConnell - David Mascetti - Joe Laska - Ken Hirsh - Jez - Melanie Andrich - Jenness Gardner - Jeanneret Manning Family Four - Dave Sharpe - Sami Samhuri - Jeremy Dawson - AccessViolation - Ryan Torvik - Elliot Jay O’Neill - Andre Bremer - Dave Florey
AUGUST 2023 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Abraham Benrubi - Christopher Bruno - PAUTNA - Chris Kotarba - Callum Webb - Lynda MacNeil - Dick Morgan - Zach Wampler - Ben Stein - Susan Green - Sean Murphy - Jake Yumatilla - Alan Brough - Randal Vegter - Go Birds! - Whit Sidener - Robert Granat - Dave Malloy - Tim Rosenwong - Nick Galloway - John Halpin - Peter Harding - David - Meghan O’Leary - John Bauman - Dax And Dane Huddleston - Martín Salías - Tim Howes - Stu Baker - Steve Martino - Dr Arthur A Gray - Carolina - Gary Pierce - Matt Baxter - Giantpredat…
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"Soul Vaccination" by Tower of Power
25 augustus 2023 · 50 min
Kirk climbs inside the machine-gun rhythms and unstoppable grooves of the legendary Oakland funk outfit Tower of Power. Lees meer
Written by: Doc Kupka and Emilio Castillo
Album: Tower of Power (1973)
Listen/Buy via Songwhip
ALSO DISCUSSED:
"What is Hip?" "Squib Cakes" "Only So Much Oil in the Ground" "Don't Change Horses (In the Middle of a Stream)," "So Very Hard to Go," "Credit," all by Tower of Power
"Saturday Night Live" theme by Howard Shore, feat. Lenny Pickett
"Cold Sweat," "I Got the Feelin'," "Mother Popcorn," "Funky Drummer" by James Brown, 1967-70
"Soul Vaccination" live from Soul Vaccination: Tower of Power Live, 1998
Drum examples performed by Russ Kieiner, recorded by Nick D'Errico
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AUGUST 2023 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Catherine Warner – Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Dan Austin – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Ashley Hoag – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Elliot Jay O’Neill – Andre Bremer – Dave Florey
AUGUST 2023 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Abraham Benrubi – Christopher Bruno – PAUTNA – Chris Kotarba – Callum Webb – Lynda MacNeil – Dick Morgan – Zach Wampler – Ben Stein – Susan Green – Sean Murphy – Jake Yumatilla – Alan Brough – Randal Vegter – Go Birds! – Whit Sidener – Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Tim Rosenwong – Nick Galloway – John Halpin – Peter Harding – David – Meghan O’Leary – John Bauman – Dax and Dane Huddleston – Martín Salías – Tim Howes – Stu Baker – Steve Martino – Dr. Arthur A. Gray – Carolina – Gary Pierce – Matt Baxter – Giant Predatory Mollusk – Luigi Boccia – E. Margaret Warton – Charles McGee – Catherine Clause – Ethan Bauman – Ken Is Wearing a Hat – Jordan Block – Aaron Wade – Jamie – Deebs – Portland Eye Care – Carrie Schneider – Richard Sneddon – Julian Roleff – …
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"Killing Me Softly With His Song," as sung by Lauryn Hill, Roberta Flack, & Lori Lieberman
11 augustus 2023 · 1 uur
It's not uncommon for a song to be written for one artist, only to become widely known after being recorded by another. It's less common for a song to have yet another rebirth decades later. That's just what happened with "Killing Me Softly with His Song." Lees meer
Originally inspired by Lori Lieberman's profound experience at a 1971 Don McLean concert, Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox's song underwent two dramatic reinventions, first by soul titan Roberta Flack in 1973, and then by Lauryn Hill and her band Fugees in 1996. In this episode, Kirk dives into all three versions, looking to better understand how each singer put her own spin on what was already a classically strong song.
Written by: Music by Charles Fox, lyrics by Norman Gimbel with uncredited contributions by Lori Lieberman
Recorded by: Lori Lieberman (1972), Roberta Flack (1973), Lauryn Hill & Fugees (1996)
Albums: Lori Lieberman (1972), Killing Me Softly with His Song (1973), The Score (1996), A Thousand Dreams (1995), Truly (2022)
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
"She sang ‘Killing Me Softly’ before Roberta Flack. Now she just wants you to hear her side of the story," by Geoff Edgers for the Washington Post, 2020
"Lori Lieberman comes to terms with 'Killing Me Softly'" by FaceCulture, 2010
"Empty Chairs" by Don McLean from American Pie, 1971
"Bonita Applebum" by A Tribe Called Quest from People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, 1989
OUTRO SOLOIST: Joey Brink
Joey Brink is University Carillonist and Professor of Carillon at the University of Denver, where he performs daily on the 65-bell Williams Tower. An award-winning performer and composer, he has released two albums for carillon and performed widely across North America and Europe. Watch him record his solo on YouTube and check out his site at joeybrink.com.
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💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!
Patreon | Paypal🏠 HOMEPAGE
strongsongspodcast.com👚 MERCH
strongsongspodcast.com/store📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER
newsletter.kirkhamilton.com📷 SOC…
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"Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears For Fears
28 juli 2023 · 47 min
Kirk kicks off Strong Songs Season 5 with Tears For Fears' 1985 hit "Everybody Wants to Rule The World." From classic synths and drum machines to surprisingly avante-garde guitar solos, this song's got a lot more going on than you might remember. Lees meer
Written by: Roland Orzabal, Ian Stanley, and Chris Hughes
Produced by: Chris Hughes
Album: Songs from the Big Chair (1985)
Listen/Buy via Songwhip
ALSO DISCUSSED:
"Shout" and "Head Over Heels," both from Songs From the Big Chair, 1985
"No One Knows" by Queens of the Stone Age from Songs For The Deaf, 2002
"I Will Always Love You" by Dolly Parton performed by Whitney Houston on The Bodyguard soundtrack, 1992
"You're The Voice" by John Farnham from Whispering Jack, 1986
"Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" by Kate Bush from Hounds of Love, 1985
"Kiss" by Prince from Parade, 1986
"Burning Down the House" by Talking Heads from Stop Making Sense, 1983
"So What" by Miles Davis from Kind of Blue, 1959
"Cold Sweat" by James Brown, 1967
Dan Carr's excellent synth breakdowns at Reverb Machine
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JULY 2023 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Catherine Warner – Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Dan Austin – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Ashley Hoag – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Elliot Jay O’Neill – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave Florey
JULY 2023 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Callum Webb – Lynda MacNeil – Dick Morgan – Zach Wampler – Ben Stein – Susan Green – Sean Murphy – Jake Yumatilla – Alan Brough – Randal Vegter – Go Birds! – Jeff Speck – Samuel Millett – Whit Sidener – Chance McClain – Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Tim Rosenwong – Nick Galloway – John Halpin – Peter Harding – David – Meghan O’Leary – John Bauman – Dax and Dane Huddleston – Martín Salías – Tim Howes – Stu …
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An Operatic Odyssey, with Luigi Boccia
14 juli 2023 · 3 uur 39 min
Special guest Luigi Boccia takes Kirk on a magical journey through the world of the opera tenor, from Caruso and Lauri Volpi to Di Stefano and Pavarotti. Lees meer
Featuring performances by Luciano Pavarotti, Giuseppe Di Stefano, Enrico Caruso, Franco Corelli, Giacomo Lauri Volpi, Jussi Björling, Sergei Lemeshev, and Jon Vickers.
Find a Spotify playlist of Luigi's many Tenor examples here.
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JULY 2023 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Catherine Warner – Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Dan Austin – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Ashley Hoag – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Elliot Jay O’Neill – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave Florey
JULY 2023 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Callum Webb – Lynda MacNeil – Dick Morgan – Zach Wampler – Ben Stein – Susan Green – Sean Murphy – Jake Yumatilla – Alan Brough – Randal Vegter – Go Birds! – Jeff Speck – Samuel Millett – Whit Sidener – Chance McClain – Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Tim Rosenwong – Nick Galloway – John Halpin – Peter Harding – David – Meghan O’Leary – John Bauman – Dax and Dane Huddleston – Martín Salías – Tim Howes – Stu Baker – Steve Martino – Dr. Arthur A. Gray – Carolina – Gary Pierce – Matt Baxter – Giant Predatory Mollusk – Luigi Boccia – Rob Albright – E. Margaret Warton – Charles McGee – Catherine Clause – Ethan Bauman – Renee Downing – Ken Is Wearing a Hat – Jordan Block – Aaron Wade – Travis Pollard – Jamie – Deebs – Portland Eye Care – Carrie Schneider – Richard Sneddon – Julian Roleff – Doreen Carlson – David McDarby – Wendy Gilchrist – Elliot Rosen – Lisa Turner – Paul Wayper – Bruno Gaeta – Kenneth Jung – Adam Stofsky – Zak Remer – Rishi Sahay – Jason Reitman – Ailie Fraser – Von – Natalie Mistilis – Josh Singer – Phino DeLeon – Amy Lynn Thornsen – Adam W. – Kelli Brocki…
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"You're The Voice" by John Farnham, Live in Sydney
30 juni 2023 · 46 min
John Farnham's "You're The Voice" was a worldwide hit, and nowhere was it more popular than in the Aussie singer's homeland. A couple weeks ago, Kirk went onstage with the hosts of the Chat 10 Looks 3 podcast, Leigh Sales and Annabel Crabb, to talk about the song, the singer, and so much more. Lees meer
This episode is excerpted from Chat 10 Looks 3 episode 214. It was recorded live at the Enmore Theater in Sydney, Australia on June 17, 2023.
