If you were stranded on a desert island, and could only have three records to listen to, what would they be?
We asked one of our teachers, Dan Ciccone, and here was his answer:
Songs In The Key of Life - Stevie Wonder
A grooving, funky, and musical album. Stevie was a one man band on this album. Most people don’t realize that throughout the 70s, Stevie drummed on a lot of his own albums. Stevie takes the listener through a range of different feels, sounds, and emotion. From the funky and greasy 16th note groove in “Have a Talk With God,” to the upbeat and triumphant shuffle in “I Wish,” this album is sure to cover all parts of the musical palette. An important note for drummers: playing with a great feel, solid time, and coming up with creative ideas is a key takeaway from Stevie’s drumming in this album, that will help you get hired.
Coltrane’s Sound - John Coltrane
A look into John Coltrane’s further venture into modal/avant garde Jazz. This album was released just a year prior to the quartet's most accomplished album, though Steve Davis plays bass on Coltrane’s Sound instead of Jimmy Garrison. Coltrane almost never brings down his intensity, whether he is playing slow, fast, quiet, or loud. His heart, as well as the band’s, is always fully involved in the music. Though swinging, this group, among others like Miles Davis’ second great quintet, is a leap into the modern realm of Jazz. Elvin’s intense swing, combined with Steve Davis’ thumping bass lines, McCoy Tyner’s tension building, and John Coltrane’s relentless soloing combine for an album which is passionate, bold, and hip. And while it can be considered modal, the forms and compositions are still complex. Check out Coltrane’s inner fire in both “Equinox” and “Liberia.”
Synchronicity - The Police
The final album of The Police somewhat short lived, 9 year tenure. The Police is a group that takes inspiration from both reggae and rock, and combines the two to create a very unique 80s rock sound. Stewart Copeland’s use of the hi hat, ride bell, and off beats, is just one element which makes the group super unique. Combine that with Sting’s impressive writing, and Andy Summers chorus-like guitar tone, it is a powerhouse group. Stewart almost emulates Elvin’s intensity in a completely different style in feel in “Synchronicity 2.” The contrast and paradox of an innocent suburban family being described in the verse, and internal hell described in the pre-chorus/chorus makes for a super interesting composition.
What to gather from all these albums? Individuality in sound, and that all the music really makes you feel something, whether it be happy, sad, nostalgic, fearful…
