From: owner-onlyjoni-digest@smoe.org (onlyJMDL Digest) To: onlyjoni-digest@smoe.org Subject: onlyJMDL Digest V2009 #7 Reply-To: joni@smoe.org Sender: owner-onlyjoni-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-onlyjoni-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk Archives: http://www.smoe.org/lists/onlyjoni Websites: http://www.jmdl.com http://www.jonimitchell.com Unsubscribe: mailto:onlyjoni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe onlyJMDL Digest Friday, January 9 2009 Volume 2009 : Number 007 ========== TOPICS and authors in this Digest: -------- Re: Steely Dan [Dave Blackburn ] Personal invitation from Rob Steen [Rob Steen] Freebees [Michael Paz ] Re: Steely Dan [Mark-Leon Thorne ] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2009 08:30:51 -0800 From: Dave Blackburn Subject: Re: Steely Dan Hey Mark, Steely Dan and Joni share a method of harmonic movement that is almost unique to them (or at least sounds like a tip of the hat to them when used by others). Specifically there is a chord structure called "major 9th no 3rd" but more frequently written as a "slash chord" such as G/C (which is a 2nd inversion G triad over a C bass). It is found throughout Joni's piano writing in almost every line and in many of her guitar tunes also; Fagen and Becker use it throughout their catalogue too ("Josie" has this chord form moving in parallel in several parts of the song). It may seem over technical but it is a strong flavor that is instantly recognizable. More than just this one chord though Joni and Steely Dan share a harmonic palette and a sense of how to transition between chords, sort of like Debussy and Ravel. If you are not a player it may be hard to grasp without someone playing these things for you; in that case you would likely say "oh that sounds just like...." Dave On Jan 8, 2009, at 12:00 AM, onlyJMDL Digest wrote: > Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2009 19:37:10 +1100 > From: Mark-Leon Thorne > Subject: Re: Steely Dan > > Yes Dave, I can hear a clear correlation between SD and Joni. Your > example of Harry's House is a nice example of the way Fagan/Becker > write. A comment on contemporary American society. > > I find their lyrics just as complex as Joni's but the obvious > difference is Joni's knack of personalising these comments (not > always). I can see why Joni feels attuned to SD's songs. Something in > the music too. > > Dave, I'd love to know your take on the musical comparison. > > Mark in sweltering Sydney. > > NP Carolina On My Mind (Live with Joni) - James Taylor ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2009 12:06:59 -0500 From: Rob Steen Subject: Personal invitation from Rob Steen Personal invitation from Rob Steen ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2009 12:00:22 -0600 From: Michael Paz Subject: Freebees For all you music sluts and freebie junkies here is a link for Free Music from Amoeba (which is wierd that a music store does this, but there is Gram Parsons one up there from the Burrito Bros days. Best paz http://www.amoeba.com/free-downloads/page1.html Michael Paz michael@thepazgroup.com Tour Manager Preservation Hall Jazz Band http://www.preservationhall.com ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 9 Jan 2009 09:50:07 +1100 From: Mark-Leon Thorne Subject: Re: Steely Dan Hi Dave. Thanks for that. Although I don't have the technical understanding, I have been saying to myself, "Oh that sounds just like..." for some time now whenever I listen to Steely Dan. I just couldn't put my finger on it but there was just something about a lot of Steely Dan's songs that reminded me of Joni. Particularly their late '70s music. The song, Aja often reminds me of several songs from Hejira and DJRD. I don't have any musical training or play an instrument so, I couldn't put my finger on it. Thanks for the confirmation. It's so cool that we have so many talented people on this list from all different backgrounds. Mark in Sydney NP The P - Prince On 09/01/2009, at 3:30 AM, Dave Blackburn wrote: > Hey Mark, > Steely Dan and Joni share a method of harmonic movement that is > almost unique to them (or at least sounds like a tip of the hat to > them when used by others). Specifically there is a chord structure > called "major 9th no 3rd" but more frequently written as a "slash > chord" such as G/C (which is a 2nd inversion G triad over a C > bass). It is found throughout Joni's piano writing in almost every > line and in many of her guitar tunes also; Fagen and Becker use it > throughout their catalogue too ("Josie" has this chord form moving > in parallel in several parts of the song). It may seem over > technical but it is a strong flavor that is instantly recognizable. > More than just this one chord though Joni and Steely Dan share a > harmonic palette and a sense of how to transition between chords, > sort of like Debussy and Ravel. If you are not a player it may be > hard to grasp without someone playing these things for you; in that > case you would likely say "oh that sounds just like...." > > Dave > > > On Jan 8, 2009, at 12:00 AM, onlyJMDL Digest wrote: > >> Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2009 19:37:10 +1100 >> From: Mark-Leon Thorne >> Subject: Re: Steely Dan >> >> Yes Dave, I can hear a clear correlation between SD and Joni. Your >> example of Harry's House is a nice example of the way Fagan/Becker >> write. A comment on contemporary American society. >> >> I find their lyrics just as complex as Joni's but the obvious >> difference is Joni's knack of personalising these comments (not >> always). I can see why Joni feels attuned to SD's songs. Something in >> the music too. >> >> Dave, I'd love to know your take on the musical comparison. >> >> Mark in sweltering Sydney. >> >> NP Carolina On My Mind (Live with Joni) - James Taylor ------------------------------ End of onlyJMDL Digest V2009 #7 ******************************* ------- Post messages to the list by clicking here: mailto:joni@smoe.org Unsubscribe by clicking here: mailto:onlyjoni-digest-request@smoe.org?body=unsubscribe