Performed by: John Farnham
Written by: Chris Thompson, Maggie Ryder, Andy Qunta, & Keith Reid
Produced by: Glenn Wheatley
Album: Whispering Jack (1986)
Listen/Buy via Songwhip
ALSO FEATURED/DISCUSSED:
The Chat 10 Looks 3 livestream archive (link may eventually stop working)
John Farnham performs "You're The Voice" live with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
"Royals" by Lorde from Pure Heroine, 2013
"Freedom" by George Michael from Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1, 1990
The trailer for the upcoming John Farnham documentary "Finding The Voice"
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JUNE 2023 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Catherine Warner – Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Dan Austin – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Ashley Hoag – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Narelle Horn – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Elliot Jay O’Neill – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave Florey
JUNE 2023 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Lynda MacNeil – Dick Morgan – Zach Wampler – Ben Stein – Susan Green – Case Faubs – Jake Yumatilla – Alan Brough – Randal Vegter – Go Birds! – Jeff Speck – Samuel Millett – Whit Sidener – Chance McClain – Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Tim Rosenwong – Nick Galloway – John Halpin – Peter Harding – David – Anthony Mahramus – Meghan O’Leary – John Bauman – Dax and Dane Huddleston – Martín Salías – Tim Howes – Stu Baker – Steve Martino – Dr. Arthur A. Gray – …
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The Light and Dark of Music, with Lily E. Hirsch
26 mei 2023 · 1 uur 5 min
Author and musicologist Lily E. Hirsch joins Kirk to talk about the many different aspects of music she's explored in her books. Lees meer
REFERENCED ON THIS EPISODE:
Lily Hirsch's many books, including A Jewish Orchestra in Nazi Germany: Musical Politics and the Berlin Jewish Culture League, Weird Al: Seriously, and Can't Stop the Grrrls: Confronting Sexist Labels in Music from Ariana Grande to Yoko Ono
Gustav Mahler - Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, Gilbert Kaplan w/ th Vienna Philharmonic
Oliver Sacks' book Musicophelia
"Hot in Herre" by Nelly from Nellyville, 2002
"Trash Day" by "Weird Al" Yankovic from Poodle Hat, 2003
The episode of You're Wrong About, "Yoko Ono broke up the Beatles"
"Hyperballad" by Björk from Post, 1995
"Galileo" by Emily Saliers performed by Indigo Girls on Rites of Passage, 1992
"DDU-DU DDU-DU" by Blackpink from SQUARE UP - EP 2018
"The Butterfly Effect" by Caroline Mallonee from String Tunes, 2023
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MAY 2023 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Catherine Warner – Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Dan Austin – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Narelle Horn – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Elliot Jay O’Neill – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave Florey
MAY 2023 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Ben Stein – Susan Green – Case Faubs – Jake Yumatilla – Alan Brough – Randal Vegter – Go Birds! – Jeff Speck – Samuel Millett – Abraham Benrubi – Whit Sidener – Chance McClain – Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Tim Rosenwong – Nick Galloway – John Halpin – Peter Harding – David – Anthony Mahramus – Meghan O’Leary – John Bauman – Dax and Dane Huddleston – Martín Salías – Tim Howes – Stu Baker – Steve Martino – Dr. Arthur A. Gray – Carolina – Gary Pierce – Matt Baxter – Giant Predatory Mol…
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From Bach to Miles Davis, with Emily Reese
17 februari 2023 · 1 uur 18 min
Kirk sits down with musician and podcaster Emily Reese to talk about the beauty of Bach's "Goldberg Variations," the distinct sound of Davis/Evans/Mulligan's "Birth of the Cool," the joys of the Knight Rider theme, and her podcast Level with Emily Reese, which focuses on the wide world of video game music. Lees meer
FEATURED/DISCUSSED:
Emily's music podcast Level with Emily: https://www.levelwithemily.com
"Singin' the Blues" feat. Frankie Trumbauer on C Melody Sax
"Move," by Miles Davis and "Jeru," "Rocker," and "Venus de Milo" by Gerry Mulligan, arr Gil Evans from Birth of the Cool released 1957
"Knight Rider Theme" by Stu Phillips, 1982
"Funky Fanfare" and "People's Choice" by Keith Mansfield from the KPM 1000 Series of Library Recordings
"Thank You for Being a Friend" by Andrew Gold, recorded by Cynthia Fee, 1985
"Density," "Transluce," "Among Ruins" from Citizen Sleeper by Amos Roddy, 2022
"Rameau: Les Cyclopes" by Jean Phillipe Rameau, as performed by Trevor Pinnock
The Complete Beethoven Symphonies as recorded by John Elliot Gardiner's Revolutionary and Romantic Orchestra
Stargazer by Dave Douglas, 1994
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FEBRUARY 2023 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Dan Austin – Thomas Darst – Ed Rankin – Timothy Morshead – Jay Swartz – Ellen Nalven – Miriam Joy – Gareth Flynn – Ronjan – Kas – Patrick – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – RR – Prince M. Levy-Benitez – Kathie Hullfish – Paul McElliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Kelsair – Andrew Baker – Rob Bosworth – Josh Pearson – Kyle Cooke – Liam Keogh – Melissa Osborne – Kathleen Reus – Cynthia Hochswender – Per Morten Barstad – Christopher Miller – Tim Byrne – Jamie White – George H. Aronson – Johanna L. Branson – Angus McKimm – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Jeffrey Jue – Niko – Joe Laska – Laurie Acreman – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Jill Smith-Moore – Rachel Rakov – Narelle Horn – Mickey Clark – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Rob S…
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"Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" by Kate Bush
30 december 2022 · 21 min
Happy holidays! Here's a Patreon minisode Kirk published last summer about Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill." See you in 2023! Lees meer
ORIGINAL SHOW NOTES, 6/24/2022:
The whole world is talking about Kate Bush's masterful 1985 song "Running Up That Hill," so Kirk figured he might as well talk about it, too.
On this bonus Patreon episode, he takes a crack at re-creating the song's iconic sound and digs into some of the digital recording technology that Bush used to make it sound so distinct.
FEATURED/DISCUSSED:
"Wuthering Heights" by Kate Bush from The Kick Inside, 1978
"Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" by Kate Bush from Hounds of Love, 1985
Audio from Season 4, Episode 4 of Stranger Things
Information gleaned from Reverb Machine's excellent breakdown of the tools and techniques used on the song: https://reverbmachine.com/blog/kate-bush-synth-sounds/
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DECEMBER 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Dan Austin – Ed Rankin – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – RR – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Bill Rosinger – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Elliot Jay O’Neill – Jim Chokey – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave Florey
DECEMBER 2022 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Jason Morrissey – Nick Galloway – Heather Johnson – John Halpin – Jennifer Kenner – Peter Harding – David – Anthony Mahramus – Meghan O’Leary – Jeffrey Puzzo – John Bauman – Dax and Dane Huddleston – Martín Salías – Tim Howes – Steve Martino – Dr. Arthur A. Gray – Carolina – Gary Pierce – Matt Baxter – Giant Predatory Mollusk – Casey Faubion – Luigi Boccia – Rob Albright – E. Margaret Warton – Daniel Mos…
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The Music of Star Wars: Andor
16 december 2022 · 57 min
Look, sometimes a TV soundtrack is so good that you have no choice but to make a whole podcast episode about it. Lees meer
And so here we are, as Kirk takes a deep dive into Nicholas Britell's ever-evolving musical score for the new Disney+ show Star Wars: Andor.
Listen to Britell's Andor Score (via Songwhip): Volume One | Volume Two | Volume Three
REFERENCED ON THIS EPISODE:
Tracks from Star Wars: A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, composed by John Williams
Tracks from Solo: A Star Wars Story, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, by John Powell, Stephen Barton, Gordy Haab, and Michael Giacchino
The Succession main credits theme by Nicholas Britell
A very cool New York/Vulture interview with Britell
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DECEMBER 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Damon White – Kaya Woodall – Dan Austin – Ed Rankin – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – RR – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Bill Rosinger – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Elliot Jay O’Neill – Jim Chokey – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave Florey
DECEMBER 2022 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Jason Morrissey – Nick Galloway – Heather Johnson – John Halpin – Jennifer Kenner – Peter Harding – David – Anthony Mahramus – Meghan O’Leary – Jeffrey Puzzo – John Bauman – Dax and Dane Huddleston – Martín Salías – Tim Howes – Steve Martino – Dr. Arthur A. Gray – Carolina – Gary Pierce – Matt Baxter – Giant Predatory Mollusk – Casey Faubion – Luigi Boccia – Rob Albright – E. Margaret Warton – Daniel Mosier – Charles McGee – Catherine Clause – Ethan Bauman – Renee Downing – Ken Is Wearing a Hat – Jordan Block – Aaron Wade – Chad Hivn…
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Year Four, In Review
18 november 2022 · 49 min
Kirk takes a look back some of his many musical memories from Strong Songs, Year Four. Lees meer
FEATURED/DISCUSSED:
"Blood and Thunder" by Mastodon from Leviathan, 2004
"Gotta Get You Into My Life" by Paul McCartney/Lennon-McCartney, as covered by Earth, Wind & Fire in 1978
"Eleanor Rigby" by Paul McCartney/Lennon-McCartney, as covered by Cody Fry in 2021 and Zoot in 1970
"Second Story" by Andrew Synowiec from Second Story, 2020
Andrew Synowiec on Instagram
"Just What I Needed" by Ric Ocasek and The Cars from The Cars, 1978
"You Might Think" by Ocasek/The Cars from Heartbeat City, 1984
Various compositions by Koji Kondo from The Legend of Zelda series
"Wichita Lineman" by Jimmy Webb performed by Glenn Campbell on Wichita Lineman, 1968
"Two Princes" by Spin Doctors from Pocket Full of Kryptonite, 1991
"St. Thomas" by Sonny Rollins from Saxophone Colossus, 1956
The Krebs/Oliver Tango Playlist: Apple Music | Spotify
"Silent All These Years" by Tori Amos from Little Earthquakes, 1992
"Help Me" by Joni MItchell from Court and Spark, 1974
"Jesus, Etc." by Jeff Tweedy & Jay Bennett from Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, 2001
"Cold Sweat" by James Brown, 1967
"Cissy Strut" by The Meters from The Meters, 1969
"Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard" by Paul Simon from Paul Simon, 1971
"The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota" by "Weird Al" Yankovic from UHF, 1989
Various tracks from Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon, 1973
OUTRO SOLOISTS: Kirk Hamilton, Mel Carrol, Oren Kaunfer, Tim Howes, Casey Atkins
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NOVEMBER 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Ed Rankin – Timothy Morshead – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – RR – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Bill Rosinger – Erin – Aidan Coughlan…
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Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon
4 november 2022 · 1 uur 1 min
For the 100th episode of Strong Songs, Kirk takes a deep dive into one of the most famous concept albums ever recorded. Lees meer
Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon" is an instantly recognizable, widely discussed album, played and replayed to the point that it's easy to forget that it was made by a handful of young people with some instruments and a mixing desk. So buckle in for a whirlwind tour of the entire record, with pauses along the way to highlight some of the sounds, styles, and techniques that made The Dark Side of the Moon such an artistic and technological breakthrough.
