Classic Rock
Paul McCartney’s White House Set Shows Three Ways a Song Can Create Company
‘Hey Jude,’ ‘Michelle’ and ‘Ebony and Ivory’ frame company differently, giving the 2010 Gershwin Prize concert more shape than a list of distinguished guests.
The listening room
Classic Rock
Live bands, memorable songs and the musical architecture behind classic rock performances.
Classic Rock
Heart’s ‘Stairway to Heaven’ Tribute Offers a Map for Thinking About Arrangement
Voice, guitar, drums and choir suggest four distinct arranging responsibilities in Heart’s Kennedy Center tribute, with two companion performances placing the choices in a wider…
Classic Rock
A Microphone Handoff Brings Barack Obama Into a White House Blues Finale
The 2012 White House blues concert offers a useful distinction between a famous guest joining a song and the musicians who make that invitation possible.
Classic Rock
Rick Astley and Foo Fighters Put a Familiar Pop Song in a Different Musical Frame
The Summer Sonic collaboration places Rick Astley’s signature song inside another band’s world, opening a comparison between a composition and its familiar recording.
Classic Rock
Hear the Band Around Steve Perry in Journey’s Houston Performance
Follow keyboard, bass, drums and guitar around the vocal in Journey’s Houston recording, then compare how an ensemble supports two other songs.
Classic Rock
Why Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” Makes You Wait for the Title Refrain
Ever wondered why the piano can identify “Don’t Stop Believin’” long before its title refrain arrives? Use Journey’s Houston performance to follow that delayed payoff.