The Music of the Muppets
Strong Songs
Exploring the Musical Composition of 'Manamana'
This chapter examines the musical composition of 'Manamana,' focusing on its bossa nova origins and ties to Tin Pan Alley. The analysis highlights the song's cyclical chord structure and its connections to 1940s bebop, evoking a sense of nostalgia for jazz influences.
Kirk pays a visit the musical world of The Muppets, from their Sesame Street origins in the 60s to the globe-hopping, cinematic heights of the 70s and 80s, with plenty of detours along the way.
FEATURING:
"Sesame Street Theme" by Joe Raposo, Jon Stone, and Bruce Hart
"Mah Na Mah Na" by Piero Umilliani from Sweden: Heaven and Hell
"Pinball Number Count" by Walt Kraemer and Ed Bogas, feat. The Pointer Sisters
"Rainbow Connection" by Paul Williams (Lyrics) and William Ascher (Music), sung by Jim Henson as Kermit the Frog
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
- "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" by Josef Zawinul from Mercy, Mercy, Mercy (Live at 'the Club'), Cannonball Adderley Quintet, 1966
- "Sesame Street Theme" performed by Gladys Knight and the Pips
- "Sesame Street Theme" arr. Dennis DiBlasio for Maynard Ferguson on Storm, 1982
- "Bein' Green," "'C' is for Cookie," "Happiness Hotel," and "Sing" by Joe Raposo
- Rowlf (<3) and Kermit pitch Sesame Street in 1968
- "Mah Nah Mah Na" on Sesame Street, 1969
- ... and on The Muppet Show, 1976
- "Groovin' High" by Dizzy Gillespie, recorded w/ Charlie Parker and Slam Stewart, 1945
- A letter from Walt Kraemer on the writing and recording of "Pinball Number Count"
- "The Neutron Dance" by Allee Willis and Danny Sembello recorded by The Pointer Sisters on Break Out, 1983
- "Red Clay" by Freddie Hubbard from Red Clay, 1970
- "The Muppet Show Theme" by Jim Henson and Sam Pottle
- Buddy Rich vs. Animal drum battle from The Muppet Show, 1981
PINBALL NUMBER COUNT CHEAT SHEET
Intro:
4 + 3 + 4 + 3
Verse:
4 + 4 + 3 + 3
4 + 4 + 3
4 + 4 + 4 + 3
4 + 4 + 4 + 5
Solos:
In regular 4/4, with a bar of 5 at the very end
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