ALBUM: The Dark Side of the Moon, 1973
Music By: David Gilmour, Richard Wright, Roger Waters, Nick Mason
Lyrics By: Roger Waters
Engineered by: Alan ParsonsALSO FEATURED/DISCUSSED
"Blue in Green" by Bill Evans/Miles Davis from Kind of Blue 1959
"The Wizard of Oz," 1939
The 2003 documentary Pink Floyd: The Making of The Dark Side of the Moon
OUTRO SOLOIST: Kirk Hamilton
Kirk is the host of Strong Songs. He brought in year four with a guitar solo, and he's taking it out with a sax solo. Symmetry!
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NOVEMBER 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Ed Rankin – Timothy Morshead – Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – RR – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Bill Rosinger – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Elliot Jay O’Neill – Jim Chokey – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave Florey
NOVEMBER 2022 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
John Halpin – Jennifer Kenner – Peter Harding – David – Ruthie – Anthony Mahramus – Meghan O’Leary – Jeffrey Puzzo – John Bauman – Dax and Dane Huddleston – Martín Salías – Tim Howes – Steve Martino – Dr. Arthur A. Gray…
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"The Biggest Ball of Twine in Minnesota" by "Weird Al" Yankovic
21 oktober 2022 · 55 min
It's time for a Strong Songs road trip, as Kirk unravels one of "Weird Al" Yankovic's most understated, grandiose songs. So come along, for a journey through long-form story songs, sea shanty refrains, synth feelings, and an unexpectedly grand finale. We'll stay until the security guards throw us out. Lees meer
Album: UHF: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack and Other Stuff, 1989
Listen/Buy via Songwhip
Also Featured/Discussed:
"Spam," "Money For Nothing/Beverly Hillbillies," "Hot Rocks Polka," "Attack of the Radioactive Hamsters from a Planet Near Mars," and "UHF," all from UHF: OMPSAOS, 1989
"Polka Your Eyes Out" by various artists, arranged by Al Yankovic for Off The Deep End, 1992
"Dare to be Stupid" by Al Yankovic from Dare to be Stupid, 1985
"The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon LIghtfoot from Summertime Dream, 1976
"30,000 Pounds of Bananas" by Harry Chapin from Verities & Balderdash, 1974
"Lowlands Away," traditional, from Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag
Audio from VH1 Behind The Music: "Weird Al" Yankovic, 1999
Outro Soloist: Casey Atkins
Casey is a Sydney-based musician who splits his time between gigging, guitar teaching, and school teaching. He plays and sings with various artists and shows, as well as with original bands The April Family and Fallon Cush. Find him online at caseyonguitar.com.
Update 10/21: Corrected the pronunciation of Harry Chapin's name and the location of the Boll Weevil Monument.
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OCTOBER 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Ronjan – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Bill Rosinger – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik…
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Singing Drummers & Jazz Flute
7 oktober 2022 · 59 min
It's time to answer more of your musical questions, with topics including singing drummers, Elvis Costello harmonies, how to find a music teacher, unusual odd-meter counting, similar-sounding songs, and Anchorman's jazz flute scene. Lees meer
FEATURED/DISCUSSED:
“Heart Don’t Stand a Chance” by Anderson .Paak from Malibu, 2016
“You & I” by Jamison Ross from Jamo, 2022
"Take The TIme" by Josh Dion Band from Live!, 2006
"Sunshine, I Can Fly" by Roul Midón live in NYC, 2013
“Seventeen” by Lake Street Dive from Bad Self Portraits, 2014
“Veronica” by Elvis Costello and Paul McCartney from Spike, 1989
The Flute Scene From Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
“Law of Attraction” by Katisse Buckingham
“A Felicidade” by Antonio Carlos Jobim, performed by Astrud Gilberto on Look To the Rainbow, 1966
"Randy Described Eternity" by Built to Spill from Perfect from Now On, 1997
"Belt" by Say Anything from Is a Real Boy, 2004
“Going On” by Gnarls Barkley from The Odd Couple, 2008
“Cold War” by Janelle Monáe from The Archandroid, 2010
8/10/22 Update: Fixed a couple of small mistakes and added a mention of the subject matter of "Veronica"
OUTRO SOLOIST: Tim Howes
Tim Howes is a doctor and saxophonist based in Bristol, UK. He started on sax at age 10, playing Beatles and Stones covers in a school band, then became obsessed with jazz theory as a teenager, tracing how jazz harmony flows through other musical styles. Sax playing eventually took a backseat to studying and practicing medicine, but he has passed his love of music on to his kids. (And he still sounds pretty great, in my opinion! ~K)
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OCTOBER 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Ronjan – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell …
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Strong Grooves, Vol. 1 (feat. Russ Kleiner)
23 september 2022 · 59 min
Drummers like Clyde Stubblefield, Zigaboo Modeliste, and Bernard Purdie defined the sound of the bands they played with not because of their flashy chops, but because they knew how to lock down a groove. On this episode, Kirk goes deep into one groove apiece by each of those drummers - Stubblefield on James Brown's "Cold Sweat," Modeliste on The Meters' "Cissy Strut," and Purdie on Aretha Franklin's "Rock Steady" - with help from special guest drummer Russ Kleiner. Lees meer
FEATURED/DISCUSSED
Cold Sweat by James Brown and the Famous Flames, 1967
"Cissy Strut" by The Meters from The Meters, 1969
"Rock Steady" by Aretha Franklin from Young, Gifted, and Black, 1972
"Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" by James Brown, 1965
"So What" by Miles Davis from Kind of Blue, 1959
The Treme Brass Band at the Red Beans and Rice parade, 2013
“Shoo Fly Marches On,” by Dr. John, 1973
Babylon Sisters by Steely Dan from Gaucho, 1980
SPECIAL GUEST: Russ Kleiner
Russ is one of Kirk's oldest friends, a drummer and percussionist who currently lives, teaches, and performs in Connecticut. He has frequently offered drum insights to Kirk for various episodes of Strong Songs, and he's been overdue for an appearance on the show.
Additional thanks to Nick D'Errico for his help recording and overseeing the drum session for this episode - find Nick online at https://www.nddrums.com.
OUTRO SOLOIST: Charles McNeal
Charles McNeal is a killin' Oakland-based sax player who plays all over the bay area. He's also a master jazz transcriber, and has chronicled tons of great solos. You can find him playing out in a variety of bands and settings; the best way to keep up with his music is to subscribe to his YouTube channel or follow him on Instagram @charlesonsax2.
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SEPTEMBER 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Ronjan – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – RR – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Ja…
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"Jesus, Etc." by Wilco
9 september 2022 · 54 min
Few lyricists have Jeff Tweedy's ability to fluidly shift between plainspoken emotion and abstract imagery. The Wilco frontman has been writing beautiful, beguiling songs for more than three decades, and there is no way to pin down what any of them "means." There's only what they mean to you, right then, in the moment, as you listen to them. Lees meer
That's certainly true of "Jesus, Etc." one of many standout tracks off of Wilco's groundbreaking 2001 album Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. On this episode, Kirk explores some of the writing and arrangement techniques that help make this song, and all of Tweedy's songs, so special.
Lyrics by: Jeff Tweedy
Music by: Jeff Tweedy and Jay Bennett
Album: Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, 2001
Listen/Buy via Songwhip
Also Featured/Discussed:
"I Am Trying to Break Your Heart," "War on War," and "The Ashes of American Flags" from Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
"She's a Jar" and "A Shot in the Arm" by Wilco from Summerteeth, 1999
Audio from Jeff Tweedy's 2021 interview on The Ezra Klein Show
Excerpts from Tweedy's 2020 book How To Write One Song: Loving the Things We Create and How They Love Us Back
Audio of a pedal steel guitar demonstration by Steve Fishell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrbSL92Kz1Y
This episode has been updated to better identify one of the chords in the chorus.
