Homework

“Holy One” performed and composed by Tramaine Hawkins is just over 6 and a half minutes long. This gospel piece was soulful with a steady, heavy rhythm. The musical dynamics are pale in comparison to the vocal dynamics. Among drums and the piano you are unable to ignore the symbols’ crashing. In addition to her voice you can clearly make out a chorus in the background. The mood is spiritual and I don’t enjoy it. “In That Great Gettin’ Up Mornin’” by The Gaither Vocal Band was composed by Mathew Hodge. It lasts for approximately 2 and a half minutes. You can hear what sounds like ethnic drums and maracas and little else beyond their voices. It creates a spiritual dancing feeling, but it also feels – for lack of a better phrase – African by comparison to the usual Caucasian gospel. The rhythm is simple but I can’t spot the melody for the notes. They are certainly harmonized but I’ve never felt comfortable with gospel tunes. The dynamics are loud but not necessarily compelling. Thomas Chisolm composed the well-known hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” which is just under 5 minutes long. In the version I listened to they used an acoustic guitar and a harp alongside a violin. It was performed by Chris Rice and lacked rhythm. The harmony was simplistic and the melody was quick to catch onto. His was the only voice heard besides the sigh of the violin until 10 seconds to the end. The dynamics of the instruments are soft, as are the dynamics of his voice. It was compelling and a mellow mood is created. David Evans is the composer of “Be Thou My Vision,” a hymn well-known in Ireland. Celtic Woman’s performance of this hymn lasts just over 4 minutes. There are 2 violins, a flute, piano, and slight drums to back up their vocal amazement. The dynamics are sweet and quiet and flow together quite well with the harmony and melody. There are two-three voices used and they sound quite mystical. The mood created is that of a whimsical smile. Not surprising, I enjoyed it. “Today is the Day” is a praise chorus by Lincoln Brewster composed by him and Paul Baloche lasts approximately 4 and a half minutes. The electric guitar and the drums provide a stimulating attraction. The dynamics are evenly matched to one another and not so loud it hurts. He sounds genuinely happy – which is hard to find in any music these days. The rhythm is steady and the mood is uplifting. I enjoyed it… Ben Fielding & Reuben Morgan composed together “Mighty to Save” by Hillsong – which is nearly 7 minutes long. Hypnotizing melody with a simple harmony – it creates a mellow, smiley mood. The guitar is repetitive and the drums have an easy-to-follow rhythm. Dynamically, it is quiet music with a medium volume on the vocals. There are approximately 4 to 8 voices. There is one strong male lead with a blending of choral music in the back - predominantly female chorus. I’m not certain what it is about the music which makes me want to stab my eardrums – but that’s how I feel about it… I can’t find a nice thing to say about this song – it rubs me the wrong way. "Dream a Little Dream of Me" is a song with music composed by Fabian Andre and Wilbur Schwandtwith lyrics by Gus Kahn. Ella Fitzgerald’s performance of the song is a few seconds over 4 minutes in length. The rhythm is steady and the drums are set. The organ and trumpets are clear though it takes a trained ear to hear the cello being struck. The melody is enticing and the harmony clear. Her voice is like honey and whisky for the senses. The mood created is love-struck romanticism. Quite possibly this is my favorite song of hers. “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Benny Goodman is my favorite example of Big Band Jazz because it’s so closely related to swing… I don’t care what the book says, they aren’t the same genre. Between the trumpets, trombones, and the drums it’s impossible not to dance at least a little bit. It’s not easy to ignore the syncopation. The dynamics are loud; the rhythm is easy to find. When it comes to melody and harmony – now there’s the difficult part of this listening assignment. I mean, they even have a cowbell amongst their regime. I simply love this. Oh, and it was composed by Spud Murphy. Composed and performed by Duke Ellington, “It Don’t Mean a Thing” is a good-time piece of jazz. The violins, trumpets, saxophone, drums are all a great combination. Lasting 2 minutes and 45 seconds, dancing is a must. I love the way the piano draws you in. The rhythm is clear, the harmony simple, and the melody quick to spot. The effect that comes from using a muffler on the trombone is great. The dynamics aren’t too loud or too quiet – making them perfect. There’s only the one voice of Duke Ellington (unless you get the version where he’s singing with Teresa Brewer) and it’s a very distinguished sound. The mood is up, happy, movement required and I love it. Wouldn’t you figure that combo-jazz is mostly latin-based these days? “Sugar” performed and composed by Fran Conde lasts about 7 and a half minutes. The saxophone, electric guitar, and drums create a mellow, rhythmic mood. The melody is awesome and the harmony simple. The rhythm is consistent and the saxophonist really rips it up on the stage. Dynamically it’s loud but in a good way. You just feel the need to sway – it’s amazing.