OUTRO SOLOIST: Dan Nervo
This episode's outro soloist is the fantastic Dan Nervo. Dan plays guitar in the San Francisco Bay Area in bands like Neon Velvet, and also teaches private guitar lessons. Hit him up if you want to get good at guitar: https://www.facebook.com/DanNervoGuitarLessons/
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SEPTEMBER 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Jay Swartz – Miriam Joy – Ronjan – Sean D. Winnie – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – RR – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – S…
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Lofi Beats & The Circle of Fifths
26 augustus 2022 · 55 min
Kirk answers a crop of new listener questions on topics ranging from Steve Perry's vocal technique, Art Garfunkel's guitarmonies, the Carolina Crown's viral brass section warmup, Ram Jam's chaotic riffs, and how to explain complex music theory concepts to non-musicians. Lees meer
FEATURED/DISCUSSED:
“Elbow Grease” by Scott Pemberton from Timber Rock, 2015
“A Song for You” by Leon Russell from Leon Russell, 1970
"Scissors Cut" by Art Garfunkel from Scissors Cut, 1981
“Carolina Crown’s Hornline Drops the Hammer in Houston”
“Goodbye Yelow Brick Road” by Elton John and Bernie Taupin from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, 1973
"Morning Moon" by Kanisan ft. Wishes and Dreams and “Stargazing” by Kayou via lofi girl on YouTube
Slate's Decoder Ring on “That Seattle Muzak Sound,” by Benjamin Frisch
"Black Betty," traditional work song performed by Ram Jam, 1977
LearnSomeDrums’ lesson on the drum part for Black Betty
“Open Arms” by Journey from Escape, 1981
"You've Got a Friend" by Carole King from Tapestry, 1971
OUTRO SOLOIST: Oren Kaunfer
Oren has been playing the harp for 20+ years, sitting in with bands in Brooklyn and Boston. By day he brings his harmonica, guitar, mandolin, percussion, and tons of music into his work as the Spiritual Educator at the Jewish Community Day School in Boston.
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AUGUST 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Miriam Joy – Ronjan – Sean D. Winnie – Daniel Hannon-Barry – RR – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Bill Rosinger – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Glenn – Jim Chokey – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave Florey
AUGUST 2022 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Dr. Arthur A. Gray – Carolina – Gary Pierce – M…
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"Help Me" by Joni Mitchell
12 augustus 2022 · 55 min
There are few singer-songwriters as inimitable as Joni Mitchell, with her swirling song forms, leaping melodies, and that magical voice, untethered by the laws of gravity. On this episode, Kirk takes a deep dive into Joni's 1974 song "Help Me," a hummingbird of a tune hovering between commitment and flight, tumbling and falling past love and toward freedom. Lees meer
Written by: Joni MItchell
Album: Court and Spark, 1974
Listen/Buy via JoniMitchell.com
Also featured:
“Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell from Ladies of the Canyon, 1970
“A Case of You” and "California” by Joni from Blue, 1971
“Coyote” by Joni from Hejira, 1976
OUTRO SOLOIST: Erik Elligers
Erik is a Connecticut-based multi-instrumentalist and music educator. He plays saxophone with the New London Big Band and sings and plays guitar for the fabulous band Goodnight Blue Moon - check them out, they're great: https://www.goodnightbluemoon.com/
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AUGUST 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Miriam Joy – Ronjan – Sean D. Winnie – Daniel Hannon-Barry – RR – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Bill Rosinger – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Glenn – Jim Chokey – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave Florey
AUGUST 2022 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Dr. Arthur A. Gray – Carolina – Gary Pierce – Matt Baxter – Giant Predatory Mollusk – Casey Faubion – Luigi Boccia – Rob Albright – E. Margaret Warton – Daniel Mosier – Charles McGee – Catherine Clause – Owain Hunt – Renee Downing – Drew – Rohan Latimer – Ken Is Wearing a Hat – Tony – Jordan Block – Aaron Wade – Chad Hivner – Travis Pollard – Jeff Ulm – Jamie – Deebs – Portland Eye Care – Adam Ray – Anupama Raghavan – Demetri Dets…
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A Jazz Mystery, Solved
29 juli 2022 · 13 min
After more than two years, a Strong Songs jazz mystery is finally solved. Lees meer
Thanks to listener (and outro soloist) Jeff Bean, who finally cracked the case of the mysterious lick played by Clifford Brown, Lee Morgan, and may others. I can finally sleep at night.
FEATURED ON THIS EPISODE:
"Moanin" by Bobby Timmons recorded by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers for Moanin', 1958
"Jordu" by Duke Jordon recorded by the Clifford Brown quintet, 1954
"Seranade to a Cukoo" by the Rahsaan Roland Kirk quartet from I Talk With Spirits, 1964
"All This and Heaven Too" by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Eddie Delange, performed by the Tommy Dorsey ORchestra feat. Frank Sinatra in 1940
“Fly Me To The Moon” by Bart Howard, recorded by Frank Sinatra with the Count Basie Orchestra on It Might As Well Be Swing, 1964
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The Music of Final Fantasy VII
15 juli 2022 · 41 min
Back in July 2020, Kirk made a special episode of his video games podcast Triple Click all about the music of Final Fantasy VII. It was basically an episode of Strong Songs, it just ran in a different podcast feed. Lees meer
Now it's July 2022, and with Strong Songs on break for the month, it seemed like a good time to run that episode in the Strong Songs feed. So, here it is!
Original Show Notes: July 16, 2020
It’s time for a new segment called “Hey, Listen!”, where Kirk takes listeners deep inside the music for a given video game. This first (and, as it turns out, only) edition focuses on 1997’s Final Fantasy VII, as well as some of the new arrangements from 2020’s Final Fantasy VII Remake. What makes the original game’s music so special? What new musical ideas are introduced in the Remake? And why is Aerith’s theme so magical? Put on your headphones for this one, and turn up the volume.
Featuring multiple tracks from Final Fantasy VII (1997) composed by Nobuo Uematsu, as well as the following Uematsu compositions re-arranged for Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020):
"Prelude" arranged by Yoshitaka Suzuki
"Airbuster" arranged by Tadayoshi Makino
"Main Theme from Final Fantasy VII - Sector 7 Undercity" arranged by Shotaro Shima
"Aerith's Theme - Home Again" arranged by Shotaro Shima
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🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS
🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC
📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:
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"Silent All These Years" by Tori Amos
17 juni 2022 · 52 min
Tori Amos was one of the most distinctive songwriters of the 90s, and remains a powerful musical voice decades later. "Silent All These Years," one of many strong singles off of her 1992 solo debut, is a perfect encapsulation of so many of the things that make her music special. Lees meer
On this episode, Kirk takes a close look at this delicate, tenuously balanced song, from its floating opening piano line, to its expansive, time-warping bridge, to its hopeful conclusion. It's our turn now to stand where she stands; here, take hold of her hand.
Written by: Tori Amos
Album: Little Earthquakes, 1992
Listen/Buy via Songwhip
Also featured:
"Precious Things," also by Amos, from Little Earthquakes
Amos performing "Silent All These Years" from Tori Amos Live at Montreaux 91/92
OUTRO SOLOIST: Galen Clark
This episode's outro soloist is the one and only Galen Clark. Galen plays keyboard and organ with the killer funk/soul group Outer Orbit, who you can find playing regularly around Portland, Oregon and occasionally on tour. Find more information at their website, https://www.outerorbitband.com
Update 6/20: This episode initially misidentified the song's producer, Davitt Sigerson. It has been updated to credit him and string arranger Nick DeCaro, as well as to add some extra detail to the rhythmic breakdown of the intro (thanks Trevor!) and to add a second possible lyrical interpretation for the the third verse. The file swap may cause temporary issues with your download, depending on your podcast app, but it'll eventually work. Apologies for any inconvenience.
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JUNE 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Patrick – Sean D. Winnie – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Prince M. Levy-Benitez – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Rob Bosworth – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Laurie Acreman – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell…
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Three to Tango, with Alex Krebs and Andrew Oliver
3 juni 2022 · 58 min
Tango is more than just dance, and more than just music - it's a whole artistic genre. For some people, it's a way of life. One such person is Alex Krebs, a Portland-based tango instructor, Bandoneon player, and bandleader who has dedicated the past couple decades to spreading a love of tango around the world. Lees meer
On this episode, Alex and pianist Andrew Oliver take Kirk (and all of you) on a journey into the wide, enchanting world of tango.
FEATURED/DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE:
Alex's Portland Tango Studio, Tango Berretin
Selections from Stumptandas by the Alex Krebs Tango Sextet: “Milonga Bruja” by Juan Rezzano, “Romance Di Barrio” by Anibal Troilo, “Si Soy Asi” by Francisco Lomuto/Antonio Botta, "Solamente Ella" by Lucio Demare/Homero Manzi, “La Yumba” by Osvaldo Pugliese, 1946, and "No Te Apures Cara Blanca" by Garza / Bahr, all arranged by Andrew Oliver
“Tango Por una Cabeza” by Carlos Gardel from Dresdén, 1933-35, also performed by The Tango Project for True Lies, 1994
“Esta Noche de Luna” by Osvoldo Pugliese, 1942
“Arrabal” by Osvaldo Pugliese from El Eslabón Perdido, 1966
“Buenos Aires Yo Te Canto” by Carlos Di Sarli
“Que Me Importa Tu Pasado” by Juan D’Arienzo, 1959
“Te Aconsejo Que Me Olvides” by Aníbel Troilo
“Verano Porteño” by Astor Piazolla & Quinteto Tango from The Vienna Concert, 1992
“La Milonga de Buenos Aires” by Francisco Canaro
“Las Mirlas” by Horacia Salgán, ~1950
“Taquito Militar” by Horacio Salgán y Ubaldo De Lio
“Invierno" by Orchestra Típica Misteriosa Buenos Aires from Una noche en la milonga, 2013
OUTRO SOLOIST: Kyle Molitor
Kyle is a Portland-based trombonist who plays in all sorts of bands, and was also featured on the year three Strong Songs theme msuic. Find him on Instagram @tbonemolitor and check out one of his singles here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/kylemolitor/the-jazz-feat-toranpetto
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JUNE 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Patrick – Sean D. Winnie – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Prince M. Levy-Benitez – E…
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Strong Solos, Vol. 1
20 mei 2022 · 54 min
There's nothing like a good instrumental solo—that moment when a lone player stands in the spotlight and takes the helm, leading the band in an uncharted direction. On the first edition of Strong Solos, Kirk takes apart a few of his favorite solos, which a special focus on players who use motivic development, also known as theme and variations. Lees meer
SOLOS FEATURED:
Eric Shenkman on "Two Princes" by Spin Doctors from Pocket Full of Kryptonite, 1991
Sonny Rollins on "St. Thomas" from Saxophone Colossus, 1956
Joe Morello on "Take Five" by Paul Desmond/The Dave Brubeck Quartet from Time Out, 1959
Chris Potter on "Janie Runaway" by Steely Dan from Two Against Nature, 2000
ALSO DISCUSSED:
Excerpts from multiple previous episodes of Strong Songs
“Sponger Money,” traditional Bahamian folk song, from Goombay - the Folk Songs of the Bahamas by George Symonette
"Symphony No. 5" by Ludwig van Beethoven, 1804-08, performed by the London Philharmonic
OUTRO SOLOIST: Steve Pardo
This episode's outro soloist is the one and only Steve Pardo. Steve is a Nashville, TN based producer, composer, and saxophonist. You can find out more at his website: https://www.stevepardo.com/
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MAY 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Patrick – Sean D. Winnie – Daniel Hannon-Barry – RR Prince M. Levy-Benitez – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Kelsair – Rob Bosworth – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Laurie Acreman – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Bill Rosinger – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Doug Paton – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Glenn – Jim Chokey – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave Florey
MAY 2022 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Ken Is Wearing a Hat – Tony – Jordan Block – Aaron Wade – Michael Flaherty – Chad Hivner – Travis Pollard – …
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"Wichita Lineman" by Jimmy Webb & Glen Campbell
6 mei 2022 · 53 min
I hear you singin' in the wire... I can hear you through the whine... and the Strong Songs podcast is talking about one of the best songs of all time. Lees meer
On this episode, Kirk takes on Jimmy Webb & Glen Campbell's ethereal workin' song "Wichita Lineman," an ode to the profound poetry within all of us. It's a song without a chorus or a bridge that still feels complete, thanks largely to the way it subtly climbs from the street, to the wire, and up into the heavens.
Written by: Jimmy Webb
Produced by: Al De Lory
Performed by: Glen Campbell w/ The Wrecking Crew
Album: Wichita Lineman, 1968
Listen/Buy via Songwhip
ALSO FEATURED/DISCUSSED:
“God Only Knows” by Brian Wilson & The Beach Boys from Pet Sounds, 1966
Excerpts from "The Wrecking Crew!" documentary directed by Danny Tedesco, 2008
Excerpts from Dylan Jones' book Wichita LIneman: Searching in the Sun for the World’s Greatest Unfinished Song, 2019
“Galveston” by Jimmy Webb/Glen Campbell from Galveston, 1969
Glen Campbell performing “Wichita Lineman” with a Fender Bass VI on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour
OUTRO SOLOIST: Carlos "Insaneintherainmusic" Eieine
Carlos Eienie is a prolific multi-instrumentalist and YouTube creator who's done some extremely fun jazz arrangements of great video game music, among other things. You can find him on most social media as some variant of @insaneintherainmusic, and on his website at https://www.insaneintherainmusic.com/.
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MAY 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Patrick – Sean D. Winnie – Daniel Hannon-Barry – RR Prince M. Levy-Benitez – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Kelsair – Rob Bosworth – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Laurie Acreman – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Bill Rosinger – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Doug Paton – …
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Robot Composers & Horror Music
22 april 2022 · 56 min
Ever wonder what makes some music sound scarier than other music? Same. Lees meer
Kirk answers listener questions about music in horror movies, Tune-Yards horn arrangements, funky drum sounds in Biggie and Paul Simon tunes, randomly generated music, and why musicians are their own worst critics. He also revisits the intro to Guns 'n Roses' "Welcome To The Jungle," and shares some listener emails about being a left-handed musician.
FEATURED/DISCUSSED:
“Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns ’n Roses from Appetite for Destruction, 1987
“Redneck” by Lamb of God from Sacrament, 2006
Melissa Cross demonstrating different types of screaming on YouTube
“Hold Yourself” by Tune-Yards from sketchy., 2021
“Cissy Strut” and “Pungee” by The Meters, 1967 and 1969
“Virtua Mima” by Masahiro Ikumi n from the Perfect Blue soundtrack
“Pink Soldiers” by Jung Jae-il from Squid Game, 2021
“Submarine” by Bjork from Medulla, 2004
“Theme from Jaws” by John Williams, 1975
"Money for Nothing" by Dire Straits from Brothers in Arms, 1985
“Purple Haze” by Jimmi Hendrix from Are You Experienced, 1967
“Born Under a Bad Sign” by Albert King, 1967
“Hypnotize” by Notorious B.I.G. from Life After Death, 1997
Shawn Rivera demonstrates a Conga delizado or “Moose Call”:
“Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard” by Paul Simon from Paul Simon, 1972
An explanation of the Cuica on YouTube
“Diamond Girl” by Seals & Crofts from Seals & Crofts, 1973
“So What” by Miles Davis from Kind of Blue, 1957 and the Strong Songs episode about it
Various compositions by @MelodyBot3456
“I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2 from Joshua Tree, 1987
OUTRO SOLOIST
This episode's outro soloist is the wonderful Bay Area pianist/accordionist Rob Reich. He's got a bunch of albums you can check out and contributes to an array of interesting projects and experiments. Find more at his website, http://www.robreich.com/.
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APRIL 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Daniel Hannon-Barry – RR Prince M. Levy-Benitez …
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The Music of The Legend of Zelda
8 april 2022 · 55 min
Few video game series have a musical tradition as rich as The Legend of Zelda. Lees meer
From Zelda's Lullabye to Epona's Song to the Great Fairy Fountain and Dragon Roost Island, Kirk unravels some of his favorite Zelda music and explores how Nintendo's composers keep weaving them back together into beautiful new patterns.
Written by: Main themes by Koji Kondo, with additional compositions by Kenta Nagata (Wind Waker), Manaka Kataoka, Yasuaki Iwata, and Hajime Wakai (Breath of the Wild)
Featuring music from: The Legend of Zelda (1986), A Link to the Past (1991), Ocarina of Time (1998), Wind Waker (2002), Skyward Sword (2011), A Link Between Worlds (2013), and Breath of the Wild (2017)
ALSO FEATURED/DISCUSSED:
Themes from Star Wars, Superman, and Jurassic Park by John Williams
The Super Mario Bros. theme by Koji Kondo, and the episode of Strong Songs discussing it
Kirk's weekly video game podcast Triple Click, which he makes along with Jason Schreier and Maddy Myers
OUTRO SOLOIST: Charles McNeal
Charles McNeal is a killin' Oakland-based sax player who plays all over the bay area. He's also a master jazz transcriber, and has chronicled tons of great solos. You can find him playing out in a variety of bands and settings; the best way to keep up with his music is to subscribe to his YouTube channel or follow him on Instagram @charlesonsax2.
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APRIL 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Daniel Hannon-Barry – RR Prince M. Levy-Benitez – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Kelsair – Rob Bosworth – Kyle Cooke – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Laurie Acreman – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Bill Rosinger – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Doug Paton – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Merlin Mann – Glenn – Jim Chokey – …
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Mario Kart & That 'Musical' Sound
25 maart 2022 · 57 min
Kirk answers questions about Guns 'n Roses, Mario Kart 64, phasers, and what makes a song sound like it's from a musical. Lees meer
DISCUSSED/REFERENCED ON THIS EPISODE:
"Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns n’ Roses from Appetite for Destruction, 1987
"Results Theme" from Mario Kart 64 by Kenta Nagata
A video kirk made in 2014 about the dynamic music of Mount Wario: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8TBS75U1p8
“Dig” by Incubus from Light Grenades, 2006
“Waiting On A Miracle” feat Stephanie Beatriz, “What Else Can I Do?" feat Diane Guerrero, and "We Don't Talk About Bruno” by Lin-Manuel Miranda from Encanto, 2021
“Tonight” from West Side Story 2021, performed by Rachel Zeigler and Ansel Elgort, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, music by Leonard Bernstein
“Popular” by Stephen Schwartz performed by Kristin Chenoweth from Wicked, 2003
“I Believe” by Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Robert Lopez performed by Andrew Rannells from The Book of Mormon, 2000
An excerpt from the October 2021 episode of “Backstage Pass with Eric Vitro” featuring Arianna Grande
Audio excerpts from Brooklyn 99 and Doom Patrol
“One” by Creed from My Own Prison, 1997
“Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry as performed in Back To The Future, 1985
OUTRO SOLOIST: Kyle Molitor
Kyle is a Portland-based trombonist who plays in all sorts of bands, and was also featured on the year three Strong Songs theme msuic. Find him on Instagram @tbonemolitor.
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MARCH 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Daniel Hannon-Barry – RR Prince M. Levy-Benitez – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Kelsair – Rob Bosworth – Kyle Cooke – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Tim Byrne – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Laurie Acreman – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Bill Rosinger – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Doug Paton – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri …
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"Just What I Needed" by The Cars
11 maart 2022 · 52 min
It's not the perfume that you wear... it's not the ribbons in your hair.... I guess it's just the perfect blend of synths and electric guitars that you bring to every song. Lees meer
Yes, it's time for Strong Songs to tackle The Cars, and their 1978 pop-rock classic "Just What I Needed." But while that song encapsulates everything that made the brilliant Boston five-piece great, Kirk decided to use his Walkman to occasionally fast-forward to compare and contrast with a second Cars classic from 1984.
Written by: Ric Ocasek
Albums: The Cars, 1978 and Heartbeat City, 1984
Listen/Buy to both albums on all platforms via Songwhip
ALSO FEATURED/DISCUSSED:
"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen from A Night at the Opera, 1975
"Drive," "Good Times Roll," and "My Best Friend's Girl" by Ric Ocasek/The Cars from The Cars, 1978 and Heartbeat City, 1984
OUTRO SOLOIST: BJ Cord
This episode's outro soloist is BJ Cord, a fantastic trumpet player based in Portland. BJ works at Monette trumpets making some of the most beautiful horns in the world, and is a regular presence on their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monettetrumpets
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MARCH 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Daniel Hannon-Barry – RR Prince M. Levy-Benitez – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Kelsair – Rob Bosworth – Kyle Cooke – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Tim Byrne – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Laurie Acreman – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Bill Rosinger – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Doug Paton – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Merlin Mann – Glenn – Jim Chokey – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave Florey
MARCH 2022 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Max Dickstein – Deebs – Portland Eye Care – Adam Ray – Anupama Raghavan – Demetri Detsaridis – Carrie Schneider – Alenka Grealish – Anne Gerry – Richa…
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Story of a Session Guitarist, with Andrew Synowiec
25 februari 2022 · 53 min
You might not know Andrew Synowiec's name, but chances are you've heard his guitar playing. Heck, chances are you heard his guitar playing this week. Lees meer
Synowiec makes his living as an LA session guitarist, with a list of credits as long as the California coastline. Among those credits: you can hear him on the score for pretty much every recent Disney film (Frozen, CoCo, Zootopia), as well superhero flicks like Logan and Spider-Man: Far From Home, TV shows like The Simpsons and The Good Place, as well as on records with recording artists like The Who, HAIM, P!nk, Nick Jonas, Donna Summer, and so many more.
A couple weeks back, Kirk sat down with Andrew to talk about his career as a session player, how he finds a good balance when doing creative work for hire, his approach to practicing and guitar tone, how he designed and built his home studio, and why he continues to make the time for his own personal music projects.
FEATURED/DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE:
Guy Lacour etude No. 4 as performed by David Hernando Vitores: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyGo9NmZUNw
Wes Montgomery on “No Blues” from Smokin’ at the Half Note w/ the Wynton Kelly Trio, 1965
“Where The Streets Have No Name” by U2 from The Joshua Tree, 1987
“Sad But True” by Metallica from Metallica, 1991
“Blood and Thunder” by Mastodon from Leviathan, 2004
“Last Goodbye” by Jeff Buckley from Grace, 1994
“Already Taken,” “Second Story,” and “Humor Me” by Andrew Synowiec from Second Story, 2019
“Jonkoloni” by Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba from Segu Blue, 2006, feat. the Ngoni
“Salsa Caliente (Versión Aumentada)” by Meridian Brothers from Desperanza, 2012
“You Are Young” by Keane from Strangeland, 2012
A video with Andrew about his work and his home studio
A Spotify playlist Andrew maintains featuring things he's played on
Andrew's website, with lots more credits and other info
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FEBRUARY 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Daniel Hannon-Barry – RR Prince M. Levy-Benitez – Elliot Rosen – Ashl…
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Strong Covers, Vol. 2
11 februari 2022 · 55 min
Three different artists! Three different covers! Of songs by one beloved band! Lees meer
On the second edition of "Strong Covers," we're digging into covers of three Beatles classics: Earth, Wind & Fire's maximalist remake of "Gotta Get You Into My Life," Ray Charles' saucy reimagining of "Eleanor Rigby," and Bobby McFerrin's delicate recitation of "Blackbird." Come for the English-accented rhyme schemes, stay for the impeccable voice leading.
Covered (lol) on this episode:
"Gotta Get You Into My Life" by Paul McCartney/Lennon-McCartney, as covered by Earth, Wind & Fire in 1978
"Eleanor Rigby" by Paul McCartney/Lennon-McCartney, as covered by Ray Charles in 1968
"Blackbird" by Paul McCartney/Lennon-McCartney, as covered by Bobby McFerrin on The Voice, 1984
OUTRO SOLOIST: Sam Howard
This episode's outro soloist is bassist Sam Howard. Sam performs and tours with all kinds of artists, from the Wailin' Jennys to Molly Tuttle. After his solo on the bridge, he played all the way through the song's outro, so keep an ear out for his playing mixed under the horns on the way out. You can find out what Sam's up to on his website, https://samhowardmusic.com.
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FEBRUARY 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Daniel Hannon-Barry – RR Prince M. Levy-Benitez – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Kelsair – Rob Bosworth – Kyle Cooke – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Tim Byrne – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Laurie Acreman – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Bill Rosinger – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Doug Paton – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Merlin Mann – Glenn – Jim Chokey – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave Florey
FEBRUARY 2022 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Portland Eye Care – Adam Ray – Anupama Raghavan – Demetri Detsaridis – Carrie Schneider – Alenka Grealish – Anne Gerry – …
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Funky Drummers, Cheap Guitars & Sting
28 januari 2022 · 51 min
What do George Michael, Nicki Minaj, Ed Sheeran, and the Powerpuff Girls have in common? Lees meer
The answer, as you'll learn on this episode, is a funk drumming legend named Clyde Stubblefield. We'll also talk about flipped drum beats, Sting's taste for syncopation, the differences between cheap and expensive musical instruments, how to tell a bridge from a prechorus, the power of a four-note motif, the unexpected places you can find songwriting inspiration, and Muse's subtle hat-tip to a George Michael classic.
FEATURED ON THIS EPISODE:
“Darling” by Real Estate from In Mind, 2017
"Ghost Story" by Sting from Brand New Day, 1999
“You Really Got Me” by The Kinks, 1964
“Walking on Broken Glass” and "Little Bird" by Annie Lennox from Diva, 1992
Skins theme by Segal, 2007
“Kiss” by Prince from Parade, 1986
"Beneath the Snow" by Kirk Hamilton from... well, it's never been published
"Dig Down" by Muse from Simulation Theory, 2017
“Freedom ’90” by George Michael, 1990
“Royals” by Lorde from Pure Heroine, 2013
“Funky Drummer” by James Brown feat. Clyde Stubblefield, 1970
“Fight the Power” by Public Enemy, 1989
“Save Me” by Nicki Minaj, 2010
“Shirtsleeves” by Ed Sheeran, 2014
The Powerpuff Girls theme, by James L. Venable, 1998
A complete list of songs that sample Clyde Stubblefield’s drum break on “Funky Drummer”
Ben Sisario’s 2011 NYT feature on Stubblefield
OUTRO SOLOIST: Mel Carroll
Mel Carroll is a saxophonist and music teacher based in Portland, OR, where she plays with bands like like Special Purpose and the all-women 90s cover band Sideboob. Her main music project is The Flat Nines, a chill jazz funk group with a new EP, "No Hate," coming in spring of 2022. You can find more at theflatnines.com.
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JANUARY 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
RR Prince M. Levy-Benitez – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Kelsair – Rob Bosworth – Kyle Cooke – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Tim Byrne – Jamie White – Christopher…
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"Blood and Thunder" by Mastodon
14 januari 2022 · 43 min
White! Whale! Holy! Grail! Lees meer
Strong Songs kicks off year four by getting H-E-A-V-Y, with an analysis of Mastodon's "Blood and Thunder." Pass straight past the Mellow Meadows, through the Forests and the Foothills of Rock, and see if you can reach the summit of Hard Mountain. The view from up there is amazing.
Written by: Mastodon
Album: Leviathan, 2004
Listen/Buy on all platforms via Songwhip
OUTRO SOLOIST: Kirk Hamilton
Kirk is the host of Strong Songs, and he's been having a lot of fun with the guitar lately. One of these days he'll even be able to play inside chord voicings without messing up. Find him hosting this podcast, and online at kirkhamilton.com.
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JANUARY 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
RR Prince M. Levy-Benitez – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Kelsair – Rob Bosworth – Kyle Cooke – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Tim Byrne – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Laurie Acreman – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Bill Rosinger – Anne Britt – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Doug Paton – Robert Paul – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Merlin Mann – Glenn – Jim Chokey – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave Florey
JANUARY 2022 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Anupama Raghavan – Demetri Detsaridis – Carrie Schneider – Alenka Grealish – Anne Gerry – Richard Sneddon – David Judson – Julian Roleff – Melissa Gallardo – Janice Berry – Doreen Carlson – Mtwolf – David McDarby – Abigail Duffield – Rapha David – Wendy Gilchrist – Lisa Turner – Paul Wayper – Miles Forman – Dennis M. Edwards – Jeffrey Ferris – Bruno Gaeta – Kenneth Jungben – Adam Stofsky – Zak Remer – Rishi Sahay – Jason Reitman – Karen Liu – Greg Burgess – Ailie Fraser – Simon Prieto – Paul McGreal – Karen Arnold – Natalie Mistilis – Josh Singer – Phino DeLeon …
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Year Three, In Review
17 november 2021 · 47 min
Kirk takes a look back at the many musical memories of Strong Songs Year Three. Lees meer
Year Three is over, and it's time to revisit the songs analyzed, the questions answered, and the interviewees interviewed.
SCHEDULING NOTE: The show will be off for December, and will return for Year Four in January 2022.
2022! Feels weird to type that out.
REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
"Space Oddity" by David Bowie from David Bowie, 1969
"Starman" by David Bowie from The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, 1972
"HIde and Seek" by Imogen Heap from Speak For Yourself, 2005
"Babylon Sisters" by Steely Dan from Gaucho, 1980
"Wuthering Heights" by Kate Bush from The Kick Inside, 1978
"Cameo Lover" by Kimbra from Vows, 2011
"Design (feat. Kimbra)" by Cory Wong from The Striped Album, 2020
"Stolen Moments" by Oliver Nelson from The Blues and the Abstract Truth, 1961
"New Born" and "Micro Cuts" by Muse from Origin of Symmetry, 2001
"Micro Cuts" by Muse from Origin of Symmetry: XX Anniversary RemiXX, 2021
"You've Got a Friend" by Carole King from Tapestry, 1971, and performed by Donnie Hathaway by Donnie Hathaway Live!, 1972
"Respect" by Otis Redding as performed by Redding and Aretha Franklin
"Mad World" by Roland Orzabal as performed by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules
Curt Smith's quarantine performance of "Mad World"
"Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" by Billy Joel from The Stranger, 1977
"Fingertips" by They Might Be Giants from Apollo 18, 1992
"Careless Whisper" by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley from Make It Big, 1984
"September" by Maurice White, Al McKay, and Allee Willis from The Best of Earth Wind and Fire, Vol. 1, 1978
Love Will Never Do (Without You) by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, performed by Janet Jackson on Rhythm Nation 1814, 1989
"Slippery People" and "Once In a Lifetime" by Talking Heads from Stop Making Sense, 1984
INTERVIEWS: Carmen Staaf, Lindsay Ellis, Imogen Heap, Brian Bender, and Eric Vetro
OUTRO SOLOISTS: Carlos Eiene, Jeff Be…
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Singing Like A Star, with Eric Vetro
10 november 2021 · 56 min
What do Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, John Legend, and Katy Perry have in common? They all study with Eric Vetro, one of the most in-demand vocal coaches in the world. Lees meer
On this bonus episode, Kirk sits down with Vetro to talk about his fascinating job, how to build good habits for a strong voice, and the art and discipline (and diet!) of professional singing.
CHECK OUT ERIC'S PODCAST!
Eric has a fantastic new podcast called Backstage Pass with Eric Vetro, where he sits down with his superstar students to talk about their lives and careers, their singing practice, and the various vocal hurdles they've overcome. It's a really cool show, and definitely worth checking out.
If you want to check out Eric's (frankly ridiculous) client list, visit his website.
ERIC'S MUSIC PICKS
"Imagine" by Ariana Grande from Thank U, Next, 2019
"Perfectly Wrong" by Shawn Mendes as performed live in 2018 on The Late Late Show with James Corden
"All of Me" by John Legend from Love in the Future, 2013
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NOVEMBER 2021 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Kelsair – Rob Bosworth – Kyle Cooke – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Tim Byrne – Jamie White – Christopher Kupski – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Laurie Acreman – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Bill Rosinger – Anne Britt – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Doug Paton – Robert Paul – Viki Dun – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Merlin Mann – Glenn – Jim Chokey – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave Florey
NOVEMBER 2021 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Janice Berry – Doreen Carlson – Mtwolf – David McDarby – Abigail Duffield – Rapha David – Wendy Gilchrist – Lisa Turner – Paul Wayper – Miles Forman – Dennis M. Edwards – Jeffrey Ferris – Bruno Gaeta – Kenneth Jung – Kurt Wendelken – Adam Stofsky – Zak R…
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Talking Heads: Stop Making Sense
3 november 2021 · 1 uur
What is this, a film podcast?? Lees meer
It's time for something a little different, as Kirk puts down his record player and climbs onstage for Jonathan Demme and Talking Heads' classic 1984 concert film Stop Making Sense. It's a tour through the first hour of the film, from "Heaven" to "Burning Down the House" to "Once in a Lifetime," with some quick stops along the way.
Songs by: Talking Heads (David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison)
Featuring: Steve Scales (Percussion), Lynn Mabry and Ednah Holt (Vocals), Alex Weir (Guitar/Vocals), and Bernie Worrell (Keys)
Film directed by: Jonathan Demme
REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
The first 12 songs from Stop Making Sense, 1984
"Once in a Lifetime" by Talking Heads & Brian Eno
“Heaven” by David Byrne and Jerry Harrison from Fear of Music, 1979
“Slippery People” and "Burning Down the House" by David Byrne from Speaking in Tongues, 1983
A 2020 American Songwriter interview with Edna Holt and Lynn Mabry
“Flash Light” by Parliament from Funkentelechy vs. The Placebo Syndrome, 1977
“You Make Me Wanna Wiggle” by The Brothers Johnson from Light Up the Night, 1980
The documentary 20 Feet From Stardom
OUTRO SOLOIST: Carlos "Insaneintherainmusic" Eieine
Carlos Eienie is a prolific multi-instrumentalist and YouTube creator who's done some extremely fun jazz arrangements of great video game music, among other things. You can find him on most social media as some variant of @insaneintherainmusic, and on his website at https://www.insaneintherainmusic.com/.
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NOVEMBER 2021 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Kelsair – Rob Bosworth – Kyle Cooke – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Tim Byrne – Jamie White – Christopher Kupski – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Laurie Acreman – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Bill Rosinger – Ann…
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Metroid Music, Bond Themes & Jazz Philosophy
20 oktober 2021 · 1 uur 4 min
Polish your reading glasses and pour a cup of tea - it's time for a Strong Songs mailbag! Lees meer
On the last Q&A episode of year three, Kirk answers questions on Metroid meter, mystery Bond instruments, (more) Tuvan throat singing, how to count odd meters like The Terminator theme, actors who pretend to play instruments, and how to define a musical "work," even if the work in question is improvised.
REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
“Wishing” by John Frusciante from The Will to Death, 2004
“Super Metroid Theme” by Kenji Yamamoto from Super Metroid, 1994
“Kwolok’s Malaise” by Gareth Coker from Ori and the Will of the Wisps, 2020
Tuvan-style throat singing from Ghost of Tsushima: Iki Island, 2021
“Alash Khem (Alash River Song)” performed by Congar Ol’Ondar w/ Béla Fleck and the Flecktones on Live at the Quick, 2002
Aboriginal Australian musician Lewis Burns performing traditional Digiridoo
“Main Title from The Terminator” by Brad Fiedel, 1984
"Blue Rondo a la Turk" by Dave Brubeck from Time Out, 1959
“Spectre” by Radiohead, 2015
“You Only Live Twice” by John Barry and Leslie Bricusse, performed by Nancy Sinatra for You Only Live Twice, 1967
“Sonata for Oboe and continuo in c minor, RV53” by Antonio Vivaldi, performed by In-Gun Hwang
“Bassoon Concerto in F Major, Op. 75” by Carl Maria von Weber, performed by Michele Bowen
An NPR interview with Wendell Pierce about his role as trombonist Antoine Batiste on Treme
An excerpt from the climactic drum solo from Whiplash
The jam session scene from episode one of Kids on the Slope
The ridiculously well animated jazz band from Yakuza 0
The final guitar showdown from Crossroads feat. Steve Vai
The episode of 99% Invisible about The Real Book
A collection of alphabetical tune excerpts from The Real Book, Vol. 1
Audio from “Reset,” the third episode of James Acaster’s Netflix special Repertoire
“Space Oddity” by David Bowie from David Bowie, 1969
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry on The Philosophy of Music:
Jimi…
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"Love Will Never Do (Without You)" by Janet Jackson
6 oktober 2021 · 56 min
They said it couldn't last, so we had to prove them wrong... by making an episode of Strong Songs all about Janet Jackson, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis. Lees meer
It's time to go back to the late 80s, when New Jack Swing was all the rage and a budding superstar named Janet sat down with a pair of Minneapolis producers named Jimmy and Terry to produce some of the most groundbreaking pop music of the decade. This episode takes a look at "Love Will Never Do (Without You)," one of the most complex of their collaborations, and a tune with as many stylistic left-turns as it has orchestra hits.
Written by: James Harris III and Terry Lewis
Produced by: Janet Jackson, Jam & Lewis
Album: Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814, 1989
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
“Casey Kasem’s American Top 40 intro from the 1980s, via YouTube
“Kiss” by Prince from Parade, 1986
“Walking on Broken Glass” by Annie Lennox from Diva, 1992
“Like a Prayer” by Madonna from Like a Prayer, 1989
“Control,” “Nasty,” and “When I Think of You” by Janet Jackson/Jam & Lewis from Control, 1986
"Rhythm Nation" and "Miss You Much" from Rhythm Nation 1814, 1989
Emu SP-1200 Beatmaking demonstration by Chief Rugged on YouTube
Discussion of New Jack Swing, which you can learn more about here
“Poison” by Bel Biv DeVoe from Poison, 1990
“Alice, I Want You Just For Me” by Full Force, produced by Teddy Riley on Full Force, 1985
Estelle Caswell’s Vox Earworm video about the Orchestra Hit
“The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac from Rumors, 1977
OUTRO SOLOIST: Dan Nervo
This episode's outro soloist is the fantastic Dan Nervo. Dan plays guitar in the San Francisco Bay Area in bands like Neon Velvet, and also teaches private guitar lessons. Hit him up if you want to get good at guitar: https://www.facebook.com/DanNervoGuitarLessons/
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OCTOBER 2021 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Kelsair – Rob Bosworth – Kyle Cooke – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Mil…
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"September" by Earth, Wind & Fire
21 september 2021 · 55 min
Ba de ya! Say that you remember! Ba de ya! Dancing in September! Ba de yah! Musical analysiiiis! Lees meer
It's finally time for Strong Songs to take on one of the strongest bands of all, the great Earth, Wind & Fire. In honor of September 21, Kirk does a deep dive on EWF's timeless tribute to the end of summertime - those layered grooves, those funky bass parts, and those glossy, effortless vocals.
Written by: Maurice White, Al McKay & Alee Willis
Produced by: Maurice White
Album: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire Vol. 1, 1978
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
“Shining Star” and “Way of the World” by Earth, Wind & Fire from That’s The Way of the World, 1975
“Serpentine Fire” by Earth, Wind & Fire from All N’ All, 1977
“In The Stone” by EWF from I Am, 1979
“Easy Lover” by Phillip Bailey, Phil Collins and Nathan East, 1990
“Neutron Dance” by Alee Willis performed by the Pointer Sisters on Break Out, 1984
“Celebration” by Kool & The Gang, 1980
“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John and Bernie Taupin from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, 1973
OUTRO SOLOIST: Erik Elligers
Erik is a Connecticut-based multi-instrumentalist and music educator. He plays saxophone with the New London Big Band and sings and plays guitar for the fabulous band Goodnight Blue Moon - check them out, you won't regret it: https://www.goodnightbluemoon.com/
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SEPTEMBER 2021 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Rob Bosworth – Josh Pearson – Kyle Cooke – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Tim Byrne – Jamie White – Christopher Kupski – Christopher McConnell – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Laurie Acreman – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Bill Rosinger – Anne Britt – David Zahm – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Doug Paton – Robert Paul – Viki Dun – Dave Sharpe – Christer Lindqvist – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Merlin Mann – Glenn – Jim …
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Clave, Chorus & "Careless Whisper"
8 september 2021 · 1 uur 1 min
Well, look at that - it's a mailbag episode! Kirk answers your questions on Bo Diddley, Minecraft, The Supremes, chorus guitar, XTC, Parquet Courts, and the mystery of the "Careless Whisper" sax solo. Lees meer
REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
“Wake Up” by XTC from The Big Express, 1984
“Waterfall” and “Don’t Stop” by The Stone Roses from The Stone Roses, 1989
“The Mind Electric” by Miracle Musical from Hawaii: Part II, 201
“Minecraft” by C418, 2009
The Minecraft episode of Twenty Thousand Hertz: https://www.20k.org/episodes/minecraft
“Briony” by Dario Marianelli from Atonement, 2007
“The Mayor” by Kirk Hamilton from The Exited Door, 2009
“Bo Diddley” by Bo Diddley, 1962
“You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes written by Holland-Dozier-Holland (and backed by The Funk Brothers), 1966
“Wake Up” by Arcade Fire from Funeral, 2004
“In The Heights” by Lin-Manuel Miranda from In The Heights, 2008 and the 2021 film
“Chinese Satellite” by Phoebe Bridger from Punisher, 2020
“Good 4 U” by Olivia Rodrigo from Sour, 2021
“Time After Time” by Cindi Lauper and Rob Hyman from She’s So Unusual, 1983
“Wide Awake” by Parquet Courts from Wide Awake, 2018
“Careless Whisper” by George Michael from Wham!’s 1984 record Make It Big
Dan Forshaw’s video about Steve Gregory’s “Careless Whisper” sax solo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UvoRqBDwsI
OUTRO SOLOIST: Luke Price
This episode's outro soloist is Portland fiddle player Luke Price. When he's not working as a side man in a variety of killer bands, Luke joins his wife Rachael to form the excellent songwriting duo DEAN!. You can follow them on Instagram and listen to some of their stuff on their website, wearedean.com.
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SEPTEMBER 2021 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Rob Bosworth - Josh Pearson - Kyle Cooke - Donald Mackie - Melissa Osborne - Christopher Miller - Tim Byrne - Jamie White - Christopher Kupski - Christopher McConnell - Joshua Jarvis - Niko - Joe Laska - Laurie Acreman - Ken Hirsh - Jez - Jenness Gardner - Simon Cammel…
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"Fingertips" by They Might Be Giants
25 augustus 2021 · 59 min
Kirk picks apart not one, not two, but twenty one micro-songs by the great They Might Be Giants. Lees meer
What's that blue thing doing here? Who's knocking on the wall? And for that matter, who's that standing out the window? It's time to answer those questions and many more, as Kirk delves into The Might Be Giants' singular collection of mini-songs, "Fingertips." It's a stylistic smorgasbord of sound, with everything from jazz to rock to lounge to... honestly, genre doesn't exist and "Fingertips" proves it. Each tiny song shines for its brief moment of life, and then lives on forever in your imagination.
Written by: John Flansburgh and John Linnell
Album: Apollo 18 (1992)
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
"Particle Man," "Birdhouse In Your Soul," and "Minimum Wage" by They Might Be Giants and "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" by Jimmy Kennedy and Nat Simon from Flood, 1990
"Extra Savoir Faire" by TMBG from John Henry, 1994
The 2002 documentary Gigantic (A Tale of Two Johns)
“The Simpsons Main Title Theme” by Danny Elfman, 1989
“Joy To The World” - lyrics by Isaac Watts as performed by Nat “King” Cole
OUTRO SOLOIST: Kirk Hamilton
Kirk is the host of Strong Songs. He lives in Portland, Oregon, where he likes to play the drums. He thinks he's getting good but he can handle criticism.
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AUGUST 2021 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Rob Bosworth - Josh Pearson - Kyle Cooke - Donald Mackie - Melissa Osborne - Christopher Miller - Tim Byrne - Patrick Funston - Jamie White - Christopher Kupski - Christopher McConnell - Joshua Jarvis - Niko - Joe Laska - Laurie Acreman - Ken Hirsh - Jez - Jenness Gardner - Simon Cammell - Guinevere Boostrom - Narelle Horn - Nathaniel Bauernfeind - Bill Rosinger - Anne Britt - David Zahm - Erin - Aidan Coughlan - Jeanneret - Manning Family Four - Doug Paton - Robert Paul - Viki Dun - Dave Sharpe - Christer Lindqvist - Sami Samhuri - AccessViolation - Ryan Torvik - Merlin Mann - Fraser - Glenn - Jim Chokey - Andre …
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"Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" by Billy Joel
11 augustus 2021 · 56 min
A bottle of red... a bottle of white... whatever kind of mood you're in, we're talking Billy Joel tonight! Lees meer
Pull up a table and join Kirk for a long look into one of Joel's most enduring songs, the seven-and-a-half minute, five course musical meal that is "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant." The centerpiece on Joel's breakthrough 1977 album The Stranger, Italian Restaurant has got it all: schmaltzy sax, hard rock rhythms, love, heartbreak, and a pair of harmonized clarinets.
Written by: Billy Joel
Produced by: Phil Ramone
Album: The Stranger (1977)
Listen/Buy via Album.Link
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
"Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)," "Just The Way You Are," "Vienna," "Only The Good Die Young," and "She's Always a Woman to Me" by Billy Joel from The Stranger, 1977
Joel discussing Phil Ramone in The Complete Albums Collection documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sm5-oQNENnM
“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Freddie Mercury and Queen from A Night at the Opera, 1975
“One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces” by Ben Folds from Whatever and Ever Amen, 1997
“You Never Can Tell” by Chuck Berry, 1964
“Jack and Diane” by John Mellencamp from American Fool, 1982
“Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen from Born to Run, 1975
OUTRO SOLOIST: Steve Pardo
This episode's outro soloist is the one and only Steve Pardo. Steve is a Nashville, TN based producer, composer, and saxophonist. You can find out more at his website: https://www.stevepardo.com/
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AUGUST 2021 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Rob Bosworth - Josh Pearson - Kyle Cooke - Donald Mackie - Melissa Osborne - Christopher Miller - Tim Byrne - Patrick Funston - Jamie White - Christopher Kupski - Christopher McConnell - Joshua Jarvis - Niko - Joe Laska - Laurie Acreman - Ken Hirsh - Jez - Jenness Gardner - Simon Cammell - Guinevere Boostrom - Narelle Horn - Nathaniel Bauernfeind - Bill Rosinger - Anne Britt - David Zahm - Erin - Aidan Coughlan - Jeanneret - Manning Family Four - Doug Paton - Robert Paul - Viki Dun - …